Coaxial Cable

Coaxial Cable

Galaxy is a leading supplier of coaxial cable.  Coaxial cables, or RF cables, are typically used in applications when transferring radio frequencies are necessary.  Coaxial or RF cables are used in a wide range of applications including broadband CATV, telecommunications, antennae, video, data control and instrumentation.

What is Coaxial Cable?

Coaxial cables are used to transmit signals from one location to another.  A coaxial cable is typically referred to by its impedance or RG type, for example, 50 ohms or RG-X type cable.  Even though a coaxial cable can be called out using an RG type, the more formal part number includes the mil-spec call out.  The mil-spec call out for coaxial cables is Mil-C-17.  Mil-C-17 was created to standardize coaxial cables.

Coaxial cables conduct a signal through an inner copper conductor which can be solid or stranded.  Surrounding this inner conductor is an insulating layer commonly referred to as the dielectric.  This dielectric is often polyurethane or polyethylene. The dielectric material helps maintain consistent electrical properties when in use.  Typically the next layer would be the shielding.  Then there would be metallic braid or tape shield covering the dielectric.  Shielding protects the loss of signal and prevents electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference, (RFI).  Lastly, there would be an overall cable jacket which could be one of many different types.  The main function of the jacket is protection from the environment as well as additional insulation. Jacket types could include:

• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
• Polyethylene (PE)
• Flourinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP)
• Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Coaxial Applications

Because of their wide range of capabilities, coaxial cables are often chosen for, but not limited to, the following applications:

• Radar
• Communication
• Medical Equipment
• Radio Frequency (RF)
• Instrumentation
• Antennae
• Data Control
• Military
• Aerospace
• WLAN
• Cellular and Wireless
• Test and Measurement Equipment
• Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) Applications

Galaxy Differentiators / Advantages for Coaxial Cable

Galaxy can provide all forms of coaxial cable for any application. If the coaxial cable required does not currently exist, Galaxy has the ability to assist in the design and engineering of a custom designed coaxial cable. Galaxy’s wire and cable experts often work with customers to help select coaxial cables that are perfectly suited for specific applications.

When designing a coaxial or RF cable, numerous factors have to be considered. The electricals, specifically the impedance and frequency ranges must be considered. The environment and the length of the cable will play an important role in those electricals. Another factor to consider is the connections that need to be made – that will lead to the choice of the correct connectors. How the the coaxial cable will be used is an additional consideration – will the cable be static or will it be in motion? Galaxy Sales Engineers guide customers through this process of evaluating these factors to ensure that the cable product works for the specific application.

Features

Galaxy offers coaxial cables that are:

• Flexible
• Formable
• Semi-Rigid
• Indoor and Outdoor Rated
• Flame Retardant
• Plenum Rated
• Used for Direct Burial
• Available for Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) Applications

Materials

Coaxial cable from Galaxy is available with the following materials:

• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
• Polyeurothane (PE)
• Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE)
• Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA)
• Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP)
• Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
• Tefzel®