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GORE™ VNA Microwave / RF Test Assemblies

VNA Microwave Coaxial Test Cable Assemblies

GORE™ VNA microwave test assemblies provide the ultimate in performance for precision test applications with frequencies through 67 GHz and in which the cable is subject to constant and/or highly repetitive movement. Applications include vector network analyzers and similar precision test equipment. GORE VNA microwave test assemblies feature extremely precise phase and amplitude stability when flexed and provide the highest accuracy and the greatest time interval between recalibrations.

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Configure a microwave / RF assembly and request a quotation. Calculate insertion loss, attenuation, and power handling. View a data sheet for each assembly.
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For lenghts over 48 inches, Gore recommends using GORE™ PHASEFLEX® Microwave Test Assemblies.

Typical Applications

Vector network analyzers
Testing in lab environments
Critical measurements

GORE VNA microwave test assemblies incorporate a unique, patented armor system that provides a high degree of flexibility and low spring-back, ensuring long flex life. These assemblies employ ruggedized, test-port style connectors for direct attachment to the VNA test ports, allowing use of adapters compatible with test ports for the best durability and stability. GORE VNA microwave test assemblies are modular and can be refurbished cost-effectively even after 100,000 operations.

Features	Benefits
High-frequency options	Performance to 67 GHz
Phase and loss stability during flexure	Accurate measurements
Crush and torque-resistant ; Restricted bend radius; High pull strength	Long service life
Modular construction	Refurbishable for long life
Ruggedized port connectors	Compatible with port adapters-rugged and stable
No spring-back	Easy bench handling
Highly flexible	Easy to configure to Device Under Test (DUT) needs
Variety of connector options/adapters	Simplifies setup-fewer adapters needed

Performance and Ruggedization

Gore cables provide accurate, repeatable measurements, extending the time interval between calibrations. They remain electrically stable when flexed, easily withstanding the rigors of typical bench testing procedures.

Phase Stability With Flexure

Gore Vna Microwave Test Assemblies Graph Stability

Ruggedization

Assemblies were 1) flexed 90 degrees, to their auto-limiting bend radius, 2) reverse-bent 180 degrees for more than 100,000 cycles (200,000 bends), 3) torqued 50,000 times-25,000 clockwise applications and 25,000 counterclockwise applications-and still met specifications. Our assemblies can withstand 40 lb (18 kg) of accidental pull without permanent degradation of electrical characteristics and up to seven lbs. (3 kg) of pull during normal use without exceeding electrical stability specifications.

Features

Ruggedized connectors
Torque resistance
Crush resistance >800 lb/linear inch
>100,000 flexures at minimum bend radius (2.25 in./5.72 cm)

Flexibility

GORE VNA microwave test assemblies have an auto-limiting bend radius of 2.25 in. (5.7 cm). Spring-back is virtually zero unless the auto-limiting bend radius is intentionally violated. Gore cables are extremely flexible and very limp. Draped over a finger, for example, an assembly will assume a 180-degree arc near the restricted bend radius.

Testing

Prior to shipment, every GORE VNA microwave test assembly is tested for return loss, insertion loss, phase stability, and loss stability up to its maximum operating frequency. Rigorous testing methods simulate worst-case conditions.

Cable Description

The ruggedized connectors are designed to mate with standard network analyzer systems, allowing mode-free, broadband coaxial measurement systems from DC to the maximum frequency. Standard connector options are shown below.

FB Microwave Test Assemblies

Ruggedized 7 mm, 3.5 mm, and Precision N connectors
Designed to mate directly with network analyzers
Mode-free, broadband coaxial measurements up to 26.5 GHz

FD Microwave Test Assemblies

Ruggedized 2.92 mm (K style) connectors
Designed to mate with ruggedized 2.92 mm pin ports on network analyzers
Mode-free, broadband coaxial measurements up to 40 GHz

FE Microwave Test Assemblies

Ruggedized 2.4 mm connectors
Designed to mate directly to the 2.4 mm pin port connector on network analyzers
Mode-free, broadband coaxial measurements up to 50 GHz

FF Microwave Test Assemblies

Ruggedized 1.85 mm (V-style) connectors
Designed to mate directly to the ruggedized 1.85 mm pin port on network analyzers
Mode-free, broadband coaxial measurements up to 67 GHz

Next Generation Assembly Cross Section

Gore VNA Microwave Test Assemblies Illustration

A standard test interface is available for many configurations from 26.5 - 67 GHz.
A knurled metal spacer provides a large gripping area to make assembly connection easy.
An anti-skid friction band helps prevent the assembly from being moved accidentally when testing components on a smooth surface.
A strain-relief boot prevents forces affecting the internal cable-to-connector termination.
An abrasion-resistant polymer braid covers a flexible armor casing.

Connector Options

Connector options include Precision N, 7 mm, 3.5 mm, 2.92 mm, 2.4 mm and 1.85 mm. Gore also offers SMP/SMPM adapters.

High Performance Test and Measurement Connector Options

Gore VNA Microwave Test Assemblies	Connector Type	Description	Fmax (GHz)	Cable types
Gore VNA Microwave Test Assemblies	Connector Type	Description	Fmax (GHz)	FB 26.5	FD 40	FE 50	FF 67
END A	7 mm	Hermaphroditic	18	OHD	OHD	OHD
	3.5 mm	NMD port socket	26.5	OHA
	2.92 mm	NMD port socket	40		OBS
	2.4 mm	NMD port socket	50			OBN
	1.85	NMD port socket	67				OCN
END B	Precision N	Pin	18	OAH	OAH	OAH
	Precision N	Socket	18	OAL	OAL	OAL
	7 mm	Hermaphroditic	18	OHD	OHD	OHD
	3.5 mm	NMD DUT pin	26.5	OHB	OHB	OHB
	3.5 mm	Socket	26.5	OHC	OHC	OHC
	2.92 mm	NMD DUT pin	40		OHR	OHR
	2.92 mm	Socket	40		OHQ	OHQ
	2.4 mm	NMD DUT pin	50			OBM
	2.4 mm	Socket	50			OBL
	1.85 mm	NMD DUT pin	67				OCM
	1.85.mm	Socket	67				OCL

The pictures below illustrate an example of each connector type and description. The photos representing 3.5mm, 2.92mm, 2.4mm and 1.85mm connectors are of 3.5mm connectors; however, all connectors are of similar general appearance and will mate to analyzers and cables within the same connector family.