Overview

Continuous improvements in avionics keep driving the demand to update commercial aircraft with cables that can transmit lots of data at higher speeds so pilots can receive real-time information and passengers can access in-flight videos quickly. Cables must also be able to survive aircraft environments without breaking or failing, whether it's constant flexing during routing or severe vibration during flights.

GORE FireWire Cables are the premier solution for copper-based IEEE 1394b FireWire data links. Our cables transmit uninterrupted high-fidelity signals for interconnect solutions up to 30 m (100 ft) at S400 data transfer rates in all aircraft environments.

Image of cable comparison

Smaller-scale dimensions

Signal Integrity with Flexure

We evaluated the eye pattern of our FireWire cables before and during flexure to ensure signal integrity. They passed the eye mask test with margin and continued to maintain signal integrity without degradation even after we wrapped them around a mandrel 20 times. Aircraft maintainers can easily flex and tightly bend our FireWire cables in narrow spaces during installation without damaging or breaking them.

Also, our specialized quadrax design is much smaller by about 40% and lighter weight than dual twisted pair constructions. Our FireWire cables can save as much as 5.2 kg (11.5 lb) per aircraft on average. But even though our cables are smaller and lighter, they still provide a protective barrier against tough aircraft environments because of the proprietary materials and double-braided shield that add strength.

Construction of Gore FireWire Cables
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Engineered fluoropolymer jacket

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Double-braided shield

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ePTFE binder

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Silver-plated copper/SPC alloy conductor

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FEP filler

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Color-coded composite dielectric

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Highly flexible Materials of GORE FireWire Cables.

FireWire is a trademark of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Applications

The reliable signal integrity with flexure at higher data rates make GORE FireWire Cables the premier copper-based IEEE 1394b solution for a variety of applications, like:

  • avionics digital networks
  • flight control
  • HD streaming camera/video systems

Our cables can also be terminated with a variety of leading high-speed aerospace connector systems and backshells, like ARINC and MIL-STD-38999 with size 8 and 22D contacts. 

Features & Benefits

GORE FireWire Cables are manufactured with exceptional features that make them stronger against challenging environmental factors and aircraft conditions, including:

  • original inventor of smaller quadrax design
  • temperature- and abrasion-resistant materials
  • chemically inert materials

For system architects and engineers, these aerospace cables offer several benefits that ensure lifelong performance in aircraft, like:

  • high fidelity signals up to 30 m (100 ft.) at S400 data rates
  • around 40% smaller than dual twisted pair constructions
  • lightweight design saves more than 5.2 kg (11.5 lbs.) of weight per aircraft
  • protective barrier against complex routing and harsh flight conditions
  • easy routing in tight systems from proven flexure and small bend radius
  • compatible with a variety of high-speed connector systems and backshells

Properties

These values demonstrate the electrical, mechanical and environmental performance of GORE FireWire Cables for civil aircraft.

Electrical PropertyValue
Standard Impedance Ohms110 +6/-4
Typical Operating Voltage V< 15
Nominal Velocity of Propagation %80
Nominal Time Delay ns/m (ns/ft.)4.10 (1.25)
Capacitance pF/m (pF/ft.)36.1 (11.0)
Typical Skew Within Pair ps/m (ps/ft.)3.5 (1.1)
Dielectric Withstanding Voltage Vrms
  Conductor-to-Conductor
  Conductor-to-Shield

1500
1000
Mechanical / Environmental PropertyValue
Jacket MaterialEngineered Fluoropolymer
Jacket ColorWhite (Laser Markable)
ConductorSilver-Plated Copper or SPC Alloy
Conductor Color CodingBlue/Orange, Green/Red
Dielectric MaterialExpanded PTFE/PTFE
Temperature Range °C-65 to +200
Part Numbers & Drawings

Download the drawings to view cable characteristics like diameter, weight, minimum bend radius and insertion loss.

Part Number AWG Size (Stranding)
RCN8645 22 (19/34)
RCN8647 24 (19/36)
RCN8652 26 (19/38)

Get Samples or Buy

With proven reliability in transferring S400 data rates, GORE FireWire Cables are the premier copper-based solution for IEEE 1394b protocol in commercial aircraft. Don’t waste time and money replacing cables that don’t perform as expected. Request a pre-qualified sample today to evaluate our quadrax design in your application, which is complimentary.

If you’re ready to buy now, contact a trusted distributor for in-stock availability. If you’re unsure about the compatibility of our copper cable in your exact application, contact us today so we can help you navigate the requirements.

Resources

Recent News

Press Release

W. L. GORE & ASSOCIATES TO PRESENT NEW MOSA PAPER AT GVSETS CONFERENCE

Posted August 11, 2023

W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) will present a new Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) technical paper at the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering & Technology Symposium & Modernization Update (GVSETS) on Tuesday, August 15, in Novi, Mich.

Event

Meet Gore at the Paris Air Show

June 19, 2023 - June 25, 2023

Visit our Booth 2C-C358 to see GORE® Cables and Materials that have been proven and trusted over time in fighter jets, rotorcraft and passenger airliners. Reserve your time slot now for a 1-on-1 discussion to talk with us about your latest airframe and aviation system developments.

Event

Visit Gore at the Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit (AAAA)

April 26, 2023 - April 29, 2023

Stop by Booth 1023 and ask to see our demonstrations to watch how GORE® Cables and Materials perform reliably before and after installation and over time. We’re also eager to hear about your latest airframe and aviation system developments and talk with you about our solutions to ensure mission performance and aircrew protection for FARA, FLRAA and enduring fleet.

Press Release

W. L. Gore & Associates Expands High-Speed Data Transmission Capabilities

Posted April 18, 2023

W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) announced today its new Cat8 ethernet cable for use in aerospace and defense platforms. The new Cat8 ethernet cable allows for four times the high-speed data transmission previously possible.

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Not for use in food, drug, cosmetic or medical device manufacturing, processing, or packaging operations.