RF cable assemblies are used in a wide range of applications, from well-established domains like aerospace and communications, to newer use cases like automotive, industrial, and the Internet of Things (IoT). This expanding list of applications has prompted the development of new types of RF cable assemblies, giving engineers further opportunities to optimize their RF system designs. However, all this growth is complicating the design process. With so many assemblies on the market, it is difficult to identify the best choice for a particular application. Also, the use of RF cabling in new applications is putting unfamiliar technology in front of more designers, installers, and maintenance technicians. Along with space and environmental considerations, those groups must now become familiar with frequency compatibility, impedance matching, voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), magnetic coupling, and shielding. To ensure the performance and reliability of RF systems, engineers need an attentive approach and a clear roadmap of the options and potential pitfalls that await them.
Beginning with a brief overview of RF applications including their electrical characteristics, physical construction, and typical use cases, this article serves as a guide to the complex task of choosing, installing, and maintaining RF cable assemblies. Examples from Molex are introduced to illustrate key selection and usage criteria. The expanding use cases of RF cable assemblies RF technologies span a multitude of sectors, each with its unique challenges. Frequencies range from hundreds of hertz (Hz) to tens of gigahertz (GHz). Some applications require ruggedization. Others have extremely confined physical footprints. To illustrate the diversity of use cases, consider these common applications: ■ Aerospace and defense: Radar systems, communication channels, and GPS ■ Automotive and transportation: Infotainment systems,
■ Industrial: IoT sensors, automated assembly lines, and telemetry ■ Medical: Remote patient monitoring systems, advanced diagnostic machinery, and robotic surgery units ■ Test and measurement: Bench measurements, field tests, and quality assurance in manufacturing setups Due to the growing use of RF, more engineers and designers are engaging with high-frequency circuits, many without a background in this technology. Faced with tight deadlines and budgets, they need solutions that simplify their tasks while ensuring their systems perform reliably. That is where RF cable assemblies come in. These assemblies consist of pre-assembled connectors and cables that meet the specified performance requirements while reducing the engineering effort. Using premade RF cable assemblies can save time and cost during design and prototyping, and improve the quality and efficiency of production.
navigation, and vehicular communication networks
■ Telecommunications and broadcast: 8K video signals over Wi-Fi, LTE, and 5G networks
we get technical
5
Powered by FlippingBook