Coax

What does coaxial cable mean?

Coaxial cables, which are often also referred to as coax lines or coax cables, are special cables that transmit high-frequency signals. They play an important role in radio, TV and communication technology as they ensure the stable and interference-free transmission of signals. Unlike other types of cable, the coaxial cable consists of an inner conductor and an outer conductor which are separated from each other and have a concentric cross-section structure.

How is a coaxial cable structured?

A coaxial cable is made up of several layers. On the inside, there is an inner conductor, also known as the “soul” or “core”, which generally consists of thin, single stranded wires or of one thick copper wire. This inner conductor is surrounded by a dielectric insulating layer which maintains a constant distance to the outer conductor. The outer conductor or outer shield surrounds this insulating layer. The outer conductor consists of many thin wires that are woven together very tightly, shielding the inner conductor from external interference or electric fields (EMC). A plastic jacket forms the outer layer of the cable and protects the cable from external mechanical and environmental influences.

What are coaxial cables used for?

Coaxial cables are used in many areas, particularly in high-frequency technology and telecommunication applications. In the automotive sector, coaxial cables are regularly used to transmit antenna signals, e.g. for GPS or radio reception. They are also used to transmit data e.g. in Ethernet applications. Due to their structure, coaxial cables ensure the stable transfer of signals of up to 20 Ghz, even across large distances.

What advantages do coaxial cables offer for use in vehicles?

Low susceptibility to failure:

The multi-layer structure of coaxial cables means that they are particularly well-shielded against electromagnetic interference. This makes them particularly suitable for use in harsh environments such as in vehicles.

High signal quality:

Coaxial cables provide stable impedance and minimized signal reflections and this ensures a clean transmission of data over large distances.

Robustness:

The external insulation protects the cable from environmental influences such as humidity, vibrations and extreme temperatures.

High flexibility:

Coaxial cables are often used with selected plastics in dynamic applications such as for connecting cameras in the wing mirror or on the trunk lid.

What type of coaxial cables exist?

Various types of coaxial cables exist which differ in diameter, material and area of use. The most common types are RG-6, RG-11 and RG-59, which are selected according to the application e.g. for satellite transmission, digital networks or conventional television broadcasting. Special automotive coaxial cables such as RG174, RTK031 and double-shielded coaxial cables are optimized for use in harsh vehicle environments and are characterized by high data transmission rates and resistance.

How does the shielding work on a coaxial cable?

On a coaxial cable, the shielding is provided by the outer conductor which can be made up of a wire mesh or a metal foil. This layer protects the inner signal from external electromagnetic interference, reduces signal reflections and thus ensures a clean and interference-free transmission of signals. This is particularly important during the transmission of sensitive, high-frequency signals in environments subject to many interfering sources such as in vehicles or industrial plants.

What developments have been made in the field of coaxial cables?

In recent years, coaxial cables have been further developed for use in modern communication and data transmission systems. Thanks to improvements in materials and design, the latest coaxial cables offer an even higher bandwidth, fewer losses and improved mechanical stability. In the automotive industry, they are increasingly used for high-speed data transmission, including for the transmission of 5G and V2X communication signals, e.g. in conjunction with FAKRA or mini-coax connector systems. On account of their versatility and robustness, coaxial cables remain a central component of modern communication infrastructures, both in the automotive industry and in other areas of high-frequency technology.