Question

What makes Endevco cable assemblies more reliable?

Answer

One of the most commonly overlooked (and abused) components of an electronic measurement system involving accelerometers is the cable assembly between the sensor and signal conditioner. Much thought is usually put into the selection of the accelerometer itself. And the signal conditioner/data acquisition system, with its many features and functions as well as relative high price, is often specified very carefully. But the cable is often an afterthought, receiving little or no attention.

And yet, no other single component in a measurement system has a more significant influence on the success or failure of a test than the cable. Poor performance from a cable can be devastating to a test endeavor, resulting in corrupted and unreliable data or an expensive waste of test time and materials.

Endevco has spent decades investing in cable technology and construction methods so that users can avoid these performance problems. Not all cable assemblies are the same, although some consider cables to be a commodity. This is not the case, and Endevco cable assemblies are better in several regards.

One of the keys areas we focus on is how the connectors are installed on the cable. It is common in the test and measurement world to find coaxial cable assemblies where the center conductor of the cable is affixed to the center pin of the connector by a "poke and crimp" method. The center conductor is literally inserted in the pin and a crimp tool is used to squeeze down on the conductor. A mechanical and electrical joint is made this way, but reliability questions remain. Vibration can loosen up such a joint during the course of a test, causing intermittent "open circuit" conditions, and the resulting data can even mimic legitimate vibration data. Repeated temperature cycling from hot to cold can loosen up the joint as well. Even day-to-day handling of the cable assembly can cause such a joint to fail over time.

Why use the "poke and crimp" method? It's quick and easy to produce, allowing the manufacturer to offer a low-cost cable assembly.

Endevco takes a different approach. We do not use this method of cable construction. Instead, we weld the center conductor to the center pin. This is the best mechanical and electrical joint possible and gives the user a level of reliability unmatched in the industry.