Wideband RF-leakage test method for cables

Electromagnetic leakage from coaxial cables, (i.e. shielding effectiveness of coaxial cables) was successfully measured as an absolute value over a frequency range from 4 GHz to 18 GHz using a simple, compact test system composed of parabolic cylinder reflector antennas. In combination with a regular vector network analyzer and high-frequency power amplifier, this system allows shield-effectiveness measurements without the need for a shielded room. The dynamic range of this system is approximately 85 dB, allowing shield-effectiveness measurements for various types of coaxial cable shieldings with good reproducibility. The test results are similar to those obtained by standard methods, indicating the possibility of shielding effectiveness measurements even for higher-frequency ranges such as the millimeter-wave range.<>