Coaxial Cable Types

A coaxial cable has inner conductors encased in multiple insulating layers. To prevent electromagnetic interference, a coax cable also has a conducting shield and jacket wrapped around its insulation.

It's possible that using the wrong coax cable won't give the best results, therefore, choosing the appropriate coaxial cables for a given application can make a big difference.

The different types of coaxial cable

Each type of coaxial cable is briefly described below:

1. Semi-rigid Coaxial cable

The outer sheath of a semi-rigid coaxial cable is made of solid copper, and the dielectric is PTFE.

Superior shielding performance is typically provided by the copper sheath, and improved high-frequency performance is provided by the dielectric properties.

This kind of coaxial cable isn't meant to be bent or reshaped after the first forming operation has taken place by design.

2. Formable coaxial cable

It’s also referred to as conformable coaxial cable and serves as a substitute for semi-rigid coaxial cable.

A flexible metal sheath is used instead of a rigid copper outer sheath because it can be manually reshaped and formed to fit the desired cable configuration.

In prototype applications, formable coax is occasionally used to lay out the pattern for cable placement; once the prototype is stabilized, the design is changed to use the semi-rigid coaxial cable.

3. Flexible coaxial cable

Flexible coaxial cable can move and bend as needed to fit the geometry and configuration of the application, as its name suggests.

A flexible polymer acts as the dielectric and is surrounded by a metal inner conductor in a typical flexible coaxial cable design. An outer jacket protects the cable from the environment.

The metal core conductor may be changed from a solid wire to a stranded design when more flexibility is required, and the rigid dielectric material may be replaced with polyethylene dielectric foam.

This is the most prevalent kind of coaxial cable, and anyone who has connected televisions and home video equipment will be familiar with it.

4. Twin-axial cable

Instead of the conventional one-conductor build of most coaxial cables, twin axial cables, sometimes referred to as Twinax, have two central conductors included in the core with a single outer core and dielectric.

Reduced cable loss, improved defense against capacitive fields and ground loops, and a decrease in low-frequency magnetic noise are some benefits of twin axial cable.

Applications involving low-frequency video and digital are where these cables work best.

5. Hard line coaxial cable

When compared to other types of coaxial cable, hard-line coaxial cable typically has a larger diameter and its center conductor is made of materials like steel, copper, aluminum, or silver.

These cables could be utilized for high-intensity signal transmission. Pressurized nitrogen is used in some types of hard lines as an arcing and moisture-infiltration inhibitor.

6. Triaxial cable

Triaxial cables, also known as Triax, are coaxial cables that have a second copper braid added to them.

This grounded braid serves as a shield, diverting any capacitive field noise or ground loop currents from the inner core conducting elements.

In comparison to standard coaxial cable, the triaxial cable offers an improved signal-to-noise ratio, increased bandwidth, and interference rejection, as well as lower cable losses and cable loading.

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Each has a perfect use and offers unique advantages over its competitors. You can browse our full range of premium products.