Cables Connectors and Adapters for Anechoic Chamber Testing

What is an anechoic chamber?

Absent of reflection signals and electromagnetic emanation, an anechoic chamber (Figure 1) creates an ideal space for design engineers to test electronic components and devices. To eliminate external interference, anechoic chambers are manufactured with absorbing materials like ferrite tiles and conductive carbon. The resulting silence provides an opportunity to achieve precise measurements of device performance. Any electronic device design, either wired or wireless, is required to meet certification specifications. Regulation types vary by region and are government mandated.

Figure 1: Example of pre-compliance testing of a PC in Connected Development’s in-house anechoic chamber.Source: Connected Development

What are the benefits of pre-compliance anechoic chamber testing?

Device pre-certification evaluation within an anechoic chamber ensures adherence in design schedule with integration of RF testing from the beginning of a development process. Considering the value of time and cost efficiency, pre-liminary guidance on the performance of a device is an essential benefit that pre-compliance testing also offers. Pre-compliance testing provides design engineers the advantage of the time to address design or performance issues before stepping foot into an official certification lab. Chambers at large commercial labs are often booked and have expensive hourly/shift rates. Designers can save hundreds to thousands by utilizing a pre-compliance chamber.

Where can I book a pre-compliance electronics test?

Part of the Exponential Technology Group (XTG), engineering consulting firm Connected Development (CD), offers in-house pre-compliance anechoic chamber testing. Having an in-house device testing chamber is a major asset in Connected Development’s comprehensive engineering service offerings. In fact, having this resource is extremely uncommon for design houses of their size. As a team of engineering experts, Connected Development is well-versed in pre-certification processes and can ensure a successful deployment without delay or fear. Connected Development’s anechoic chamber can conduct the following analyses:

• RF/Antenna performance testing
• Detailed current consumption analysis
• Custom automated test campaigns
• Software quality and robustness testing
• Design reliability testing
• Environmental and accelerated life testing
• Passive antenna pattern testing for design, matching, or trimming an antenna

>>Contact Connected Development

What test and measurement equipment is needed to run an anechoic chamber test?

While Connected Development can assist design teams through pre-compliance testing processes, it’s important to note that cables, connectors, and adapters for anechoic chamber testing vary based on measurement type. RFMW is well-equipped to assist design teams in selecting appropriate test equipment required to begin device analysis in a pre-compliance chamber. Test frequency range is one of the determining factors in selecting connector size, type, and assembly. Manufacturers like Delta offer color-coded connectors according to frequency range for easy identification.

RFMW offers a broad selection of test and measurement solutions including cables, connectors, and adapters that are compatible with different frequency ranges. Experts at RFMW can help determine which connector solution is best for your unique application. Selecting the optimal cable connector is critical in ensuring accuracy of your anechoic chamber device test.

Test and Measurement Solutions Available at RFMW

Workhorse® by Carlisle

Manufactured in accordance with RoHS specifications, Carlisle’s Workhorse family of coaxial assemblies support DC up to 26.5 GHz. Integrating crush-proof stainless steel interlocking armor, Workhorse cables are low loss and phase stable to allow for testing repeatability and triple shielded to reduce leakage.

WHU-18-3636-024		WHU-18-3636-036
SMA Male to SMA Male Test & Measurement Cable 18 GHz maximum frequency 50 Ohms impedance Buy Now >>		SMA Male to SMA Female Test & Measurement Cable 26.5 GHz maximum frequency 50 Ohms impedance Buy Now >>

For more information, access Carlisle’s Workhorse coaxial assembly data sheet.

Armored WorkHorse® by Carlisle

Carlisle’s series of armored, ruggedized coaxial assemblies are RoHS compliant and support DC up to 18 GHz. Armored Workhorse cables are ideal solutions for OEM test port cables due to their durability and testing repeatability. Manufactured with crush-resistant spiralized stainless steel armor, Armored Workhorse cables feature phase stability with flexure.

WHE-18-3636-036		WHE-18-3636-036
SMA Male to SMA Male Test & Measurement Cable 18 GHz maximum frequency 50 Ohms impedance Buy Now >>		SMA Male to SMA Male Armored Cable 18 GHz maximum frequency 50 Ohms impedance Buy Now >>

For more information, access Carlisle’s Armored Workhorse coaxial assembly data sheet.

Delta Color-Coded Adapter Product Line

Delta features a product line of high frequency RF coaxial adapters that is color-coded for convenient identification. Each adapter has a critical visual indicator that matches the IEEE working group color scheme. Color-coded visual indicators allows for proper mating, damage prevention, and time/cost-efficiency. Delta adapters are designed in accordance with IEC, DFARS, RoHS, REACH, and ITAR specifications. Delta’s color-coded adapters are also AS 9100 REV D certified. They are ISO 9001:2015 and JCP registered.

7934000K001-802-C		7928000K001-803-C		8027000K001-803-C
2.92mm Male to Female 40 GHz maximum frequency Delta 7934000K001-802-C Adapter Datasheet Buy Now >>		2.92mm Female to 2.92mm Female 40 GHz maximum frequency Delta 7928000K001-803-C Adapter Datasheet Buy Now >>		2.4mm Male to 2.4mm Male 50 GHz maximum frequency Delta 8027000K001-803-C Adapter Datasheet Buy Now >>

API/Inmet Technologies RF Coaxial Adapter Product Line

API/Inmet offers a complete line of in-series and between series coaxial adapters used to make reliable and accurate transitions from one connector to another. API/Inmet’s adapters cover up to 65 GHz.

5010		5020		5030
SMA Female to SMA Female 18 GHz maximum frequency 50 Ohms impedance Buy Now >>		SMA Male to SMA Male 18 GHz maximum frequency 50 Ohms impedance Buy Now >>		SMA Male to SMA Female 18 GHz maximum frequency 50 Ohms impedance Buy Now >>

For more information, access API/Inmet Technologies’ RF Coaxial Adapter family data sheet.

YouForm™ by P1dB

P1dB’s line of YouForm cable assemblies are hand formable to custom fit to your connection needs. YouForm cables are a cost-effective option as they cost 25-50% less that similar cable models. YouForm cables are 100% VSWR tested to 18 GHz. Cable assemblies do not require specialized tools, and they are reformable for multi-use. The cables’ design features a stainless-steel nut and standard SMA connectors. The cables can also be manufactured and tested to your application’s specifications.

P1-SMAP/SMAP-085CJ-6

MMCX Plug to SMA Male 085CJ cable type 3 GHz maximum frequency P1-SMAP/SMAP-085CJ-6 Data Sheet Buy Now >>

Consult with the experts at RFMW for assistance selecting the optimal connector, cable, or adapter for your electronic device anechoic chamber test.