Electrical characterization and performance limits of a flexible cable

The electrical performance of a flexible-cable test structure is characterized from low frequencies up to 25 GHz. The experimental results are used to develop and refine models which describe the performance of such cables, with particular emphasis on the contribution of dielectric and resistive losses, including skin effect. The capability of triplate flexible cables to provide high-bandwidth connections over long lengths is investigated with the models developed. A triplate design is chosen because it offers high density, limited crosstalk, no loss through radiation, and relatively inexpensive fabrication. Bit rates of 100 Mb/s-1 Gb/s are considered for propagation over lengths up to 250 cm. The paper highlights the performance-limiting factors through realistic examples, including the contribution of interfaces to other interconnection structures.