RF Industries recently introduced semi-rigid cable assemblies for distributed antenna system (DAS) networks that can be hand-formed in the field without degrading electrical or passive intermodulation (PIM) performance. Speaking about commonly used DAS cabling assemblies, RF Industries explained, “Standard semi-rigid .141 cable assemblies with a solid jacket metal shield offer excellent electrical and low PIM performance. For installations with cable bends, special equipment is required to form the cable, requiring advance planning and longer lead times.” Its new DAS cabling assemblies, on the other hand, “are manufactured with tin-filled, braided outer conductor that exhibits similar electrical properties to solid semi-rigid, but can be hand-formed in the field with no degradation in electrical or PIM performance,” the company added.

“The cable has a diameter of 0.141 inches with a protective insulated blue jacket,” RF Industries said. “The assemblies are available terminated with N male and/or QMA male connectors.” The DAS cabling assemblies are available in standard lengths of 3, 6, and 9 feet. Custom lengths also are available. The cables’ voltage standing wave radio (VSWR) is under 1.2:1 up to 2,400 MHz, RF Industries explained, with an operating frequency up to 3,000 MHz. The PIM rating is less than -155 dBc for the N male connectors, and -145 dBc for the QMA male connectors using 2 tones at 20 watts, the company added.

“All low-PIM cable assemblies manufactured by RF Industries are tested to certify they meet or exceed the advertised specifications,” the company emphasized. “The PIM value is printed on the cable assembly along with a serial number. For verification, a complete PIM performance chart is available by entering the cable serial number in PIM Tracker on the RF Industries website.”

When plenum ratings are required for these DAS cabling assemblies, RF Industries manufactures them using Times Microwave TFT-402-LF cable.