Overview

FAST SPEEDS IN ROUTABLE CABLE DESIGNS

As the commercial aviation industry continues to require faster digital networks, cables must transmit more data reliably at much higher rates. These cables must also be smaller, more flexible and robust to endure complex routing and harsh flight conditions.

GORE Ethernet Cables meet the increasing data demands of modern airborne digital networks. We manufacture a selection of compact, high-density cable configurations and performance lengths that reliably support standardized protocols. You can be confident that our cables will deliver the highest data rate transmission without failing in demanding aircraft environments.

Features & Benefits

Unlike leading alternatives, GORE Ethernet Cables are engineered with unique features that make them more durable against challenging maintenance activities and flight conditions, including:

  • slender, lightweight, highly flexible diameters
  • chemically inert and EMI shielding materials
  • temperature- and abrasion-resistant materials

For system architects and engineers, our aerospace cables provide many benefits that ensure their performance and longevity in commercial aircraft, like:

  • excellent signal integrity with sufficient margin after installation and over time
  • lower crosstalk for less RF signal interference among critical systems
  • meet or exceed Cat5e/6A/8 protocol requirements
  • endure extreme environments with high-density constructions
  • valuable weight savings with compact cable configurations
  • quick, easy routing from greater flexibility and tighter bending
  • compatible with a variety of leading connector systems and backshells

Cat6A/8 (4 Pairs)

The 4-pair version of Gore’s Ethernet aviation cables for Cat6A & Cat8 protocol.

Our Cat6A cable exceeds stringent electrical requirements and delivers high-speed data and video transmission with additional margin up to 10 Gb/s at lengths up to 80 m (262 ft.). Using the cable routing simulators we built, results proved that our cable delivered installed performance whereas leading competitors failed. This version is also approved to SAE AS6070™ standards and on the Qualified Products List (QPL).

Besides being robust, our 4-pair design is typically 24% smaller and 25% lighter than other designs. In fact, our cable is proven to save 1.93 kg per 100 m (13 lbs. per 1000 ft.) of weight in aircraft.

To help you adapt now and be ready for the future, our Cat8 version offers faster speeds up to 40 Gb/s, meaning you don’t have to transition to an entirely new solution. And if you replace 4 leading competitor Cat6A cables with a single Gore Cat8 cable at 22 m (72 ft.), you could save installed weight up to 82 kg/km (180 lbs. per 1000 ft.).

Cat5e (Quadrax)

Gore’s lightweight Ethernet quadrax cable for Cat5e protocol in commercial aircraft.

Instead of using a 4-pair design in your system architecture, our star quadrax cable is a reliable substitute to meet Ethernet Cat5e protocol requirements. These dual differential pairs transmit continuous bi-directional, high-speed signals up to 100 MHz at lengths up to 70 m (230 ft.) using size 24 AWG and 50 m (164 ft.) using size 26 AWG. They’re also a reliable substitute for dual twisted pair cables to meet higher data rate needs. And, positioning 2 of our cables side by side can achieve Ethernet 1000BASE-T performance for more system design options.

We’re the original inventor of this pioneering quadrax cable geometry that’s about 40% smaller and 30% lighter than dual twisted pair constructions. Our cable’s lightweight build also saves more than 5.0 kg (11 lbs.) on aircraft.

Cat5e (2 Pairs)

Gore’s small, robust 2-pair Ethernet cable for Cat5e protocol in civil aircraft.

Our 2-pair cable is an ideal solution for Cat5e protocol if you don’t want to use a 4-pair or quadrax configuration in your aircraft system architecture. In a robust, smaller form factor, this version preserves signal integrity and reliably carries high-speed data and video up to 1 GHz on airborne digital networks. Also, our cable with extra shielding wrapped around each pair of wires significantly exceeds crosstalk requirements.

For more system design options, you can position 2 of these aerospace cables side by side to reliably achieve Ethernet 1000BASE-T performance.

Applications & Connectors

Each configuration of GORE Ethernet Cables can be terminated with a variety of leading connector systems and backshells, like ARINC and MIL-STD-38999 with size 8 contacts. We also developed termination instructions to assist you in mating our 4-pair design with leading Cat6A connector systems.

ApplicationCat5e/6A/8
(4 Pairs)
Cat5e
(Quadrax)
Cat5e
(2 Pairs)
Avionics Digital Networks
Box-to-Box Systems  
Cabin/Flight Management Systems 
Communications Systems
Data Storage  
Digital Visual Interface (DVI)  
Ethernet Backbone
Flight/Propulsion Control  
HD Camera Systems 
HD Video Streaming Systems
Radar/Radio Systems
Serial Buses  

Technical Specs & Drawings

These values demonstrate the electrical, mechanical and environmental performance of GORE Ethernet Cables for civil aircraft. Download our data sheets in the table below for more cable characteristics, performance data, qualifications and part numbers. You can also fill out a short form for instant access to selected drawings.

Drawings

Elec./Mech./Environ. PropertyCat8
(4 Pairs)
Cat5e/6A
(4 Pairs)
Cat5e
(Quadrax)
Cat5e
(2 Pairs)
Signal Transmission SpeedUp to 40 Gb/sUp to 10 Gb/sUp to 100 MHzUp to 1 GHz
Standard Impedance Ohms100 ± 10100 ± 10100 ± 10100 ± 10/-5
Typical Operating Voltage V< 15< 15< 15< 15
Nominal Velocity of Propagation %80808080
Nominal Time Delay ns/m (ns/ft.)4.10 (1.25)4.10 (1.25)4.10 (1.25)4.10 (1.25)
Capacitance pF/m (pF/ft.)42.6 (13.0)42.6 (13.0)45.0 (13.7)41.0 (12.5)
Minimum Near-End Crosstalk (NEXT) dB
  10 MHz
  100 MHz
  500 MHz
  1000 MHz
  2000 MHz


45.3
34.8
30.3
25.8

59.2
52.3
42.2


50.0
35.0



59.2
52.3


Shielding Effectiveness dB> 55> 55
Dielectric Withstanding Voltage Vrms
  Conductor-to-Conductor
  Conductor-to-Shield

1500
1000

1500
1000

1500
1000

1500
1000
Jacket MaterialEngineered Fluoropolymer
Jacket ColorWhite (Laser Markable)
ConductorSilver-Plated Copper or SPC AlloySilver-Plated Copper Alloy
Conductor Color-CodingSolid Blue & White/Blue Stripe,
Solid Orange & White/Orange Stripe,
Solid Green & White/Green Stripe,
Solid Brown & White/Brown Stripe
Blue/Red,
Green/Yellow
Solid Green & White/Green Stripe, Solid Orange & White/Orange Stripe
Dielectric MaterialExpanded PTFE/PTFE
Temperature Range °C-65 to +200-65 to +200-65 to +200-65 to +200
 Data SheetData SheetData SheetData Sheet

Get Samples or Buy

With proven installed performance, GORE Ethernet Cables are the ideal high data rate solution that reliably supports existing and next-gen avionics and IFEC systems. They’re available in several configurations and performance lengths for Cat5e, Cat6A and Cat8 protocols to meet your specific application needs. For prototyping and evaluation, we offer samples of our selected part numbers, which are pre-qualified and complimentary. 

When you’re ready to purchase our 4-pair, 2-pair or quadrax cables, get in touch with one of our global distributors for in-stock availability. If you’re not sure about which Ethernet cable configuration is best suited for your specific application requirements, call us today for help.

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Resources

Recent News

W. L. Gore & Associates High Performance Aerospace Wires Set Gold Standard With Industry Award

Posted November 5, 2021

W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) announced today that its GORE® High Performance Aerospace Wires, GWN3000 Series, were recognized among the 2021 Military & Aerospace Electronics Technology Innovators Awards. An independent panel of esteemed judges from the aerospace and defense community recognized Gore as a gold honoree for the second consecutive year. The company’s PHASEFLEX® Microwave/RF Test Assemblies were recognized in 2020.

Press Release

GORE® Jolts Emerging Electric Aviation Market with New High-Performance Aerospace Wires

Posted October 15, 2020

W. L. Gore & Associates announced today a new solution that meets higher voltages as the trend continues towards aircraft electrification to reduce the impact of air transport on our environment. GORE® High Performance Aerospace Wires, GWN3000 Series, deliver the best combination of superior mechanical strength and outstanding electrical reliability without increasing wire bundle size or weight.

Event

Gore at 2019 New Space Show

October 17, 2019 - October 18, 2019

Learn more about GORE® Space Cables and Assemblies engineered for the future of the space industry. Also, listen to our expert speak at the show on Thursday, October 17 at 11:00 am CEST.

Press Release

Gore Premiering New Portfolio of Qualified Solutions at 2019 NewSpace Show

Posted October 8, 2019

Gore will be showcasing a new portfolio of qualified GORE® Space Cables and Assemblies at the 2019 NewSpace Show in Monaco on October 17-18.

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