IEC 61169-37:2007

Overview - IEC 61169-37:2007 (STWX8 R.F. connectors)

IEC 61169-37:2007 is a Sectional Specification (SS) in the IEC 61169 series that defines the rules and information needed to prepare Detail Specifications (DS) for STWX8 R.F. coaxial connectors with a push‑pull self‑lock coupling. Published as the first edition in 2007, the standard covers interface and gauging dimensions, mandatory test selection and recommended performance characteristics for connectors intended for use with flexible and semi‑rigid cables for middle‑power applications in conjunction with 50 Ω systems up to 4 GHz.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and purpose: Guidance for writers of Detail Specifications (DS) for type STWX8 connectors; specifies what dimensions, gauges and tests a DS should reference.
• Interface dimensions: Detailed mating‑face dimensions for general purpose (Grade 2) connectors and dimensional details for standard test (Grade 0) connectors (male/female contacts and mating geometry).
• Gauging and acceptance: Gauge pin and outer‑contact gauge definitions, sizing and retention measurement procedures (including specific gauge dimensions and test mass/roughness requirements).
• Mandatory tests: Selection of mandatory tests drawn from QC 220000 (IEC 61169‑1) - including acceptance and periodic test schedules, inspection criteria and test procedures applicable to all DS for STWX8 connectors.
• Quality assessment: Recommended rating, characteristics and quality assessment procedure to be used when writing DS documents (references Clause 6 of IEC 61169‑1).
• DS preparation guidance: Instructions, pro‑forma blank detail specification and identification, marking and ordering information to ensure consistent DS content across manufacturers and purchasers.

Practical applications and users

Who uses IEC 61169‑37:

• Connector designers and manufacturers creating or certifying STWX8 connector product lines.
• Test laboratories and quality assurance teams performing gauging, retention and acceptance tests.
• Procurement engineers and specification writers who require standardized DS input for purchasing and interoperability.
• Product compliance and certification bodies assessing conformity to IEC 61169 series requirements.

Typical uses:

• Specifying mating interfaces and mechanical tolerances for 50 Ω coaxial connector interconnects.
• Defining test and inspection regimes for production acceptance and periodic quality control.
• Ensuring interchangeability and reliable mating performance in RF systems operating up to 4 GHz.

Related standards and references

• IEC 61169‑1 - Generic specification: general requirements and measuring methods (QC 220000)
• IEC 60096 (all parts) - Radio‑frequency cables
• The IEC 61169 family of standards - other RF connector sectional and detail specifications

Keywords: IEC 61169-37, STWX8, R.F. connectors, coaxial connectors, push-pull self-lock coupling, 50 Ω, gauging, IEC 61169-1, QC 220000, RF connector standards.