Measurement of RF cable parameters & testing

[Abhishekabs]

Hello Friends,
Can any one suggest me what tools should I use for testing & measuring RF/Microwave cable? ( frequency up to 12 GHz/ power from to 10 - 20 dBm)
I want to make few assembly of RF cables.
I will attach connectors/adapters to RF cable

Now my question is.
Which parameters should I test after assembly & which tools should I use?
For SWR I guess NA will be required & power loss SA will be used.
Any other suggestion?

Also
What kind of testing should I do on cable to ensure its proper working for all conditions?


Abhishekabs

 

[khouly]

i think u will need a TDR , to locate the impedance changes in ur cables.

some VNA are equiped with this option

khouly

 

[Abhishekabs]

Can you suggest any TDR?
Also If I buy good quality cable from supplier, do I still need to do TDR measurements?

How much it costs?

 

[FvM]

I suggest to refer to the parameters that are specified by major vendors for RF and microwave cable assemblies. Do you see
TDR measurements with these? TDR is good for fault location in production, but if the specified return loss is achieved, a TDR
measurement would be meaningles.

Insertion loss and return loss respectively VWSR are the ususal RF parameters. Also withstand voltage and isolation resistance
from DC parameters. Max power rating is also specified, but rather a design parameter than individually measured I assume.
So all RF parameters of interest can be determined with a network analyzer. An isolation tester gives the DC parameters.

 

[PeterMartin]

Yes just an scalar network analyser is all you need. In practice if you know how to put connectors on to cable you shouldn't need to test each one, the failure rate should be very low.

If you do use a VNA you may need to slow the sweep time right down when doing cable measurements especially for the longer lengths.

 

[Abhishekabs]

Thanks friends for the reply.
Do you have any information on how to connect/attach high frequency connectors to High frequency cables?
connectors such as SMA, SMB, board mount, bulk head will have some different procedures.
I think it is tricky for frequencies at higher frequencies.
Usual procedure is use scissors & Crimping tool for making an assembly.

If you have any guide or reference do let me know.
thanks.

Abhishekabs