INTERCONNECTION Because of their utility and the wide variety


of potential use cases, coax cables are also produced in a range of impedances with as much resistance to electrical current as is needed for each application. For the most part, cables are available in 50Ohm and 75Ohm varieties, but this can be customised to a degree by varying the size of the inner conductor relative to the overall dimensions of the cable. This further expands the utility of this type of cable. The broad range of uses and consistency of


the coax cable speaks to the effectiveness of its design. These cables were first used in the mid-19th century to carry telegram signals across the Atlantic. The fundamental principles underpinning the technology are so reliable and consistent that while materials and design factors have developed significantly over the years, the combination of the inner conductor and the outer shield has never needed to change. Still, exponential improvements have been made to the design of these cables since the 1800s and the newest systems offer significant advances in reliable data transmission at much lower costs. Larger cables may also have more shields


and therefore provide an additional level of resistance. Some RF coaxial connectors have multiple shields for high shield attenuation, although it’s important to check what type of connector will work best for your application if the extra shielding is a vital component of your connection. The number of variables this creates means


it’s best to consult an expert when designing a complicated system using RF coaxial connectors and cables, to ensure your system meets your every requirement. The flexibility of coax cabling means that they can meet a wide variety of needs when set up correctly.


What are the benefits of RF coaxial connectors? RF coaxial connectors are available in a range of sizes to suit different cable dimensions, making them a perfect utility product no matter what your system needs. Because of their strong electrical resistance


and a design that prevents signal loss due to interference, they’re also suitable for almost any installation - even if your transmission line will be installed adjacent to electrical cables or telephone wiring. With industry-standardised design features,


it’s easy to find a connector to fit your system and there are tens of thousands of coaxial connectors on the market to suit even the most demanding application. Connectors are durable and provide the same advantages of coax cables, as they are constructed with the same inner conductor and outer shielding structure.


Are there disadvantages to RF coaxial connectors? As with any connector or cable, there can be disadvantages to using RF coaxial connectors. These will usually arise when they are deployed in systems where they are not the most appropriate option and a good understanding of the solutions that are available to you will usually serve to mitigate these. For example, while RF coaxial systems are ideal for transmitting signals over short


distances, they are less suitable for long- distance communications due to signal loss, and radio repeaters will sometimes be necessary to maintain radiofrequency transmission across long distances. In these cases, it may be better to use fiber optic cables, which can carry larger volumes of data across longer distances. However, fibre optic cables are significantly


more expensive than RF coax connectors and cables, and depending on your application, the latter option may be the most cost-effective choice. Coax connectors are common and widely available in a variety of sizes, dimensions and impedances, which means that parts are easy to replace and upgrade. It’s important to consider everything you


will need from your system and ensure that the cables and connectors you choose will fulfil your requirements. RF coaxial connectors are flexible and broadly compatible, and provide an excellent return on investment.


Northern-connectors www.northern-connectors.co.uk


NOVEMBER 2021 | ELECTRONICS TODAY 13


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