Technical Article: Changes In Cable Insertion Loss And Phase

Insertion-loss tracking is the ability of different assemblies of the same type and length to closely reproduce their inherent loss characteristics with changing temperature. As with phase tracking, the closer the assemblies track, the lower the residual systemic error and the more consistent the beamwidth, sidelobe suppression, and beam steering. System range, jamming and clutter resistance, and overall accuracy are ultimately superior. Poor insertion-loss tracking is generally attributable to poor control over materials and processes during cable manufacturing or to using cable assemblies with different characteristics.