As engineers respond to the challenge of millimeter waves to meet the demands of a 5G age, the performance of interconnects has come under close scrutiny, according to Junkosha. The need for phase stability is considered vital across R&D and quality functions responsible for the development and maintenance of high-frequency networks that are at the core of increasingly sophisticated systems. Cables have a reputation as a weak link in test equipment like vector network analyzers (VNAs) where instances of flexure and movement have an impact on the accuracy of results, which is accentuated as frequencies increase.
With its next generation MWX051 and MWX061 interconnects, Junkusha has designed mmWave cabling solutions up to 67 GHz to meet the higher frequency demands of tomorrow’s 5G networks. Available with ruggedized NMD connector assemblies to deliver reliable and robust connections to the VNA, these new interconnect solutions have been created to withstand the most rigorous of testing environments for periods of approximately three and a half years, based on an internal Tick Tock test of 30,000 cycles, which equates to 30 tests per day, five days per week, for 3.8 years. Featuring characteristics including high tensile strength, a low dielectric constant, and high flex life thanks to Junkosha’s precision engineered expanded-PTFE wrapping technology, these new interconnects will test engineers’ resolve to stick with lower quality, lower cost alternatives, the company said.
“The demand for mmWave frequencies is no longer the preserve of military and research applications,” explained Joe Rowan, Junkosha president and CEO for the United States and Europe. “5G and high-speed data applications are now driving innovation. For those familiar with the ‘Secret of Junkosha,’ it will be no surprise that we are at the forefront of the development of high-frequency interconnects. Our expertise and pedigree in expanded-PTFE tape wrapping has enabled us to deliver a flexible phase stable cable that endures.”