Overview
IEC 61196-9:2014 - "Coaxial communication cables - Part 9: Sectional specification for RF flexible cables" is an IEC standard that specifies requirements for RF flexible coaxial communication cables with a nominal characteristic impedance of 50 Ω, using either solid or semi-air-spaced dielectric constructions. It is intended to be read in conjunction with IEC 61196-1 (generic specification) and focuses on materials, construction, ratings and testing relevant to flexible RF coaxial cables.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard covers the following principal topics and requirements:
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Cable construction and materials
- Inner conductor requirements (smooth, continuous; nominal diameter and tolerances specified in detail specifications)
- Dielectric options: solid dielectric (e.g., solid polyolefin, PTFE, FEP) or semi-air-spaced dielectric (e.g., foamed polyolefin, foamed FEP, low-density PTFE)
- Outer conductor/screen and sheath construction and material guidance
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Standard ratings and characteristics
- Operational temperatures and operating frequency guidance
- Current-carrying capacity and electrical characteristic expectations (to be defined in detail specifications)
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Identification, marking and labelling
- Cable identification conventions and IEC marking requirements
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Tests of finished cables
- Electrical testing: low-frequency/d.c. measurements and high-frequency transmission measurements (impedance, return loss, attenuation, phase/group delay references are covered in IEC 61196-1 series)
- Environmental testing: cold bend, water penetration, climatic sequences and related tests
- Mechanical testing: bending, crush, abrasion, pull force, eccentricity and ovality
- Fire performance: tests on flame spread, smoke and gases (references to IEC 60332, IEC 61034, IEC 60754)
- Quality assessment, delivery and storage requirements
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Normative references
Applications and who uses it
IEC 61196-9:2014 is used by:
- Cable manufacturers for product specifications and quality control of 50 Ω flexible RF coaxial cables
- Test laboratories to perform and report standardized electrical, mechanical, environmental and fire tests
- System integrators, telecom and broadcasting engineers, OEMs and procurement teams specifying cables for RF/microwave systems, antennas, base stations, lab interconnects and other flexible RF applications
- Regulatory and certification bodies assessing compliance to IEC test methods and marking requirements
Related standards
- IEC 61196-1 (generic specification) - mandatory companion document
- IEC 61196-1-101…-324 (detailed electrical, environmental and mechanical test methods)
- IEC 60068 (environmental testing), IEC 60332/61034/60754 (fire/smoke/gas tests)
Keywords: IEC 61196-9:2014, RF flexible coaxial cables, 50 Ω, semi-air-spaced dielectric, solid dielectric, coaxial communication cables, cable testing, return loss, attenuation, cable specifications.
Open preview (PDF)Coaxial communication cables - Part 9: Sectional specification for RF flexible cables
