SUCOFLEX TVAC

The stable microwave cable assembly for thermal vacuum application

In space product testing environment Test + Measurement support equipment with special features are needed. Devices under test (DUTs) in thermal vacuum chambers have to be connected with the test-equipment outside the chamber. Also satellites under test in vast vacuum test chambers need to be connected with RF-assemblies for testing.

Outgassing requirements according to ESA-PSS-01-702 is a must. Contamination of the devices under test from solvents of plastic materials has to be avoided as they can lead to corrosion of the content of the thermal vacuum chamber.

The pressurization and depressurization of all components in the vacuum chamber, including the support equipment such as the cable assemblies, happens fast and within well defined parameters – this requires venting holes for non-hermetic components. With such holes in the connectors and defined evacuation paths in the cable and the connector interface the best venting characteristics can be achieved, resulting in fast and non material-stressing adaptation to the applicable pressure.

Thanks to their good mechanical properties HUBER+SUHNER’s SUCOFLEX cables are ideally suited to such applications when combined with connectors with the strongest mechanical design. HUBER+SUHNER provides microwave cable assemblies and an RF-adaptor specially designed for these applications.

Applications

• RF connections for components under test in thermal vacuum chambers
• RF connections for satellites under test in vacuum chambers

Features

• Extended temperature range
• Low outgassing according ESA-PSS-01-702
• Assemblies:
  – Superior mechanical and electrical stability
  – Vented connectors for fast evacuation and venting
  – TVAC assemblies with NOT vented connectors also available
  – Different connectors, frequency ranges, electrical features available
  – Other configurations according to customer requirements available
• Adaptor:
  – Hermetically sealed
  – Superior return loss performance

Benefits

• Longer lifetime, lower costs
• Excellent performance to price ratio
• Perfect matched cables and connectors from one manufacturer
• Assistance and support worldwide