Connectivity solutions for aerospace and defence applications

HUBER+SUHNER’s expertise is based on a unique mix of radio frequency, fibre-optic and low frequency technologies and includes a variety of cable, cable assemblies, connectors and EMP and lightning protectors. These include the industry leading SUCOFLEX cables, microbend flexible coaxial cables, EACON field mountable microwave assemblies and RF over Fibre (RFoF) technology.

High Performance Microwave Cables

Cables in the SUCOFLEX 126 family of high performance microwave cables (pictured) are capable of extremely precise measurements thanks to their very high phase stability combined with low loss and excellent return loss figures at frequencies up to 26.5GHz. Available in three versions, SUCOFLEX 126 cables are produced around an optimized inner core construction and, for maximum reliability, HUBER+SUHNER has designed the cable to withstand both flexing and crushing.  HUBER+SUHNER offers a number of standard cable assemblies from stock in lengths up to 1500mm and, for non-standard assemblies, HUBER+SUHNER allows users to select from a wide variety of connector types.

Flexible Cable Assemblies

Microbend L is a versatile, flexible alternative to 0.047in custom semi-rigid cable assemblies which eliminates the need for customers to specify pre-defined lengths and bend configurations. The new high pull strength microwave cable assembly is designed for use in low profile, internal, point-to-point interconnections between RF modules within communications systems and is a pre-assembled and tested cable assembly available in a variety of standard lengths.

Microbend L is an enhanced, low loss version of the standard Microbend coaxial cable assembly with increased phase stability and power handling capacity. It is applicable up to 85GHz and features an impedance of 50Ω. According to HUBER+SUHNER, the new cable assembly provides 55% lower attenuation when compared to semi-rigid alternatives.

Field Terminated Microwave Cables

Eacon field terminated microwave cables are designed specifically for applications in the aerospace, defence and industrial sectors. Eacon cables are robust, lightweight and suitable for frequencies up to 18GHz and, once terminated, Eacon assemblies feature both extremely low losses and excellent return losses and are watertight to IP68.

Other key features include ease of installation, a small bending radius and, importantly, no abrupt phase change over temperature for increased system accuracy. According to the company, this also allows for stable system performance over multiple temperature cycles.

Eacon connectors comprise just two components and when used with the Eacon installation kit, the field assembly of a high-performance microwave connection is both easy and fast. Also, the option of retrofitting the connectors allows installation of the cable in the narrowest of cable ducts as well as precision cutting of the cable to length on site. This provides significant advantages during installation in cramped spaces or when retrofitting microwave components.

RF over Fibre

Combing two of its core technologies in a series of modules that allow the use of Radio Frequency over Fibre Optics in a single system, HUBER+SUHNER’s RFoF modules offer best in class conversion technology and feature frequency ranges that will satisfy a wide range of applications.

According to HUBER+SUHNER there are many benefits to be gained by combining RF and Fibre in a single solution. Apart from flexible connectivity options, these include the fact that distances covered can be greater than 100km with less loss and frequency ranges that extend from 1MHz to 20GHz with a 40GHz soon to be released.  In addition, no changes are required to existing RF infrastructures and the system is secure, lightweight and, by its nature, it is future proof. The standard RFoF modules are available in 6 and 12 ports - the 12 port module comes in a 1HE 19in chassis. All standard modules are designed for single mode connectivity and feature QMA and Q-ODC12 connectors.