IEC 61196-1-111:2024

Overview

IEC 61196-1-111:2024 - Coaxial communication cables - Part 1-111: Electrical test methods - Stability of phase test methods - defines standardized procedures to measure and report the stability of phase in RF coaxial cables. Applicable to RF coaxial cables and useful as a reference for RF coaxial cable assemblies, this 2024 technical revision (Edition 3.0) replaces the 2014 edition and adds new normative tests and measurement details to improve repeatability and comparability of phase-stability data.

Key topics

• Scope and applicability to RF coaxial cables and cable assemblies.
• Standardized test methods (clauses and annexes):
  • Phase variation with temperature (Clause 4)
  • Phase constant variation with temperature (Clause 5)
  • Phase stability with bending (Clause 6)
  • Phase stability with twisting (Clause 7)
  • Phase consistency test for two or more cables (Annex A)
  • Phase variation with temperature between two cables (Annex B)
• Addition of number of scanning points and explicit test equipment, sample preparation, preconditioning, test procedure and reporting requirements for each method.
• Test result metrics such as temperature coefficient of phase, phase–frequency relationships and maximum phase variation values (graphs and calculation methods included).
• Normative annexes providing comparative methods for multi-cable consistency and pairwise temperature comparison.

Applications

• Manufacturers of RF coaxial cables use IEC 61196-1-111 to verify product design, quality control and to characterize phase behavior over temperature and mechanical stress.
• Test laboratories adopt the defined electrical test methods to produce repeatable, traceable phase-stability measurements for specifications and customer reports.
• System integrators and RF engineers rely on phase stability data to ensure signal integrity in high-frequency systems (e.g., timing distribution, phased arrays, telecommunications infrastructure).
• Quality assurance and procurement teams use standardized test reports to compare cable batches and suppliers based on objective metrics like phase temperature coefficient and bending/twisting resilience.

Related standards

• Part of the broader IEC 61196 series (Coaxial communication cables) - consult other parts of the series for complementary mechanical, electrical and connector test requirements.
• Use in conjunction with general IEC measurement and environmental standards referenced within the document for test environment and instrumentation best practices.

This standard is essential for anyone requiring rigorous, repeatable measurement of phase stability in RF coaxial cables and for ensuring compatibility and performance in temperature- and mechanically-stressed RF applications.