Prepare the Cable: Use a coaxial cable stripper with adjustable blades to accommodate the specific diameter of the cable being used. Adjust the blades to the appropriate settings and carefully strip away the outer jacket, ensuring that the depth of the cut is precise to prevent damage to the inner components. Gently rotate the stripper around the cable to create a clean, even cut without nicking the inner conductor or shield. Inspect the stripped portion to ensure there are no remaining fragments or debris that could interfere with the termination process.
Trim the Dielectric: Employ a precision cable cutter with sharp blades to trim the dielectric material to the exact length specified by the cable manufacturer. Use calipers or a ruler to measure and mark the correct length before making the cut. Take care to trim the dielectric material evenly and squarely to maintain consistent impedance along the length of the cable. Remove any excess material and inspect the trimmed end to ensure a clean, smooth surface free of burrs or irregularities.
Install the Connector: Select a high-quality connector that matches the impedance and construction of the cable. Ensure that the connector is compatible with the desired frequency range and environmental conditions of the application. Carefully slide the connector over the prepared end of the cable, taking care to align the inner conductor with the connector's center pin and the shield with the connector body. Apply gentle pressure to seat the connector firmly onto the cable without causing any deformation or damage to the components.
Crimp or Solder the Connector: If using crimp connectors, position the connector securely in a crimping tool specifically designed for coaxial connectors. Apply controlled pressure to the crimping tool to compress the connector onto the cable, ensuring a tight and secure connection. Verify that the crimped area is uniform and free of any gaps or irregularities. For solder connectors, apply a thin layer of flux to the connection point to promote solder adhesion. Heat the soldering iron to the appropriate temperature and carefully solder the inner conductor and shield to the connector, taking care to avoid overheating or excessive solder buildup.
Check for Proper Connection: Conduct a thorough visual inspection of the terminated connector to ensure that all components are properly aligned and seated. Use a magnifying glass or inspection microscope to examine the connection closely for any signs of damage, misalignment, or contamination. Perform a continuity test using a multimeter to verify that there are no shorts or open circuits between the inner conductor and shield. Check the impedance of the terminated cable using a TDR (Time Domain Reflectometer) to confirm that it matches the specified value.
Install Grounding if Necessary: If grounding is required for the application, follow industry-standard practices and guidelines to establish a reliable electrical connection between the cable shield and the grounding system. Use appropriate grounding connectors, bonding jumpers, and conductive materials to ensure low impedance and effective dissipation of stray currents or induced voltages. Inspect the grounding system regularly to detect and address any signs of corrosion, degradation, or discontinuity that could compromise its effectiveness.
RG174 50 Ohm Low Loss Flexible Coaxial Cable
