BIRNS has launched a new range of coaxial subsea connector contacts.
According to the company, the BIRNS Millennium series connectors developed with the new contacts have had great testing results, including a maximum insertion loss of 0.7 dB at signal frequencies to 3GHz, with an associated maximum SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) of 1.7:1.
The new coax contacts withstand open face hydrostatic pressure to depths of 1433m so far in initial testing protocols, with more testing currently underway, BIRNS noted.
“ The geometry of a typical 50Ω coax contact consists of a center conductor, outer conductor and a dielectric between. The ratio of the distance between the center conductor and outer conductor must be maintained to prevent impedance discontinuity,” said Jeff Hager , BIRNS Mechanical Design Engineer. “Preventing the dielectric and or center conductor from being extruded from the outer conductor or creating a leak path under pressure would have to include radial transitions, seals, and compression resistant materials—however, coax contact designers in the marine industry have historically avoided such features to control impedance.”