IEC 61196-1-119:2012

Overview - IEC 61196-1-119:2012 (RF power rating for coaxial cables)

IEC 61196-1-119:2012 specifies how to determine the average RF power handling capability (RF power rating) of coaxial communication cables at specified frequencies and ambient temperatures. The standard defines test methods, measurement points and reporting requirements to ensure a cable’s continuous input power does not raise any component above its maximum allowable temperature. It is part of the IEC 61196 series for coaxial cables.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and definition
  • RF power rating = maximum average input power a cable can continuously handle when terminated in its characteristic impedance at a reference ambient temperature and frequency.
• Two test methodologies
  • Method A (RF test): direct RF power input at the test frequency with the cable terminated in its characteristic impedance. Measure conductor temperatures while increasing input power until component limits are reached.
  • Method B (Low-frequency AC): use 50 Hz or 60 Hz AC with the far end short‑circuited to derive thermal constants for large-diameter cables when high RF sources are impractical. Combine AC thermal data with RF attenuation data to compute RF power rating.
• Temperature test procedures
  • Use a long enough cable so center measurements are not affected by end heat‑sinking.
  • Measure temperatures at the cable center and at ±0.5 m from center.
  • Recommended: small drilled access hole and a fibre‑optic thermocouple positioned ~1 mm above the inner conductor for accurate inner‑conductor temperature.
  • Stabilize at each power stage; adjust measured results to a reference ambient (commonly 40 °C).
• Attenuation and power calculations
  • Perform attenuation testing in accordance with IEC 61196-1-113 to determine loss vs frequency.
  • Calculate conductor and dielectric loss coefficients and combine with thermal constants (Ki, Ko) to compute rated RF power and adjust between frequencies.
• Reporting
  • Include measured temperatures, attenuation data, calculated A/B coefficients, thermal constants and the derived RF power rating.

Applications and users

• Practical uses:
  • Certifying RF power ratings for coaxial cables used in telecom, broadcast, satellite, radar, and RF test systems.
  • Selecting cables for high‑power feed lines, base stations, transmitters and antenna feeds.
  • R&D and comparative product testing for manufacturers.
• Primary users:
  • Test laboratories, cable manufacturers, design engineers, compliance and quality teams, system integrators.

Related standards

• IEC 61196-1 - Generic specification, definitions and requirements for coaxial communication cables.
• IEC 61196-1-113 - Electrical test methods - attenuation constant (normative reference used by 61196-1-119).

Keywords: IEC 61196-1-119, RF power rating, coaxial cable testing, power handling capability, attenuation test, temperature test, Method A, Method B.