How to Choose a High Performance Coaxial Cable
A high-power application requires a coaxial cable, which can handle a significant level of power and maintain signal integrity as well as optimal performance. Your choice of a high performance coaxial cable plays an important role to ensure you have a reliable power transmission.
What a Coaxial Cable Is
It is a cable that serves as an electrical transmission line. It effortlessly carries high RF (radio frequency) signals from point A to B, with a low loss of signal. Coaxial (coax) cables have a variety of applications. These include cell boosters, internet, TV cable, and phone lines, to name a few. They often come in different lengths and sizes, each made for specific applications.
What Makes a Coaxial Cable Goof?
A good coaxial cable has several qualities. These qualities are not limited to the following:
- Durable build – Opt for a coaxial cable with a durable and strong construction so as to withstand handling and environmental factors.
- Effective shielding – The right shielding minimizes interference; thus, maintaining quality of signal, even when EMI is still present.
- Appropriate rating of RG – Make sure the RG rating of your cable matches specific application requirements.
- Low loss of signal – Quality coax cables must reduce signal loss to ensure efficient transmission of data.
Tips for Choosing the Right Coax Cable
Generally, we use coax cables in our homes, workplaces, and offices for several video and audio components. Apart from that, commercial sectors, such as the internet and telecommunication industry, also uses these cables in various applications. So, before you make the final buying decision, consider the following pro tips:
Opt for the Right Impedance
Coaxial cables have two major impedances. These are 50 ohm and 75 ohm. You can’t possibly tell coaxial cable’s impedance externally, unless they have visible markings. Plus, getting these two types of impedances mixed up can damage devices/equipment connectors or minimize system performance. It is advisable to use a 75-ohm cable in video applications, and 50-ohm cable for wireless and data purposes. But generally, the type of devices and equipment requiring interconnect can determine the kind of coax cable’s impedance you will need.
Consider Attachment Methods and Types of RF Connectors
You must choose RF connectors based on the frequency requirements as well as connector types of equipment at the output and input of your cable. In general, you should choose a connector for your cable with dielectric and a center contact, which has the same diameters as those of the center conductor. For instance, BNC should have a frequency limit of 4 GHz, while SMA must have 24 GHz.
Look at the Thickness
Coax cables often come in different thicknesses and lengths, based on the requirements of the application. Typically, the coax cable’s length is measured in feet or meters, whereas thickness is often specific with the unique diameter size. Factors, like the dielectric material used, shielding layers, and size of conductors, determine the cable’s diameter.
The bottom line is that we use coax cables in our daily activities. But to buy the right cable for your needs, it is important to be familiar with different types and their compatibility with our devices. This way, it will be easier for you to get the video and audio transmission you need.