Overview

HIGH FIDELITY SIGNALS

Continuous improvements in avionics keep driving the demand to update commercial aircraft with cables that can transmit lots of data at higher speeds so pilots can receive real-time information and passengers can access in-flight videos quickly. Cables must also be able to survive aircraft environments without breaking or failing, whether it's constant flexing during routing or severe vibration during flights.

GORE FireWire Cables are the premier solution for copper-based IEEE 1394b FireWire data links. Our cables transmit uninterrupted high-fidelity signals for interconnect solutions up to 30 m (100 ft) at S400 data transfer rates in all aircraft environments.

Signal Integrity with Flexure
Small-scale GORE FireWire Cables for civil aircraft

Smaller-scale dimensions

We evaluated the eye pattern of our FireWire cables before and during flexure to ensure signal integrity. They passed the eye mask test with margin and continued to maintain signal integrity without degradation even after we wrapped them around a mandrel 20 times. Aircraft maintainers can easily flex and tightly bend our FireWire cables in narrow spaces during installation without damaging or breaking them.

Also, our specialized quadrax design is much smaller by about 40% and lighter weight than dual twisted pair constructions. Our FireWire cables can save as much as 5.2 kg (11.5 lb) per aircraft on average. But even though our cables are smaller and lighter, they still provide a protective barrier against tough aircraft environments because of the proprietary materials and double-braided shield that add strength.

Construction of Gore FireWire Cables
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Engineered fluoropolymer jacket

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Double-braided shield

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ePTFE binder

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Silver-plated copper/SPC alloy conductor

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FEP filler

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Color-coded composite dielectric

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Highly flexible Materials of GORE FireWire Cables.

Applications

The reliable signal integrity with flexure at higher data rates make GORE FireWire Cables the premier copper-based IEEE 1394b solution for a variety of applications, like:

  • avionics digital networks
  • flight control
  • HD streaming camera/video systems

Our cables can also be terminated with a variety of leading high-speed aerospace connector systems and backshells, like ARINC and MIL-STD-38999 with size 8 and 22D contacts. 

Features & Benefits

GORE FireWire Cables are manufactured with exceptional features that make them stronger against challenging environmental factors and aircraft conditions, including:

  • original inventor of smaller quadrax design
  • temperature- and abrasion-resistant materials
  • chemically inert materials

For system architects and engineers, these aerospace cables offer several benefits that ensure lifelong performance in aircraft, like:

  • high fidelity signals up to 30 m (100 ft.) at S400 data rates
  • around 40% smaller than dual twisted pair constructions
  • lightweight design saves more than 5.2 kg (11.5 lbs.) of weight per aircraft
  • protective barrier against complex routing and harsh flight conditions
  • easy routing in tight systems from proven flexure and small bend radius
  • compatible with a variety of high-speed connector systems and backshells

Technical Specs & Drawings

These values demonstrate the electrical, mechanical and environmental performance of GORE FireWire Cables for civil aircraft. Download our data sheet for more cable characteristics, performance data, qualifications and part numbers. Also, fill out a short form for instant access to drawings.

DATA SHEET DRAWINGS

Elec./Mech./Environ. PropertyValue
Signal Transmission Speed Mb/sUp to 400
Standard Impedance Ohms110 +6/-4
Typical Operating Voltage V< 15
Nominal Velocity of Propagation %80
Nominal Time Delay ns/m (ns/ft.)4.10 (1.25)
Capacitance pF/m (pF/ft.)36.1 (11.0)
Typical Skew Within Pair ps/m (ps/ft.)3.5 (1.1)
Dielectric Withstanding Voltage Vrms
  Conductor-to-Conductor
  Conductor-to-Shield

1500
1000
Jacket MaterialEngineered Fluoropolymer
Jacket ColorWhite (Laser Markable)
ConductorSilver-Plated Copper or SPC Alloy
Conductor Color CodingBlue/Orange, Green/Red
Dielectric MaterialExpanded PTFE/PTFE
Temperature Range °C-65 to +200

Get Samples or Buy

With proven reliability in transferring S400 data rates, GORE FireWire Cables are the premier copper-based solution for IEEE 1394b protocol in commercial aircraft. Don’t waste time and money replacing cables that don’t perform as expected. Request a pre-qualified sample today to evaluate our quadrax design in your application, which is complimentary.

If you’re ready to buy now, contact a trusted distributor for in-stock availability. If you’re unsure about the compatibility of our copper cable in your exact application, contact us today so we can help you navigate the requirements.

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Resources

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

FireWire is a trademark of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY

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