Coaxial communication cables - Part 1-113: Electrical test methods - Test for attenuation constant

IEC 61196-1-113:2009(E) applies to coaxial communications cables. It specifies a test method for determining the attenuation constant of coaxial cables for use in communications systems. The test is applicable preferably at frequencies ≥ 5 MHz but also for lower frequencies if the magnitude of the complex characteristic impedance is approximately equal to the nominal characteristic impedance of the specimen or if a form fitting function is applied.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
11-Aug-2009
Technical Committee
SC 46A - Coaxial cables
Drafting Committee
WG 3 - TC 46/SC 46A/WG 3
Current Stage
DELPUB - Deleted Publication
Start Date
12-Jan-2018
Completion Date
26-Oct-2025

Relations

Effective Date
05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 61196-1-113:2009 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies the electrical test methods for coaxial communication cables, focusing on the test for attenuation constant. This standard applies primarily to coaxial cables used in communication systems and establishes a method for accurately determining their attenuation constant-a critical parameter influencing cable performance and signal quality. The test procedure is ideally conducted at frequencies equal to or greater than 5 MHz, with provisions for lower frequency testing when certain conditions regarding characteristic impedance are met.

Key Topics

  • Attenuation Constant Definition
    The attenuation constant (α) represents the signal loss in a coaxial cable, expressed in decibels per 100 meters (dB/100 m). It is calculated based on the output power ratio before and after inserting the test specimen, considering the specimen length.

  • Test Equipment
    The method requires a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) capable of S21 transmission measurements, alongside impedance matching adapters that ensure minimal reflection losses by matching the cable's nominal characteristic impedance with the test setup's impedance within a 5% margin.

  • Test Specimen Requirements
    Specimens must be of a sufficient length to limit measurement uncertainty. Connector fitting is critical and must align with the test equipment to ensure accurate results. For low-frequency tests where impedance mismatches cause multiple reflections, a longer specimen or form fitting techniques are applied.

  • Measurement Procedure

    • Calibration of the test system including adapters and connectors across the frequency range.
    • Measurement of attenuation with the cable under test over the specified frequency range while recording ambient temperature.
    • Use of S21 or S12 parameter measurements to obtain attenuation data.
  • Data Expression and Corrections
    Attenuation values are normalized to a 100-meter length basis and corrected for temperature variations using standardized formulas. Form fitting functions, which use least squares fitting, smooth out ripples in attenuation curves caused by reflections.

  • Test Reporting
    Essential test conditions and parameters must be documented, including temperature, specimen length, test frequencies, number of frequency points measured, sweep time, and IF bandwidth. If form fitting is applied, fitting coefficients should also be reported.

  • Compliance Requirements
    Measured attenuation constants must comply with the relevant cable specification requirements to ensure optimal communication performance.

Applications

  • Communications Systems Design and Verification
    Ensures coaxial cables meet required signal attenuation performance, which directly impacts bandwidth and signal integrity.

  • Quality Control in Cable Manufacturing
    Standardized testing provides cable manufacturers with a reliable method to evaluate cable attenuation properties, aiding in consistent product quality and performance.

  • Field and Laboratory Testing
    Enables engineers to assess cable performance in situ or in controlled environments, useful for installation verification, troubleshooting, and validation.

  • Research and Development
    Helps in developing new coaxial cable designs and materials by providing a baseline for attenuation measurement.

Related Standards

  • IEC 61196 Series
    The broader standard series covering coaxial communication cables, including mechanical, electrical, and environmental testing methods.

  • IEC 61196-1:2005
    Provides normative references essential for applying IEC 61196-1-113 correctly, including definitions and test conditions.

  • ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2
    Framework followed in the drafting of IEC 61196-1-113 to maintain consistency and coherence in international standardization.

Keywords

Coaxial communication cables, IEC 61196-1-113, attenuation constant test, electrical test methods, vector network analyzer, S21 measurement, impedance matching, cable attenuation measurement, temperature correction, form fitting, coaxial cable standards, signal loss measurement, communication system cables, IEC standards.

Standard

IEC 61196-1-113:2009 - Coaxial communication cables - Part 1-113: Electrical test methods - Test for attenuation constant Released:8/12/2009

English language
8 pages
sale 15% off
Preview
sale 15% off
Preview

Frequently Asked Questions

IEC 61196-1-113:2009 is a standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Its full title is "Coaxial communication cables - Part 1-113: Electrical test methods - Test for attenuation constant". This standard covers: IEC 61196-1-113:2009(E) applies to coaxial communications cables. It specifies a test method for determining the attenuation constant of coaxial cables for use in communications systems. The test is applicable preferably at frequencies ≥ 5 MHz but also for lower frequencies if the magnitude of the complex characteristic impedance is approximately equal to the nominal characteristic impedance of the specimen or if a form fitting function is applied.

IEC 61196-1-113:2009(E) applies to coaxial communications cables. It specifies a test method for determining the attenuation constant of coaxial cables for use in communications systems. The test is applicable preferably at frequencies ≥ 5 MHz but also for lower frequencies if the magnitude of the complex characteristic impedance is approximately equal to the nominal characteristic impedance of the specimen or if a form fitting function is applied.

IEC 61196-1-113:2009 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 33.120.10 - Coaxial cables. Waveguides. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

IEC 61196-1-113:2009 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to IEC 61196-1-113:2018. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

IEC 61196-1-113:2009 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


IEC 61196-1-113 ®
Edition 1.0 2009-08
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Coaxial communication cables –
Part 1-113: Electrical test methods – Test for attenuation constant

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form

or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester.
If you have any questions about IEC copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication,

please contact the address below or your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

IEC Central Office
3, rue de Varembé
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
Email: inmail@iec.ch
Web: www.iec.ch
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigenda or an amendment might have been published.
ƒ Catalogue of IEC publications: www.iec.ch/searchpub
The IEC on-line Catalogue enables you to search by a variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical committee,…).
It also gives information on projects, withdrawn and replaced publications.
ƒ IEC Just Published: www.iec.ch/online_news/justpub
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published details twice a month all new publications released. Available
on-line and also by email.
ƒ Electropedia: www.electropedia.org
The world's leading online dictionary of electronic and electrical terms containing more than 20 000 terms and definitions
in English and French, with equivalent terms in additional languages. Also known as the International Electrotechnical
Vocabulary online.
ƒ Customer Service Centre: www.iec.ch/webstore/custserv
If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or need further assistance, please visit the Customer Service
Centre FAQ or contact us:
Email: csc@iec.ch
Tel.: +41 22 919 02 11
Fax: +41 22 919 03 00
IEC 61196-1-113 ®
Edition 1.0 2009-08
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Coaxial communication cables –
Part 1-113: Electrical test methods – Test for attenuation constant

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
PRICE CODE
H
ICS 33.120.10 ISBN 978-2-88910-440-6
– 2 – 61196-1-113 © IEC:2009(E)

CONTENTS
FOREWORD.3

1 Scope.5

2 Normative references .5

3 Attenuation constant.5

4 Test method .5

4.1 Equipment.5

4.2 Test specimen.6

4.3 Procedure .6
5 Expression of test results .6
5.1 Expression .6
5.2 Temperature correction .7
6 Form fitting.7
7 Test report.8
8 Requirements .8

61196-1-113 © IEC:2009(E) – 3 –

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

____________
COAXIAL COMMUNICATION CABLES –

Part 1-113: Electrical test methods –

Test for attenuation constant
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with an IEC Publication.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
...

Questions, Comments and Discussion

Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.

Loading comments...