Overview

Extend Product Life for High-Voltage Cables

Running cables in a spacecraft is time-consuming and difficult. GORE High-Voltage Cables reduce the frequency of this task by providing a minimum of 10,000 hours of reliable performance at maximum voltage ratings — ratings that are based on years of test data recorded under actual operating conditions.

Available as hook-up wire, ribbon cable or round cable, GORE High-Voltage Cables are specifically designed for applications that require high reliability for long periods of time, such as power supplies and amplifiers, traveling wave tubes, and high-voltage routing.

The Science Behind the Cables

The key to the outstanding performance of GORE High-Voltage Cables is the proprietary material used in the cable insulation: expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). Using this proprietary technology, we have developed a specialized Corona-Resistant PTFE. Gas molecules trapped inside the insulation can ionize and cause corona discharge when high voltages are applied, ultimately causing damage to the insulation, which in turn causes more gas molecules to ionize.

GORE® CR-PTFE allows the gas molecules to escape through the membrane without damaging the insulation. Because PTFE fibers are chemically inert and thermally stable, GORE® High-Voltage Cables can be used even at cryogenic temperatures or as high as 300°C for short periods of time.

To protect against the excess gases that occur during ascent into orbit, an additional jacket made of microporous GORE-TEX® fibers can be added to the cables. This jacket allows gas molecules and air to flow completely out of the cable, thereby eliminating the possibility of damage to the cable.
 

Applications

GORE High-Voltage Cables are typically used in:

  • traveling wave tubes (TWTs)
  • power supplies and routers
  • high-voltage routing

Because of the cables’ high performance — drawing from the benefits of their Corona-Resistant (CR) PTFE insulation — the cables have been used on many critical space missions, including:

  • European Communications Satellite (ECS)
  • European Remote-Sensing Satellite (ERS)
  • Hot Bird satellites
  • Intelsat satellite communications
  • RADARSAT satellites

For more than 25 years, we’ve provided highly reliable cable solutions for the space industry. The 100% success rate of our cables demonstrates our commitment to collaborating with customers when developing reliable and durable cables for these demanding applications.

 

Features & Benefits

GORE High-Voltage Cables feature a specially engineered Corona-Resistant (CR) PTFE insulation. CR-PTFE has many beneficial features — the material is:

  • chemically inert and non-flammable
  • highly resistant to electromechanical stress cracking
  • available in wide range of AWG sizes

These features benefit manufacturers and users by providing:

  • outstanding reliability in extreme environments
  • long-lasting life because of specialized insulation
  • reliable performance over a wide range of temperatures
  • valued reliability delivered from an ESA-qualified and a DIN EN ISO 9001:2000-certified manufacturing facility
     

Additionally, we provide superior sales and technical support from Gore’s worldwide engineering team. If you have any questions about the features and benefits of GORE High-Voltage Cables, please contact us

Properties

All GORE High-Voltage Cables meet these technical specifications.

Property Value
Maximum Operating Voltage 1.5 kV AC (3.0 kV DC) to 16 kV AC (36 kv DC)
Conductor Silver-plated copper or copper alloy, true concentric
Insulation Corona-resistant PTFE
Outer Jacket Expanded PTFE and/or PTFE
Temperature Range -200°C to +180°C

 

Resources

Learn more about GORE High-Voltage Cables in a thorough data sheet and a white paper discussing the properties of cables that ensure peak electrical performance.

 

Recent News

W. L. Gore & Associates High Performance Aerospace Wires Set Gold Standard With Industry Award

Posted November 5, 2021

W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) announced today that its GORE® High Performance Aerospace Wires, GWN3000 Series, were recognized among the 2021 Military & Aerospace Electronics Technology Innovators Awards. An independent panel of esteemed judges from the aerospace and defense community recognized Gore as a gold honoree for the second consecutive year. The company’s PHASEFLEX® Microwave/RF Test Assemblies were recognized in 2020.

Press Release

GORE® Jolts Emerging Electric Aviation Market with New High-Performance Aerospace Wires

Posted October 15, 2020

W. L. Gore & Associates announced today a new solution that meets higher voltages as the trend continues towards aircraft electrification to reduce the impact of air transport on our environment. GORE® High Performance Aerospace Wires, GWN3000 Series, deliver the best combination of superior mechanical strength and outstanding electrical reliability without increasing wire bundle size or weight.

Event

Gore at 2019 New Space Show

October 17, 2019 - October 18, 2019

Learn more about GORE® Space Cables and Assemblies engineered for the future of the space industry. Also, listen to our expert speak at the show on Thursday, October 17 at 11:00 am CEST.

Press Release

Gore Premiering New Portfolio of Qualified Solutions at 2019 NewSpace Show

Posted October 8, 2019

Gore will be showcasing a new portfolio of qualified GORE® Space Cables and Assemblies at the 2019 NewSpace Show in Monaco on October 17-18.

View all News & Events

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Not for use in food, drug, cosmetic or medical device manufacturing, processing, or packaging operations.