How to Properly Document Micro Coaxial Cable Test Results - Micro Coaxial Cable factory-(FRS)

Documenting micro coaxial cable test results accurately is crucial for quality control, troubleshooting, failure analysis, and ensuring reliable performance in your applications. Proper documentation creates a clear record for anyone reviewing the data now or in the future. Here’s a step-by-step guide focusing on what matters most:

Essential Information to Include:

1. ​Header Information:
   • ​Report Title/ID: Clear identifier (e.g., “Micro Coax Test Report – Batch# XYZ123”)
   • ​Date: Date(s) testing was performed.
   • ​Tester Name/ID: Person(s) who performed the tests.
   • ​Location: Where testing was conducted (if relevant).
   • ​Instrumentation Used: List the key test equipment (e.g., “VNA: Keysight N9918A”, “LCR Meter: Fluke PM6306”, “TDR: Tektronix DSA8300”, “Cable Tester: MultiContact CrimpStar IV”).
2. ​Cable Specification & Identification:
   • ​Manufacturer & Part Number: (e.g., “CompanyX – MCX-042-50-SS”)
   • ​Detailed Cable Spec: Impedance (50Ω or 75Ω), core conductor material/gauge (e.g., “26AWG Silver Plated Cu”), dielectric type (e.g., “Foamed PTFE”), shield construction (e.g., “Dual Shield: Braid + Foil”), outer jacket material (e.g., “PVC”), overall diameter (e.g., “1.13mm”).
   • ​Cable Length Being Tested: Specify precisely (e.g., “1.00 meter”).
   • ​Cable Sample Identifier/Lot/Batch Number: Essential for traceability.
   • ​Connector Types: Specify the connectors on each end precisely (e.g., “End A: U.FL (IPX)”, “End B: MMCX”).
   • ​Connector Termination Quality Notes: Any observations during visual inspection before electrical testing.
3. ​Test Setup Details:
   • ​Test Configuration Sketch/Diagram: (Highly Recommended) Even a simple sketch showing:
     • Test equipment inputs/outputs.
     • Cable under test orientation.
     • How connectors interface to fixtures/test ports (e.g., “End A -> VNA Port 1 via SMA(f)-U.FL(m) adapter”). Include model numbers of key adapters/fixtures.
     • If using a reference plane or calibration type.
   • ​Calibration: Record calibration method used (e.g., “SOLT Calibration performed on VNA Ports 1 & 2 to SMA(f) interface plane prior to test”) and date of last calibration.
   • ​Test Parameters: Specific settings on the instruments:
     • VNA/TDR: Start/Stop Frequency, Number of Points (or Resolution), IF Bandwidth, Averaging Factor, Power Level. Especially for TDR: Pulse Rise Time, Acquisition Time.
     • LCR Meter: Test Frequency (e.g., “1 MHz”), Test Signal Level (e.g., “1V RMS”).
     • Continuity Tester: Applied voltage/current limits (if applicable).
   • ​Environmental Conditions: Temperature and Humidity (if controlled or significantly deviating from standard lab conditions).
   • ​Connector Torque: If torque wrenches are used for mating connectors to test ports, note the applied torque (e.g., “U.FL mating: Finger tight only”, “SMA adapter mating: 8 in-lbs”).
4. ​Measured Test Results:
   • ​Test Specification: Clearly state the specification/standard each test relates to (e.g., “Insertion Loss < 0.8 dB @ 6 GHz per MIL-DTL-17” or “DC Resistance < 0.5 Ohms/m per Manufacturer Spec Sheet”).
   • ​Recorded Values: For each test performed:
     • ​Continuity & Shorts: “Pass” (Open between center/shield, continuity along center, shield continuity established) OR detailed description of any failure.
     • ​DC Resistance: Value measured at each conductor (Center Conductor Ω/m or Ω total; Shield Ω/m or Ω total).
     • ​Capacitance (pF/m or pF total): Measured value.
     • ​Insulation Resistance: Value measured (e.g., “> 1000 MΩ @ 500VDC”) and test voltage/duration.
     • ​Insertion Loss/Attenuation: Results at ​specified frequency points, especially maximum operating frequency and critical intermediate points. (e.g., “0.65 dB @ 1 GHz”, “1.05 dB @ 6 GHz”). Plotting is ideal, but tabulate key points.
     • ​Return Loss / VSWR: Results at ​specified frequency points. (e.g., “Return Loss: 18 dB @ 6 GHz” or “VSWR: 1.25:1 @ 6 GHz”).
     • ​Propagation Delay: Measured value (e.g., “4.85 ns/m”).
     • ​Delay Skew (if applicable): Between conductors in a multi-cable assembly.
     • ​Structural Return Loss (SRL) / Impedance Profile: Key observations from TDR trace (e.g., “Impedance average: 51.2Ω”, “Maximum deviation: ±2.5Ω”, location of any significant anomalies).
   • ​Visual Inspection: Note any visible damage (kinks, cuts, jacket nicks, crushed connectors) observed pre/post-testing.
   • ​Bend Radius Test Results: Document the test radius used (per specification), number of flex cycles, Pass/Fail status with failure criteria, and any performance measurement taken after testing (e.g., “Loss after 1000 bends: +0.15dB @ 6GHz vs pre-bend”).
5. ​Conclusion & Review:
   • ​Pass/Fail Status: Clear statement: “All tests passed specifications” or “Failed: Shield DC Resistance exceeded limit – See Test #DCR-S02”.
   • ​Approvals: Space for signatures/dates of test engineer and reviewer.
   • ​Attachment Reference: If plots or detailed data files are generated, reference them clearly here (e.g., “See attached file: MCX-042-Batch_Plots.pdf”).

Formatting Tips for Clarity:

• ​Use Tables: Organize results logically. Have separate tables for Cable Info, Test Setup, and Result Data.
• ​Be Specific: Instead of “Connector”, write “U.FL (IPX)”. Instead of “Low Loss”, write “Insertion Loss = 0.72 dB @ 6 GHz”.
• ​Plot Graphs: Where trends matter (like Loss/RL vs. Frequency), graphs are essential. Ensure axes are clearly labeled. Save plots as images or PDFs linked to the report.
• ​Notes Section: Add a section for any relevant observations not captured elsewhere (e.g., “Minor shield fraying noted at End A during connector visual – did not affect electrical results”).
• ​Electronic & Physical Copies: Store securely. Ensure digital filenames are descriptive and include date/lot number.

Sample Results Table Snippet:

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• ​Missing Traceability: No cable part number, lot number, or unique sample ID.
• ​Unclear Test Setup: Not documenting adapters, calibration reference plane, or torque makes replication impossible.
• ​Reporting Only “Pass/Fail”: Losing the actual measured values provides no detail for future analysis or trend spotting.
• ​Vague Results: Reporting “Insertion Loss: Good” instead of specific values at specific frequencies.
• ​Missing Frequency Points: Not reporting loss/RL at the cable’s maximum specified operating frequency.
• ​Ignoring Visuals: Failing to document pre-existing physical damage can lead to incorrect failure attribution later.
• ​Ignoring Test Conditions: Not recording temperature/humidity or specific instrument settings can make data hard to interpret or compare later.
• ​No Summary/Conclusion: Forcing the reader to hunt through all data to determine if the cable passed overall requirements.
• ​Disorganized Presentation: Scatter information, making the report hard to follow.