Micro Coaxial Cable factory-(FRS)

What is the difference between Coaxial Cable Assemblies and bare coaxial cables - Micro Coaxial Cable factory-(FRS)

Micro Coaxial Cable-Micro Coaxial Cable factory-(FRS)-FRS

 

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Coaxial cables are widely used in signal transmission fields such as communications, medical equipment, and aerospace. However, many users are confused about “Coaxial Cable Assemblies” and “bare coaxial cables” — two forms of coaxial technology with distinct positioning and application scenarios. Understanding their core differences is crucial for matching project needs, controlling costs, and ensuring signal transmission performance. Below is a detailed comparison from multiple dimensions:

1. Basic Definition & Structural Composition

The fundamental difference between the two lies in whether they are “pre-assembled and integrated” or “single cable components”.

Bare Coaxial Cables

A bare coaxial cable refers to the basic cable body without additional connection or protection components. Its structure follows the classic coaxial design, consisting of four core layers (from inside to outside):

  • Inner conductor: Usually made of copper or copper-clad steel, responsible for transmitting electrical signals;
  • Dielectric layer: Insulating material (e.g., PTFE, PE) that maintains the distance between the inner and outer conductors to ensure impedance stability;
  • Outer conductor: A metal layer (braided, foil-wound, or solid tube) that shields external electromagnetic interference (EMI) and prevents signal leakage;
  • Jacket: A durable outer sheath (e.g., PVC, TPE) that resists wear, corrosion, and environmental damage (such as moisture or high temperatures).

Bare coaxial cables are essentially “semi-finished products” — they only provide the basic signal transmission path and require additional processing (e.g., cutting, connector installation) before use.

Coaxial Cable Assemblies

A Coaxial Cable Assembly (also called a “coaxial cable assembly” or “pre-terminated coaxial cable”) is a ready-to-use integrated system manufactured in a factory. It is based on a bare coaxial cable and adds two key components:

  • Terminals/Connectors: Standard or customized connectors (e.g., SMA, BNC, N-type, TNC) installed at both ends of the bare cable, which can be directly plugged into equipment interfaces;
  • Auxiliary Components: Depending on application needs, additional structures such as strain relief boots (to prevent cable bending damage), shielding sleeves (enhanced EMI protection), or labeling (for identification) may be added.

The core advantage of assemblies is that they are “pre-assembled and tested” — factories use professional equipment to crimp, solder, or bond connectors to the bare cable, and conduct strict performance tests (e.g., impedance matching, signal attenuation, VSWR) before leaving the factory.

2. Core Difference Comparison

To make the distinction more intuitive, the following table compares the two in six practical dimensions:

Comparison DimensionBare Coaxial CablesCoaxial Cable Assemblies
Installation ComplexityHigh: Requires on-site cutting, stripping, and connector installation (needs professional tools and technical personnel to avoid damaging the cable or causing poor contact).Low: Plug-and-play — no on-site processing required; just connect the connectors to the equipment interfaces.
Performance ConsistencyUnstable: Performance (e.g., impedance, signal loss) depends on on-site installation quality (e.g., connector crimping tightness, dielectric layer damage).Stable: Factory testing ensures consistent impedance (e.g., 50Ω/75Ω), low signal attenuation, and reliable shielding (EMI rejection rate ≥ 90dB in most cases).
Cost StructureLower upfront cost (only for the cable body), but additional costs for connectors, tools, and labor (installation errors may lead to rework costs).Higher upfront cost (includes cable, connectors, and factory assembly/testing), but no additional on-site costs — avoids rework losses caused by manual operations.
Flexibility & CustomizationHigh flexibility: Can be cut to any length according to on-site needs; suitable for scenarios where the cable length is uncertain.Low flexibility: Length, connector type, and shielding level must be confirmed in advance; suitable for standardized equipment or fixed-length application scenarios.
Application Scenarios1. Large-scale infrastructure (e.g., internal wiring of communication base stations, where cables need to be tailored to building structures); 2. Prototyping or small-batch projects (low demand for consistency); 3. Harsh environments requiring on-site adjustment (e.g., mining site wiring).1. Precision equipment (e.g., medical imaging devices, test instruments, where signal stability is critical); 2. Aerospace/automotive fields (high requirements for reliability and anti-vibration); 3. Mass-produced electronic products (need for standardized assembly to improve efficiency).
Maintenance & ReplacementDifficult maintenance: If a fault occurs (e.g., poor connector contact), it needs to be reprocessed on-site; replacement requires re-installing connectors.Easy maintenance: Faulty assemblies can be directly replaced with new ones; no on-site processing — shortens downtime (critical for industrial production lines).

3. How to Choose Between the Two?

The choice depends on three core factors: project requirements, cost budget, and technical capabilities:

  • Choose bare coaxial cables if: Your team has professional installation personnel and tools, the cable length is uncertain, or you need to control upfront costs for large-scale wiring.
  • Choose Coaxial Cable Assemblies if: You prioritize signal stability and installation efficiency, have no on-site processing capabilities, or the application scenario (e.g., medical/aerospace) has strict requirements for reliability.

4. Why FRS is Your Trusted Partner for Coaxial Solutions

Whether you need flexible bare coaxial cables for on-site customization or high-performance Coaxial Cable Assemblies for precision equipment, FRS — a professional coaxial cable and assembly factory — has you covered.

FRS adheres to strict quality standards: Our bare coaxial cables use high-purity copper conductors and low-loss dielectric materials (PTFE for high-temperature scenarios) to ensure excellent signal transmission; our Coaxial Cable Assemblies are assembled by automated equipment and undergo 100% performance testing (including impedance, VSWR, and EMI shielding) to meet the requirements of medical, aerospace, and industrial communication fields.

Moreover, FRS provides customized services: We can tailor bare cables of different lengths (from 0.5m to 1000m) and Coaxial Cable Assemblies with specific connectors (SMA, BNC, N-type, etc.) according to your project needs. With FRS, you get not only high-quality products but also one-stop support — from technical consultation to after-sales maintenance — ensuring your signal transmission system runs stably and efficiently.

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