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Complexities of selecting the right cable system

A new white paper from W. L. Gore & Associates presents a systematic approach that design engineers can follow to ensure that a cable system will provide reliable performance in demanding environments and mission-critical applications. According to author Paul Warren cable reliability is based on both durability and signal integrity, and a cable system needs to withstand any environment in which it will be used, regardless of how challenging it may be. Some industries have defined safety, environmental, and performance-related standards, but many applications in harsh environments require cable systems that go beyond those standards, such as aerospace, cleanroom, and geophysical environments. The paper aims to address the uncertainty that customers face in selecting the right materials and the type of construction work for their applications in light of cable systems becoming more complex. For example, selecting a material that improves mechanical performance may have an adverse effect on the electrical characteristics of the cable assembly.

In this paper, ”Selecting the Right Cable System for Your Environment,” Warren discusses the electrical, mechanical, environmental, and application-specific constraints that will affect cable performance. He describes the advantages and disadvantages of typical materials used in cable construction, including an explanation of the testing and data analysis a manufacturer should perform in order to verify that its cable will perform in a specific application. He also discusses cost considerations and the ramifications of cable failure.