Coaxial cables are designed with a central conductor, wrapped into a dielectric insulating foil which is further surrounded by a copper shield to prevent Electromagnetic interference EMI. These layers are enclosed in a protective plastic jacket. Shielding from EMI has earned coaxial cable a reputation for transferring data quickly without much damage. They are preferred over fibre optics because they are comparatively more flexible, durable and inexpensive.
Coaxial cables have found their application in various fields from aerospace and military assemblies, internet and tv connections and many others. For varying applications, coaxial cables are designed differently to meet the requirements and standards set by relevant consumers. A change in thickness of different layers and sheets in the cable greatly alter the properties of cable and thus varying diameter size of the cable are suitable for different applications.
Different coaxial cable sizes are used for varying applications however you must keep in mind that coaxial cables are not suitable for long-distance transmission. Coaxial cables are not designed to take signals for a longer distance and thus signal leakage over the distance is a shortcoming. In simple words, if the coaxial cable is 50 feet or longer you will experience a significant amount of signal loss. If the cable length is 100 feet you one-third of the signal will be lost during transmission resulting in poor transmission. That being cleared out, let’s discuss different sizes of coaxial cable that are suitable for various applications.
Types of coaxial cable
Impedance is the measure of resistance in the cable to the flow of electrical energy which is measured in units of Ohm. Based on the impedance of coaxial cables, they are categorized into two main types:
- 75 Ohm impedance cables are suitable for transmitting video signals
- 50 Ohm impedance cables are better suited for data and wireless communications
RF coaxial cable
These cables are designed to transmit radio frequency signals. They can be recognised by a single pin which plugs into the RF input on a device. RF cables are popularly used as standard input cable on TV sets. .
RG-6 cable
They are designed for better signal quality with larger conductors and thicker dielectric insulation. Due to their distinct shielding, they can handle GHz level signals more effectively. These are thin cables with smaller diameters, which makes them easy to install in walls and ceilings.
RG-59 cable
It is similar in design to RG-6, except it has an even thinner central conductor. It is an ideal candidate for domestic use, short runs and low-frequency transmissions.
RG-11 cable
This is the thickest of all other coaxial cables and hence it is somewhat difficult to install, however with higher attenuation level than any other coaxial cable, it is most suitable for long-distance transmissions.
With all this information on different types of cables, you will be better able to understand what type of cable will be more suitable for your system assembly. If you still have any questions or need further guidance regarding purchasing the right coaxial cable feel free to approach us. We deal with the best quality coaxial cables.
