Key Characteristics of Micro Coaxial Cables
- Compact Structure and Precision Engineering
Micro coaxial cables are distinguished by their miniature size, typically with outer diameters ranging from 0.25 mm to 2 mm. Despite their small footprint, they maintain a layered structure similar to standard coaxial cables:
Inner Conductor: A thin, high-purity copper or silver-plated copper core ensures low resistance and efficient signal transmission.
Dielectric Insulation: A lightweight, low-loss material (e.g., PTFE or foamed polyethylene) surrounds the conductor, providing electrical insulation and minimizing signal attenuation.
Shielding Layer: Multiple layers of shielding, such as braided metal or aluminum foil, protect against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI).
Outer Jacket: A flexible, durable polymer sheath (e.g., PVC or polyurethane) safeguards the cable from physical damage and environmental factors.
This precision engineering enables micro coaxial cables to deliver high performance without compromising on space or weight.
2. High-Frequency Performance
Micro coaxial cables are optimized for high-frequency signal transmission, making them critical in applications like 5G networks, millimeter-wave radar, and high-speed data interfaces. Key electrical characteristics include:
Impedance Stability: Designed to maintain a consistent impedance (commonly 50 Ω or 75 Ω), ensuring minimal signal reflection and distortion.
Low Attenuation: Advanced dielectric materials reduce signal loss over long distances or at high frequencies.
Broad Bandwidth: Capable of supporting frequencies up to 40 GHz or higher, depending on the cable’s design.
Shielding Effectiveness: High shielding coverage (often >90%) ensures immunity to external noise, critical for sensitive applications like medical imaging.
3. Flexibility and Durability
Despite their delicate appearance, micro coaxial cables are engineered for resilience:
Bend Radius: Their flexibility allows tight bending (e.g., a bend radius as low as 3–5 times the cable diameter) without compromising signal integrity.
Mechanical Strength: Reinforced shielding and jacketing materials withstand repeated flexing, vibrations, and harsh environments.
Temperature Resistance: Capable of operating in extreme temperatures (e.g., -40°C to +150°C), suitable for aerospace and automotive applications.
4. Material Innovation
The choice of materials directly impacts performance:
Conductor Materials: Silver-plated copper or alloy cores enhance conductivity and reduce skin effect losses at high frequencies.
Dielectric Materials: Foamed polymers or PTFE lower the dielectric constant, improving signal speed and reducing loss.
Shielding Materials: Hybrid shielding (e.g., foil + braid) balances flexibility and EMI protection.
Jacket Materials: Flame-retardant or chemically resistant coatings ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g., UL, RoHS).
5. Application-Specific Customization
Micro coaxial cables are often tailored to meet the demands of niche applications:
Medical: Biocompatible, sterilizable cables for endoscopes or surgical tools.
Automotive: High-temperature-resistant cables for in-vehicle infotainment or ADAS systems.
Consumer Electronics: Ultra-thin cables for smartphones, cameras, and wearables.
Aerospace: Lightweight, radiation-resistant cables for satellites and avionics.