Coaxial cables are a common sight in what is 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, finding a place in applications like closed-circuit television, video, and the internet.
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 one operates in a particular industry with heavy reliance on coaxial cable use, very little consideration has gone into this cable type. As one might expect, though, there’s more to know about coaxial cables than expected. For example:
Signal – While many associate coax cable use with residential applications, they are still widely used in commercial arenas because of their ability provide stellar signal integrity. This is why constant signal testing is paramount to make sure everything is operating so as to meet, or exceed, set standards.
Variations – There is a wide variety of coaxial cables based on the specific needs of the end user. Differentiation between cables comes down to things such as inner core conductor material, cable impedance, and minimum bend radius.
The Dawn of the Electronics Age – Coaxial cables actually have a history that goes back nearly a century and a half, having been patented in England in 1880.
A Pioneering Force in Communications – Early uses were specific in radio, television, and telephone. In fact, coaxial cable would go on to lay the foundation for the first transatlantic telephone cable system. Today, coaxial cables are currently used in a variety of ways due to their versatility.
High Stakes Applications – As noted before, residential use of coax cables in video & cable TV type applications is common. However, industries like aerospace and the military are big on the use of coaxial cable technology. This is due to their construction & ease of use in the field. It also makes for lighter aircraft construction, as well as operating communication and/or weapons systems.
Consequential Specifications – No two coax cables 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, as well as the expectation of the application.
Other key benefits worth noting about coaxial cables include:
The one thing that needs to be known about coaxial cables is that they are still widely used to this day. 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 we can help you today.