Coaxial cable

Coaxial cable is an electrical cable consisting of a round conducting wire, surrounded by an insulating spacer, surrounded by a cylindrical conducting sheath, and usually surrounded by a final insulating layer.

Related Topics:
Cable - Insulating - Cylindrical

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The cable is designed to carry a high-frequency or broadband signal, as a high-frequency transmission line. Sometimes DC power (called bias) is added to the signal to supply the equipment at the other end, as in direct broadcast satellite receivers. Because the electromagnetic field carrying the signal exists (ideally) only in the space between the inner and outer conductors, it cannot interfere with or suffer interference from external electromagnetic fields.

Related Topics:
Frequency - Broadband - High-frequency transmission line - DC - Signal - Direct broadcast satellite - Receiver - Electromagnetic field - Interference

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Coaxial cables may be rigid or flexible. Rigid types have a solid sheath, while flexible types have a braided sheath, both usually of thin copper wire. The inner insulator, also called the dielectric, has a significant effect on the cable's properties, such as its characteristic impedance and its attenuation. The dielectric may be solid or perforated with air spaces. Connections to the ends of coaxial cables are usually made with RF connectors.

Related Topics:
Coaxial - Braid - Copper - Insulator - Dielectric - Characteristic impedance - Attenuation - RF connector

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