The engineer’s guide to RF cable assembly selection and use
Figure 3: Shown is a typical shielded cable. Starting from the inside of the cable are the core conductor, a dielectric material that separates the core from the shield, a woven metal shield, and the cable jacket. (Image source: Molex)
There is also the form of shielding to consider. Metallic braids like those on the 0897616761 MCX assembly with RG-136 cables offer excellent mechanical strength and physical protection. In contrast, foil shields are typically made of aluminum laminated to a polyester or polypropylene film for a lightweight, inexpensive, and flexible alternative. There are other types, such as spiral, tape, and combinations, which vary in terms of percentage of frequency coverage, flexibility, lifespan, mechanical strength, cost, and ease of termination. There may also be unique application requirements to consider. For example, medical applications often involve sensors that can be affected by magnetic fields. Here, a solution
like the 0897616791 MMCX cable assembly is a viable choice, as these assemblies are available in non-magnetic coupling versions for better design compatibility. Space constraints, environmental hazards, and maintenance When considering physical parameters, limitations on space and routing are often the main obstacles. Consider defense applications, which are notoriously cramped. Here, a solution like the 0897611760 SSMCX cable assembly is practical. SSMCX connectors are some of the smallest on the market and are available with vertical and right-angle orientations to accommodate challenging space and routing constraints.
Shielding, magnetic coupling, and other considerations
Shielding is another important consideration. Any cable carrying RF signals can act like an antenna and broadcast or receive signals, creating interference. To minimize this interference, cables need to be shielded by a grounded metallic housing (Figure 3).
Shielding material choice is influenced by a range of
factors, including performance requirements, environmental conditions, and budget constraints. For example, copper is highly effective across most frequencies but also relatively heavy and costly, while aluminum is light and inexpensive but less effective and more prone to corrosion.
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