Harbour’s LL coaxial cables, with expanded PTFE dielectrics and strip braid composite configurations, offer attenuation from 20 to 35% below other mil spec cables of comparable size. When size and weight are considerations, Harbour’s LL cables should be considered. The unique braid configuration and the expanded PTFE dielectrics of the LL cable constructions contribute to lower attenuation levels at higher frequencies, while providing shielding effectiveness levels that exceed those of flexible MIL-DTL-17 cables. Flat strips of silver plated copper are braided over the dielectric core with an intermediate metalized polyester or polyimide layer, and an outer round wire braid.

 

Although commonly used in the manufacturing process of aerospace data cables, PTFE ram (formally known as PTFE paste extrusion) extrusion of inner conductors has a number of negatives. The nature of this process and its start-and-stop production method causes ram extrusion to have longer lead times, shorter average lengths leading to greater scrap.  Finally the very nature of PTFE leads to problematic downstream process handling- cutting and stripping during connectorization as each cut may often need custom hand trimming.