IEC 61196-1-305:2015

Overview

IEC 61196-1-305:2015 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that focuses on coaxial communication cables. Specifically, this part of the IEC 61196 series specifies the mechanical test methods for solderability and resistance to soldering of coaxial cable conductors. The standard applies to both inner and outer conductors used in analogue and digital communication systems. It is essential for ensuring the reliability and quality of coaxial cables when subjected to soldering processes, which are common during cable termination and assembly.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application
  IEC 61196-1-305:2015 is tailored for coaxial communication cables and defines test procedures to evaluate the solderability of cable conductors and measure the resistance to soldering effects, such as dimensional stability after heating.

• Solderability Testing
  The standard outlines a solder bath test conducted at 235 °C where a 25 mm length of the cable's tubular outer conductor is immersed. The surface must demonstrate more than 95% solder wetting without excessive spotting (less than 5% of the immersed surface). This ensures effective solder bonding during manufacturing.

• Resistance to Soldering Testing
  This includes a bending test where a 150 mm sample is bent to a 135° angle and immersed in a 260 °C solder bath for a given duration. Displacement measurements of the insulation and inner conductor relative to surrounding components assess the cable’s dimensional stability after soldering heat exposure.

• Test Reporting Requirements
  Both tests require detailed reporting of conditions such as temperature, sample dimensions, immersion times, and measurement results. This ensures reproducibility and clear communication of test outcomes.

• Reference to Related Standards
  IEC 61196-1-305 calls upon IEC 60068-2-20 for the solder bath test methodologies and references the generic specifications and terminology in IEC 61196-1.

Applications

• Quality Assurance in Cable Manufacturing
  By following IEC 61196-1-305 test methods, manufacturers can verify that their coaxial cables meet solderability and heat resistance criteria, crucial for consistent electrical performance.

• Cable Assembly and Termination
  During terminal soldering operations, cables must maintain mechanical integrity. This standard helps evaluate how cable components react to soldering heat, preventing damage or dimensional changes that could degrade signal quality.

• Testing of Analogue and Digital Communication Cables
  The standard is applicable to a wide range of cables used in telecommunications, broadcasting, data transmission, and other electronic systems relying on coaxial cabling.

• Compliance and Certification
  Ensuring compliance with IEC 61196-1-305 supports adherence to international benchmarks, facilitating global market acceptance and interoperability.

Related Standards

• IEC 61196-1: Coaxial communication cables – Part 1: Generic specification
  Provides the overarching definitions, general requirements, and specifications for coaxial cables, serving as the base document for Part 1-305.

• IEC 60068-2-20: Environmental testing – Part 2-20
  Describes the standardized solderability and resistance to soldering heat test methods applied in this standard.

• Other parts of IEC 61196 series
  Cover various aspects of coaxial cable performance including electrical, mechanical, and environmental characteristics.

Keywords: IEC 61196-1-305, coaxial communication cables, solderability test, resistance to soldering, coaxial cable standards, cable mechanical testing, IEC cable standards, digital communication cables, analogue communication cables, cable dimensional stability, solder bath test, coaxial cable manufacturing quality.