Low Loss and Ultra Low Loss Cable

Low Loss Cable and Ultra Low Loss Cable

Galaxy is a leading supplier of both custom and stock low loss (LL) and ultra low loss (ULL) cables.  Low and ultra low loss cables are typically used when standard coaxial cables will not offer the low attenuation loss over distance.  LL and ULL loss cables are required when the amount of attenuation loss is crucial for the intended application.

What is Low Loss Cable and Ultra Low Loss Cable?

Low loss and ultra low loss cables are coaxial cables that have far better shielding compared to standard RG coaxial cables, which helps achieve low attenuation loss at high frequencies.  These LL/ULL cables outperform standard coaxial cables for critical applications. The following factors are considered when labeling a cable as low loss:

• Attenuation rate
• Frequency range
• Dielectric material
• Type of cable shielding used

Benefits of Low Loss Cable and Ultra Low Loss Cable

Low attenuation loss is the primary benefit when choosing a low loss or ultra low loss cable. This is critical in microwave, military, WLAN, wireless, cellular as well as medical applications. Another benefit of low loss and ultra low loss types of cables are the different physical or mechanical types such as flexible, formable or semi-rigid.  Each physical type allows it to perform as needed in a multitude of different environments and applications.

Low Loss and Ultra Low Loss Cable Applications

Because of their low attenuation loss, low loss and ultra low loss cables are often chosen for, but are not limited to the following applications:

• Radar
• Communication
• Radio Frequency (RF)
• Military
• Aerospace
• WLAN
• Cellular and Wireless
• Test and Measurement Equipment

Galaxy Differentiators / Advantages for Low Loss Cable and Ultra Low Loss Cable

There are numerous types of low loss and ultra low loss cables available.  In order to properly choose the correct cable for a specific application, Galaxy’s wire and cable experts can provide guidance in selecting an LL/ULL cable solution that is perfectly suited for the application. Galaxy’s Sales Engineers have successfully assisted in the design of custom low loss and ultra low loss cables for many customers, and understand the challenges that come along with the cable selection process. No matter the environment or desired functionality, a cable can be manufactured that enables the equipment to function as intended.

Features and Characteristics

Galaxy offers LL and ULL cable with these features:

• Flexible
• Formable
• Semi-Rigid
• Indoor and Outdoor Rated
• Flame Retardant
• Plenum Rated
• Direct Burial

Materials

Low Loss cable and Ultra Low Loss cable and wire from Galaxy is available with the following materials:

• Polyvinyl Chloride, PVC
• Fluorinated ethylene propylene, FEP
• Polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE
• Tefzel®

Low Loss Cable and Ultra Low Loss Cable Technical Specifications

Galaxy offers LL cable and ULL cable in the following ranges of technical specifications:

• Impedance: 50, 75 and 95 ohms are the most common
• Temperature: -75°C/-103°F to +250°C/+482°F

Considerations when choosing a Low Loss Cable and Ultra Low Loss Cable

• Characteristic Impedance: best to match with other components in the system
• Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR)
• Frequency
• Signal Attenuation
• Power
• Noise or Cross Coupling
• Phase Delay
• Physical Environment

Terminology Notes

There are various terms used in the wire and cable industry related to this type of cable. They include:

• Low Loss Coaxial Cable
• Coaxial Cable
• Coax
• RF Cable
• RG Coaxial Cable
• Mil-C-17

*Tefzel® is a registered trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.