SR-020 0.020" Semi-Rigid Coaxial Cable UT-020 Compatible Alternative for RF Test

SR-020 is a precision 0.020 inch (0.53mm) semi rigid coaxial cable designed as a high-performance alternative to Micro-Coax UT-020, offering the same electrical and mechanical specifications with flexible MOQ and fast lead times. This miniature semi rigid coax features a solid copper tube outer conductor that provides 100% RF shielding, ensuring absolute signal integrity for critical measurements up to 65 GHz. The silver-plated copper-clad steel center conductor and PTFE dielectric deliver stable 50 Ohm impedance with 95.2 pF/m capacitance and 70% velocity of propagation. Widely used as a semi rigid test probe for in-circuit RF sampling, this cable is also ideal for PCB solder connections, VNA test setups, microwave test leads, and antenna test cables where mechanical stability and electrical performance are non-negotiable. Available as a direct UT-020 replacement, we offer custom lengths, connectorized assemblies with SMA interfaces, and formed shapes to your mechanical drawings, all with a low 10 meter minimum order quantity for prototyping and production runs.

• Direct UT-020 alternative – drop-in replacement for Micro-Coax UT-020 with identical 0.020" (0.53mm) outer diameter and electrical specifications, available at competitive pricing
• 0.020 inch (0.53mm) ultra-miniature diameter – among the smallest semi rigid cables available for high density PCB probing and tight space microwave assemblies
• Solid copper tube outer conductor – provides 100% RF shielding with zero signal leakage and shielding effectiveness >110 dB for sensitive measurements
• DC to 65 GHz frequency range – supports VNA test, antenna characterization, and microwave test lead applications from L band through millimeter wave
• 50 Ohm impedance – ensures consistent characteristic impedance with 70% velocity of propagation
• Silver-plated copper-clad steel center conductor – 0.127mm diameter with silver plating for excellent conductivity and mechanical strength
• 0.05 inch minimum bend radius – can be precisely formed to shape for custom routing in test fixtures and PCB assemblies
• Semi rigid test probe ready – commonly used for in-circuit RF signal injection and sampling directly on PCB traces
• PCB solder compatible – rigid construction maintains shape after soldering for permanent board level interconnects
• Custom lengths – cut to your exact specifications for prototype and production quantities
• Connector options available – available as bare cable, SMA pigtail assemblies, or fully connectorized with various interfaces
• 10 meter minimum order – low MOQ ideal for R&D, engineering validation, and small production runs

• Engineers working on 5G infrastructure projects use this cable to connect VNA ports to millimeter wave devices during characterization
• PCB assembly houses stock it for quick-turn prototypes requiring direct coax-to-board soldering
• Defense contractors specify it for internal wiring in receiver modules where space constraints rule out larger diameters
• University research labs fabricate custom test probes for RFIC characterization using its precise forming capability
• Antenna test ranges rely on it when multiple measurement cables must pass through limited-diameter access ports
• Medical device manufacturers choose it for MRI systems requiring non-magnetic materials and clean signal paths

A: Yes, SR-020 is designed as a direct UT-020 alternative with identical 0.583mm outer diameter and 50 Ohm impedance. The mechanical dimensions match UT-020 specifications, so all standard connectors designed for UT-020 (including SMA, 2.92mm, and SMP) are fully compatible. This makes SR-020 a drop-in replacement for existing designs without requalification.

A: SR-020 operates from DC to 65 GHz with usable performance through millimeter wave frequencies. Insertion loss is 16.1 dB/m at 40 GHz, 18.2 dB/m at 50 GHz, and 20.9 dB/m at 65 GHz. For most test applications, this loss is acceptable for short cable lengths under 12 inches. The solid copper tube construction ensures flat frequency response without the resonances seen in braided cables.

A: Yes, SR-020 is widely used as a semi rigid test probe for in-circuit RF sampling. Its 0.020 inch diameter allows probing on dense PCB layouts, and the rigid construction maintains position once formed. Common configurations include: (1) bare wire tip for direct soldering to test points, (2) SMA connector at probe end for connection to spectrum analyzers, and (3) custom formed shapes with right angle bends to reach components under shields or heatsinks. The 1.27mm minimum bend radius allows tight forming around obstacles.

A: We are an RF cable manufacturer who offers a low 10 meter minimum order quantity for SR-020, making it accessible for prototyping and R&D projects. Custom options include: cut lengths down to 1 inch increments, SMA male/female pigtail assemblies, fully connectorized cables with various interface types, custom formed shapes bent to your mechanical drawing, and solder-ready pigtails for PCB integration. For production quantities, volume discounts are available.

A: SR-020 has a maximum operating voltage of 1500 V RMS at 60 Hz. Power handling at microwave frequencies is limited by insertion loss rather than voltage—at 1 GHz, maximum continuous power is 12.1 Watts, dropping to 1.8 Watts at 40 GHz. For high power applications above these levels, consider larger diameter semi rigid cables like SR-085 or SR-141.

A: Yes, SR-020 is commonly used for PCB solder connections. The silver-plated copper-clad steel center conductor solders reliably with standard techniques. Recommended soldering profile: use controlled temperature soldering at 260-290°C with minimal dwell time (under 3 seconds) to avoid damaging the PTFE dielectric. The copper tube outer conductor can also be soldered to ground planes for enhanced shielding. After soldering, the rigid construction maintains its shape without requiring additional strain relief.

A: The solid copper tube outer conductor provides 100% RF shielding with effectively infinite shielding effectiveness—unlike braided cables which typically offer 80-95% coverage with signal leakage through braid gaps. For sensitive measurements like VNA calibration, antenna pattern testing, or low-level signal detection, this complete shielding prevents measurement errors caused by external interference and ensures that all measured energy is from the intended path.

A: With our 10 meter MOQ, you can order a small quantity (as little as 1-2 meters) for evaluation and qualification. This allows you to test SR-020 in your specific application and verify compatibility with your UT-020-based designs before scaling up to larger production volumes. Cut lengths are packaged individually with heat-sealed ends to prevent moisture ingress.

A: Yes, we provide custom formed SR-020 assemblies bent to your exact specifications. Send us a mechanical drawing, 3D model, or even a hand sketch with dimensions, and we will deliver SR-020 assemblies formed to net shape with tolerances of ±0.5mm. Connectors can be installed before or after forming depending on your requirements, and 100% continuity testing is included with every assembly.

A: Velocity of propagation is 70%. This determines the electrical length of the cable—for example, a 100mm physical length behaves like a 143mm electrical length. This matters for phase matching in antenna arrays, beamforming networks, and test setups where electrical delay must be precisely controlled. The stable PTFE dielectric ensures consistent VP across temperature from -55°C to +125°C.