We have essentially learned thus far that we need to properly care and handle cable interface interconnects, interface cleanliness, interface gauging, and recommended coupling torque. Another important aspect to cable care handling is cable routing:preventing over-bending!
Bend Radius:
Care should be taken to avoid over-bending test cables beyond minimum bend radius guidelines. Over-bending can force the cable center conductor off-center, and force the outer conductor out resulting in fractures and degraded IL and SWR performance.
Dynamic Bend Radius:
Center-line Bend Radius that the cable will experience during normal repeated bending and flexing operations is typically applicable to Test and Measurement Applications and Gimbal Applications.
Static Bend Radius:
Center-line Bend Radius that the cable will experience during normal routing and installation for hardwired applications is typically applicable to OEM in-box cable routing and Line Run cable routing interconnects.
Twisting:
Twisting test cables should be avoided at all times. Excessive twist can damage cable assembly at the cable/connector junction or even mid-cable, depending on how the twist is applied. Lower level twist can cause measurement problems, low level stresses can cause connections to loosen up and induced stresses on test ports and device ports can damage the ports.