Category Archives: Webinars

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From Logo to Lawsuit: The Essential Guide to Trademarks Webinar Summary

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From Logo to Lawsuit: The Essential Guide to Trademarks Webinar Summary

Summary

This webinar details the critical importance of trademarks in maintaining product integrity, avoiding legal issues, and ensuring distinct brand recognition. In today’s market, ensuring you get genuine, high-quality coaxial cables and assemblies is crucial. Knowing how to spot potential trademark infringement helps customers avoid counterfeit cables. View the session for an in-depth look at trademark guidelines, infringement consequences, and the best practices for trademark usage.

Watch the video or read the session notes below.

Session Notes

Trademarks help ensure customers are getting a genuine, quality product and avoid costly problems and replacements. They aren’t simply a legal formality; they represent a brand’s quality and reputation. Understanding and adhering to trademark guidelines helps us maintain the value of Times Microwave Systems’ assets, prevent market share loss to counterfeit products, and ensure that customers receive genuine quality products.

The differences between patents, trademarks, and copyright can cause confusion. Patents protect inventions, copyrights protect original works of authorship, and trademarks protect a brand’s identity. Understanding these differences helps safeguard intellectual assets and ensures products stand out for their quality.

Using Trademarks

The symbols TM and ® are often used next to brand names and logos, signify trademarks, but they carry different meanings and legal weight. TM can be used by anyone for any word, phrase, symbol, or design they claim as their own unregistered trademark. It serves as a warning to potential infringers and gives notice about the owner’s intent to claim the mark. The ® symbol can only be used for registered trademarks after a successful application process with the appropriate trademark office. The owner can take legal action against anyone who uses the registered mark without permission, potentially seeking damages and an injunction to stop the infringement.

The proper trademark symbol must be used on the first instance of the term on a page (ex. in the heading). When using a registered trademark from Times Microwave Systems, either below the use or at the bottom of the page, a statement of trademark ownership must be included. For example: LMR® is a registered trademark of Times Microwave Systems.

Trademarks should always be used as adjectives, not nouns, to maintain their strength and distinctiveness. For more information on the specifics of how to use trademarks, click here.

Part numbers are also protected by trademarks if they incorporate a trademarked term. For raw cables and connectors, a distributor, reseller, or partner can use a part number containing trademarks only when they can provide proof the products are purchased directly from us. For cable assemblies, trademarked terms and part numbers can only be used when all components are purchased from us and proper assembly procedures are followed.

Competitors and unauthorized resellers cannot use our trademarks. In these instances, a letter of cease-and-desist will be sent, followed by legal action.

Identifying Fakes and Clones

Fake or clone cables damage more easily or contain faulty components, and between the cost for replacement materials and the labor for reinstallation, the initial savings are gone.

To verify you’re getting a genuine LMR cable, look for:

  • Registered trademark symbol
  • Times Microwave Systems name

For more detailed information on fakes and clones, read our blog here.

Reporting Infringement

We classify infringers into two categories:

  1. Trademark misuse: When a distributor, reseller, or partner is selling authentic products but using our trademarks incorrectly. In these instances, we will provide additional training and guidance to correct the misuse.
  2. Trademark infringement: When a distributor, reseller, or partner is selling alternatives, fakes, or clones, they CANNOT reference our trademark names. We track all of these violations in addition to a cease-and-desist letter and reporting infringement to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Keep an eye out for unauthorized uses of our trademarks, especially on social media, e-commerce websites, and search engines. Look out for similar brand names, logos, or products that could cause confusion among consumers.

To report potential trademark infringement or ask a question about proper use of trademarks, contact us at trademarks@timesmicro.com

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The Real Cost of Fakes and Clones Webinar Summary

The Real Cost of Fakes and Clones Webinar

Summary

This webinar details how using an LMR® fake or clone cable can cost you more in the long term. These lower-quality cables damage more easily than authentic LMR cables and are prone to faulty components. With the price of replacement materials and labor for reinstallation, any initial savings are gone. Unfortunately, many companies advertise these fakes or clones as LMR replacements or alternatives. View this webinar and learn how genuine LMR cables and connectors can save money over time. you will also learn how to spot a fake or clone, where to purchase authentic LMR cables, connectors, tools, and accessories, and how to report issues with fakes and clones.

Watch the video or read the session notes below.

Session Notes

We introduced the LMR cable line to the market 30 years ago to fill the gap between corrugated cable and RGB cables used at the time. Corrugated cables are low loss cables great for long runs, but very stiff. RG cables are flexible, but tend to have higher loss, minimal shielding, and non-UV resistant jackets. LMR cable is a low loss broadband product designed to be rugged and flexible with a tight bend radius, and also easy to terminate and weather resistant.

When developing LMR cables, we used our extensive experience in military and aerospace applications to create a broadband cable that’s very flexible, easy to terminate, and will hold up to being outdoors. We optimized the cable for electrical performance, mechanical performance, and environmental performance. It’s designed to perform well with flexure and a tight bend radius. The jacket is pressured into the braid to make it difficult for any moisture to migrate through the cable, and each layer of the cable is bonded to each other to help create mechanical stability. There are many additional steps we take when building the cable, but these are some examples of the care taken in the development and manufacture of our LMR product.

An RF interconnect is only as good as its weakest link. This point tends to be the termination between the cable and the connector. With fake or clone cables, the connectors and tools might not be compatible with all the cables, which jeopardizes that connection. The LMR product line has good quality cable, good quality connectors, and tools that are easy to use.

The LMR® Trademark

LMR® is a registered trademark of Times Microwave Systems. Anytime you see that LMR trademark, it’s our product. It’s only manufactured by us and sold by us and our licensed distributors.

To verify you’re getting a true LMR cable, look for our name, phone number, and cage code. Purchasing our cable from an authorized distributor will also help considerably.

Fakes and Clones

A fake is basically a counterfeit cable. We see this occasionally, where people will take the text from our LMR cables and print it on their fake cable. It’s a very blatant disregard of the trademark, which we tend to see more offshore and not in the US market. Clones are from manufacturers trying to copy the LMR cable. With these clones, customers often think they’re getting an LMR cable or something just as good, but the quality is not the same.

The quality of the materials and manufacturing process has an impact on performance of the cable. Often, we see poor UV resistance due to low quality plastics or even reprocess plastics, which is detrimental for an outdoor application. Chemical foams and poor-quality tapes can also impact performance as they degrade over time. Depending on the materials used and the application, building code violations are very important to consider.

Common Failures of Counterfeit Cables

There are a number of common failures we see with fake and clone cables. UV resistance, or lack thereof, is a big one. Once a jacket is breached due to UV failure, water can penetrate into the cable along the braid.

The dielectric can break down due to cheaper plastics and chemical foams, which negatively impacts performance. Cheap outer conductor tapes are prone to cracking and greatly impacts insertion loss, leading to poor dimensional tolerances. Connectors are unlikely to fit snugly onto the cable, causing instability, and when flexing the cable the VSWR will be all over the place.

Our Recommendation: Use Caution

To recap, there are many reasons that can lead to failure of a fake or cloned cable, most of which stem from the poorer quality of materials and lack of manufacturing controls. And if the application has a riser requirement or a plenum requirement, be sure to use a certified listed product.

When buying a genuine LMR cable, you can trace it back to the manufacturer. Our name is on the cable, our phone number is on the cable. If there’s ever an issue with our cable, which over the years there has been from time to time, you can call us and we will support you. These fakes and clones, in almost every case, can’t be traced back to the actual manufacturer for any kind of support.

Solutions for Avionics Installations

The New TCA: Solutions for Avionics Installations Webinar Summary

The New TCA: Solutions for Avionics Installations Webinar

Summary

With a long history of serving the aviation community, we understand our customers’ needs for reliability, quality, and delivery. As a result of that decades-long heritage, Times Microwave designed a complete system of cables, connectors, tools, and accessories that make installation easy and clean—the TCA product family. Carrie Obedzinski and Kevin Moyher, two leading industry experts, discuss the challenges and requirements of airframe installations. From reduced inventory and foreign object debris (FOD) to time and cost savings, customers around the world have tested and approved thousands of our TCA assemblies.

Watch the video or read the session notes below.

Session Notes

Times Microwave Systems’® engineering and manufacturing capabilities enable us to deliver RF products that meet the most demanding and unusual aviation requirements, including customized solutions and product design, installation, regulatory compliance, and performance improvement. Most importantly, with fully integrated manufacturing production, we have all the necessary assembly and testing capabilities in-house. We deliver RF interconnect solutions from conception through flight testing and production.

This webinar will detail some of the challenges and requirements of airframe installations and present some excellent solutions for making them easier, more efficient, and reliable.

We have been manufacturing our three most popular 50 Ohm aviation cables, spanning from the HF to the KA band, for many years. Times’ LMR®-FR, for example, is one of the most popular products for wireless applications. It is very easy to terminate in the field and comes with a complete line of connectors and tooling. Its fire-retardant FR jacket meets FAA flame test requirements. MaxGain® is our higher-frequency band cable; it’s an outstanding solution for KU and KA-SATCOM feeders. TCA, the focus of this webinar, is our high-performance cable used for higher temperature ranges up to 200°C.

There is some overlap between our avionics solutions because multiple products are suitable for certain applications. Times’ experienced engineering team members can help you determine which product to use based on your requirements such as flexibility or in-field assembly; or we can even create a new solution if needed, as we specialize in custom-engineered cable assemblies.

The TCA Product Line

We have been listening to our aviation customers—visiting them on site to understand what is important to their companies. Maintenance and safety are typically mentioned by installers, procurement and management alike.

Our aviation customers are also focused more than ever on minimizing waste, improving efficiencies, and reducing costs and inventories, including time savings in manufacturing processes and MRO aircraft installations. To satisfy these priorities, we have expanded our TCA product line to include a complete end-to-end RF interconnect solution for avionics, including cables, modular connectors, tooling and a pulling nose tool.

The TCA product line features Times’ lightweight, low-loss, high-temperature, highly flexible TCA cable, ideal for meeting avionics’ critical electrical and mechanical performance requirements for applications including satellite communications, collision avoidance, navigation, and more. TCA is great for routing cable through tight runs. It is an industry-standard construction and can satisfy an equivalent drop-in replacement on many specs. There are multiple shielding layers to reduce interference.

Connectors

The TCA flight-friendly modular connector system makes terminating the cable quick and easy while ensuring optimal electrical and mechanical performance. Modularized design enables the user to install the connectors with the configuration that best fits the final system.

The TCA connectors have 2-Nickel or bi-metal plating for excellent corrosion resistance and optimized VSWR performance. No braid trimming is needed during assembly, so this system helps reduce foreign object debris (FOD).

Once installed, there are many different standardized front ends to choose from. TCA’s modular concept also helps improve troubleshooting and repair—the user can take off the connector fronts and change them out, instead of completely removing the entire connector. Because the system uses the same intermediate heads, you can reduce inventory costs and risks, buying the parts you need for numerous connector configurations. They also meet IP 67 standards for moisture ingress.

Unique, All-in-one Prep Tools

  • Maintenance personnel and installers sometimes work with razor blades and knives while hanging upside down, trying to fit multiple connector assemblies and terminate them inside the aircraft. The TCA product line includes unique, all-in-one prep tools for simple, safe and repeatable cable termination including the ST-3520, ST-31156 and ST-3112. Users can also save time by pre-terminating the assemblies with the cable entry and using TCA’s reusable pulling eye to “fish” the assembly through the fuselage of an aircraft. This helps cut down on tooling, debris and installation damage.

TCA tools will trim the cable to a proper conductor and perfect exposure length for modular connector assembly. The tools are supplied with a snap cover to help maintain control of cable debris for cleanroom and airplane worksites. It’s another way to help reduce the likelihood of FOD.

The tools help ensure repeatable prep because all assemblers and installers use are using a standard tool and process to ensure consistency in both electrical and mechanical performance.

The TCA product line ultimately helps make the installers’ job easier, safer, quicker, and more effective with less tooling needed, less debris, and repeatable performance terminations.

Q&A

  • We have a question about the modular connections. You mentioned using Loctite. How would you disconnect that in the field?
  • I have concerns using a razor blade against the center conductor. Are there concerns about damaging the cable?

To learn the answers and hear the full detail provided in the webinar, register now!

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The Challenges of High Power in RF Applications Webinar Summary

The Challenges of High Power in RF Applications Webinar

Summary

This presentation will tackle the nuances of high-power applications involving coaxial cable assemblies. Different types of power and their impact on cable integrity will be discussed along with case studies that show how coaxial design can make the difference between safe operation or potentially dangerous operating conditions.

Watch the video or read the session notes below.

Session Notes

How Different Types of Power Affect Coaxial Cable Performance

When it comes to high power issues related to coaxial cable assemblies, it’s important to understand how power is classified and how it is used in real-world settings:

  • High current: Found in industrial applications like semiconductors
  • High voltage: Found in energy storage of high power, fractional duty cycle applications
  • High power: Found in aerospace applications such as electronic warfare
High Current

Generally, current carrying capability is directly proportional to the crossed area of conductors. Therefore, the larger the conductor, the lower the resistance, the higher the current carrying capability. This drives the need for large cables and connectors.

Similar to a water pipe, more current can efficiently be produced through a larger conductor, which can be accomplished by simplifying the conductor design. A conductor with fewer piece parts and contact points provides a more robust design.

High current can also lead to sources of localized hotspots and weak spots in the design, and there are specific techniques and design features that can mitigate that issue.

High Voltage

High voltage power has arcs and flash-overs, essentially miniature versions of lightning bolts. Like lightning bolts—where huge amounts of charge are built up between the clouds and the surface of the Earth—voltage can increase between a generator and the ground to the point that it can no longer withstand the voltage and is released.

In this application, it is not so much about the size of the conductors but the capability to isolate and insulate one conductor from the other, or the cloud from the ground. This can be achieved by putting a high dielectric strength insulator between the conductors.

High Power

High power is thermal-related, continuous wave (CW) energy. The issue here isn’t voltage or current; it is the heat that is generated. When power is pumped into a cable assembly, some loss or inefficiencies occur. That lost power must be dissipated.

The issues are generally thermal and heat buildup, and the cable’s ability to transfer heat from its internal environment to the external environment. One mitigation technique is to increase the surface area of the component to radiate heat.

Conclusion

When failure modes happen, they can be dramatically catastrophic. Therefore, it is important to choose the right components, ensure that those components are designed to mate together, and that the cable and connector interface are designed to work together.

It is critical to use a connector that’s designed specifically for a cable and for a specific power application. They should also be installed and assembled by people who are experienced and understand the issues.

Q&A

Following are the questions that were asked by the audience:

  • What is the most important component when selecting an assembly for high power?
  • Does electrical performance change as cables get hot? What can we do to control or mitigate that?

To learn the answers and hear the full detail provided in the webinar, register now!

RF Interconnect Solutions

RF Interconnect Solutions for Complex Antenna Installations Webinar Summary

RF Interconnect Solutions for Complex Antenna Installations Webinar

Summary

In this session, Dave provides an overview on how to design solutions for challenging airframe antenna applications. In addition, Dave discussed the nuances of working within the aviation space, and how Times Microwaves’ aircraft applications are designed to work in the challenging conditions that military-grade aircrafts endure on a daily basis. For example, the unique properties of a Times Microwave military/tactical-class feeder antenna lineup is designed to be equal parts durable and repairable for quick fixes on popular military aircraft like the C17.

Watch the video or read the session notes below.

Session Notes

A typical aircraft antenna installation involves a two-port antenna with a TNC female and an N female, a double plate matching the arc of the aircraft, and two cable assemblies. Once mated, the antenna is attached to the aircraft, and the two connectors attach to the antenna. However, this is 1960s technology. Let’s see what we can do about that.

There are standard technical considerations in terms of maintenance and access with an antenna mount located on an aircraft:

  • The environmental seal, especially on lower antennas
  • Mating life (and potential disconnections)
  • Electrical performance over vibration

To address these concerns more effectively, let’s discuss a blind mating of the same antenna. This involves identical double plate and cable assemblies, but the N and the TNC connectors are replaced with blind mate versions. This eliminates the coupling nut and the lock wire scheme in favor of a captive spring column.

The alignment sleeves are attached to the antenna, one N and one TNC. Once these are mated, it turns into a blind mate-able surface. This stainless-steel alignment sleeve has turn rings, one that seals the threads from the outside in, and another that seals to an interface. To make this mount, the receiver sleeve is put up and then mounted to the doubler plate itself and based upon the location and the height of the antenna, the zero position of the receiver sleeve is determined. Each of these receiver sleeves has a C-clip on it to hold it in place and the base connector threads directly onto it.

Environmental Sealing and Mating Life

Anytime there is a male, female TNC or a male female, as the connectors mount, they typically wear out at well under 500 mates. Additionally, after 500 mates and de-mates, a lot of metal debris has been generated that has likely filled that interface, resulting in potential electrical issues.

With the blind mate solution, as the nose cone is closed, the four alignment sleeves engage into a bracket that has a slight rotation on it. The springs engage as the nose cone is tightened in place. This type of antenna junction has been tested for wear and tear, resulting in 5,000+ mates with no failures.

Vibration and Electrical Performance

This example details an F35-C carrier landing condition with a significantly high vibration profile. On the right-hand nose door, there is a microwave landing system and an integrated carrier landing system. Each antenna contains a connector. In a normal test environment, a Band Aid connector such as a TMA can be attached. This is a three or four prong mated connector that enables antenna testing, antenna patterns, etc.

However, these landing system antennas are located on the inside of the nose door on a low observable aircraft. To find an airport or a ship, that nose door has to be opened—and this happens at up to 300 knots, which is equivalent to about a Class Five hurricane in the internal cavity. The problem with mounting a typical right-angle connector to one of these antennas in that kind of a vibration profile is that they tend to break.

Instead of continuing to mount the antenna the same way, we came up with the idea of using a multiport connector instead. Once the antenna has mated, it gets an environmental seal that engages the amount necessary for tolerancing. However, no motion is generated as a function of the vibration profile—it’s basically all neutralized at the bracket. The result is a very high performing RF interface at 300 knots in the carrier landing environment.

Q&A

Following are the questions that were asked by the audience:

  • Can any antenna be made into a blind mate antenna?
  • What if I want to put a gasket under my own antenna? Does the blind mate allow for that additional thickness?
  • Are blind mate connectors recommended for high PIM requirements?
  • Is most cable compatible with a blind mate?
  • Could a blind mate be used with a Mil-Tec line or a Phase Track line?
  • How much height is added to the blind mate or how much does a blind mate system add to the antenna?
  • What about other applications, for example, or LRU boxes?
  • Is there an application in space launch?
  • Can you speak to tolerances of vibration levels?
  • Are there drawings available of designs that have been done?

To learn the answers and hear the full detail provided in the webinar, register now!

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RF in Space: 5 Steps to Find the Best Interconnect Supplier Webinar Summary

RF in Space: 5 Steps to Find the Best Interconnect Supplier Webinar

Summary

Searching and qualifying an RF interconnect supplier for space applications can be a lengthy and costly process. Some suppliers offer standard qualifications and documentation for basic products in hopes of simplifying this process. But nothing is standard, or easy, in space. In this session, Maria explains the 5 steps for evaluating an RF partner’s capability to handle the custom designs, special testing and qualifications required in space.

Watch the video or read the session notes below.

Session Notes

Designing a crucial interconnect system that will perform well and withstand the extraordinary environmental and technical conditions of space, reliably and consistently over long periods of time, is not like designing just any RF interconnect system. The conditions encountered in space are unique and require special, highly customized solutions to prevent failure.

Custom designs, special testing and qualifications, and new product development for space applications require experience and commitment. “Standard” RF systems are not good enough in space. It’s important to thoroughly evaluate the capabilities of an RF supplier to ensure a positive outcome.

5 Steps to Find the Best RF interconnect Supplier

To ensure the best possible performance for these special applications, as expediently and cost-effectively as possible, consider your RF partner’s:

  1. Qualifications and heritage
    Many suppliers offer a good list of standard qualifications, but in space, your requirements may be unique. Look for partners that have experience in space, and in other areas such as military and defense.
  2. Dedicated technical experts
    Always ask to speak with technical experts. The complexity of space applications requires an effective partnership; choose a supplier that will work collaboratively as an extension of your design team. You’re not looking for a standard solution, so it’s important that your RF supplier’s technical team asks questions and listens to understand your unique needs. Don’t work with a supplier that’s committed to selling you the same product they’re selling everyone else. Your supplier should help you understand the electrical and mechanical trade-offs particular to your application, as well.
  3. Breadth of products
    A provider that offers a broad range of products is simply better equipped to sell you the right system for your application. You want to be able to select the right material, choose from multiple cable constructions, various connector designs (low power, high power, etc.) and assembly techniques, all from the same supplier. Plenty of technical standards must be met for products to be deployed in space, such as using only acceptable materials or mil-spec cable constructions. There is, however, no standard for how to apply these materials to construct an RF solution that is reliable time after time. That is where your supplier’s expertise and access to a full range of product options are needed.
  4. Manufacturing execution
    Ideally your supplier has all the technology and products you need and understands how to put them together into a final product. The next qualification to consider is the supplier’s manufacturing operations. Does the company have robust facilities and processes to support execution? Cleanroom manufacturing capabilities are key. Traceability is also important for managing all the piece parts that make the complicated assemblies. What quality standards does the supplier follow? What about extended services?
  5. Agility
    Be sure to choose an RF partner that is strong enough, financially and operationally, to deliver and survive through turbulent times. The last year has proven just how important it is to always remain agile and adaptable, in business and in life. Bad things sometimes happen. Can your supplier adjust quickly? The right partner will flex with you to deliver the value you need, every time.

All five selection criteria are tied to crucial performance capabilities, so consider their importance when evaluating potential RF suppliers. Choose wisely and enjoy a successful outcome that lasts.

To hear the full detail provided in the webinar, register now!

 

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RF Applications: The Big Picture Webinar Summary

RF Applications: The Big Picture Webinar

Summary

In this session, Dave provides an overview of Times Microwave’s expertise in designing coaxial cable solutions for a wide range of applications. Starting with the company’s deep experience in supporting electronic warfare systems, Dave explores how the company has adapted to enhance its capabilities to meet the changing needs of industries that demand more power and precision from cabling and measurement solutions. The webinar also examines how the Times Microwave approach is helping to solve challenges that would be nearly impossible to address without a flexible, scalable coaxial cable application ready for deployment.

Watch the video or read the session notes below.

Session Notes

There are five common RF use cases that require coaxial cables and connectors, and each type has its individual characteristics and challenges.

Communication

A traditional place for coaxial cables has been in wireless communications, including mobile/telecom, two-way radio, public mobile radio/land mobile radio, satellite communications and military communications. The challenge with these types of voice-based applications is the signal to noise ratio. This is critical as any degradation of the signal will cause information to be lost.

Therefore, factors that must be considered in determining the optimal coaxial cables and connectors include low loss, shielding so that signals from outside can’t interfere, and reliability with 99.999% up time. This has been a traditional application for Times Microwave LMR® cables. The product line up has evolved to include additional options to meet the needs of 5G and Low-PIM such as SPP™, TFT, small cell cables and more. We also have TCOM® cables for deploying emergency cell sites.

Vision

In this case, RF is used as a way of viewing the world, most often in places where the eyes cannot see. The classic example is radar. Essentially, vision applications use RF signals to locate and identify potential threats, landscape features, and more. This type of system is typically found in military airframe electronic warfare systems, ground radar, anti-missile defense, guidance systems, aviation collision avoidance and similar applications.

Times Microwave has a long legacy creating optimized solutions for military airframe electronic warfare systems and many other related technologies. The common challenge is the multiple antennas and location sensors that all come back to a common point. Vision systems work by looking at the differences.

So, what’s the challenge when it comes to the cabling? One, these systems are in difficult places— extreme and highly variable conditions in terms of elevation, temperature, and more—and the signals need to travel at consistent speed independent of these elements.

This is critical as unaccounted-for variations could mean a system is “looking” in the wrong place. Additionally, if any phase or amplitude errors are being introduced into the multi-antenna system, it will cause a problem. Therefore, amplitude and phase stability across temperature and between cables is a key challenge in finding the right coaxial cable and connector solution for vision applications.

Data Systems

Sensors and other data systems are a big investment area now. These are systems that are essentially designed to get feedback needed to understand what is going on in a particular environment.  An example is measuring the water content in soil to optimize field irrigation.

What is the challenge with sensors? They are typically used in extreme environments or locations that are difficult to access. For example, it is very difficult to do soil samples every morning on a 100-acre cornfield, so sensors are used. They are also useful in contaminated areas, or nuclear applications where it is not safe. This means that once the cable is installed, it might not be easily accessible for replacement.

Additionally, even though the process typically involves a quick measurement from a sensor connected to an antenna, reliability is key. If a critical system dependent on a sensor does not work, things can quickly go haywire.

Data systems require coaxial cable solutions that can withstand the rigors of these important applications. Times Microwave engineers are skilled in looking at this intriguing world and figuring out how to architect the best interconnect solutions to meet its challenges.

Test and Measurement

Test and measurement applications are used to test RF equipment during the design and production stages. An example of this is a program testing electronic warfare systems before they go into F-35 aircraft to ensure they can identify potential threats with the utmost reliability.

This environment requires unique coaxial cables and connector solutions— repeatability, reliability, and reproducibility are critical to make sure the cable itself is not introducing uncertainty to the test. This includes ensuring amplitude (low loss) and phase stability. Flexure is also key as these systems (and cables) are connected and disconnected often and are used repeatedly, so the connectors must be able to withstand extensive handling.

This use case also fits nicely with Times’ unique capabilities and products. Test and measurement requirements often demand a special type of cable—for example, one that needs to be flexed or bundled with another type of cable into a multi-pin type of connector—and Times will tailor a custom solution for the application.

High Power

These applications vary a bit from those previously mentioned because RF is used to transmit power in this case (such as activating a magnet or gas) rather than a signal. RF is used in these instances because cables are easier to install than pipes or other options. Examples include lasers, deposition equipment, physics test equipment, microwave ablation, industrial microwave ovens and MRI machines.

Therefore, key system parameters include flexibility and low loss. Power also generates heat, so the cable jacket temperature needs to be optimized for a particular power level. Materials and constructions are important to prevent overheating and to ensure ease of installation.

What Makes Times Microwave Unique?

Coaxial cable technology is being used in places you’ve likely never thought of before. Times Microwave applies its deep knowledge of this technology and dedicated engineers to create coaxial cable solutions for many different applications—whether the application is communications, vision, data systems, test and measurement, high power, or anything else. Bring us your tough challenges and I promise with almost 99.999% certainty that Times Microwave will be able to come up with a solution that meets your needs.

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Reliable Solutions for Test and Measurement Webinar Summary

Reliable Solutions for Test and Measurement Webinar

Summary

In this session, John explains how Times Microwave Systems’® test cables are used in test and measurement applications, and how the company’s core products are suited for various uses. He also explains how higher frequency ranges and the rise of 5G are driving development of more advanced cabling products, with more robust features and higher levels of customization now possible. Finally, the session drills deeper into popular products like Clarity™, Silverline®, Silverline®-Extra Flex, and Silverline®-VNA and how they are being used in the testing world today.

Watch the video or read the session notes below.

Session Notes

Test leads are used in essentially every manufacturing space related to electronics, avionics, test equipment, semiconductors, and more.

RF testing requires unique coaxial cable and connector solutions. The cable assemblies must be durable enough to withstand extensive handling and continuous movement from frequent connecting and disconnecting, while maintaining precise repeatability of measurement and reliable electrical performance. It is critical that the cable, cable assembly and connector do not introduce any problems.

New technologies such as 5G have introduced more testing challenges. The increased speed of 5G is achieved in part by using higher-frequency radio waves. Unlike previous cellular technology generations that were focused on a specific frequency band, 5G operates across a much larger frequency range. For example, 5G can range from 450 MHz to 3.9 GHz, and up to 20-52.6 GHz millimeter-wave bands for high-speed operations. It also encompasses unlicensed frequency bands, such as the 6 GHz band.

Rapidly advancing technologies are also increasing the complexity of test setups, requiring more test leads and connection points than ever before. This makes it necessary to revisit how connection points and test leads are built as well as the different types of connectors available—while ensuring that the latest test assemblies work in concert with the changes made by test equipment manufacturers.

Another key aspect is related to the need to constantly move the cables around. Movement introduces phase change, which can impact measurement accuracy. Robust cabling is therefore critical to keep phase as stable as possible.

Additionally, when testing technologies such as 5G, the source and receiver might be running at two different frequencies at once. A phase-stable assembly will help ensure that harmonics are not introduced back into the system.

Times Microwave SilverLine® and Clarity™ Solutions

SilverLine test cables are cost-effective, durable, high-performance cable assemblies designed for use in a broad range of test and interconnect applications. The PTFE dielectric cable features stainless steel connectors and a molded strain relief system, providing long life and excellent phase stability in applications where the cables are repeatedly flexed and mated/unmated. Because Silverline tolerates a very wide temperature range – up to 125 degrees Celsius, it can also be used outside of a test bench.

SilverLine-ExtraFlex was designed for testing delicate components such as exposed RF circuits with edge launch connectors. It uses Times’ proprietary TF-4 dielectric, exhibiting a very linear phase change from 0ºC to +30ºC. It also uses the injection-molded strain relief system for extremely good isolation, and the same robust, proven connector attachment system as SilverLine.

Silverline-VNA cables are designed for the highest frequencies presently available, 70 GHz through 110 GHz. Their construction method is different than the others, as there is no unarmored option, to keep phase stability in check.

Times Microwave’s Clarity line includes highly stable RF cables with flex in a very robust package for accurate measurement. It features excellent phase stability, extremely low loss, an ergonomic molded boot and a large connector selection. Utilizing the flexible TF4® dielectric allows for accurate S parameter measurements and even when movement occurs in the production environment, the proven solutions cover a wide frequency range from 18 GHz to 50 GHz.

It is also important to use a very flexible cable material that can be moved around on a test bench, either in R&D or in a production environment. Testing often moves from module to module. With high frequencies, this could require recalibration every time a module or cable is moved. However, using a cable that can bend and flex will greatly reduce the amount of recalibration required while maintaining stability. Where Clarity really shines is its ability to connect and disconnect without having to do different calibrations in between.

Q&A

Following are some of the questions that were asked by the audience:

  • What is the mating cycle for your test leads?
  • What is the difference between an LMR® and a test cable?
  • What are the common failing mechanisms for test leads and where do they fail?

To learn the answers and hear the full detail provided in the webinar, register now!

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Phase 102 Webinar Summary

Phase 102 Webinar

Summary

The webinar is the second in a two-part series on phase stable cable assemblies and electrical length changes within cable assemblies in aerospace engineering and space technology development applications, among others. In this session, Dave Slack digs deeper into the impact of temperature on phase behavior. He explains the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, also known Teflon™) “knee” that exists in some cables and how it impacts their phase performance. Slack also provides guidance on minimizing those effects with special materials, such as cables made from silicon dioxide (SiO2) and TF4®.

Watch the video or read the session notes below.

Session Notes

A typical phase versus temperature signature of a flight-grade cable, circa 1995, would have been a 76% velocity cable made with a PTFE core. These cables were very rugged and resistant to damage during installation and maintenance.

Typically, there would be a relatively flat phase/temperature slope below room temperature. However, at room temperature, there is an abrupt jump that changes the phase temperature profile. This is due to a peculiarity of Teflon—a nearly perfect dielectric material for cable, RF and microwave applications because it has a constant dissipation factor as well as a constant loss tangent across a wide range of frequencies and temperatures. However, Teflon undergoes a mechanical or materials phase transition in which it changes density by about a percent and a half between 18-22 degrees Celsius, or 64-72 degrees Fahrenheit.

That change in density also causes a change in dielectric constant, which, as discussed in the Phase Stable Assemblies 101 webinar, creates a velocity change. This in turn produces an abrupt change in electrical length—a very common phenomenon known as the Teflon knee, or the PTFE knee.

A cable assembly gets electrically longer as it gets colder, and shorter as it gets warmer – contrary to what one might expect. Electrical length is proportional to physical length. Metals expand as they get warmer and contract as they get colder but as that happens, the dielectric constant expands and contracts as well and its density changes, altering the velocity. The dielectric effects of the plastic offset and dominate the metal effects.

Phase-matched cables are in pairs or groupings. As temperature changes to cold or warm extremes, they don’t exactly track together; the phase match degrades just slightly. That small amount of degradation is known as its phase tracking characteristic.

In a practical situation, a cable assembly might be phase matched to the initial assembly with a tolerance plus or minus a degree. The slope is the same, but it is offset by that initial match. The uncertainties and errors that accumulate with changes in temperature are the initial phase match plus the phase tracking; the two add to each other.

In another scenario, there may be two cable type families – a full-density and low-density PTFE. The vertical scaling is very large, in an 8,000 part-per-million window. Full-density solid Teflon actually takes up every bit of that scale. It has a relatively extreme slope below and above the knee, and a very pronounced step function during the phase transition temperature.

In the following example, we compare this against the low-density PTFE, with 10 cable assemblies of each family superimposed on top of each other, all phase matched at room temperature, tested and plotted across temperature. As it changes to extreme heat or cold, the cables are no longer perfectly phase matched; they differ from each other.

We tested two cable assemblies to look at phase versus frequency. One cable is a PhaseTrack® cable, and the other is a standard PTFE cable. When a freeze spray cools the cables down, the PhaseTrack cable stays consistent, whereas the PTFE changes because of the phase temperature knee. That causes antenna beam forming characteristics to defocus.

Because of these complexities, there is value in dealing with a supplier that offers a range of different technologies, and can provide optimized solutions for each unique application.

To hear the full detail provided in the webinar, register now!

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Phase 101 Webinar Summary

Phase 101 Webinar

Summary

The webinar is the first in a two-part series on phase stable assemblies and electrical length changes within cable assemblies. In this session, Dave Slack shares his insights on the importance of phase in cable assemblies. He explains what it is, why it matters, and how it can be properly specified for precise performance requirements in aerospace engineering, space technology, and more.

Watch the video or read the session notes below.

Session Notes

What is Phase?

Phase is a key parameter for detection and measurement in many RF/microwave systems including radar, direction-finding (DF) systems, and missile defense systems. Phase must be accurately controlled in the components within those systems, such as coaxial cables and connectors.

The concept of phase starts with the fact that a microwave signal propagates in the form of a sine wave. For every cycle of a sine wave, 360 degrees of electrical length is accumulated. If 50 cycles per second accumulate, it is a low frequency, with few cycles per unit of time, and a relatively long wavelength. At a higher frequency, millions or billions of cycles per second will accumulate, and the wavelengths are exponentially shorter.

Frequency, time delay, and physical properties including dielectric constant and propagation velocity all affect electrical length. Environmental factors are also very important, such as temperature fluctuations, flexure, handling, twisting, pulling, crushing and more.

Why Do Phase-Stable Assemblies Matter?

Phase-stable cable assemblies are important in today’s increasingly sophisticated electronic systems. In aerospace engineering and space technology applications, phased array antennas, synthetic aperture radars, and direction finding are all phase-sensitive uses. For example, electronically steered antennas use a variety of radiating elements, and then vary their phase relationships to control the radiation pattern, so they can switch from a search radiation pattern to a tracking radiation pattern or shift direction very quickly. All these elements are fed by transmission lines; beam accuracy depends upon the phase relationships between those cables. Phase is also responsible for precision in some of the more time-sensitive satellite applications like GPS systems, mobile cellular, military radar and more.

Specifying Phase-Stable Assemblies

There are two ways to spec a phase-stable cable assembly. One is to specify it in terms of an absolute quantity or to talk about it in relative terms. For the absolute electrical spec, you would determine that the cable assembly is 5,271 degrees +/- 1, for example. You can buy a cable and specify that as an absolute length in terms of time delay, 5.1 nanoseconds +/- 0.1, etc. It’s very convenient and easy. Then there’s the relative way of specifying cables, which is one cable assembly relative to another. Whether it’s 10,000 degrees or 20,000 degrees all that matters is the cables are the same electrical length within a specific tolerance.

As frequencies get higher and higher beyond the UHF frequency range, a million degrees can accumulate easily, making the absolute electrical length measurement a challenge. At high frequencies, tight tolerances and really short wavelengths, a relative measurement can be much more precise using a relative measurement.

Sometimes specs are requested that we think are impossible, but at Times, we roll up our sleeves and gather around the whiteboard to figure it out. What was impossible just a few years ago is typical today. And that’s going to continue what is impossible today will be typical tomorrow.

To hear the full detail provided in the webinar, register now!

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Outside the Box Solutions for Inside-the-box Applications: Webinar Summary

Outside the Box Solutions for Inside-the-box Applications Webinar

Summary

Technological advances across industries are leading to more complicated requirements for RF systems to accommodate higher frequencies, inside of devices that are continually getting smaller. Cabling for these systems is a challenge because in tight space configurations, traditional semi-rigid solutions have shortcomings. Using flexible cables that are specially designed to optimize space, bend around tight corners, and connect to various ports without wasted cable length is emerging as a preferred option. Durability and material selection are additional considerations as these cables are often used in challenging environments and applications like 5G, space and quantum computers.

This webinar details new and emerging solutions for RF interconnect systems that are easy to install, low maintenance, and cost-effective, enabling the latest, most advanced in-the-box applications. Watch the video or read the session notes below.

Session Notes

The higher frequencies demanded by today’s advanced RF and microwave communications—up to 110 GHz and beyond in some cases—require smaller equipment installations, densely packed with ever more technology. That means smaller cables that must fit into extremely tight spaces, with more interconnect requirements. Cabling from the front panel to the board becomes more complicated, leading to more difficult packaging challenges.

At the same time, RF systems are being used in many new places where they were never required before. As a result, environmental challenges are also becoming greater. It is a fairly complicated design problem: make the boxes smaller, put more into them, and ensure they survive in the most challenging places imaginable.

On top of that, 5G is also a rapidly growing technology; the small acronym covers a huge array of applications. One of them is the Internet of Things, which has made it economically viable to put radios on just about anything.

Moving Beyond Semi-Rigid: InstaBend®

Semi-rigid cables would traditionally be used for many of these applications; but in very small sizes, they become too fragile, making installation difficult as these types of assemblies are more prone to breakage. Semi-rigid is also more complex and time-consuming to manufacture because the cables must be bent to their final configuration at the factory.

One of the solutions that Times Microwave has developed to address this is InstaBend®.  This product family is designed and assembled for extreme flexibility to fit into small spaces for interconnects between RF circuit cards, modules and enclosure panels. You want as much flexibility as possible when attempting to route cables tightly. InstaBend cable can be bent very closely behind the connector, saving space and simplifying cable routing.

The product family includes assemblies offered in two sizes: the InstaBend 047 and InstaBend 086. They are available in various lengths to make connections with minimum footprint. Connector types include SMP, SMA and 2.92 mm.

InstaBend is available within short lead times: standard configurations are stocked by many distributors, including DigiKey and Mouser, and custom configurations are available from Times Microwave with lead times of two to four weeks for the complete assembly.

TLMP Connectors

Times Microwave has also developed its TLMP (Times Locking Miniature Push-On), a unique miniature connector to address the common challenges with vibration and shielding compared to a traditional SMP.

TLMP connectors offer striking improvements over SMP connectors, and although they are miniature, they are rugged and durable to withstand harsh conditions. With highly dense connectors, making sure the interconnect is fully engaged is a challenge. TLMP connectors feature a locking mechanism that prevents possible de-mating during mechanical or vibration shock. Color indicators signify “positive locking” to quickly confirm proper installation—the coupling interface reveals a red band when unlocked and shows green when properly mated. This feature maintains the connector’s mate integrity even during extreme shock and vibration and prevents materials like fluids and gases from entering the interface.

When Semi-Rigid is Required

A flexible cable may not always work in extreme environments, so Times has also developed a new silicon dioxide semi-rigid cable that can withstand an incredibly broad range of temperatures from just above absolute zero up to 600oC and beyond. It is a very good low-loss cable, and it processes like a semi-rigid, but it can withstand temperatures, radiation, or just about any challenge.

Conclusion

Times Microwave designs robust and cutting-edge interconnect solutions to meet both electrical and environmental challenges outside and inside the box—and anywhere else you can imagine.

Q&A

Following are the questions that were asked by the audience:

  • What is the lead time on the IB-047 and IB-086?
  • What are the cables on the quantum computer image? Does Times Microwave make those?

To learn the answers and hear the full details provided in the webinar, register now!

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Medical Applications: The Future of Healthcare Webinar Summary

Medical Applications: The Future of Healthcare Webinar

Summary

RF technology is an increasingly important part of many new healthcare technologies that are making the hospitals of the future possible. For example, today’s healthcare providers are increasingly utilizing advanced medical diagnostic, imaging, and treatment systems, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound systems, to enable earlier detection of potential health conditions.

One element these systems have in common is that RF technology is used to power many of their critical functions. Medical electronics applications depend on high performance and reliability from components such as coaxial cables and connectors.

Watch the video or read the session notes below.

Session Notes

Medical advancements that depend on RF performance can be narrowed down into three main categories. These include electrosurgical devices such as lasers, robotic surgery, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), and even cosmetic procedures. Secondly, MRI machines leverage RF pulses carried by coaxial cables, and other diagnostic imaging technologies. Infrastructure and connectivity are the third area focused on in this webinar; it includes critical communications aspects of hospital networks and an overlapping function with patient and equipment monitoring.

As healthcare innovations continue to advance, the underlying technology needed to support them must progress too. Medical electronics applications depend on high performance and reliability from components such as coaxial cables and connectors.

Ablation and Robotic Surgery

Electrosurgery uses radio frequency, specifically high frequency alternating current, to achieve thermal effects within biological tissue. An electrosurgical device unit (ESU) consists of a generator and a handpiece with one or more electrodes. Electrosurgical generators produce a variety of electrical waveforms. As these waveforms change, so do the corresponding tissue effects.

Two minimally invasive procedures that rely on RF technology are leading the way in electrosurgical treatments.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) use electrical and microwave energy to heat precision areas and destroy abnormal cells. The configuration of these life-saving machines requires coaxial cables in two critical places: within the generator itself and outside of it, connecting the external probes and catheters to the generator.

These require low-loss cables that are easy to install in tight and compact places. Furthermore, using a cable with a kink-free design is ideal for installations with numerous flexing twists and turns. Connecting the probes and catheters to the generator requires cables that are small, flexible, and nimble enough for the precise movements needed when performing procedures.

A sample application in this arena is the use of Times Microwave T-COM®-400 and StripFlex® SFT- 304 solutions to hook up the generators and their inner workings. These cables are easy to install in tight and compact places and their kink-free design makes them an ideal choice for installations with lots of flexing twists and turns.

The TFT family of cables were used in another application to connect electrosurgical probes and catheters to the generator. TFT cables are small, flexible and nime precise movements that doctors need.ble enough to accommodate th

Additionally, robotic-assisted treatments are now often performed along with RFA and MWA. Improvements in technologies such as virtual reality will bring more remote procedures as well. Cutting-edge custom coaxial cable solutions are often needed to power this, incorporating features such as low loss, high performance, precision, shielding, and flexibility.

MRI and Diagnostic Imaging

Times Microwave has a long history of supplying high-performance RF interconnect solutions to MRI manufacturers. MRI works on RF pulses carried by coaxial cables like Times’ high-power LMR® 900 and HP-1200 cables.

An MRI system must be well shielded to minimize interference with a healthcare facility’s communications networks and electronic systems. The MRI patient chamber is usually connected to signal and power sources in a separate, shielded room, interconnected by lengths of coaxial cable and connectors. These cables must send consistent signals between magnetized and ordinary environments with high-power demands. This can create challenging performance requirements for the coaxial interconnections.

While conventional corrugated cables meet low-loss specifications, they are difficult to install in the restricted spaces often found in MRI applications. Cable assemblies must therefore handle suitable signal power levels without distortion and with performance levels equipping them for extreme conditions (similar to the requirements of military electronics systems). These cables need to exhibit low loss and other electrical characteristics to support MRI system performance, along with mechanical properties that can simplify installation of the system and the cables within, such as incorporating a tight bend radius for fitting into small spaces.

Regarding other diagnostic imaging applications, there are two primary types of ultrasounds that also depend on high-performance RF interconnects: diagnostic, which most of us are familiar with, and therapeutic, a high-intensity focused ultrasound for therapy and medical procedures referred to as microwave diathermy.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

RFID is used in patient tracking and inventory management applications within a healthcare setting, as well as additional uses. An RFID tag consists of a tiny radio transponder, a radio receiver and a transmitter; it uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects.

Additionally, as the Internet of Things continues to grow, we will see many new and smaller wearable devices that will force RF cable diameters to get smaller and smaller. At the same time, the amount of data on networks will increase, and the addition of telehealth and internal health networks and hospitals will add to this demand.

5G

As the healthcare industry continues leveraging technical advancements, the communications technology powering them must also sufficiently advance to provide adequate bandwidth to support many simultaneous users, real-time video, large data transfers, and more.

5G wireless networks are now being rolled out to provide this much-needed bandwidth, at higher millimeter-wave frequency bands. For example, telemedicine requires a network that can support real-time high-quality video, which has traditionally required wired networks. With 5G however, healthcare systems can enable mobile networks to handle telemedicine visits, which has the potential to greatly increase their reach. 5G technology can also enable patients to get treatment sooner and have access to a wider variety of specialists. The technology can also increase remote monitoring offerings for healthcare systems since providers can be confident they will receive the data needed, in real time, to help provide excellent patient care.

5G will also enable the continued development of surgical robots and the networks supporting them. Many key healthcare functions are beginning to use artificial intelligence (AI) to determine potential diagnosis and decide on the best treatment plan for a specific patient. Additionally, AI can help predict which patients are more likely to have postoperative complications, allowing healthcare systems to provide early interventions when necessary.

Ultimately, by enabling these technologies through advanced communications networks, healthcare systems can improve the quality of care and patient experience, reduce costs, and more. But 5G demands a high level of interconnectivity – the frequencies can span from 24 GHz to 100 GHz, which is much higher than traditional wireless networks.  As a result, RF performance and reliability are critical to support 5G.

Optimal coaxial cables for this environment require higher frequency, broad bandwidth, proven reliability, and low latency. Cable construction should also focus on high flexibility, low insertion loss and superior shielding.    Times Microwave solutions for higher frequencies include LMR, MAXGAIN® and T-COM products.

Q&A

Following are some the questions that were asked by the audience:

  • Is there an example of a medical application Times created that you could share?
  • What are the cables on the quantum computer image? Does Times make those?
  • What is the smallest cable that Times is currently making?

To learn the answers and hear the full detail provided in the webinar, register now!

low PIM

Solutions for Low PIM Applications Webinar

Solutions for Low PIM Applications Webinar

Summary

This presentation, Solutions for Low PIM Applications, was originally delivered in August 2021 as part of Times Microwave Systems’® Times Talks webinar series. Following is a session summary of the talk given by Carrie Obedzinski, distributions sales manager for Times Microwave and Kevin Moyher, product manager for Times Microwave.

As the telecom industry moves to 5G, the need for small cell and DAS systems multiplies. Antenna densification required for 5G is creating a need for smaller and smaller, flexible, low PIM cables. As more 5G networks come online, demand for cabling solutions that can accommodate all the necessary connections in smaller, more compact installations, while minimizing PIM, will continue to grow. The webinar details how cabling solutions are designed at Times Microwave to meet these advanced requirements and enable the next frontier in telecommunications.

Watch the video or read the session notes below.

Session Notes

What is Low PIM? Why Does it Matter?

PIM is short for Passive Intermodulation, which is a type of distortion that may occur in passive, non-linear components such as RF cables and connectors. Essentially, when two or more frequencies exist on the same cable, there is a chance that a third frequency will form. Cables and connectors play a large role in PIM, which can occur because of something resistive in the interconnect, the junctions between different types of passive components such as the connector and cable, ferrous materials, inadequate tolerance, poor torquing, etc.

While PIM is an issue for almost every wireless system, it is more noticeable in cellular applications such as 5G because the frequency bands used are very close to each other. PIM can create interference that limits receive sensitivity, lowering the reliability, data rate, and capacity of the cellular system. This can also result in dropped calls.

PIM is also a great criteria for measuring the quality of an interconnect, especially mechanical integrity and VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio), which is a measure of return/insertion loss. In an ideal system, 100% of the energy is transmitted. However, if there is a cold solder joint or air pocket in the solder, loose connections or a related issue, the VSWR return or insertion loss may not be detected—but it will be picked up with passive intermodulation. This is another reason that carriers and integrators look for passive intermodulation.

What Can be Done to Minimize PIM?

First, ensure that the right materials and platings are used. Next, eliminate any nonlinear contacts within the RF interconnect, and any poor electrical contacts. This can be caused by loose parts, parts with rough surfaces, oxidation, residual flux, etc. If conductive material is used, particulate on the face of the dielectric or within the interface itself is going to cause a problem and may actually move directly on the connectors when installed.

What Type of Testing is Performed to Ensure Solid Performance?

In the telecom industry, it is pretty much standard to place two 20-watt signals on the RF interconnect. This is done to look at the third order harmonic, typically the harmonic of the largest magnitude. Most testing requirements are looking for 153 dBc-155 dBc or better. At Times Microwave, we look for 160 dBc or better.

There are two types of tests. The first is a static test, basically a bench test. If the right materials, and platings are used and the connectors are properly tightened, this is a fairly low bar to meet. The second test, a dynamic test, is much more difficult.

For example, IEC has a standard for placing cables into the connector interface. The cable is moved off center, creating tremendous stress on the electrical connection within that connector. If there are air pockets or loose connectors, it will also require tapping on the connector to break conductive particles that may be within an interface free. At Times Microwave, we perform 100% static and dynamic testing on all our RF interconnects. Next, we serialize the interconnects, and keep those tests curves on our website for access at a later time, and we also put that data right on the cables.

Times Microwave Standard Low PIM Portfolio

The Times Microwave standard low PIM cable portfolio includes the SPO™ low-loss, low PIM corrugated copper cable which is a workhorse in terms of low PIM interconnects. We also have a similar product in a fire-retardant version, SPF™. It is a UL listed, type CMR (riser). The durable fire retardant, low smoke polyolefin outer jacket is also suitable for outdoor use. Finally, there is the SPP™ for plenum requirements within a building. This is a UL listed, type CMP (plenum) that meets the standard tunnel test. All three products are available in 250, 375, and 500 sizes in any required connector configuration and length. They are also all 100% tested for static and dynamic PIM, VSWR and insertion loss with a serial marker band that includes test data.

5G and Small Cells Drive New Requirements

5G is driving densification of the network, and small cells are the solution to create this densification. The majority of 5G small cell applications are outdoors—installed around lamp poles, roof tops, telephone poles, etc. One thing that’s pretty common across all of these applications is that they require a lot of RF cable feeds, RF jumpers, jumper cables and feeder cables—in tight spaces. This creates challenging requirements, as the corrugated cables used in many low PIM applications are not the proper cables to make these tight bends.

Times Microwave TFT™ Assemblies

Times Microwave unique TFT™ or TFT™-5G flexible, low PIM, plenum rated jumper cable assemblies use a silver-plated copper flat braid outer conductor construction to create an ultra-flexible cable with a durable FEP outer jacket is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The TFT delivers the same VSWR and PIM performance as the helically corrugated SPO, SPS, and SPP in a much more flexible and rugged cable.

The quarter inch UL listed, type CMP (plenum) rated cable is available in 401 (similar to SPO-250 and SPP-250 and 402 versions). The 402 is a smaller diameter cable designed for tight places and smaller runs. TFT assemblies are also available in any required connector configuration and length, as well as 100% tested for static and dynamic PIM, VSWR and insertion loss with a serial marker band that includes test data.

Bundled, Multiport Cable Assemblies

The increasing demand for high coverage MIMO antennas used in 5G applications has led to substantial growth in the number of RF ports. Furthermore, 5G antennas are shrinking in size as higher frequency bands are used to accommodate larger bandwidth requirements, which translates into more antennas in a smaller space. This densification creates numerous challenges related to installation, torquing, ensuring proper weather sealing and more. Small cells are one application that is extremely well suited for a bundled cable solution.

Installation can be a time-consuming, labor-intensive, and logistical nightmare, creating the potential for cables to be the weakest link in the system. There are numerous variables to consider: is it the right cable or the right port? Is that connector properly terminated to that cable? Is the coupling properly torqued down? Is the whole thing properly weather sealed? Are those cables properly captivated? Are they hooked up to the right connector and port? Are they flapping around in the wind? Are they protected from the sun, or if not, do they have the proper UV resistance?

All of these concerns can be addressed by using a bundled cable assembly such as the new TMQ4Ô and TMQ5Ô bundled cable assemblies for 5G. This solution combines industry-standard four and five conductor MQ4/MQ5 connectors with Times Microwave’s high-end coaxial cables to greatly reduce the number of individual connections that must be hooked up while creating a more rugged solution. It checks off all the boxes in terms of antenna port densification, saving a lot of labor with quick and easy fool-proof installation. The entire TMQ4/TMQ5 bundle is sealed to IP-67 specification and features excellent UV resistance, adding to the assembly’s durability for long-term performance.

The most common bundled cable constructions are built with inner cables that are ¼” and smaller. This concept can be used on both non-low PIM and low PIM interconnects. There are a number of other constructions to address low PIM bundled harnesses, including corrugated copper outer sheaths as well as ultra-flexible flat braid constructions.

TMQ4 and TMQ5 also use a spring outer contact so that PIM performance is not tied to the how well the tip of the outer contact is making to its mate. These cluster connectors are keyed with a color code dot on the outer coupling nut to make engagement quick and easy.

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FITS Shipboard Applications Webinar Summary- October 2020

FITS Shipboard Applications Webinar

Summary

This webinar details Times’ FITS connector system and its use in Naval shipboard applications. The FITS connector system is designed to introduce new levels of flexibility and durability in the most grueling environments. Tony Fedor explains how the system meets the latest military requirements to withstand any number of changing conditions. In addition, he covers the improved shielding capabilities and the overall versatility of the FITS connector system.

Watch the video or read the session notes below.

Session Notes

This webinar provides an overview of the Field Installable Termination Systems (FITS™) connector system in Navy shipboard applications. Many of these systems are connected using MIL-DTL-17 coaxial cables, the base specification for military approved coaxial cables. MIL-DTL-17 sets forth the parameters for cable materials, whether they are low- or high-temperature, fluoropolymers, braided materials, etc. It also includes requirements for testing parameters, including mechanical, physical, and environmental testing.

Cables and assemblies that are qualified to MIL-DTL-17 specifications are listed in the Qualified Products Database (QPD) by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). There are about 250 “slant sheets” currently in the MIL-DTL-17 (commonly referred to as M17) spec, and they are all completely different with their own set of electrical, physical, and mechanical parameters that set forth the design. Times Microwave Systems® currently maintains more than 160 QPL listings, including high-temperature, low-temperature, armored versions, and many more.

Buyers should use caution when ordering products to meet the M17 spec: some manufacturers use vague terminology such as “M17-type,” “in accordance with M17,” “similar to,” or “equivalent to,” etc., that could lead to false representation. Those designators are not accepted under the current QPL status. For example, a product that states it is “similar to an M17” may fail fluid testing or might not quite meet the electrical characteristics for a broadband test. These issues could have a degradative affect in the performance of any RF system, especially within a military system.

Evolving MIL17 Standards

Back in 1993, there was a MIL standard 454 directive that moved to eliminate the use of PVC on ships. Earlier specs such as MIL-T 24 640, and 24 643 were multiconductor power and control specs that moved to low-smoke zero-halogen parameters. Revision G added requirements for shipboard cables, and a Type 14 crosslink polyolefin jacketing material. This introduced a new series of testing requirements for weathering, abrasion resistance, fluid immersions, heat distortions and a variety of other physical and mechanical properties.

Slant 180 through 200 incorporated direct replacements to RG cables. For instance, an M17 slant 75 is an RG 214 PVC jacketed cable that transitioned into M17-slant 190, a low-smoke zero-halogen version with the Type 14 jacketing, as well as additional features.

Slant 210 through 218 included “unswept” versions that test one discrete frequency many times at 400 MHz. This provides no guarantee of broadband performance, and many are starting to be inactivated for their swept counterparts.

That leads us to the latest specs, slant 220 through slant 229. Times Microwave LLSB®—a series of low loss, highly-shielded designs that provide better overall performance for attenuation and shielding compared to an M17 standard RG cable—fit into this. These are the latest, lowest-loss designs that have been added to the MIL-DTL 17 specification.

In addition to electrical performance, LLSB cables carry the same combustion requirements and testing of the type 14 jacket. So M17 RG and MIL17 slant 220 through 229 cables all meet combustion requirements including flame performance, acid gas, halogen content, smoke and toxicity levels.

The Perfect Mate: FITS Connectors

LLSB cables are fully QPL’d under the M17-DTL or MIL-DTL-220 through 229. To add to this, Times Microwave created FITSä, a Field Installable Termination System incorporating a series of connectors and tools to fit LLSB cables.

The big advantage of FITS is the excellent and consistent RF performance of the connectors. They are truly field-installable with ruggedized performance and a superior plating thickness. We have created DLA part numbers for 16 approved FITS connectors, with new ones coming.

FITS connectors use a bi-metal tin nickel plating. Traditionally, tri-metal plating (zinc, tin, and copper) was used and by comparison, the bi-metal plating performs extremely well in terms of corrosion, including excellent performance with the MIL-STD-810 requirement, or the salt fog test.

 

 

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Beyond Teflon®: RF Assemblies for Extreme Environments

Beyond Teflon®: RF Assemblies for Extreme Environments

Summary

Beyond Teflon®: RF Assemblies for Extreme Environments, is part of our Times Talks webinar series.

Teflon® coaxial cables offer excellent performance, but every material has its limits. Learn how to specify the best, hermetically sealed, custom-designed cable assemblies that fit your system. Our team has helped hundreds of customers specify and qualify the correct SiO2 cable assembly for their applications.

Watch this webinar on-demand or read the session notes below.

Session Notes

Teflon is a phenomenal dielectric for microwave cables. It’s lightweight, low loss, and very flexible. However, even an excellent product has limits. Extreme environmental conditions are one for Teflon. For example, applications such as hypersonic missile guidance will reach temperatures ranging from 200-250°C, or even as high as 600-1,000°C. Teflon will simply melt in those conditions.

Second would be any application that requires strict phase stability. As discussed in our recent webinars on phase performance, the ability to match multiple microwave cables to each other so the signal takes the exact same amount of time to travel through, as well as controlling how that phase relationship changes over temperature, are absolutely essential properties in microwave cables used in applications like phased array radar.

A third extreme environment is high radiation, found in applications such as particle accelerators, where two beams smashing together generate a significant amount of radioactivity.

To address the challenges, Times Microwave has developed a proprietary silicon dioxide dielectric (SiO2) that excels in these environments. Silicon dioxide is used throughout the micro-electronics industry for its excellent insulating properties. The construction of the silicon dioxide coaxial cable starts with a solid oxygen-free copper center conductor, a silicon dioxide insulating dielectric, and stainless-steel jacket that has copper cladding to act as the outer conductor.

Silicon dioxide provides excellent phase stability and low hysteresis and can perform at extreme temperatures ranging from just above absolute zero to 1,000°C. The metal and silicon dioxide dielectric construction makes the cable resist radiation naturally, up to 100 mega rads. The stainless-steel jacket is welded to the connectors with laser beam technology to create a hermetic seal.

When specifying electrical performance for these cables, the first thing to think about is attenuation or insertion loss, which will depend on the cable size selected. Next, in terms of electrical length, it should be determined if the cables in the system need to be phase matched.

There are several ways Times Microwave can phase match cables, including relative or absolute value. A third option is to establish a golden standard—Times Microwave builds and tests one of the assemblies, and the data for all future assemblies is matched to the golden standard to ensure everything produced is the same.

In terms of power handling capacity, silicon dioxide is excellent in high power applications due to the nature of its construction. However, there are a few things that will decrease the power handling capacity of the cable. The first is VSWR; the higher the VSWR, the lower the power handling capacity. Second is altitude. If the application is operating in a vacuum, it will lose the natural convection that takes heat away from the cable, which will in turn reduce the maximum power that can flow through the cable. Finally, the operating frequency will determine what the power handling capacity of the cable can be.

Case Study: Climate Monitoring Satellite

Following is an example of a climate monitoring satellite application that required a set of electrical performance parameters that no other cables in the world could meet. It incorporates a space-based synthetic aperture radar to find sub-millimeter sized changes in the height of an ice cap to determine how much water is present.

From an RF perspective, extreme accuracy was required—any sort of error absolutely needed to be minimized, including the transmit and receive cables. All the different antenna cables had to be phase matched so the sensors could best understand exactly what they were seeing from the radar pulses. Temperature fluctuations also had to be addressed as a space-based application will go from warm on the day side of the planet too cold at night based on its orbit.

Other mechanical elements of the silicon dioxide cable that were relevant for this application included the stainless-steel jacket with a welded connector, designed to perform very well under high vibration environments such as during launch. It is also a non-outgassing material and is compliant for radiation considerations in an orbital environment. The third feature that will impact the mechanical configuration of the cable is the connector, which is application dependent.

Case Study: Hypersonic Missile Application

In this application, it was important to focus on the temperature capabilities of the silicon dioxide cable since a hypersonic missile will go through the top of the atmosphere, generating huge amounts of heat, similar to a space shuttle during re-entry.

As previously mentioned, the silicon dioxide cable itself can readily withstand those heat loads. But beyond that, one of the important requirements was phase matching at ambient temperatures. As the cable moves from cold temperatures to very hot temperatures, the phase matching between cables needs to track.

Furthermore, there are basic assumptions that likely have applied to many other specified cable assemblies that may not fit for extreme environments. For example, a shrink-down marker band that includes data such as the part number, serial number and manufacturer is a standard component in a bill of materials. However, at high temperatures, it is very likely that those marker bands will melt and create a potential foreign object debris hazard. The cable assemblies used in this application were laser marked to ensure that the important data was still included without creating any fault in the system while in operation. Custom connectors were also designed.