GORE^® FireWire^® Cables for Civil Aircraft

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.

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.

Highly flexible Materials of GORE FireWire Cables.

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

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. 

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

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

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

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.