Radiating cable connectors have low PIM rating

The new series of connectors for smoothwall radiating cable products feature a clamping outer conductor contact rather than the spring finger outer conductor contact that was used in the previous generation of connectors. This design enhancement enables the new series of connectors, referred to as P02, to have a PIM rating that is typically less than -155dBc, and guaranteed to be less than -150dBc. A Universal Trimming Tool that prepares the cable by cutting perfectly square 90° angles and leaving no unwanted material behind ensures the low PIM rating is maintained.

As the size, complexity and use of wireless communications solutions in buildings and in tunnels has increased, so too has operators’ need for solution components with superior PIM ratings. Components with superior PIM ratings improve performance and enable clear signals across the wireless indoor solution. Components with poor PIM ratings generate interference that reduces the quality of indoor wireless communications services.

"PIM has become a particular challenge in high-capacity, multi-operator and multi-band DAS implementations, even in tunnels, since we released our previous series of connectors," said Andreas Bergmeister, Product Manager Indoor Solutions, Cables Business Unit, RFS. "That’s why we focused our efforts on lowering the PIM rating in the P02 connectors. Low PIM is no longer a nice-to-have feature in components for wireless indoor solutions. It’s a necessity. And the P02 connectors deliver best-in-class PIM performance."

The P02 connectors are suitable for use with RFS’ RADIAFLEX radiating cables, the feeder cable solution. The two-piece connectors are very easy to attach to the prepared cable in a reliable and stable way. They eliminate the need for additional, unnecessary connector adjustments, while giving operators the flexibility to reposition and reuse the connectors in the future. These features save operators time and money.

The P02 connectors are available in new 4.3-10 interfaces to support the multiport applications that are in wide use today, as well as in 7-16 DIN and type N interfaces. They feature low Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) measurements for excellent electrical performance and a robust, waterproof design that can withstand long-term operation in the harshest of environments.

RFS’ previous generation of standard connectors for radiating cables, referred to as P01, also feature low VSWR and a waterproof design. These single-piece, PIM-rated connectors provide a cost-effective alternative to the P02 connectors when receive and transmit signals are transmitted on separate cables and PIM is not a significant challenge.

In conjunction with the P02 connectors, RFS is also introducing a new Universal Trimming Tool that allows operators to precisely prepare radiating cables for use with the P02 connectors. The Universal Trimming Tool features a unique design that supports inserts of different sizes so it can be used with a range of cable sizes. A Polyhook Spanner Wrench and spare main blade are also available for the new Universal Trimming Tool.