Micro-Coaxial Cables vs. Fiber Optics
1. Core Structure and Signal Transmission Mechanism
Micro-Coaxial Cables
Design: A miniature version of traditional coaxial cables, featuring:
A central conductor (copper or silver-plated copper).
Dielectric insulation (e.g., PTFE or FEP).
Braided or foil shielding for EMI protection.
A thin outer jacket (PVC, fluoropolymers).
Signal Type: Transmit electrical signals over metallic conductors.
Fiber Optics
Design: Composed of:
A glass or plastic core for light transmission.
Cladding to reflect light inward.
Protective coatings (acrylic, Kevlar).
Signal Type: Transmit light pulses (optical signals) via total internal reflection.
2. Bandwidth and Speed
Parameter Micro-Coaxial Cables Fiber Optics
Bandwidth Up to 40 GHz Up to terabits per second (Tbps)
Latency Low (nanoseconds) Ultra-low (picoseconds)
Distance Short-range (up to 100 meters) Long-range (kilometers)
Key Insight: Fiber optics excel in high-bandwidth, long-distance applications (e.g., undersea cables, data centers), while micro-coaxial cables are ideal for compact, high-frequency devices requiring EMI resistance (e.g., medical imaging, aerospace systems).
3. Immunity to Interference
Micro-Coaxial Cables:
Shielded designs block electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI).
Vulnerable to signal degradation over long distances due to conductor resistance.
Fiber Optics:
Immune to EMI/RFI, making them perfect for high-noise environments (e.g., industrial plants, MRI rooms).
No risk of crosstalk or ground loops.
4. Size, Flexibility, and Durability
Micro-Coaxial Cables:
Ultra-thin (0.1mm–0.5mm diameter) and highly flexible.
Withstand repeated bending, making them suitable for robotic arms, endoscopes, and wearables.
Prone to mechanical damage if crushed or sharply bent.
Fiber Optics:
Thicker and less flexible due to fragile glass cores.
Require careful handling but are more durable in static, long-term installations (e.g., buried cables).
5. Cost and Maintenance
Micro-Coaxial Cables:
Lower upfront costs for short-range applications.
Easy to terminate with standard connectors (e.g., SMA, MMCX).
Higher maintenance in harsh environments due to corrosion risks.
Fiber Optics:
Higher initial investment (specialized transceivers, splicing tools).
Minimal maintenance and lower lifetime costs for long-distance setups.
Immune to corrosion and temperature fluctuations.
6. Key Applications
Micro-Coaxial Cables
Medical Devices: Endoscopes, ultrasound probes, implantable sensors.
Consumer Electronics: Smartphone antennas, high-speed HDMI/USB links.
Aerospace: Avionics, satellite communication systems.
Fiber Optics
Telecom Networks: Internet backbone lines, 5G infrastructure.
Data Centers: Server-to-server communication, cloud storage.
Industrial Automation: High-noise factory floor monitoring.
7. Future Trends and Hybrid Solutions
5G and IoT: Micro-coaxial cables dominate in compact IoT sensors, while fiber handles backhaul traffic.
Medical Robotics: Hybrid systems use fiber optics for long-distance data and micro-coaxial for precision tool control.
Material Innovations:
Micro-Coaxial: Nano-shielding for higher EMI resistance.
Fiber Optics: Bend-insensitive fibers for improved flexibility.