RF coaxial cables are cylindrical transmission lines composed of concentric conductors separated by dielectric materials. They enable efficient high-frequency signal transmission (typically above 100 kHz) with excellent noise immunity. These cables serve as critical infrastructure in telecommunications, broadcasting, aerospace, and test measurement systems where signal integrity is paramount.
| Type | Functional Features | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid Coaxial Cable | Metallic outer conductor, fixed geometry | Fixed installations in broadcast transmitters |
| Semi-Rigid Cable | Formable but not bendable after installation | Microwave ovens, aerospace systems |
| Flexible Coaxial Cable | Multi-stranded conductors for bending | Test equipment, mobile communications |
| Low-Loss Foam Dielectric | PTFE foam dielectric reduces signal loss | 5G base stations, satellite links |
| Triaxial Cable | Double shielding for EMI protection | Medical imaging equipment |
Typical construction includes four layers:
| Parameter | Typical Range | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Characteristic Impedance | 50 , 75 standards | Matches system impedance to prevent reflections |
| Attenuation | 0.1-10 dB/100ft @1GHz | Determines maximum transmission distance |
| Frequency Range | DC to 40 GHz (typical) | Defines usable bandwidth |
| VSWR | 1.1:1 to 2.0:1 | Measures impedance matching quality |
| Power Handling | 500W to 5kW peak | Limits maximum operational power |
| Manufacturer | Representative Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| CommScope | FSJ1-50A | Low-loss foam dielectric, 0-18GHz |
| Amphenol | RG-58U | General-purpose 50 cable |
| Times Microwave | LMR-400 | Weather-resistant, 0-6GHz |
| Huber+Suhner | RFS1000 | Heliax rigid line for base stations |
| Huawei | RF-35 | 5G massive MIMO solution |
Key considerations:
Current development directions include: