The TCOM Coaxial Cable series is manufactured exclusively by Times Microwave Systems USA.
Sharing the same design heritage and DNA of the globally popular Times LMR™ Cable series , the TCOM cable series was originally developed to specifically address applications which needed excellent Passive Intermodulation Performance (PIM) combined with flexibility.
The aim was to develop a product series which could be used in applications operating within the frequency range DC-10 GHz which required a degree of flexibility to overcome the design limitations of corrugated copper outer jacket cable type products – yet offering similar low attenuation , superior reliability and excellent PIM performances ( better than -155 dBc).
Since the introduction of the original TCOM cables , the range has been extended to include now the TCOM-FLEXSTRAND-DB versions – all specifically designed for ultra high flex applications such as deployable radio/Communications Mast applications (Military and Commercial) as well as temporary cell sites which use pop up Antenna masts.
TCOM coaxial cable = Premium Electrical Performance!
The cable design features a High conductivity copper clad aluminium lightweight centre conductor covered with a nitrogen injected, foamed, closed cell Polyethylene dielectric which helps achieve an extremely high Velocity of Propagation and correspondingly a low attenuation.
The cable series is triple shielded – consisting of a primary screen which is produced using a highly conductive, oxygen free, torque resistant Silver-Plated Copper Flat Wire Strip Braid. This is then covered by a 360 degree wrap Aluminium outer tape shield which in turn is covered with a tin plated copper outer braid.
This unique triple shielding feature results in unique, TCOM flexible cable designs which still offer the highest shielding effectiveness possible (> 100 dB’s) thus minimising the attenuation contribution here also.
Popular uses of TCOM Coaxial Cable Series
TCOM coaxial cables are used in 100’s of applications however there are particular applications where TCOM’s attributes offer unrivalled performance , such as:
- Wireless Base Station Interconnect
- Low Loss UHF/Microwave Interconnect
- Low PIM type applications.
Other variations of standard TCOM cables
Through the years, Times Microwave Systems have innovated additional special versions of the TCOM cable family which feature different outer jacket materials and/or stranded centre conductors to:
- TCOM-PUR – designed to enhance installation flexibility
- TCOM-FLEXSTRAND-DB -designed to significantly extend the flex life to make them suitable for constant flexing type applications.
- TCOM-FR – designed to comply with Fire Resistance regulations for indoor use
- TCOM-DB option (an additional feature which can be added to any TCOM cable variant to make it completely water blocked – ideal for all outdoor applications.
TCOM-FLEXSTAND-DB Cable Series
Times Microwave further extended the popular original TCOM series to address highly demanding applications which needed all of the TCOM’s product features above , but also required the additionally ability to withstand constant flexing in an outdoor/field environment – leading to the innovation of the totally unique TCOM-FLEXSTRAND-DB cable series.
Popular applications for TCOM-FLEXSTRAND-DB cable types include applications requiring high reliability with repeated flexure – such as Antenna Masts to be erected and retracted on a regular basis, especially in low temperatures, such as:
- Military Radio Communications Quick Erecting Antenna Masts
- COWS (Temporary Trailer Mounted Cell Site Antenna Masts to provide additional or emergency cellular coverage)
- Satellite TV Outside Broadcast Vehicle Masts.
TCOM Outer Jacket Options
Standard TCOM – PE outer jacket.
The standard TCOM Coaxial Cable comes with a UV resistant, PE (Polyethylene) Jacket. This helps to ensure the cable jacket can withstand harsh outside environments and UV rays from sunlight, this is designed to last for up to 20 years of outdoor service.
TCOM-PUR
An additional option is the -PUR (Polyurethane) outer jacket. This has the extra benefit of the cable jacket having superior abrasion resistance -ideal for applications where long length cables are exposed to damage by being regularly pulled over highly abrasive concrete surfaces. The -PUR jacket also remains more flexible over a wide temperature range – making it ideal for Military mast type applications in exposed low temperature areas.
TCOM-FR
The TCOM-FR cable features a Fire Retardant Polyethylene jacket– designed to comply with Fire Resistance regulations for indoor use such as CMR/Riser ratings.
The Most popular TCOM Cable that McGill Microwave supply today is the TCOM-400-PUR-DB cable. Want to know more?
Connector Availability
The added benefit of using the TCOM cable is the vast range of connectors that are available as the TCOM cable series uses the same connectors as the universally popular Times LMR™ Cable series.
Typical connector interface types that can be used with the TCOM coaxial cable are as follows:
- N Male
- N Female
- 7/16 DIN Male
- 7/16 DIN Female
- TNC Male
- TNC Female
- UHF Male
- SMA Male
- SMA Female
- BNC Male
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