How the OnlineCables Custom RF Cable Assembly Design Tool Works

Updated

OnlineCables (Applied Interconnect) lets you configure a custom RF coaxial cable assembly on its website, enter your own part number and logo, and save the drawing for later — then order online. The site states assemblies can be designed "in seconds." This suits buyers who need a documented, buildable cable spec (connector types, cable type, assembly style) rather than a stock catalog part. Note the stated $150 minimum order, standard delivery of 2–4 working days ARO, and that specials not configurable on the site require a phone call to 408-749-9900.

What you can configure

The site lists these product families and options:

Category Options named on the site
Cable types Semi-rigid, flexible coax, conformable coax, VNA cables, Heliax, circular/military, custom military harnesses
Connectors SMA, SSMA, BNC, SMP, TNC, N, MMCX, MCX, SMB, SSMB, F, UHF, SMC, SSMC
Assemblies RF coaxial assemblies, RF delay lines, time delay, phase-matched assemblies, M38999 harnesses, fiber optic assemblies, power cords
Materials Silicone, PTFE, ETFE, FEP, Estane jackets; stainless steel or other connector materials
Specials Waveguide adapters, filters, power distribution assemblies, lead-free assemblies (call to arrange)

Frequency range is stated as DC to 40 GHz.

Step-by-step: designing and ordering

  1. Pick the assembly type. Start from the cable family that matches your application (e.g., semi-rigid for fixed runs, flexible coax for routing, phase-matched for delay-sensitive systems).
  2. Select connectors at each end. Choose from the connector list above; the tool builds the assembly from your selections.
  3. Enter your part number and logo. The site explicitly supports using your own part numbers and logos on the drawing — useful if the assembly feeds into your own configuration management.
  4. Save the drawing. Saved drawings let you reuse the same configuration for repeat orders or internal review.
  5. Place the order online. Confirm the build meets the $150 minimum; standard lead time is quoted at 2–4 working days ARO.
  6. Escalate anything non-standard. If your requirement isn't configurable (custom materials, waveguide adapters, filters, lead-free builds), call 408-749-9900 rather than forcing a near-match through the tool.

Verification: before ordering, check the saved drawing against your requirements — connector gender and type, cable type, length, and part number. The drawing is the build document, so errors there carry into the delivered assembly.

Quality and compliance context

The site states ISO-9001:2015 certification (cage # 0X997), J-STD-001 certification, RoHS compliance, and IPC/WHMA-A-620 as the workmanship standard for commercial product. It also cites participation in military programs (AMRAAM, F-35, APG-79, APQ-181, HARM, Global Hawk, GPS flight hardware, ABL, M1A1, M2 Bradley, Apache) and ITAR/US-Canada Joint Certification registration. These claims matter if your assembly needs to fit an existing qualified supplier list — verify current certification status directly if that's a procurement requirement.

Common sticking points

  • Minimum order: small prototype quantities below $150 aren't orderable as stated.
  • Lead time is ARO: the 2–4 working days clock starts on order receipt, not on quote.
  • Specials need a call: the online tool covers standard configurations; custom materials and non-catalog assemblies are phone-only.
  • Part number discipline: using your own part numbers is convenient but means your internal system must track the revision of the saved drawing.