EuroWire January 2024

Technology News

Quick connection of coaxial cables during testing AESA Cortaillod, a Swiss metrology company that manu- factures automatic test equipment (ATE) for the full electrical characterisation of cables and wires, has developed a solution to connect any size of coaxial cables in a quick and convenient way. The company states that combining its new patented Coaxial Universal Connector with a measuring instrument such as the AESA Scorpius DT device enhances the user experience in measuring the high frequency parameters of coaxial cables with accuracy and repeatability. The Scorpius DT is a complete and integrated solution to characterise both 50Ω and 75Ω coaxial cables. It includes an embedded VNA (vector network analyser), standard Microsoft Windows computer and specially designed user-friendly software. The newly released Coaxial Universal Connector mounted on traditional N-type (N50 and N75/F75) interfaces allows the operator to quickly connect different products while ensuring electrical contacts on both the centre conductor and the shield of the coaxial cable. Operators only have to strip the outer insulation layer on a sufficient length and choose the adequate provided chuck. Calibration artefacts are provided in order to ensure a correct calibration plan. This solution allows the execution of all electrical tests on cables according to the ANSI/TIA-568.4-D for broadband coaxial cabling and component standard, as well as IEC 61196 x and EN 50117-x standards. The measured frequency range ranges from 100 kHz to 18 GHz, with frequency extension upon request. Scorpius is also available in a rack mountable version allowing customisation of its components, or as an option for existing AESA automatic testing equipment for LAN cables. AESA Cortaillod also offers balun and balunless ATE solutions for testing LAN or other communication cables from low to very high frequencies. In addition to frequency measure- ments, AESA offers a full set of linear resistance measuring equipment, from very small to very large cross-sections, to be used either in the laboratory or directly on-line in production. The company’s offering includes data management systems, ISO17025 certification, testing laboratory services, transfer of knowledge and expertise in the cable industry for boosting

production yield. AESA Cortaillod www.aesa-cortaillod.com

Integrated Scorpius DT unit for coaxial cable measurement

38

www.read-eurowire.com

January 2024