1. Overview

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.

2. Major Types and Functional Classification

3. Structure and Composition

Typical construction includes four layers:

1. Central Conductor: Solid or stranded copper/aluminum for signal transmission
2. Dielectric Insulator: PTFE, polyethylene, or foam materials maintaining uniform impedance
3. Shielding Layer: Braided copper/aluminum with foil wrap (85-100% coverage)
4. Outer Jacket: UV-resistant PVC or plenum-rated materials for environmental protection

4. Key Technical Parameters

5. Application Fields

• Telecommunications: 5G infrastructure, fiber-wireless integration
• Broadcasting: TV/radio transmission lines
• Military/Aerospace: Radar systems, avionics
• Test & Measurement: Oscilloscope probes, signal analyzers
• Industrial IoT: Sensor network backbones

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations:

• Frequency Requirements: Match cable's usable range with system operating frequency
• Environmental Conditions: Outdoor cables require UV protection and temperature resistance (-40 C to +85 C)
• Bending Radius: Minimum bend radius specification (typically 10 cable diameter)
• Connectivity: Ensure compatibility with connectors (N-type, SMA, BNC)
• Cost vs Performance: Balance loss characteristics against budget constraints

8. Industry Trends

Current development directions include:

• High-Frequency Optimization: Supporting 6G terahertz band exploration
• Nanodielectric Materials: Graphene-enhanced insulation for lower loss
• Miniaturization: 0.8mm outer diameter cables for wearable devices
• Smart Cables: Integrated sensors for real-time condition monitoring
• Environmental Compliance: Halogen-free flame retardant (HFFR) jacket materials