What Is an RF Coaxial Cable and How Do You Choose the Right One? Structure, Performance, and selection Guide
An RF coaxial cable is a guided wave transmission system made of two coaxial cylindrical conductors, with air or a high-frequency dielectric material filling the space between them. Designed as a broadband microwave transmission line, it plays a vital role in communication, broadcasting, and audio-visual applications. Although coaxial cables are common, the differences in their materials, construction, and performance can be complex—especially for those without specialized RF or microwave knowledge. Without a clear understanding of these factors, choosing the right RF coaxial cable can be challenging, leading to mismatched products and unsatisfactory performance. What Makes RF Coaxial Cables Unique? A coaxial cable is a shielded, non-dispersive transmission line . Theoretically, its lower cutoff frequency is zero, meaning it can carry very low frequencies as well as high-frequency signals. It consists of two conductors—an inner conductor and an outer...