Specifying and characterizing cable/connector systems for high-speed interfaces in defense/aerospace systems

This paper presents a common-sense approach for specifying and characterizing cable/connector systems used for high-speed data interfaces between defense/aerospace equipment, most specifically equipment using off-the-shelf non-defense/aerospace interfaces. The approach described examines the cable/connector system by itself to specify and characterize its ability to impede the transfer of interference, prevent emissions of the desired signal, and to meet required signal integrity attributes. Cable/connector system specification wording and verification methods are provided.