Sometimes, it’s a confusing task choosing the right product for the right job. There is such a large market with countless products supporting multiple characteristics it can be difficult to know which one is the right one for the job. The same can be said for coaxial cable assemblies. There are different categories of RF cable assembles, each with pros and cons. Below are the various types of coaxial cables and their strengths and weaknesses.
What are the Components of Coaxial Cable Assemblies?
All coaxial cables consist of the same components. They all have the following:
- Center Conductor
- Dielectric Insulator
- An Outer Metal Shield
- Out jacket
Coaxial cables use an outer metal shield because it protects the inner layers from damage and also prevents signal loss. This ensures the signal can be correctly transferred from point A to point B without losing its strength or quality.
Types of Coaxial Cable Assemblies
While all the components are the same, there are numerous variations to the way they are constructed. Each variation provides benefits for specific applications.
Below are the different types:
- Semi-Rigid Coaxial Cable Assemblies
- Braided Flexible Coaxial Cable Assemblies
- High-Performance Braided Flexible Coaxial Cable
- Tin-Soaked Coaxial Cable Assemblies
Semi-Rigid Coaxial Cable
This type of cable uses solid copper tubing as an outer sheath which is great for high-frequency applications.
Pros:
- Great RF Transmission
- High Shielding
- Large Supplies Available
Cons:
- Has to be Custom-built
- Not as Versatile
- Cable is not Flexible
Braided Flexible Coaxial Cable
This type uses a metal braided outer shield, providing greater flexibility and resilience.
Pros:
- Highly Versatile
- Long Flex Life
- Low Unit Price
- Wide Variety of Connectors Available
Cons:
- Less Shielding Than Semi-Rigid Cables
- Cannot Be Used for Applications Above 6 GHz
- Offers Inconsistent Performance
High-Performance Braided Flexible Coaxial Cable
Offers excellent high-frequency performance.
Pros:
- Wide Variety of Applications
- Long Flex Life
- Highly Shielded
- Stable Performance
Cons:
- More Expensive Than Semi-Rigid Cables
- Limited Supply
- Have Limited Bend Radius
- Requires High Skill Level to Get Best Performance
Tin-Soaked Coaxial Cable
These cables provide outstanding performance up to 40GHz while offering superior flexibility. They are a great substitute for semi-rigid interconnected cables. They need no custom bending or shaping and provide a great solution to applications with tight space.
RF Connector Types and Attachment Types
Connectors need to be chosen in accordance to the application frequency requirements. Some of the connector types are listed below:
- Crimp
- Clamp or Solder/Clamp
- Direct Solder
A leader among RF cable assembly manufacturers, Star Engineering provides the best manufacturing services and customer service available. We can ensure the proper cable for your application. This means your application will perform at its absolute best. Why wait, reach out to Star Engineering to find out more?
