IEC 60966-3:2023

Radio frequency and coaxial cable assemblies - Part 3: Sectional specification for semi-flexible coaxial cable assemblies

IEC 60966-3:2023 is a sectional specification that relates to semi-flexible coaxial cable assemblies operating in the transverse electromagnetic mode (TEM). It specifies the design and construction, IEC type designation, workmanship, marking and packaging, standard rating and characteristics, electrical, mechanical and environmental requirements of finished semi-flexible cable assemblies, quality assessment, delivery and storage, etc.
This part of IEC 60966 applies to semi-flexible cable assemblies composed of semi-flexible coaxial cables and coaxial connectors. Semi-flexible cable assemblies are widely used in mobile communication systems, microwave test equipment, radar, aerospace and other fields.
NOTE 1 For the purpose of this sectional specification, a cable assembly is always regarded as an integral unit. All specifications apply to the finished assembly and not to individual and non-assembled parts thereof.
NOTE 2 This sectional specification can be supplemented with detail specifications giving additional details as required by the particular application. This application will not necessarily require all tests.

Cordons coaxiaux et cordons pour fréquences radioélectriques – Partie 3: Spécification intermédiaire pour cordons coaxiaux semi-flexibles

L’IEC 60966-3:2023 est une spécification intermédiaire qui concerne les cordons coaxiaux semi-flexibles qui fonctionnent en mode électromagnétique transverse (TEM). Elle spécifie la conception et la construction, la désignation de type IEC, la qualité d’exécution, le marquage et l’emballage, les valeurs assignées et les caractéristiques normalisées, les exigences électriques, mécaniques et environnementales des cordons semi-flexibles finis, l’évaluation de la qualité, la livraison et le stockage, etc.
La présente partie de l’IEC 60966 s’applique aux cordons semi-rigides composés de câbles coaxiaux semi-flexibles et de connecteurs coaxiaux. Les cordons semi-flexibles sont largement utilisés dans les systèmes de communication mobile, le matériel d’essai hyperfréquences, les radars, l’aérospatial et d’autres domaines.
NOTE 1 Pour les besoins de la présente spécification intermédiaire, un cordon est toujours considéré dans son intégralité. Toutes les spécifications s’appliquent au cordon fini et non à des parties individuelles et non assemblées de celui-ci.
NOTE 2 La présente spécification intermédiaire peut être complétée par des spécifications particulières donnant des détails supplémentaires comme l’exige l’application particulière. Cette application n’exige pas obligatoirement tous les essais.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 29-Oct-2023
• ICS: 33.120.10 - Coaxial cables. Waveguides
• Technical Committee: TC 46 - Cables, wires, waveguides, RF connectors, RF and microwave passive components and accessories
• Drafting Committee: WG 9 - TC 46/WG 9
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 30-Oct-2023
• Completion Date: 24-Nov-2023

Relations

• Revises: IEC 60966-3:2008 - Radio frequency and coaxial cable assemblies - Part 3: Sectional specification for semi-flexible coaxial cable assemblies
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 60966-3 ®
Edition 4.0 2023-10
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Radio frequency and coaxial cable assemblies –
Part 3: Sectional specification for semi-flexible coaxial cable assemblies

Cordons coaxiaux et cordons pour fréquences radioélectriques –
Partie 3: Spécification intermédiaire pour cordons coaxiaux semi-flexibles
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IEC 60966-3 ®
Edition 4.0 2023-10
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Radio frequency and coaxial cable assemblies –

Part 3: Sectional specification for semi-flexible coaxial cable assemblies

Cordons coaxiaux et cordons pour fréquences radioélectriques –

Partie 3: Spécification intermédiaire pour cordons coaxiaux semi-flexibles

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 33.120.10  ISBN 978-2-8322-7724-9

– 2 – IEC 60966-3:2023 © IEC 2023
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Design and construction . 6
4.1 Cable design and construction . 6
4.2 Connector design and construction . 6
4.3 The relative position dimensions of the interface . 6
4.4 Outline of the cable assembly . 6
5 Workmanship, marking and packaging . 7
6 IEC type designation . 8
7 Rating and characteristics . 9
7.1 Nominal characteristic impedance . 9
7.2 Temperature range . 9
8 Requirements of finished cable assemblies . 9
8.1 General . 9
8.2 Electrical requirements . 9
8.3 Mechanical requirements . 11
8.4 Environmental requirements . 13
9 Quality management . 15
10 Test schedules . 16
10.1 Qualification test . 16
10.2 Acceptance tests . 17
10.3 Periodic tests . 18
Annex A (normative) The relative position dimensions of the interface of some typical
connectors . 19
Annex B (normative) Preferred arrangement for vibrations, shocks test . 22

Figure 1 – Length definition of cable assemblies with two connectors . 7
Figure 2 – Length definition of cable assemblies with one connector . 7
Figure 3 – The marking example of a cable assembly . 8
Figure A.1 – The relative position dimensions of the interface of some typical
connectors . 20
Figure B.1 – Preferred arrangement for vibrations, shocks test . 22

Table 1 – Rated temperature of cable assemblies with semi-flexible cables with
polytetrafluoroethylene dielectric (IEC 61196-8) . 9
Table 2 – Electrical requirements . 10
Table 3 – Mechanical requirements. 12
Table 4 – Environmental requirements . 14
Table 5 – Qualification test . 16
Table 6 – Acceptance test . 17
Table 7 – Sampling plan . 17
Table 8 – Periodic test . 18
Table A.1 – The dimensions of A and B in Figure A.1 . 21

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
RADIO FREQUENCY AND COAXIAL CABLE ASSEMBLIES –

Part 3: Sectional specification for semi-flexible coaxial cable assemblies

FOREWORD
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
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shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC 60966-3 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 46: Cables, wires, waveguides, RF
connectors, RF and microwave passive components and accessories. It is an International
Standard.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2008. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) Added “4.3 The relative position dimensions of the interface”;
b) Added “Figure 2”;
c) Added “6 IEC type designation”;
d) Modified “Figure 3”;
– 4 – IEC 60966-3:2023 © IEC 2023
e) Added “7 Rating and characteristics”;
f) Added “Requirements/Remarks” to all the tests in Clause 8;
g) Added some characteristics, such as insertion loss stability, intermodulation level
measurement, corona extinction voltage, single bending, abrasion test of cable assembly,
mechanical endurance, etc.;
h) Rewrote test schedules;
i) Added Annex A and Annex B.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
46/945/FDIS 46/957/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_expe rts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
A list of all parts in the IEC 60966 series, published under the general title Radio frequency and
coaxial cable assemblies, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn, or
• revised.
RADIO FREQUENCY AND COAXIAL CABLE ASSEMBLIES –

Part 3: Sectional specification for semi-flexible coaxial cable assemblies

1 Scope
This part of IEC 60966 is a sectional specification that relates to semi-flexible coaxial cable
assemblies operating in the transverse electromagnetic mode (TEM). It specifies the design
and construction, IEC type designation, workmanship, marking and packaging, standard rating
and characteristics, electrical, mechanical and environmental requirements of finished semi-
flexible cable assemblies, quality assessment, delivery and storage, etc.
This part of IEC 60966 applies to semi-flexible cable assemblies composed of semi-flexible
coaxial cables and coaxial connectors. Semi-flexible cable assemblies are widely used in
mobile communication systems, microwave test equipment, radar, aerospace and other fields.
NOTE 1 For the purpose of this sectional specification, a cable assembly is always regarded as an integral unit. All
specifications apply to the finished assembly and not to individual and non-assembled parts thereof.
NOTE 2 This sectional specification can be supplemented with detail specifications giving additional details as
required by the particular application. This application will not necessarily require all tests.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60068-1:2013, Environmental testing − Part 1: General and guidance
IEC 60966-1:2019, Radio frequency and coaxial cable assemblies – Part 1: Generic
specification – General requirements and test methods
IEC 61169 (all parts), Radio frequency connectors
IEC 61196-1-126, Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-126: Electrical test methods – Corona
extinction voltage
IEC 61196-1-314:2015, Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-314: Mechanical test methods
– Test for bending
IEC 61196-8, Coaxial communication cables – Part 8: Sectional specification for semi-flexible
cables with fluoropolymer dielectric

– 6 – IEC 60966-3:2023 © IEC 2023
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the definitions given in IEC 60966-1:2019 apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
4 Design and construction
4.1 Cable design and construction
Cables should conform to IEC 61196-8 and its related detail specifications. Where cable
designs deviating from these publications are required, they shall comply with the requirements
of the detail specification of the cable.
If required, the manufacturer can use additional protective tubing or cable deviating from
IEC 61196-8, in order to comply with the requirements of the detail specification.
The materials used in the cable shall be given as engineering information in the relevant detail
specification.
4.2 Connector design and construction
Connectors should conform to the IEC 61169 series. Where connector designs deviating from
the IEC 61169 series are required, the interface should conform to the relevant part of
IEC 61169 where available and shall comply with the requirements of the relevant detail
specification.
The materials used in the connector shall be given as engineering information in the relevant
detail specification.
4.3 The relative position dimensions of the interface
The relative position dimensions of the interface of end connector(s) of the cable assemblies
shall comply with the interface of the relevant part of IEC 61169 or the relevant detail
specification. The relative position dimensions of the interface of end connector(s) include the
dimension of inner conductor relative to dielectric and inner conductor relative to outer
conductor.
The relative position dimensions of the interface of some typical connectors are shown in
Annex A.
4.4 Outline of the cable assembly
The outline shall be in accordance with the relevant detail specification of the cable assembly.
The length, unless otherwise specified in the relevant detail specification, is defined as between
the end planes of the connectors. In the case of right-angle connectors, the length applies to
the axis of the connectors (see Figure 1 and Figure 2).
Unless specified in the relevant detail specification, the length tolerance shall be ±1 % for
cables equal to or longer than 300 mm, and ± 3 mm for cables shorter than 300 mm.

Figure 1 – Length definition of cable assemblies with two connectors

Figure 2 – Length definition of cable assemblies with one connector
5 Workmanship, marking and packaging
IEC 60966-1:2019, Clause 5 and the following paragraph applies:
Cable assemblies made in accordance with this sectional specification comprise a section of
cable and two connectors (see Figure 1). Occasionally, the cable assembly will comprise only
a cable and one connector (see Figure 2). When specified in the relevant detail specification,
the assembly may additionally include markers for identification of the assembly and
interconnecting ends. End caps and other accessories may also be specified (see Figure 3).

– 8 – IEC 60966-3:2023 © IEC 2023

a
When specified.
Figure 3 – The marking example of a cable assembly
6 IEC type designation
IEC type designation of cable assembly consists of the type of cable and connectors, the length
of the cable assembly and the IEC standard number, as shown below:

Example 1: 50-141-13-SMA/SMA-100-A IEC 60966-3 cable assembly is composed of
50-141-13 semi-flexible cable, one end is SMA pin connector and the other end is SMA pin
connector, the length of the cable assembly is 100 mm, its distinguishing number is A. This
cable assembly complies with IEC 60966-3.
Example 2: 50-141-13-SMA-100-A IEC 60966-3 cable assembly is composed of 50-141-13
semi-flexible cable, one end is SMA pin connector and the other end empty, the length of the
cable assembly is 100 mm, its distinguishing number is A. This cable assembly complies with
IEC 60966-3.
7 Rating and characteristics
7.1 Nominal characteristic impedance
The nominal characteristic impedance shall be 50 Ω, 75 Ω or as specified in the relevant detail
specification.
7.2 Temperature range
The rated temperature range of the cable assemblies with different cables shall be in
accordance with Table 1 or as specified in its detail specification.
Table 1 – Rated temperature of cable assemblies with semi-flexible cables
with polytetrafluoroethylene dielectric (IEC 61196-8)
Parameter No sheath PVC sheath FEP sheath LSZH sheath
°C °C °C °C
Operational temperature range −55 to 125 −40 to 85 −55 to 125 −15 to 70
Storage temperature range −55 to 125 −40 to 85 −55 to 125 −15 to 70
Installation temperature range −10 to 40 −30 to 60 −40 to 60 −10 to 60

8 Requirements of finished cable assemblies
8.1 General
For finished cable assemblies, the requirements given below shall apply when they are tested
in accordance with IEC 60966-1:2019 and the test methods specified herein.
When needed, cable assemblies with one connector shall be terminated with a suitable
connector at the cable end to do the test and cut off after the test.
Unless otherwise specified, all measurements shall be carried out under standard atmospheric
conditions for testing in accordance with IEC 60068-1:2013, Clause 4.
8.2 Electrical requirements
Electrical requirements are given in Table 2.

– 10 – IEC 60966-3:2023 © IEC 2023
Table 2 – Electrical requirements
No. Parameter Test method Requirements/Remarks
IEC 60966-1:2019
Value in accordance with the relevant detail
specification.
While the parameter return loss (A ) is preferred,
r
the reflection factor (r) or the VSWR (voltage
standing wave ratio) may be specified
where
Reflection properties
1 8.1
(Return loss)
A = −20 log |r|
r 10
and
1+ r
VSWR=
1− r
Rise time of the TDR system in accordance with
the detail specification.
Uniformity of
2 8.2
The characteristic impedance variation shall not
impedance
exceed ± 5 % of the nominal value or shall be in
accordance with the relevant detail specifications.
Value in accordance with the relevant detail
3 Insertion loss 8.3
specification
When required, unless otherwise specified in the
relevant detail specification, test conditions and
requirements are as follows:
a) test mandrel radius: dynamic state bending
radius in the relevant detail specification of
cable;
4 Insertion loss stability 8.4
b) number of turns: 1;
c) portion of the cable assembly on the mandrel is
its central portion.
After bending, the insertion loss shall be in
accordance with the detail specification.
When required, value in accordance with the detail
specification.
5 Propagation time 8.5
Typical values are for solid PTFE dielectric of
cable: 4,76 ns/m.
When required, method 1 or method 2 in
IEC 60966-1:2019, 8.6.2.1 shall be used in
Stability of electrical
accordance with the detail specification.
6 8.6
length
Test conditions and requirements in accordance
with the detail specification.
When required, the phase difference shall not
exceed the limits specified in the relevant detail
specification.
7 Phase difference 8.7
When more than two cable assemblies are
measured, the reference cable shall be clearly
marked.
Phase variation with When required, value in accordance with the detail
8 8.8
temperature specification.
Value of transfer impedance or shield attenuation in
accordance with the detail specification.
Typical values are as follows:
9 Screening effectiveness 8.9
a) transfer impedance: when test frequency is less
than 30 MHz, the maximum value is 300 μΩ/m;
b) shield attenuation: better than (90 − f) dB, f:
GHz.
No. Parameter Test method Requirements/Remarks
IEC 60966-1:2019
Value in accordance with the relevant detail
specification
There shall be no breakdown, arcing or flashover
throughout.
10 Voltage proof 8.10
Typical values are as follows:
– sea-level: 86 kPa to 106 kPa;
– 10 km: 25 kPa;
– 20 km: 4,4 kPa.
≥ 1 000 MΩ, or in accordance with the relevant
11 Insulation resistance 8.11
detail specification.
Test voltage: ≤ 36 V DC.
Inner and outer
12 8.12
Inner conductor and outer conductor shall be
conductor continuity
continuous
When required, test conditions and value in
13 Power rating 8.13
accordance with the relevant detail specification.
When required, if applicable to 50 Ω assemblies,
the test frequencies (f1 and f2), input power,
Intermodulation level measurement values in
accordance with the relevant detail specification.
Typical assemblies with the following connectors,
when tested at frequency
Intermodulation level
14 8.14
700 MHz\ 800 MHz\ 900 MHz\ 1 800 MHz\
measurement
2 100 MHz\ 2 600 MHz, input power:2×20 W, the
PIM shall be as follows:
– ≤−150 dBc (with N type connectors);
– ≤−155 dBc (with 4.3/10 type connectors);
– ≤−155 dBc (with 7/16 type connectors).
When required, sample preparation is not needed,
and the test is carried out in air without immersion
Corona extinction in insulating oil, value in accordance with the
15 IEC 61196-1-126
voltage relevant detail specification. It is recommended to
use a relatively non corona adapter to connect the
cable assembly for testing.
8.3 Mechanical requirements
Mechanical requirements are given in Table 3.

– 12 – IEC 60966-3:2023 © IEC 2023
Table 3 – Mechanical requirements
No. Parameter Test method Requirements/Remarks
IEC 60966-1:2019
Meets the requirements of IEC 60966-1:2019,
1 Visual inspection 7.2
Clause 5 and 7.2.
Value in accordance with the relevant detail
The relative position
specification.
2 dimensions of the 7.3.1
The relative position dimensions of the interface of
interface
some typical connectors are shown in Annex A.
Outline of the cable Value in accordance with the relevant detail
3 7.3.2
assembly specification.
Value of the force and duration in accordance with
the relevant detail specification.
Normally, the duration is 60 s.
Requirements after the test:
a) no obvious damage or loosening of the
4 Tensile 9.1
assembly by visual inspection;
b) the relative position dimensions of the
interface shall meet the requirement of No.2 of
Table 3;
c) reflection properties shall meet the
requirement of No.1 of Table 2.
Value of the torque in accordance with the
relevant detail specification.
The torque shall be applied at least 60 s in both
clockwise and counter clockwise directions.
Requirements after test:
5 Torque 9.5 a) no visual damage or loosening of the
assembly;
b) the relative position dimensions of the
interface shall meet the requirement of No.2 of
Table 3;
c) reflection properties shall meet the
requirement of No.1 of Table 2.
Unless otherwise specified in the relevant detail
specification, test conditions are as follows:
a) radius of test mandrel: static state bending
radius;
b) number of cycles: 2;
c) number of turns: 1;
d) test temperature: 20 °C ± 5 °C.
IEC 61196-1-314:
6 Single bending
2015, 4.3.2 Requirements after test:
a) no visual damage or loosening of the
assembly;
b) the relative position dimensions of the
interface shall meet the requirement of No.2 of
Table 3;
c) the reflection properties shall meet the
requirement of No.1 of Table 2.
Number of cycles (normally 20) in accordance with
the relevant detail specification.
Requirements after test:
a) no visual damage or loosening of the
assembly;
7 Multiple bending 9.6
b) the relative position dimensions of the
interface shall meet the requirement of No.2 of
Table 3;
c) the reflection properties shall meet the
requirement of No.1 of Table 2.

No. Parameter Test method Requirements/Remarks
IEC 60966-1:2019
Value of the force F (normally 800 N), distance
from the test region to one of the connectors
(normally 1 m maximum) in accordance with the
relevant detail specification.
Requirements after test:
a) no visual damage or loosening of the
assembly;
8 Cable assembly crushing 9.4
b) the relative position dimensions of the
interface shall meet the requirement of No.2 of
Table 3;
c) reflection properties shall meet the
requirement of No.1 of Table 2;
d) insertion loss shall meet the requirement of
No.3 of Table 2.
When required, the number of completed cycles
Abrasion test of cable
9 9.7 for all four tests shall be in accordance with the
assembly
relevant detail specification
When required, the preferred arrangement for the
vibration test is described in Annex B.
a) Vibration:
Swept frequency range, vibration amplitude,
duration in accordance with the relevant detail
specification.
Three perpendicular directions, one of which
shall be parallel to the common axis of the
connectors, shall be tested.
b) Shock:
10 Vibrations, shocks Annex C
The wave，peak acceleration and the duration
of the pulse in accordance with the relevant
detail specification.
Requirements after test:
a) no visual damage or loosening of the
assembly;
b) no electrical interruptions exceeding 1 μs;
c) the relative position dimensions of the
interface shall meet the requirement of No.2 of
Table 3.
When required, heights and number of dropping
cycles at each height in accordance with the
relevant detail specification
11 Impact test 9.9
Requirements after test:
no visual damage or loosening of the assembly.
When required, 500 operations or in accordance
with the relevant detail specification.
Requirements after test:
12 Mechanical endurance  9.10
a) no visual damage or loosening of the
assembly;
b) the reflection properties shall meet the
requirement of No.1 of Table 2.

8.4 Environmental requirements
Environmental requirements are given in Table 4.

– 14 – IEC 60966-3:2023 © IEC 2023
Table 4 – Environmental requirements
No. Parameter Test method Requirements/Remarks
IEC 60966-1:2019
The test conditions shall be in accordance with the
relevant detail specification
After the test, conduct the insulation resistance
measurement and the voltage proof test within 30
min of the end of the recovery period.
Requirements after test:
1 Climatic sequence 10.3 a) no visual damage in cable assembly;
b) insulation resistance shall meet the requirement
of No.11 of Table 2;
c) voltage proof shall meet the requirement of
No.10 of Table 2;
d) insertion loss shall meet the requirement of No.3
of Table 2.
Temperature: 40 °C ± 2 °C
Humidity: (93 % ± 3 %) RH
Duration: 10 days or in accordance with the relevant
detail specification.
After the test, conduct the insulation resistance
measurement and the voltage proof test within 30
min of the end of the recovery period.
2 Damp heat, steady state 10.4
Requirements after test:
a) no visual damage in cable assembly;
b) insulation resistance shall meet the requirement
of No.11 of Table 2;
c) voltage proof shall meet the requirement of
No.10 of Table 2;
d) insertion loss shall meet the requirement of No.3
of Table 2.
Low and high conditioning temperature should be in
accordance with the relevant detail specification.
Requirements after test:
a) no visual damage or loosening of the assembly;
b) the relative position dimensions of the interface
shall meet the requirement of No.2 of Table 3;
c) the end connectors shall insert and separate
Rapid change of
freely in normal manner;
3 10.5
temperature
d) insulation resistance shall meet the requirement
of No.11 of Table 2;
e) voltage proof shall meet the requirement of
No.10 of Table 2;
f) reflection properties shall meet the requirement
of No.1 of Table 2;
g) insertion loss shall meet the requirement of No.3
of Table 2.
No. Parameter Test method Requirements/Remarks
IEC 60966-1:2019
When required, after the test and the recovery
period, conduct the insulation resistance
measurement.
Requirements after test:
a) no visual damage or loosening of the assembly;
b) the relative position dimensions of the interface
Resistance to solvents
4 10.6
shall meet the requirement of No.2 of Table 3;
and contaminating fluids
c) the end connectors shall insert and separate
freely in normal manner;
d) insulation resistance shall meet the requirement
of No.11 of Table 2;
e) insertion loss shall meet the requirement of No.3
of Table 2.
When required, after the test and the recovery
period, conduct the insulation resistance
measurement and the voltage proof test.
Requirements after test:
a) no visual damage or loosening of the assembly;
b) the relative position dimensions of the interface
5 Water immersion 10.7
shall meet the requirement of No.2 of Table 3;
c) the end connectors shall insert and separate
freely in normal manner;
d) insulation resistance shall meet the requirement
of No.11 of Table 2;
e) voltage proof shall meet the requirement of
No.10 of Table 2.
When required, test conditions in accordance with
the relevant detail specification.
Requirements after test:
a) no visual damage of the assembly;
Salt mist and sulphur
b) the end connectors shall insert and separate
6 10.8
dioxide tests
freely in normal manner;
c) insulation resistance shall meet the requirement
of No.11 of Table 2;
d) insertion loss shall meet the requirement of No.3
of Table 2.
When required, test conditions in accordance with
the relevant detail specification.
Requirements after test:
a) no visual damage of the assembly;
7 Dust tests 10.9
b) the end connectors shall insert and separate
freely in normal manner;
c) insertion loss shall meet the requirement of No.3
of Table 2.
When required, the assemblies shall not continue to
burn for more than 15 s after being removed from
the flame.
8 Flammability 10.10
During the test, no burning material drops down
from the assemblies.
9 Quality management
The quality management shall be in accordance with IEC 60966-1:2019, Clause 6.

– 16 – IEC 60966-3:2023 © IEC 2023
10 Test schedules
10.1 Qualification test
Unless specified in the relevant detail specifications, the cable assemblies shall be subjected
to the qualification tests specified in Table 5. All samples shall be subjected to inspection of
group 1. The samples shall then be divided equally into several groups according to Table 5
and subjected to the inspection for their particular group and in the sequence given for that
group.
Table 5 – Qualification test
Group Parameter Test method Requirement Number of
samples
IEC 60966-1:2019 IEC 60966-3:xxxx
Visual inspection 7.2 No.1 of Table 3
The relative position dimensions of the
7.3.1 No.2 of Table 3
interface
Outline of the cable assembly 7.3.2 No.3 of Table 3
Reflection properties 8.1 No.1 of Table 2
Uniformity of impedance 8.2 No.2 of Table 2
Insertion loss 8.3 No.3 of Table 2
a
All samples
b
8.4 No.4 of Table 2
Insertion loss stability
b
8.7 No.7 of Table 2
Phase difference
Insulation resistance 8.11 No.11 of Table 2
Inner and outer conductor continuity 8.12 No.12 of Table 2
b
8.14 No.14 of Table 2
Intermodulation level measurement
b
8.5 No.5 of Table 2
Propagation time
b
8.6 No.6 of Table 2
Stability of electrical length
Screening effectiveness 8.9 No.9 of Table 2
Voltage proof 8.10 No.10 of Table 2
b
8.13 No.13 of Table 2
Power rating
b
IEC 61196-1-126 No.15 of Table 2
Corona extinction voltage
Tensile 9.1 No.4 of Table 3
Single bending IEC 61196-1-314 No.6 of Table 3
Cable assembly crushing 9.4 No.8 of Table 3
Torque 9.5 No.5 of Table 3
2 2
Multiple bending 9.6 No.7 of Table 3
b
Vibrations, shocks Annex C No.10 of Table 3
b
9.9 No.11 of Table 3
Impact test
b
9.10 No.12 of Table 3
Mechanical endurance
Damp heat, steady state 10.4 No.2 of Table 4
Rapid change of temperature 10.5 No.3 of Table 4
b
10.7 No.5 of Table 4
Water immersion
b
10.8 No.6 of Table 4
Salt mist and sulphur dioxide tests
b
10.9 No.7 of Table 4
Dust tests
b c
3 Abrasion test of cable assembly 9.7 No.9 of Table 3 1
b c
4 Phase variation with temperature 8.8 No.8 of Table 2 1
Climatic sequence 10.3 No.1 of Table 4
5 1
Resistance to solvents and
10.6 No.4 of Table 4
b
contaminating fluids
b
6 10.10 No.8 of Table 4 1
Flammability
a
The number of samples depends on the test groups.
b
When required.
c
When the length of the cable assembly to be tested is not long enough to do the test, a longer cable assembly
which is the same as the cable assembly to be tested except its length shall be used to do the test instead.

10.2 Acceptance tests
Unless specified in the relevant detail specifications, the acceptance tests in Table 6 shall be
performed on a production lot basis and samples shall be selected in accordance with Table 6.
Table 6 – Acceptance test
Group Parameter Test method Requirement Sampling plan
IEC 60966-1:2019 IEC 60966-3:xxxx
Visual inspection 7.2 No.1 of Table 3
The relative position dimensions of the
7.3.1 No.2 of Table 3
interface
Outline of the cable assembly 7.3.2 No.3 of Table 3
Reflection properties 8.1 No.1 of Table 2
Uniformity of impedance 8.2 No.2 of Table 2
A 100 %
Insertion loss 8.3 No.3 of Table 2
a
8.4 No.4 of Table 2
Insertion loss stability
a
8.7 No.7 of Table 2
Phase difference
Insulation resistance 8.11 No.11 of Table 2
Inner and outer conductor continuity 8.12 No.12 of Table 2
a
8.14 No.14 of Table 2
Intermodulation level measurement
a
8.5 No.5 of Table 2
Propagation time
a
8.8 No.8 of Table 2
Phase variation with temperature
B Voltage proof 8.10 No.10 of Table 2 Table 7
a
Corona extinction voltage IEC 61196-1-126 No.15 of Table 2
a
9.10 No.12 of Table 3
Mechanical endurance
a
When required.
Table 7 – Sampling plan
Lot size Sample size
1 to 5 all
6 to 90 5
91 to 150 11
151 to 280 13
281 to 500 16
501 to 1 200 19
1 201 to 3 200 23
3 201 to 10 000 29
10 001 to 35 000 35
≥ 35 000 40
– 18 – IEC 60966-3:2023 © IEC 2023
10.3 Periodic tests
Unless specified in the relevant detail specifications, the periodic tests in Table 8 shall be
performed not less than once every 3 years.
Table 8 – Periodic test
Group Parameter Test method Requirement Number of
samples
IEC 60966-1:2019 IEC 60966-3:xxxx
Stability of electrical length 8.6 No.6 of Table 2
Screening effectiveness 8.9 No.9 of Table 2
a
8.13 No.13 of Table 2
Power rating
Tensile 9.1 No.4 of Table 3
Single bending IEC 61196-1-314 No.6 of Table 3
1 2
Cable assembly crushing 9.4 No.8 of Table 3
Torque 9.5 No.5 of Table 3
Multiple bending 9.6 No.7 of Table 3
Damp heat, steady state 10.4 No.2 of Table 4
Rapid change of temperature 10.5 No.3 of Table 4
a
2 9.7 No.9 of Table 3 1
Abrasion test of cable assembly
a
3 Flammability 10.10 No.8 of Table 4 1
a
When required.
Annex A
(normative)
The relative position dimensions of the interface
of some typical connectors
The relative position dimensions of the interface of some typical connectors, unless otherwise
specified in the relevant detail specification, shall be in accordance with Figure A.1 and
Table A.1.
a) The interface of N series pin connector b) The interface of N series socket connector

c) The interface of SMA series pin connector d) The interface of SMA series socket connector

e) The interface of SSMA series pin connector f) The interface of SSMA series socket connector

– 20 – IEC 60966-3:2023 © IEC 2023

g) The interface of TNC series pin connector h) The interface of TNC series socket connector

i) The interface of TNCA series pin connector j) The interface of TNCA series socket connector
(air interface) (air interface)

A The dimension of the inner conductor relative to the outer conductor.
B The dimension of the dielectric relative to the outer conductor.
Figure A.1 – The relative position dimensions of the interface
of some typical connectors
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