IEC 61196-9:2014

Overview

IEC 61196-9:2014 - "Coaxial communication cables - Part 9: Sectional specification for RF flexible cables" is an IEC standard that specifies requirements for RF flexible coaxial communication cables with a nominal characteristic impedance of 50 Ω, using either solid or semi-air-spaced dielectric constructions. It is intended to be read in conjunction with IEC 61196-1 (generic specification) and focuses on materials, construction, ratings and testing relevant to flexible RF coaxial cables.

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard covers the following principal topics and requirements:

• Cable construction and materials

  • Inner conductor requirements (smooth, continuous; nominal diameter and tolerances specified in detail specifications)
  • Dielectric options: solid dielectric (e.g., solid polyolefin, PTFE, FEP) or semi-air-spaced dielectric (e.g., foamed polyolefin, foamed FEP, low-density PTFE)
  • Outer conductor/screen and sheath construction and material guidance

• Standard ratings and characteristics

  • Operational temperatures and operating frequency guidance
  • Current-carrying capacity and electrical characteristic expectations (to be defined in detail specifications)

• Identification, marking and labelling

  • Cable identification conventions and IEC marking requirements

• Tests of finished cables

  • Electrical testing: low-frequency/d.c. measurements and high-frequency transmission measurements (impedance, return loss, attenuation, phase/group delay references are covered in IEC 61196-1 series)
  • Environmental testing: cold bend, water penetration, climatic sequences and related tests
  • Mechanical testing: bending, crush, abrasion, pull force, eccentricity and ovality
  • Fire performance: tests on flame spread, smoke and gases (references to IEC 60332, IEC 61034, IEC 60754)
  • Quality assessment, delivery and storage requirements

• Normative references

  • Cross-references to multiple IEC test-method parts (e.g., IEC 61196-1-101…-324 series, IEC 60068, IEC 62037-4, IEC 62153 family)

Applications and who uses it

IEC 61196-9:2014 is used by:

• Cable manufacturers for product specifications and quality control of 50 Ω flexible RF coaxial cables
• Test laboratories to perform and report standardized electrical, mechanical, environmental and fire tests
• System integrators, telecom and broadcasting engineers, OEMs and procurement teams specifying cables for RF/microwave systems, antennas, base stations, lab interconnects and other flexible RF applications
• Regulatory and certification bodies assessing compliance to IEC test methods and marking requirements

Related standards

• IEC 61196-1 (generic specification) - mandatory companion document
• IEC 61196-1-101…-324 (detailed electrical, environmental and mechanical test methods)
• IEC 60068 (environmental testing), IEC 60332/61034/60754 (fire/smoke/gas tests)

Keywords: IEC 61196-9:2014, RF flexible coaxial cables, 50 Ω, semi-air-spaced dielectric, solid dielectric, coaxial communication cables, cable testing, return loss, attenuation, cable specifications.