W.L. Gore & Associates has introduced a line of GORE® spaceflight Microwave/RF Assemblies that have been optimized for Ka-Band uplink and downlink satellite applications. The durable construction of the Type 5G Series provides good shielding effectiveness and ensures reliable signal integrity with good insertion loss and return loss performance up to 32 GHz. They have been qualified for spaceflight applications in three separate phases – integration, launch and in-orbit – to ensure consistently reliable performance for the duration of the mission.
The assemblies can be terminated with either 2.92 mm straight-pin connectors (ZMQ) or 2.92 mm right-angle pin connectors (ZQA). These connectors have been designed to withstand the harsh environment experienced during satellite launch and orbit without compromising signal performance. Additionally, the low-profile of these connectors will increase flexibility during the layout process of satellite design.
The ZQA connector features a non-bifurcated swept contact design for use with low-loss microwave coaxial cable qualified for 32 GHz spaceflight applications. Traditional box right-angle connectors are often associated with poor VSWR performance, particularly at frequencies approaching 18 GHz. This is because many box right-angle designs employ a bifurcated (two-part) internal contact. While the bifurcated configuration allows for easy assembly and low cost, its shape does not lend itself to good internal impedance control or to a robust solder connection.
W. L. Gore & Associates Inc.,
Landenberg, PA,
www.gore.com/zqaconnector