Universal connector for annular corrugated cable in 7 / 8 "

The wide range of corrugated cable type 7 / 8 "commercially available represents a logistical challenge for installers and end users of the same. The selection of the cable manufacturer also imposes the implicit selection of supplier for the connector, may in certain cases not be an optimal combination.

Aware of this problem, engineers have de-veloped SPINNER a solution that not only is a connector suitable for all cables 7 / 8 "offered by major manufacturers but it meets all the stringent requirements of mechanical and electrical mobile communications system.
The result is the connector Multifit ®, currently the only market that ensures compatibility with all cables Corrugated 7 / 8 "more common. It presents many advantages: economies of scale by reducing inventory and vendor independence in the choice of cable connector.

Multifit Development
To what cables should be directed our Multifit ®? How could the connector adapted to different geometries? And What should be the mechanical and electrical specifications? Table 1 answers the first question with a list of compatible cables Multifit ®. Among some very significant differences in composition starting material in some cases copper and aluminum. The profile of the corrugated outer and their tolerances vary between manufacturers. For some the inner conductor is smooth while others have a corrugated helix inside.
For Multifit ® is actually usable to prepare the wire by cutting a rectangular souls cable and connector, getting a good contact, regardless of cable used.
The soul helical cables have the extra challenge of presenting a diameter that differs significantly from the wires with smooth soul. But the special features of special design soul Multifit ® connector, combined with flexible geometry makes it possible to compensate for these variations in sizes up to 1.5 mm between souls. This represents almost 20% of the total diameter making it ideal for many commercial cables.


Perfect contact
To achieve the lowest possible PIM (intermodulation products) contact pressure must be sufficiently and clearly defined area. Is achieved by an inner conductor in the Multifit ® with rounded contact areas. During the connection keeps the profile cuts, scrapes or deformations, favoring the perfect touch. Moreover, this approach avoids contact eccentricities in the cable core.
All these above features work together to ensure high stability of PIM and VSWR in terms of static and dynamic work.
In regard to contact with the outer surface of said cable which is implemented by clamps. The contact surface is adapted to the properties of the material, be it copper or aluminum. These materials have different capabilities of compression and extension effort; Multifit ® connector respect these values and prevents breakage or loss of connection between metals. Thus SPINNER has selected a connection flange similar to that used well-known companies such as Cut And Fit connectors.

Table 1. Cables compatible with the connector Multifit ®

Sealed connector
In our view, the seal between cable and connector is most effective when the sealing element is placed on the outside of the cable. This means that the contact element must present the size and geometry that the cable needs. The corrugated cable defines its seal. For Multifit ® connectors, the transverse force is provided by the union with the cable. Owing to the different diameters of cables and profiles designed a sealing element "intelligent", which also compensates for irregularities caused by the welding.


Accessories
It was equally important to develop tools to mount these connectors: tools for cutting and peeling the cover and blade, supplied along with the connector is guided hand saw. These aid the assembly must meet its mission well for all types of cable: on one hand not to damage it and also get a perfect cut, which will have a decisive influence on the final VSWR of the whole.