High Performance Semi-Rigid Cable - Microporous PTFE

PHASE STABILITY VS. TEMPERATURE VARIATION

Phase stability vs. temperature variation is dependent upon the coefficient of thermal expansion of both the cable dielectric and conductors. Since Microporous PTFE has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than solid, use of a microporous dielectric results in less dielectric expansion, for improved phase vs. temperature response. Other types of dielectrics that have even lower coefficients of thermal expansion, such as air-articulated and SiO2, require special termination techniques, which make their use difficult and expensive.

REDUCED ATTENUATION

For a given cable outer diameter, cables using Microporous PTFE exhibit lower loss than those using solid PTFE. This is achieved through two mechanisms: first, the low dissipation factor of the dielectric itself reduces attenuation, especially at higher frequencies, and second, the low dielectric constant of microporous dielectric allows the use of a larger center conductor.

POWER HANDLING

The temperature stability of microporous cable is especially conductive to high power applications. In most instances, these cables can transmit a higher level of CW power than other cables of similar size, because the higher temperatures that are generated by high power so not adversely affect the cable.

MECHANICAL STABILITY WITH TEMPERATURE

The thermal expansion of solid PTFE can have detrimental mechanical effects on an assembly. For example, as the PTFE expands with heat, it can decrease the air gap between the cable dielectric and connector contact, degrading the VSWR. In the worst case it can break the connector solder joint, or rupture the outer jacket. Since the microporous dielectric expands minimally with heat, these effects are alleviated.

WEIGHT

Microporous cable may also be the answer to your problems if weight is a critical factor. Due to the lower density dielectric, microporous cables are generally lighter than their solid PTFE counterparts. Significant weight savings are also available using our LW (light weight) series and our aluminum jacket series.