Selecting the right RF cable supplier is critical to ensuring high performance, compliance, and long-term reliability of your RF systems. Whether you’re sourcing cables for defense, aerospace, telecommunications, broadcasting, or industrial applications, a trusted supplier can make the difference between mission success and costly downtime.

This buyer’s checklist will guide you through the essential factors to consider — and show how STI-CO®, with 58 years of RF expertise, meets every requirement.

Explore our full range of RF cable assemblies.

1. Industry Reputation and Experience

• How long has the supplier been in the RF cable industry?
  
  
• Do they have proven results across mission-critical sectors?
  
  
• Are they known for consistent quality and reliability?
  
  

STI-CO® has over 58 years of RF expertise, trusted by defense, aerospace, public safety, and transportation organizations worldwide. Our history of innovation and customer success has made us a go-to partner for mission-critical cable solutions.

2. Product Quality and Compliance

• Do their assemblies meet strict industry standards (e.g., MIL-SPEC, AS9100D, ISO 9001, IPC/WHMA-A-620)?
  
  
• Are products tested for performance, durability, and environmental stress?
  
  
• Do they provide audit-ready documentation?
  
  

STI-CO® manufactures under an AS9100D & ISO 9001:2015 Certified QMS, in conformance with IPC/WHMA-A-620, and ITAR registration. Every assembly undergoes rigorous testing — including pull, dielectric withstand (DW), insulation resistance (IR), and automated harness verification — ensuring performance, compliance, and traceability.

Learn more about our high-performance cable assemblies.

3. Customization Options

• Can they provide build-to-print or fully custom-engineered assemblies?
  
  
• Do they offer specialized connectors, shielding, and over-mold options?
  
  
• Can they add custom labeling and serialized lot control for traceability?
  
  

STI-CO® specializes in custom and build-to-print RF cable assemblies. With rugged over-mold solutions, hybrid data/power configurations, and serialized labeling, we deliver tailored solutions designed for your environment.

Explore our custom RF cable solutions.

4. Material and Manufacturing Standards

• What materials do they use for conductors, insulation, and shielding?
  
  
• Are manufacturing processes certified for aerospace and defense?
  
  
• Do they have advanced prototyping and quality control in-house?
  
  

Our state-of-the-art U.S. facility includes CNC machining, rapid prototyping, and automated testing, ensuring consistent product quality and secure supply chain control.

5. Performance and Reliability

• Do their assemblies minimize insertion loss and impedance mismatch?
  
  
• Are they built for environmental resistance (UV, vibration, moisture, temperature)?
  
  
• Have they been proven in field applications?
  
  

STI-CO® cable assemblies are engineered for mission-critical reliability. From RF to data and hybrid power solutions, our assemblies are tested and deployed across defense, aerospace, public safety, and transit platforms where performance under pressure is non-negotiable.

See our RF cable assemblies.

6. Stock Availability and Lead Times

• Do they stock standard assemblies for rapid shipment?
  
  
• What are the lead times for custom builds?
  
  
• Can they support bulk and urgent orders?
  
  

With expanded production capacity, STI-CO® provides fast lead times and scalable manufacturing. Our secure supply chain ensures both standard and custom assemblies are delivered on time.

7. Technical Support and Customer Service

• Do they provide engineering support for design and integration?
  
  
• Is customer service responsive and technically knowledgeable?
  
  
• Do they offer troubleshooting and installation guidance?
  
  

STI-CO® offers direct engineering consultation and technical support, helping customers specify the right assemblies, optimize system performance, and simplify integration.

8. Pricing and Cost-Effectiveness

• Are prices competitive without cutting corners?
  
  
• Do they offer volume discounts for larger orders?
  
  
• Are policies transparent with no hidden costs?
  
  

We deliver cost-effective, high-quality assemblies backed by transparent pricing and maximum value — balancing performance and budget for both small and large projects.

9. Logistics and Global Reach

• Can they deliver globally with secure logistics?
  
  
• Do they have proven reliability for international projects?
  
  

STI-CO®’s secure logistics network supports on-time delivery worldwide. From defense contracts to transit deployments, our supply chain is designed for critical timelines and global reach.

10. Warranty and Return Policy

• Do they stand behind their assemblies with a warranty?
  
  
• Are return and replacement policies clear and customer-friendly?
  
  

We back our solutions with an industry-leading 5-year warranty, ensuring long-term reliability and customer confidence.

Conclusion

Choosing the right RF cable supplier impacts not just your system’s performance but your compliance, reliability, and long-term costs. With 58 years of experience, AS9100D & ISO 9001:2015 Certified QMS, IPC/WHMA-A-620 conformance, ITAR registration, and a commitment to mission-critical reliability, STI-CO® is the trusted partner for organizations that cannot afford failure.

Discover STI-CO®’s full range of RF cable assemblies and connect with our engineering team today.