IEC 61196-1-119:2023

Overview

IEC 61196-1-119:2023 specifies standardized electrical test methods for RF power handling of coaxial communication cables and cable assemblies. It defines procedures to determine RF power rating and power withstanding at specified frequency, temperature and altitude. The standard applies to RF coaxial cables and complete cable assemblies, and includes sample preparation, test conditions, required equipment, test procedures and reporting.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and definitions: clear terminology for power rating, power withstanding, average power, peak power, and continuous wave (CW) power used throughout testing.
• Preparation of test sample (TS):
  • Use appropriate high‑power RF connectors whose rating exceeds the cable’s test power.
  • For power rating tests, monitor inner conductor temperature by inserting a temperature sensor (e.g., fibre‑optic sensor) through a small drilled hole at a specified location.
• Test conditions:
  • Stable temperature: variation ≤ ±2 °C within 5 minutes for sample/chamber.
  • Stable altitude: pressure in low‑pressure chamber within ±5 % when altitude is specified.
• Test procedures:
  • Power withstanding: procedures for average/CW and peak power withstanding tests.
  • Average/CW power rating: stepwise test process, conversion methods to adjust ratings across different frequencies and temperatures.
  • Reporting requirements: information to be supplied in specification and test report.
• Test equipment and principle: measurement setup, thermal monitoring and safety considerations for high‑power RF tests.
• Informative annexes:
  • Annex A: low‑frequency AC method for average/CW power rating.
  • Annex B: influence of high VSWR (mismatch) on cable power capability and derating guidance.

Practical applications - who uses this standard

• Cable and cable‑assembly manufacturers - to qualify products for RF power handling and to publish rated specifications.
• Independent test laboratories - to perform consistent, reproducible RF power and withstanding tests.
• Telecommunications, broadcast, satellite and aerospace engineers - for component selection, reliability assessment and systems integration where RF power handling and environmental conditions (temperature/altitude) matter.
• Procurement and compliance teams - to verify vendor claims and ensure compatibility with system RF power budgets.
• R&D and quality assurance groups - to evaluate design changes, connector effects and VSWR-related derating.

Related standards

• IEC 61196 series - general standards for coaxial communication cables.
• IEC 61196-1-113 - referenced for attenuation constant measurement (normative reference cited in IEC 61196-1-119).

Keywords: IEC 61196-1-119, RF power, coaxial cables, cable assemblies, power rating, power withstanding, average power, peak power, continuous wave power, test methods, VSWR, temperature monitoring.