Coax Cable Assemblies (Cable with Connectors)
Coaxial cable assemblies are key to transmitting radio frequency signals. For straightforward use with other hardware, they must have connectors on both ends. The assemblies have a significant use in many electronic devices and many communication systems such as Wi-Fi, radio, radar, and even manned spacecraft.
Cable assemblies are as unique as the applications they are used in. From standard assemblies to custom-cable assemblies, they are crafted to the specific demands of a given use. They can be simple and connected by standard connectors—SMA, BNC, and UHF, to name a few types they might use. And they can be as long as is necessary, connected to the particular instruments that must share data over a communication bus across a facility. The primary components of an assembly can be heat-shrink sealed or molded with polymers and epoxies—whatever it takes to make for reliable usage, day in and day out, for the foreseeable future.
FAQs
What are RF cable assemblies used for?
An RF coaxial cable assembly is used primarily for the transmission of radio frequency (RF) signals. These assemblies are crucial in a variety of applications and industries including telecommunications, aerospace, military, automotive, medical equipment, and many more. In these contexts, the RF cables facilitate the connection and communication between different hardware components, enabling the smooth transfer of high-frequency signals.
Do the coaxial cables used in custom RF cable assemblies have a stranded center conductor?
Yes, the coaxial cables used in custom RF cable assemblies can have a stranded center conductor to provide greater flexibility and durability.
Coax Lightning Protection Basics
4 things to consider when selecting lightning protection for coax connected devices:
Frequency range
All lightning protectors offer a specific frequency range that they protect against. For example, a protector may offer 698 megahertz all the way up to 2.7 gigahertz of protection.
Connection type
The most common connector is N female, however, there are also N male, TNC or many other different types of connections. In some cases the protector offers bidirectional protection so the input and output can be reversed.
DC pass vs DC block type protectors
DC pass type protectors are used if power is needed at the antenna tower to power a particular device. It allows low voltage current to pass through the center pin of the coax cable to power the device. If no power is needed at the antenna tower, a DC block type protector is used, which would not allow any current to pass through the center pin of a coax connector.
Technology type
The most common and cost effective type of technology is gas tube protection. In most cases, it will last about five years. One thing to consider with gas tube protectors is that they can build up static electricity over time, and if that static electricity discharges, it can damage equipment. The second type of technology is coil inductors. Coil inductors offer very reliable protection against lightning strikes and heavy surges, as well as not degrading over time. They only need replacement with significant lightning strikes. There is no threat of static buildup with a coil inductor protector. The only real disadvantage of using coil inductor technology is the cost. Typically, they are about 30 to 40% more expensive than gas tube technology.