The electronics industry has been growing steadily over the last few years. And all of this has been possible because of the different and continuous development in cables and connectors.

An electrical system will function efficiently and smoothly if the wiring has been done correctly. In case of any fault, even in a single wire, the entire system will stop functioning. An electrical system works seamlessly only when its overall wiring and elements are working properly.

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are used in the assembly of electronic gadgets that have inbuilt internal track paths for proper current flow in the circuit. Apart from this, cable assemblies should be wisely selected as different cables are designed and manufactured to cater to the current flow requirement of various electrical and electronic systems.

Nowadays, all audio and video electronics devices are benefitting from advancements in cable wires. These devices need high frequency (HF) signals for enhanced audio and video output, thereby requiring a unique cable wire for transmitting these signals. The ideal cable for the transmission of these signals is coaxial cables.

Coaxial cables have a rigid conductor, which means they have copper or aluminum in the center, encompassed with a strong dielectric insulator. It has a woven copper shield over it covered with a thick plastic sheath.

Coaxial cables can carry high volumes of digital data in the form of signals, and the possibilities of signal loss in these cables are almost null. This makes this cable ideal for video and sound devices.

Common Uses of Coaxial Cables

Coaxial cables are essentially used for audio and visual purposes. These cables are mostly found in every room of modern houses as they help transmit signals for radio frequency, video, and data signals. Coaxial cables can be found connected from the wall outlet directly to a person’s television or cable box. Moreover, they are used for connecting VCRs to a television. Besides that, it also attaches a personal antenna to a television set or a digital converter box.

Types of Coaxial Cable Connectors

Coax cable connectors are used to connect cables to other electronic gadgets and maintain the cable’s shielding. They come in two distinct types — Male and Female. Male coax cable connectors have metal pins that project from the center, while female connectors have a recessed hole to receive the pin.

Given below are some of the most common coaxial connector types and their applications:

Bayonet Neil-Concelman (BNC) Coaxial Connectors

Originally designed for military use, the BNC coax cable connector is a miniature-to-subminiature quick connect/disconnect radio frequency (RF) connector used in RF equipment, radio, video, television signals, and test instruments.

These connectors consist of two bayonet lugs for an entwined interface on the female connector. They are ideal for frequencies below 4GHz as these connectors lose stability as they reach close to 10 GHz.

Threaded Neil-Concelman (TNC) Coax Cable Connectors

TNC connectors are the threaded version of BNC connectors. They show greater mechanical stability and better microwave frequencies compared to BNC connectors. These connectors are weatherproof, miniature units that can get close to 12 GHz and are typically used in smartphones and RF/antenna connectors to solve leakage and stability problems.

Radio Corporation of America (RCA) Connectors

RCA connectors, also referred to as cinch connectors, were originally designed and developed for audio signal transmissions but are now used to transmit video signals as well. Also known as A/V jacks, these cables are more commonly identified as the red, white, and yellow connectors that plug into the back of television units. All of them feature a male connector enclosed in a ring.

Micro Coaxial (MCX) Cable Connectors

Micro-Coaxial connectors are extremely small, low-profile RF cable assemblies designed and developed to meet the requirements of slim equipment. More specifically, they are ideal for applications with space, size, or weight limitations.

These connectors have a 30% smaller outer diameter compared to SMB connectors and operate between DC and 6 GHz in TV tuner cards, wireless, RF equipment, GPS, and digital cellular applications. Moreover, micro-coaxial connectors have a snap-on coupling design that helps in a smooth, tool-free installation.

QMA Connectors

QMA connectors are coaxial RF connectors. They are the quick-lock and quick-disconnect versions of SMA connectors. Providing faster and more secure coupling and remarkable performance in RF connections, these connectors are perfect for industrial and telecommunications applications. Moreover, they are also used in cable wiring, repair, and assembly.

7/16 DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) Connectors

The 7/16 DIN connector is a threaded RF connector used in high-wattage transmissions in antenna systems, defense, and cellular network applications. These connectors can get closer to 7.5 GHz and require a wrench for tightening.

Subminiature Version B (SMB) Cable Connectors

SMB connectors are smaller versions of SMA connectors that provide excellent electrical performance from DC to 4 GHz. They are one of the most renowned RF/microwave connector types for industrial and telecommunications applications. Moreover, SMB connectors provide a simple snap-on coupling design for semi-rigid cables with unstable connections. Plus, they are available in either 50 omega or 70 omega impedance.

Final Thoughts

Coaxial cables have many benefits compared to other types of transmission cables. First and foremost, they work well at high frequencies. Plus, they are often used when there is poor attenuation. Some types of coaxial cables also eliminate distorted signal transmission.

The popularity of coaxial cables is owed not only to their strength and durability but also to other reasons as well. They are reasonable and easy to install. Moreover, expanding them is easy. And last but not least, there’s a high EMI resistance and speed capacity of 10 Mbps.

Circuit Assembly will work with you to customize coaxial cable assemblies to fit your needs.

Coaxial Cable Introduction