W. L. Gore & Associates, Landenberg, Pa., has introduced an online tool designed to complement its existing GORE Microwave/RF Assembly Builder. The new GORE Microwave/RF Assembly Calculator is used to calculate insertion loss, VSWR and other parameters of GORE Microwave/RF Assemblies for different cable types. The online calculator is easy to use, particularly when the initial cable type is unknown and needs to be specified independent of the connector.

I like that the tool is online and not an app, as it gives the user easy access to try it out without having to first download the app to a smart phone. Simply choosing one of the selections in the drop-down menus for market and category and then entering data gives quick results. Users can select from Aerospace and Defense, Spaceflight, Test & Measurement markets and General Purpose, Ruggedized and Phase Stable, etc. categories. This then gives a view of cable types and their specs. The user then enters data in fields for frequency, length, temperature and altitude to narrow the results in the main Cable Types table. The Multiple Cable Review tool allows the user to select up to three cables to be compared on a single, detailed results screen.

“The Gore Microwave/RF Assembly Calculator really lets engineers minimize the trade-off in mechanical vs. operational specs of a cable,” said Keith Cuthbert, Gore Applications Engineer. “A user can now figure out exactly how narrow of a cable you can get while maintaining a required insertion loss performance.”

In addition, a Conversions page has most of the everyday conversions users of these types of cables need, including distance, frequency, power, temperature, VSWR/return loss and weight. A Glossary is also included that features explanations for many of the terms used in the online calculator.

The online interface features a responsive design, making it equally usable on PCs, tablets and smartphones using any major browser (Explorer, Chrome, Safari). “Today’s engineer is not always using a desktop computer, therefore tools need to be accessible and useful anytime and anywhere.” said Jenn Haupt, Global Marketing Specialist at Gore.

W.L. Gore & Associates
tools.gore.com/gmcacalc