Effortless cable routing with MINIBEND® solderless RF assemblies
Industrial and institutional customers are demanding devices and user interfaces that are smaller, faster and more durable. Considering the increasing complexity of these new circuit designs, things like connectors are often overlooked. However, the performance benefits provided by the newest connector types can be significant. This article from HUBER+SUHNER explores the innovative new MINIBEND® solderless RF assemblies, which enable effortless cable routing in complex circuit designs.
The global Aerospace & Defense industry has been vocal in its demand for mission systems that are smaller, lighter, more efficient and optimized for total cost of ownership (TCO). As system engineers continuously innovate to fit more capability into smaller packages, they must look toward interconnect technologies that will enable, rather than prohibit, the maximum achievable system density without sacrificing reliability. As leaders in harsh environment interconnect technology, this challenge is the driving force behind HUBER+SUHNER’s world-renowned portfolio of harsh environment, high-density coaxial connectivity products.
Over the last 30 years, HUBER+SUHNER has revolutionized solderless connector termination technology, which is the foundation behind the MINIBEND® portfolio, the industry’s lowest profile flexible coaxial cable assemblies. Designed as a drop-in replacement for traditional semi-rigid coaxial connections (such as .047, .086, and .141), these flexible assemblies deliver superior reliability and ease of installation. This is particularly useful for the design of next-generation aerospace and defense platforms that are trending toward higher-density systems with complex routing and increasingly severe operating conditions.
Available in cable diameters from 1.6mm to 5.7mm with a variety of highly engineered dielectric, shielding, jacket, and connector offerings, the volume of options offered within the MINIBEND® portfolio ensures that there is a cable assembly to satisfy any and every project need.
The advantages of solderless termination technology
Leveraging decades-long expertise in cable assemblies, HUBER+SUHNER developed and transformed a system design for MINIBEND® that allows an unparalleled profile and reliability. Some of the distinct design features that make a difference include a combination of the following:
- SHIELD BRAID - All cable types within the MINIBEND® family are designed with a stainless steel shield braid to replicate the tensile strength of solder joints, without the need for strain relief.
- CONNECTOR DESIGN - MINIBEND® connectors are designed with a high reliability clamped cable junction, which allows the RF cable to be bent immediately behind the rear of the connector body. This is effective for extreme density which is only otherwise achievable with pre-formed semi-rigid assemblies.
- EPOXY SYSTEM - HUBER+SUHNER's proprietary epoxy system ruggedizes the clamped shield braid termination, increasing the pull force by 70%. This provides enough torsional robustness to permit multiple 90°+ rotations about the center line axis, which is not possible with a soldered connector junction and is one of the leading causes of soldered flexible cable failures during system installation at the integrator.
Flexible, solderless bend-to-the-end microwave cable assemblies
Bend-to-the end: allows bending the cable immediately behind the connector
Some of the fundamental benefits of the MINIBEND® connector junction include:
- A reduced need for expensive swept or right-angle connectors due to the tight bend radius achieved with MINIBEND® connectors
- X-ray inspection costs are also reduced in space applications due to elimination of solder joints
- Improved MTBF (mean time between failures) over soldered assemblies
- A significant reduction in installation-related mechanical failures, reducing the cost of spares and improving cycle times
- A broad offering of MIL-PRF-39012 qualified MINIBEND® connectors supporting frequencies up to 85 GHz, available in a variety of material and plating options
- The best minimum bend radius available, guaranteed up to 30 bend cycles
The MINIBEND® family of cable assemblies from HUBER+SUHNER, are available as qualified COTS with a broad offering of cable diameters, dielectric options, and precision interfaces. Specialty jackets are available for low-smoke, zero-halogen (LSZH) and high radiation applications up to 200 MRad total dose.
With available samples in a variety of connector configurations, don't hesitate to contact Arrow Electronics about HUBER+SUHNER MINIBEND® solutions, the ideal choice for your low profile RF assembly needs.
Quick selection guide for MINIBEND® RF assemblies
| Cable type | Cable Dia. mm (in) | Freq, GHz | IL, dB/m @ 18 GHz | Min. Bend Radius (mm)** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nanobend | 1.62 (.064) | 110 | 6.58 | 5.1 |
| Microbend | 1.91 (.075) | 85 | 4.67 | 1.5 |
| Microbend L | 2.03 (.080) | 65 | 3.44 | 5.1 |
| Minibend | 2.49 (.098) | 65 | 3.41 | 5.1 |
| Minibend CT* | 2.49 (.098) | 70 | 3.41 | 5.1 |
| Minibend L | 2.64 (.104) | 50 | 2.70 | 5.1 |
| Mini141 | 3.61 (.142) | 40 | 1.70 | 8.4 |
| Mini141 CT* | 3.61 (.142) | 40 | 2.62 | 8.4 |
| Mini250 H | 5.72 (.225) | 26 | 1.10 | 19.0 |
* - The CT family of Minibend® cables uses a foamed fluoropolymer dielectric to achieve superior phase vs. temperature stability for phase critical applications ** - Applicable immediately behind the connector, up to 30 bend cycles ±90°
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