Flexible RF Cable Assemblies

Built to Bend, Engineered to Perform

Multi-purpose flexible RF cable assemblies.

Built to Bend, Engineered to Perform

Overview

Flexible assemblies are ideal for:
  • Routing through tight enclosures
  • Navigating complex cable paths
  • Systems subject to vibration or motion
  • Repeated movement or installation cycles

Flexible RF cable assemblies are the go-to solution for microwave system engineers working in environments where high frequency RF, microwave, and millimeter wave signal performance can’t be compromised, but space, movement, and complexity are major design constraints.

In comparison to hand-formable, semi-rigid, or ruggedized/armored RF cable types, flexible RF assemblies are constructed for repeated movement, tight routing, and ease of install in critical commercial and military RF/microwave systems.

To that end, ConductRF Flexible RF cables are built with stranded center conductors, pliable dielectrics, and layered shielding, allowing them to bend, loop, and move with limited impact on signal performance.

Frequency Range

Up to 110 GHz

Insertion Loss

As low as 0.25 dB/ft @ 3 GHz (varies by size & frequency)

Phase Stability

±2° to ±12° over temperature or flex

Return Loss

20 30 dB typical

VSWR

As low as 1.15:1

Shielding Performance

80 120 dB isolation depending on shielding type

Cable Diameters

.047 - .250 in.

Min Bend Radius

0.2 - 2.5 in (depending on diameter and construction)

Crush Resistance

up to 1200 lbs/in² for armored flexible cables

Conductor Types
  • Solid copper or silver-plated copper (for low-loss, high-power)
  • Stranded copper (for higher flexibility)
  • Copper-clad steel (for rugged or semi-rigid variants)
Shielding types

Single braid, double braid, foil, or combination

Effectiveness by frequency range

up to 120 dB of isolation, depending on cable and shield construction

PIM considerations for low-noise environments

Low-PIM (< -160 dBc) versions available for DAS and high-precision systems

Anatomy of a Flexible rf cable

  • 1

    Outer Jacket

    FEP, polyurethane, or PVC for abrasion resistance and environmental sealing

  • 2/3

    Shielding

    (2) Braid and/or (3) foil layers for EMI protection and signal containment

  • 4

    Dielectric

    Solid or foamed PTFE for low loss and impedance control

  • 5

    Center Conductor

    Stranded copper for high flex life and mechanical durability

  • +

    Optional Enhancements

    Double and triple shielding, low-PIM structure, weatherproof jackets, and molded strain reliefs.

Options & Customization

Jacketing Options

Jacketing Material

Properties

Ideal Use Case

LSZH

Low smoke, zero halogen

Naval/Marine, medical, aerospace, public spaces

PVC

Economical, general purpose

Indoor telecom, OEM

PE

UV resistant

Outdoor base stations

FEP

Chemically resistant

Industrial or cleanroom

PTFE

Extreme temperature

Defense, aerospace, vacuum-rated

Strain Relief, Boots, and Marking Options

Option Type

Description

Benefits

Typical Use

Overmolded Boots

Molded plastic or rubber boots around connector

Improved strain relief, sealed ingress protection

Ruggedized field use, outdoor

Molded Strain Reliefs

Pre-formed relief collars

Prevents flex-point damage

Lab, rack-to-rack systems

Color Coded Sleeves

Color plastic or silicone identifiers

Fast visual cable ID

Test labs, telecom panels

Heat Shrink ID Labels

Printable or custom ID wraps

Durable labeling

Aerospace, medical, precision systems

Laser or Inkjet Marking

Permanent direct-to-cable marking

Clean and compliant

Defense, industrial environments

Connector Mating Types

Mating Interface

Frequency Range

Application Notes

SMA

DC 18 GHz

General use, telecom, military

N Type

DC 11 GHz

Rugged field applications

TNC

DC 11 GHz

Similar to SMA but with threaded security

SMP/SMPM

DC–40 / 65 GHz

Miniature, high-frequency board-to-board

2.92mm (K)

DC–40 GHz

Precision testing

2.4mm

DC 50 GHz

Ultra-high-frequency lab testing

1.85mm (V)

DC 67 GHz

Aerospace and test setups

Cable to Connector Termination Styles

Termination Style

Description

Ideal Use Case

Crimp

Connector ferrule compressed around braid

Field serviceable, fast assembly, used with all common cable sizes

Solder

Core and/or braid soldered into place

Higher performance, permanent

Clamp

Mechanical clamp secures braid

Reusable, lower cost

Compression

Tool-less press-fit connection

Quick install, serviceable

Field replaceable

Modular connector ends

Maintenance or rework systems

Overmolded

Fully sealed with molded boot

Rugged, waterproof, outdoor use

Our Markets

Trusted by the World's Toughest Customers

Our RF cable assemblies are relied upon by leading OEMs and system integrators across a full spectrum of industry segments including: radar systems, electronic warfare (EW), MIL/AERO, naval/marine, mobile radio, industrial robotics, medical imaging, telecommunications, and test and measurement. From aircraft carrier and battlefield installations to indoor DAS antenna systems and sophisticated test labs, ConductRF’s RF cable assembly solutions are proven to perform under pressure.

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