Don’t choose between flexible cables and low insertion loss

RF signal paths continue to increase in frequency and density. However, when running long cable assemblies in tight packaging, we are still faced with choosing between small-diameter, flexible cables with high insertion loss or large-diameter, less flexible cable types unsuitable for tight routing situations. One common solution is to use two discreet cable assemblies.

However, this introduces more interfaces, handling, and performance degradation into the overall design.

What if you didn’t have to choose?

Render of ConvergeRF Cable Splice

SV Microwave’s ConvergeRF capability allows the best of both world's by creating a short run of a Ø.047 cable and transitioning it to a longer, less-lossy Ø.085 or larger-diameter cable without any additional interfaces.

This gives flexibility where needed, while minimising overall insertion loss.

Features and Benefits

• Customised lengths to allow for any situation
• Reduces components by using only one cable assembly
• Maximises the insertion loss budget in complex applications
• Reduces the overall footprint
• Reduces mating interfaces by removing RF connectors
• Incorporates a high-density bundle of cable assemblies while maintaining low insertion loss

Applications

ConvergeRF is helpful in various applications:

• VITA 67
• Mini-D Cable Assemblies
• When tight routing and low insertion loss are critical

However, it is particularly useful in VITA 67.3 and HD VITA 67.3 Plug-In Modules, where cables need tight routing inside the chassis. The company is now officially licensed to offer NanoRF modules and contacts that adhere to the latest standards:

• SOSA
• VITA 67.3
• VITA 66.5

This addition to its SMPS and SMPM VITA offerings highlights its commitment to staying at the forefront of VITA Technologies and allowing it to offer a full VITA 67.3 solution.

The company can now offer NanoRF contacts and modules for ConvergeRF to protect signal integrity in tight routing situations in the backplane and long routing runs.

A NanoRF Module Populated with ConvergeRF Cables

Another common use of ConvergeRF is for Mini-D RF cable assemblies. These connectors are high-density, but their small form factor requires a Ø.047" cable, so insertion loss can become an issue.

Mini-D Cable Assembly Populated with ConvergeRF Cables

However, with ConvergeRF, we can transition into a Ø.085" or larger-diameter cable type and secure a lower insertion loss without adding any additional interfaces or handling.

While these are both great examples of ConvergeRF in use, this capability is helpful for any situation where routing is tight and low insertion loss is critical.

The Proof

The plot below shows insertion loss in dB from 0-40GHz for three different configurations, using standard and cable sizes vs ConvergeRF.

As shown below, ConvergeRF lowers the total insertion loss by nearly 40% compared to a Ø.047” cable.

Insertion loss difference between ConvergeRF and standard cables

Want to Learn More or Make Your Own Configuration?

Interested in learning more about ConvergeRF or want to see how the company can help you? Visit the Buy Now button to browse the company's website.