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Chapter 4 RF Cable Assembly Options Molex brings decades of expertise and experience to help customers navigate the complexities of designing custom RF cables. When selecting cable assemblies for specific applications, Molex technicians consider the following primary factors: Frequency of Operation and Attenuation As mentioned previously, frequency of operation and attenuation remain primary considerations. Molex often discovers that cables from different manufacturers exhibit slightly varying performance characteristics, including differences in attenuation and shielding effectiveness. Molex's experts leverage their knowledge and experience to choose the most suitable cable manufacturer based on the given application and requirements. RF Connector Style The selection of an RF connector style or series is also vital. Matching the connector series becomes essential if you need to attach or mate the cable to a device purchased elsewhere. Flexibility Flexibility is another key factor. Molex experts assess your application to understand how flexible the cable needs to be and how many flexes it must withstand. Factors such as whether the cable will be used in a static or dynamic environment also guide the mutual decision-making. Weight and Operating Temperature Weight can be critical in some applications, while operating temperature is equally important. For instance, a PVC jacket is unsuitable for environments with constant temperatures of 180 degrees Celsius. Cost Cost is always a factor, requiring a balance between performance (both mechanical and electrical) and price. Molex's Approach At Molex, experts use their extensive knowledge to balance these tradeoffs, helping customers select the optimal features for their needs. By understanding each application's unique challenges and requirements, Molex provides tailored solutions that enhance performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency. This holistic approach ensures that customers receive cable assemblies that are technically superior and perfectly aligned with their operational and budgetary constraints. Additional Features Other features considered in the custom cable decision-making process include the following. Over-molding and Strain Relief Depending on the configuration and needs, over-molding may be required. This process involves encapsulating the connector and a 13 Wired for Success: Advantages of Custom RF Cables over COTS and DIY