Semi-Rigid RF Cable Assemblies

Install Them and Forget About Them

The king of rock solid RF performance.

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Overview

Semi-Rigid assemblies are ideal for:

Airborne radar and avionics modules
Satellite payload and ground links
Microwave instrumentation and test fixtures
Defense communication and signal routing modules
High-density RF enclosures requiring bend-to-fit precision

ConductRF’s Semi-rigid RF Cable Assemblies offer the highest level of electrical performance and EMI shielding available in an RF coaxial interconnect. These mechanically formed solutions are engineered for applications where low loss (signal attenuation) and phase stability are non-negotiable. They’re built with solid copper or copper-clad stainless steel outer conductors that are machine shaped to your exact physical spacing requirement. The result is the most stable interconnect you can achieve. Ideal for microwave modules, test systems, aerospace instrumentation, and military systems, semi-rigid assemblies provide unmatched signal integrity with zero flex movement.

What Makes a ConductRF Semi-Rigid RF Cable Assembly “Semi-Rigid”?

Unlike flexible or formable alternatives, semi-rigid assemblies use a hard outer conductor that must be pre-bent into its final shape before installation. This structure locks the cable geometry in place, eliminating the performance drift seen in re-bendable or flexible designs. ConductRF offers a range of semi-rigid diameters and termination options, allowing you to define the exact routing and RF performance your system demands.

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Frequency Range

Up to 110 GHz with 1.0 mm Nano connectors

Insertion Loss

As low as 0.03–0.15 dB/ft @ 10 GHz

Phase Stability

±1° over temperature

Return Loss

20–30 dB

VSWR

As low as 1.05:1 (translates to very high return loss)

EMI/RFI Effectiveness (Shielding)

As high as 130 dB (phase-stable variants can reach >165 dB)

Cable Diameters

0.047", 0.086", 0.141", 0.250"

Min Bend Radius

~3× cable OD

O.047”: as tight as 0.XX”
0.086": as tight as 0.25"
0.141": as tight as 0.25”
0.250": as tight as 0.50”

Crush Resistance

~500–800 lb/in²

Abrasion Resistance

Very high

Conductor types

Solid copper or silver plated copper (for lowest loss/highest power semi-rigid RF cable assemblies)
Stranded copper
Copper clad steel (most common for semi-rigid RF cable assemblies)

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Anatomy of a Semi-Rigid rf cable

1
Center Conductor
Copper

Options & Customization

Jacketing Options

Jacketing Material	Properties	Ideal Use Case
Tin Plated Copper	Low loss, flexible, easily formed	High-frequency, lab setups, custom bends
Stainless Steel	Rugged, crush- & corrosion-resistant	Military, aerospace, industrial, marine

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
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.