Why it’s so important to choose an

approved coaxial cable

Let’s bust a couple of myths!

Choosing RG coaxial is a mark of quality –

right?

Wrong – “RG” has become a generic term

for coaxial cable. It often relates only to a

very basic description of the physical

dimensions with little or no reference to the

electrical performance.

Do I really need MIL-DTL-17 coax?

Surely MIL-DTL-17 cables are RG

cables – what’s the difference?

• True that many of the MIL-DTL-17 specs are often referred to as RG but they are much more than that – electrical properties like maximum attenuation at a range of frequencies and physical properties like the thickness of the conductor plating are clearly defined

It’s not a true comparison

Not all coaxial cables are

created equal…..

• When Harbour Industries, a QPL

manufacturer carried out an evaluation

study some startling differences emerged

including:

– Silver plating thickness variation

– Alternative dielectric materials used

Why does the thickness of the

silver matter?

• According to the MIL-DTL specification the silver

plating should be a minimum of 40 microinches

thick – samples were measured at 29

microinches which would typically be done for

cost cutting purposes. This would leave the wire

more susceptible to corrosion.

Is PTFE really required as a

dielectric?

• Again, according to MIL-DTL-17 the required

dielectric is PTFE – in the study samples were

found with both FEP and PFA dielectrics.

• FEP has a lower performing temperature and an

inferior dissipation factor when compared to

PTFE. PFA, whilst having the same temperature

performance as PTFE shows similar dissipation

characteristics to FEP

MIL-DTL-17 QPL guarantees…

• Cables are manufactured using only qualified,

high quality materials.

• Products conform to all test requirements

through a series of rigorous QC tests.

• There is an annual government review of test

data to ensure continued compliance.

My current manufacturer is ISO

approved – isn’t that good

enough?

• Possibly so but will they guarantee the

performance laid down in MIL-DTL-17 and

supply supporting test documentation and

ask yourself why they haven’t sought QPL

approval

How do I know which coax

cable to choose?

• Check out the coaxial datasheets on our

website for full physical and electrical data

on QPL MIL-DTL-17 cables.

• In the event that a QPL cable is not

suitable we also have details on lower loss

and high strength alternatives

Conclusions

• Choosing a QPL product will guarantee

you get what you order.

• If you need alternative products to MIL-

DTL17 select a manufacturer with a QPL

pedigree such as Harbour Industries.

• Ask your manufacturer to provide test

reports to verify the cables performance.

Don’t end up with a lemon!

Beware of counterfeit products – make sure the jacket marking shows the full Mil-Spec part number, cage code and manufacturer eg:

M17/60-RG142 MIL-DTL-17 27478 Harbour Industries

How can we help you further?

• For further information on our coaxial

cables download the electrical and

dimensional data from our website.

• Alternatively call us +44 (0)1202 890975

• Or email info@giatech.eu

Tel: +44 (0)1202 890975