Coaxial cables, or coax cables, are a common sight in what is usually an ever-changing landscape in the world of technology. Their simple aesthetic and operation make them a logical choice for many applications, especially in the wider commercial market of consumer technology. What’s more, they’ve been a tried-and-true source of reliable tech for some time now, which for many begs the question, “If it ain’t broke, why fix it?”
 
But technology is not something to simply sit idle. As the desire for faster, wider access to tech grows, so, too does the need for other kinds of hardware that suits the advances better. For many in technology, coaxial cables are a thing of the past and a reminder of certain industries stubbornness to move forward & change with the world around them.
 
There is a high likelihood that unless you’re in a particular industry that relies heavily on coaxial cable use or has moved on from it, you’ve likely not considered much about this cable type. Still, there’s more to know about coax cables than you might have expected. For example:
 
A Long History – It turns out that coax cables actually have a history that goes back nearly a century and a half, having been patented in England in 1880.
 
Technology Roots – Though coax cables are used in a a variety of ways, early uses were specific in radio, television, and telephone. Coax cable tech would go on to lay the foundation for the first transatlantic telephone cable system.
 
Different Types – There is a veritable menu of coax cable types all based on specific needs. Cable type, inner core conductor material, cable impedance, and minimum bend radius are just a few of the ways coax cable types can be spec’d out.
 
Signal Integrity – At the heart of any good coax cable is signal integrity. While many associate its use with residential applications, it is still widely used in commercial arenas. As such, setting a standard of constant signal testing is paramount to make sure everything is operating to, or exceeding, standard.
 
Zero to Sixty – As noted before, residential use of coax cables in video & cable TV type applications is still pretty common. However, industries like aerospace and the military still use coax cable tech. Whether it’s for making lighter aircraft, or operating communication and/or weapons systems, streamlined coax cabling is highly sought.
 
The Right Materials – No two coax cables (relatively speaking, of course) are made the same way out of the same things. Depending on the application & the need of the client, coax cables must be made to spec in order to do a job right. This requires a lot of internal conversation about what the application is, the expectation of the application, and how best to optimize the application for future update & expansion.
 
The one thing that needs to be known about coaxial cables is that they are still used today. By some standards, they often get looked at as a relic of a time gone by. However, state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, materials, and design/engineering teams have taken the humble coax cable to grand heights the likes of which will keep it in the fold for years to come.
 
Finding the right coaxial cables for your application starts with working with the right manufacturing partner. LoDan Electronics, Inc. in Chicago has been setting industry standards in interconnect solutions since 1967. See how they can help you today.