You’ve likely heard about coaxial cables. While cable TV may be the first thing that comes to mind, coaxial cables have a diverse range of functions and use. As a versatile and durable cable, coaxials are the backbone of various industries around the world.
Since 1994, Meridian Cable has been an innovator in creating and adapting new technologies that connect the world. We make high-quality custom cable assemblies, wire harnesses, and coaxial cable assemblies. Our brilliant team created this guide to coaxial cables and their many uses.
What Is A Coaxial Cable?
Generally speaking, a coaxial cable is an electrical cable that transmits radio frequency between connection points. These cables have been around for a while and are most commonly known for their use in television and communication applications.
Coaxial cables are known for their durability and protected data transmission. With a distinct round shape, these thick cables are layered with insulation, conductors, and a single pin for docking. With a shielded layer around the insulation, coaxial cables are highly effective at defending against electromagnetic interference (EMI). A cable’s resistance to interference is measured in OHM units.
There are varying types of coaxial cables. The individual cable types are often distinguished by their radio conductor gauge measurement (RF). Each cable can serve a particular purpose with a distinct application. The varying gauge levels are designed for unique capacities and frequencies.
How a Coaxial Cable Works
Coaxial cables function by transferring data through the central conductor. Though the application and particulars of a coaxial cable will vary, they provide a shielded data transference from one point to another. They’re popular in television and communications industries because of their low signal loss, durability, and simplicity.
Coaxial cables feature a layered design intended for high-capacity data transmission integrity. The type of cable needed is determined by the equipment, the distance between signal points, and the work environment.
Different Types of Coaxial Cables
Each type of coaxial cable serves a unique function and purpose. Depending on the industry, equipment, and intention, a coaxial cable can be designed for varying purposes and a range of applications.
Here are some of the most common types of coaxial cables:
RF Cables
Most people think of radio frequency cables (RF) when they envision a coaxial cable. These are the standard cable television lines that connect to the signal-in port or the RF input device. Not intended for long-distance transmissions, RF cables are ideal for home usage, short-distance audio/visual components, or lower-traffic applications.
RG-6
RG-6 cables are most frequently used in cable television and satellite installations. They feature a 75-ohm impedance, which makes them durable and reliable. These cables are highly effective at transmitting signals over long distances with minimal data loss. RG-6 cables have a thick conductor making them suitable for high bandwidth uses.
RG-59
RG-59 cables are also used for cable TV installation. These cables are best suited for shorter-distance transmissions. RG-59 cables post a 75-ohm impedance. While they are reliable choices for video transmission, they can lose signal the farther they transmit. This makes RG-59 cables ideal for closed-circuit TVs (CCTV), such as security footage, control room monitors, and recording studios.
RG-62
RG-62 cables are designed for carrying high-frequency electromagnetic signals. The distinguishing factor with RG-62 cables is their ability to transmit data over long distances with high-grade signal reliability successfully. This high capacity performance makes these cables highly useful in car antennas and satellite applications. These cables feature a 93-ohm, which means minor no signal corruption.
RG-8
RG-8 cables are used in applications requiring high voltage handling and lower loss over long-distance transmissions. These cables have a 50-0 a.m. impedance and are often used in ham radio devices and other high-power transmission apparatuses. These cables are a staple in the telecommunications and broadcasting industries. Because of their helpful loss resistance, RG-8 cables are highly effective for transmitting radio frequencies over long distances.
RG-11
RG-11 cables are thicker coaxial cables with little to no data loss. They are designed for long-distance and are often used in high-bandwidth data applications. Common uses for RG-11 cables are communications, backbone networks, and long-distance video surveillance systems. These cables offer a greater capacity for long-distance transmissions than the RG-6 or RG-59 cables.
RG-213
RG-213 cables are ultra-reliable lines with low loss and high power capacities. While similar to the RG-8 cables, RG-213 cables are equipped with a solid layer of insulation instead of foam. They feature a 50-ohm for low-loss transmission. These capable cables are often used for CB radio, internet connection, or mobile uplink systems.
LMR
Land Mobile Radio (LMR) cables are a series of coaxial cables designed for wireless communications. The key feature of this collection of coaxial wires is their flexibility and application in communications networks. Because LMR cables are pliable, they are ideally suited for close or complicated systems. The most common application for LMR cables is communications networks such as radio systems or cell phone networks. These cables vary in impedance ratings with either a 50-ohm or 75-ohm. LMR cables are flexible, durable, and reliable.
Twinaxial Cable
Twinaxial cables are a specialized form of coaxial cable. They’re often used in data transmission locations requiring high-speed capacity. The critical difference in these cables is dual inner conductors, which are twisted in a pair. The double conductor enables high-speed transmission capabilities over short distances. This design makes twinaxial cables ideally suited for complex computer systems and digital video development.
Triaxial Cables
Triaxial cables are similar to twinaxial cables but with a key difference. Triaxial cables still have the dual inner conductors but further add a third conducting layer. This additional layer provides greater bandwidth for high-capacity transmissions, like digital video. Though they are still used in short-distance transmissions, triaxial cables are used best in videography, television production, and film apparatuses.
How Coaxial Cables Are Used
Coaxial cables are often used in telecommunications, data transference, and network communications. Most applications involve transmitting high-frequency electrical signals, such as sound or video data. With coaxial cables’ shielded design, they accomplish their task with minimal loss and guard against electromagnetic interference. This protection comes in handy for electronically noisy environments and industries.
The most common use for coaxial cables is for video or television. Depending on the cable type, vaious forms of television applications can be used, such as cable TV, closed circuit TV (CCTV), and audio/visual recording devices.
However, nearly every industry uses coaxial cables in some capacity. These sturdy, versatile cables can be effective tools for various communication and connection possibilities.
Quality Matters with Coaxial Cables
Like anything involving signal and electricity, coaxial cable quality can make all the difference. Poor-quality cables can lead to poor performance, signal loss, or corrupted data. On a smaller scale, mediocre coaxial cables can be frustrating when they interfere with your favorite cable TV programs. For companies, however, second-rate cables could be a major liability.
Quality begins with manufacturing. If the manufacturer cuts corners and produces lower-tier products, you can expect subpar performance for your coaxial cable. Not all coaxial cables are created equal. Shoddy quality leads to less-than-adequate cables.
At Meridian Cable, the quality of our product is our top priority. We rigorously test every cable we produce to ensure it meets industry standards. We use high-grade materials, state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, and impeccable engineering to create the best product possible. We understand the importance of top-notch cable manufacturing and hold our products to the highest standard.
Meridian Builds Custom Coaxial Cable Assemblies
Meridian Cable’s commitment to quality and top-tier manufacturing elevates our product to the highest standard. We built completely custom coaxial cables and cable assemblies on a global scale. We service countless industries and companies with one-of-a-kind cable solutions. Our experience and industry expertise make all the difference in cable production.
We work directly with your team to design and build a coaxial cable assembly just for you. We tailor your assembly to your equipment, environment, and connection needs. We have thousands of options to plan your coaxial cable project strategically.
Meridian Cable designs customized coaxial cables from the ground up. We tailor a cable design to match your connection needs perfectly. No matter what type of cable you need, we can create the ideal connection solution for you.
Choose Meridian Cable for Custom Coaxial Cable Assemblies
We know custom cables can get complicated. That’s why our team is here to help every step of the way. We’ll help you design and create the ideal cable solution for your project. Our expert engineering team is the best in the biz. We put our skills and experience to work for you to produce a high-quality product you can rely on. We’ve been in the industry since 1994 and remain committed to producing the best cables and cable assemblies on the market.
Need to get started on your own project but need help knowing where to begin? No worries! Our team can help. We’ll work with you to design a custom coaxial cable or cable assembly. Contact our crew to get started today.