Are Expensive Test Cables Worth The Extra Money?

The cables you use are important components. So you may be willing to pay a little more just so you don’t have to worry about them. After all, it’s not a huge price difference; and the higher priced ones must be better quality, right?

That’s what the OEMs want you to think. But the truth is there’s an alternative to OEM test port extension cables that provides the same high quality at a much better value.

High Performance VN Series Cable Assemblies by MegaPhase® deliver utmost precision in vector measurements in the lab and during calibrations. These VNA cables are highly dependable over time. In fact they’re wrapped in a lightweight armor – MegaPhase’s proprietary GrooveTube® Outer Conductor Technology – to ensure exceptional ruggedness and consistent performance. These cable assemblies now push the frequency range up to 110 GHz.

Phase Stability: +/-1° @ 26.5 GHz
Amplitude Stability: +/- .025 dB @ 26.5 GHz
VSWR: 1.30:1 @ 26.5 GHz

MegaPhase offers a wide variety of connectors including the precision “NMD” or “port ruggedized” connectors, which mate directly to the VNA port. The consistent precision leads to fewer calibrations and less downtime, resulting in the MegaPhase promise of Lowest Cost Per Measurement™.

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Proper care and handling of cable assemblies and connector interfaces is critical to insuring accurate operation. When connectors are not properly mated, or cared for, there is a risk of damaging test ports and mating devices. To help ensure your cable assemblies and connector interfaces remain in good condition, MegaPhase has put together detailed instructions for inspecting, cleaning, gauging, and other preparation, maintenance, and storage information. This informative White Paper is available here.

It’s also critical to choose the right cables/connectors for your specific requirements.