Classification Of RF Coaxial Cables

ies are an essential part of the RF space, and are at the heart of many conductive interconnect solutions from the module level to complete systems.

The RF coaxial cable assembly consists of two parts: RF coaxial connector and RF coaxial cable. RF coaxial cable assemblies are mainly used to connect various signal transceiver devices/modules or antennas/transmitters to ensure accurate, low-loss, efficient and high-quality transmission of signals. RF coaxial cable is constructed of two coaxial cylindrical conductors, consisting of inner and outer conductors and insulators.

Radio frequency transmission of electromagnetic energy in the radio frequency range of the cable, composed of conductor, medium, outer conductor and sheath, divided into semi-rigid, semi-flexible cable three, different applications should choose different types of cables. Semi-rigid and semi-flexible cables are generally used for interconnection inside the device; In the field of test and measurement, flexible cables should be used.

Semi-rigid cable: As the name suggests, this cable is not easy to be bent and formed, its outer conductor is made of aluminum or copper tube, its RF leakage is very small (<-120dB), and the signal crosstalk caused in the system is negligible. The passive intermodulation characteristics of such cables are also very desirable. If you want to bend to a certain shape, you need a special molding machine or manual abrasives to complete it. Such troublesome processing technology in exchange for very stable performance, semi-rigid cable using solid polytetrafluoroethylene material as the filling medium, this material has very stable temperature characteristics, especially under high temperature conditions, has very good phase stability. Semi-rigid cables cost more than semi-flexible cables and are widely used in a variety of RF and microwave systems.

Semi-flexible cable: is an alternative to semi-rigid cable, the performance index of this cable is close to semi-rigid cable, and can be manually formed. However, its stability is slightly worse than that of semi-rigid cables, and because it can be easily formed, it is also easy to deform, especially in the case of long-term use.

PE39479 (TNC male to TNC male, semi-flexible precision cable, using PE-SR402FL coaxial cable)

Flexible cable: It is a kind of "test grade" cable. Compared to semi-rigid and semi-flexible cables, flexible cables are very expensive because flexible cables have more factors to consider when designing. Flexible cables that are easy to bend many times and still maintain performance are the most basic requirements as test cables. Soft and good electrical indicators are a pair of contradictions and the main reason for high costs.

PE3420LF/HS (SMA male to SMA male right angle cable using RG174 coaxial cable with heat shrink)