GORE^® Space Cables and Assemblies: Datalines

Data transmission between various systems on a spacecraft is crucial to the success and safety of the mission — the cables used to transmit data have a direct impact on the quality of the signal and the time required for transmission. For example, if the cable system used for data transmission fails, the communication between the craft and mission control could be lost. Cable performance is based on reliability, durability and signal integrity, all of which can be compromised by electrical, mechanical and environmental stress.

In today’s aerospace missions, environmental stress can include extreme temperatures, chemicals, abrasion and extensive flexing. These conditions often call for cables that are smaller, more lightweight and offer long service life.

GORE Space Cables, Types GCX/GTX/GBL for dataline applications answer these challenges. Qualified according to ESCC 3902/002, the cables combine excellent electrical performance with mechanical robustness to provide outstanding signal transmission up to 1 GHz in the most difficult situations. Designed with wires of identical electrical length, the cables have a conductor time delay that differs by less than 0.1 nsec/m.

The cables’ small size and minimum bending radius make them easy to install in tight places. Because they’re so lightweight, the cables minimize the problems associated with balancing difficult mass budgets. Manufactured as coaxial, triaxial and balanced lines, the cables offer low capacitance and low signal attenuation. Additionally, they provide constant characteristic impedance along the entire cable with minimal reflections, and are listed on the ESA QPL (Qualified Parts List).                                       

GORE Space Cables, Types GBL/GCS/GTX for dataline applications are proven to provide the lightest, most reliable rate of data transmission available in today’s market. They have provided outstanding performance in such applications as high-resolution cameras and digital signal processors for satellites, telescopes, the International Space Station (ISS) and other mission-critical operations.

The key to the space cables’ outstanding performance is the proprietary material used in the cable insulation: expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE).

At high frequencies, the electrical properties of the insulation become extremely important, particularly the dielectric constant (εr). The εr for air is 1.0, and the ideal value for cable insulation material should be as close to 1.0 as possible. Expanded PTFE has an εr of 1.3, which means that ePTFE facilitates low capacitance and minimal attenuation along with high signal speed in GORE Space Cables, Types GCX/GTX/GBL for dataline applications. Because ePTFE is chemically inert, the cables can even be used at cryogenic temperatures or as high as 260°C for short periods of time.

Continuing Gore’s heritage of contributing cables to spacecrafts — including the Mars Rover and the Apollo 11 mission to the moon — GORE Space Cables, Types GCX/GTX/GBL for dataline applications are trusted by some of the most important operations in spacecraft today and in recent history. These include:                                                                     

• Express MD1/MD2
• Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle (IXV)
• International Space Station (ISS)
• James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)
• NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter
• XMM               

Aboard these spacecrafts, our cables have served a number of uses. They protect signal transmission in:

• digital signal processors
• high-resolution cameras, sensors and detectors
• high-speed subsystem interconnects

Without the performance of GORE Space Cables, Types GCX/GTX/GBL for dataline applications, these operations could be interrupted — for instance, preventing satellites from transmitting images back to Earth. Our cables’ superior electrical performance and mechanical robustness ensure this will never happen.

GORE Space Cables, Types GCX/GTX/GBL for dataline applications provide mechanical toughness and strong electrical performance aboard a number of spacecraft types, ensuring that data is successfully transmitted.

The features of our cables that allow this to happen include:

• lowest weight and smallest diameter available in the market
• excellent electrical performance
• superior EMC performance
• fault-tolerant and standardized LVDS technology
• high flexibility and low bend radius
• minimal conductor time delay

As a result, our cables offer many benefits, including:

• outstanding signal transmission because of electrical performance and fault tolerance
• long-lasting life resulting from robust insulation
• easy installation with cable flexibility and low bend radius
• valued reliability delivered from an ESA-qualified and a DIN EN ISO 9001:2000-certified manufacturing facility

Additionally, our customers receive sales and technical support from our worldwide engineering team. If you have any questions as you consider our cables for your spacecraft application, please contact us.

GORE Space Cables, Types GCX/GTX/GBL for dataline applications meet these technical specifications according to ESCC 3902/002 and are listed on the ESA QPL.

GORE Space Cables, Types GCX/GTX/GBL for dataline applications vary by impedance, gauge size and construction type. To determine the best cable for your application and place your order, please download the Product Selection Guide or contact us.

Find more information about GORE Space Cables, Types GCX/GTX/GBL for dataline applications in the product data sheet and a white paper discussing the properties of cables that ensure peak electrical performance.