Coaxial Cable
Galaxy is a leading supplier of coaxial cable. Coaxial cables, or RF cables, are typically used in applications when transferring radio frequencies are necessary. Coaxial or RF cables are used in a wide range of applications including broadband CATV, telecommunications, antennae, video, data control and instrumentation.
What is Coaxial Cable?
Coaxial cables are used to transmit signals from one location to another. A coaxial cable is typically referred to by its impedance or RG type, for example, 50 ohms or RG-X type cable. Even though a coaxial cable can be called out using an RG type, the more formal part number includes the mil-spec call out. The mil-spec call out for coaxial cables is Mil-C-17. Mil-C-17 was created to standardize coaxial cables.
Coaxial cables conduct a signal through an inner copper conductor which can be solid or stranded. Surrounding this inner conductor is an insulating layer commonly referred to as the dielectric. This dielectric is often polyurethane or polyethylene. The dielectric material helps maintain consistent electrical properties when in use. Typically the next layer would be the shielding. Then there would be metallic braid or tape shield covering the dielectric. Shielding protects the loss of signal and prevents electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference, (RFI). Lastly, there would be an overall cable jacket which could be one of many different types. The main function of the jacket is protection from the environment as well as additional insulation. Jacket types could include:
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
- Polyethylene (PE)
- Flourinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP)
- Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
Coaxial Applications
Because of their wide range of capabilities, coaxial cables are often chosen for, but not limited to, the following applications:
- Cable Television
- Radar
- Communication
- Radio Frequency (RF)
- Instrumentation
- Antennae
- Data Control
- Military
- Aerospace
- WLAN
- Cellular and Wireless
- Test and Measurement Equipment
- Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) Applications
Galaxy Differentiators / Advantages for Coaxial Cable
Galaxy can provide all forms of coaxial cable for any application. If the coaxial cable required does not currently exist, Galaxy has the ability to assist in the design and engineering of a custom designed coaxial cable. Galaxy’s wire and cable experts often work with customers to help select coaxial cables that are perfectly suited for specific applications. And Galaxy’s coaxial cable assembly services can be utilized if the coaxial cable is to be built into an assembly.
Features
Galaxy offers coaxial cables that are:
- Flexible
- Formable
- Semi-Rigid
- Indoor and Outdoor Rated
- Flame Retardant
- Plenum Rated
- Used for Direct Burial
- Available for Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) Applications
Materials
Coaxial cable from Galaxy is available with the following materials:
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
- Polyeurothane (PE)
- Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE)
- Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA)
- Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP)
- Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
- Tefzel®
Coaxial Cable Technical Specifications
The following is a sample of the coaxial cable Galaxy offers in the following ranges of technical specifications:
| Cable Type | Mil Designation | Impedance | Dielectric | NOM OD (IN) | Shield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RG-6 | M17/2-RG6 | 75 | PE | 0.332 | BRAID |
| RG-8 | 52 | PE | 0.405 | BRAID | |
| RG-9 | 51 | PE | 0.42 | BRAID | |
| RG-11 | M17/6-RG11 | 75 | PE | 0.405 | BRAID |
| RG-58 | M17/28-RG58 | 52 | PE | 0.195 | BRAID |
| RG-59 | M17/29-RG59 | 75 | PE | 0.242 | BRAID |
| RG-62 | M17/30-RG62 | 93 | ASP | 0.242 | BRAID |
| RG-122 | M17/54-RG122 | 50 | PE | 0.16 | BRAID |
| RG-133 | M17/100-RG133 | 95 | PE | 0.405 | BRAID |
| RG-142 | M17/60-RG142 | 50 | PTFE | 0.195 | BRAID |
| RG-178 | M17/93-RG178 | 50 | PTFE | 0.072 | BRAID |
| RG-179 | M17/94-RG179 | 70 | PTFE | 0.1 | BRAID |
| RG-180 | M17/95-RG180 | 93 | PTFE | 0.14 | BRAID |
| RG-195 | 95 | PTFE | 0.145 | BRAID | |
| RG-213 | M17/74-RG213 | 50 | PE | 0.405 | BRAID |
| RG-214 | M17/75-RG214 | 50 | PE | 0.425 | BRAID |
| RG-223 | M17/84-RG223 | 50 | PE | 0.211 | DB BRAID |
| RG-302 | M17/110-RG302 | 75 | PTFE | 0.201 | BRAID |
| RG-303 | M17/111-RG303 | 50 | PTFE | 0.17 | BRAID |
| RG-304 | M17/112-RG304 | 50 | PTFE | 0.28 | BRAID |
| RG-316 | M17/113-RG315 | 50 | PTFE | 0.1 | BRAID |
| RG-391 | M17/126-RG391 | 72 | NA | 0.405 | BRAID |
| RG-392 | M17/126-RG392 | 72 | NA | 0.475 | BRAID |
| RG-393 | M17/127-RG393 | 50 | PTFE | 0.39 | BRAID |
| RG-400 | M17/128-RG400 | 50 | PTFE | 0.195 | DB BRAID |
| RG-401 | M17/129-RG401 | 50 | PTFE | 0.25 | BRAID |
| RG-402 | M17/130-RG402 | 50 | PTFE | 0.141 | BRAID |
| RG-403 | M17/131-RG403 | 50 | PTFE | 0.118 | DB BRAID |
| RG-404 | M17/132-RG404 | 50 | PTFE | 0.073 | BRAID |
| RG-405 | M17/133-RG405 | 50 | PTFE | 0.086 | BRAID |
Terminology Notes
There are various terms used in the wire and cable industry related to this type of cable. They include:
- Ohm – The ohm is defined as a resistance between two points of a conductor when a constant potential difference of 1.0 volt, applied to these points, produces in the conductor a current of 1.0ampere, the conductor not being the seat of any electromotive force.
- Impedance – the ratio of the voltage phasor to the electric current phasor, a measure of the opposition to time-varying electric current in an electric circuit.
- Dielectric – insulator material used in coaxial cables.
- Capacitance – The capacitance of a coaxial line varies with the spacing of the conductors, the dielectric constant, and as a result the impedance of the line.
- VSWR – Voltage Standing Wave Ratio is a function of the reflection coefficient, which describes the signal reflected back from a connector.
- Attenuation – is a reduction of signal strength during transmission.
Contact Galaxy Wire & Cable for Coaxial Cable
Contact Galaxy for further assistance with coaxial cables.
Tefzel® is a registered trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.