Coax Cable Specifications & Parameters

When choosing a type of coax cable to be used, it is necessary to understand its performance.

Coax cable specifications define the performance so that decision can be made about which type to use for a given application.

In order to understand the performance of the coaxial cable it is necessary to understand the specifications for the different parameters.

Characteristic impedance specification

Possibly one of the most defining coax cable specifications is its characteristic impedance. This is the impedance seen looking into an infinitely long length of cable
by a signal source. The dimensions of the cable along with the dielectric used determine the overall impedance. This specification is measured in ohms and is resistive.

The most common impedance figures are:

50/52 ohms : This cable is the form that is generally used for professional RF applications.

75 ohms: This impedance is more widely used in domestic applications for television and hi-fi RF signal leads.

93 ohms: Coax with this impedance specification was used in many early computers, linking the computers themselves and also monitors. It was used
because of its low capacitance level.

Other values of impedance are available although they are considerably less widely used. Some searching may be required to locate coaxial cable with an unusual
impedance level.

Read more about characteristic impedance

Loss / attenuation specification

Another major parameter for coaxial cable is its loss or attenuation. It is found that there is a degree of loss as a signal travels along a coax cable. This arises from a
number of factors and is present on all cables. It is also proportional to the length.

The coax loss or attenuation parameter is specified in terms of a loss over a given length. It is generally specified in terms of a loss measured in decibels over a given
length, e.g. 0.5dB / 10 metres.

Unfortunately not all manufacturers define the loss over the same length and therefore comparisons take a little more calculation to determine.

Read more about coax cable loss

Power rating specification

Although for low level signal applications the power rating is unlikely to be important, where higher power levels are being carried, this specification can be an issue.
Normally the limiting factor arises from the heat loss within the cable. If the power in the RF cable is to be pulsed, then it is necessary to check that the operating
voltage is not exceeded.

Read more about power rating

Velocity factor specification

The velocity factor specifications of a coaxial cable is the speed at which the signal travels within the cable compared to the speed of the signal (i.e. speed of light) in a
vacuum.

In some instances, the velocity factor specification for the coax cable may be of importance. For many areas where the coax is simply being used for feeding signals
from one point to another, it will not be important.

For applications where the phase of the signal is of importance, the velocity factor needs to be known.

The velocity factor specification is quoted as a figure which is less than "1". It cannot go above unity otherwise signals would be travelling faster than the speed of
light.
It is found that cables have very similar velocity factor figures. This is because the dielectric between the two conductors governs the velocity factor. Cables using a
solid polyethylene dielectric will have a velocity factor around 0.66, and those using foam polyethylene will have velocity factor figures ranging from about 0.80 to
0.88.

Read more about velocity factor

Capacitance specification
For some applications the capacitance specification of the coax cable will be important. As can be imagined, there is a capacitance between the inner and outer
conductors of the cable, and this is proportional to the length of cable used as well as the dielectric constant and the inner and outer conductor diameters.

Read more about coax capacitance

Maximum voltage
In some applications the voltage may rise to high levels. At some voltage it is possible the cable may break down, causing damage to the cable itself.

Voltages can arise as a result of high levels of standing waves and high power levels. Checks should be made, before selecting a particular type of coax, that it will be
able to withstand the level of voltage anticipated.

Coax mechanical dimensions specification

The mechanical dimensions specification of the coax is important for a variety of reasons. The dimensions of different coax cables are obviously often different.
Larger diameter coax cables often tend to have lower loss levels and higher power ratings.

As cable size may be important to ensure that it fits apertures etc this may be an issue. However one of the major reasons to know the size is to ensure that correct
terminating connectors can be used. As connectors need to have the correct dimensions to ensure the cable will fit with the connector correctly, it is necessary to know
the dimensions of cable. Often connectors will be made specifically for a popular size of cable.

ll forms of feeder including coax cable have a characteristic impedance.

The coax impedance is one of the main parameters in its specification, one that governs which type of coax cable is obtained.

Coax impedance / characteristic impedance

All feeders possess a characteristic impedance. For RF coax cable there are two main standards that have been adopted over the years, namely 75 and 50 ohms.

75 ohm coax cable is used almost exclusively for domestic TV and VHF FM applications. However for most commercial RF applications 50 ohms coax cable has
been taken as the standard for many years.

The reason for the choice of these two impedance standards is largely historical but arises from the properties provided by the two impedance levels:

75 ohm coax cable gives the minimum weight for a given loss

50 ohm coax cable gives the minimum loss for a given weight.

These two standards are used for the vast majority of coax cable which is produc\ed but it is still possible to obtain other impedances for specialist applications.
Higher values are often used for computer installations, but other values including 25, 95 and 125 ohms are available. 25 ohm miniature RF cable is extensively used
in magnetic core broadband transformers. These values and more are available through specialist coax cable suppliers.

Coax impedance background

When analysed a coaxial cable can be considered as a distributed series inductance with a distributed capacitance between the inner and outer conductors. The levels
of inductance can be calculated as seen below.

Coax capacitance
The capacitance of a coaxial line varies with the spacing of the conductors, the dielectric constant, and as a result the impedance of the line. The lower the impedance,
the higher the coax capacitance for a given length because the conductor spacing is decreased. The coax capacitance also increases with increasing dielectric constant,
as in the case of an ordinary capacitor.

Where:
C = Capacitance in pF / metre
r = Relative permeability of the dielectric
D = Inner diameter of the outer conductor
d = Diameter of the inner conductor

Coax inductance
The inductance of the line can also be calculated. Again this is proportional to the length of the line.

However the inductance is independent of the dielectric constant for the material between the conductors.

Where:
L = Inductance in H / metre
D = Inner diameter of the outer conductor
d = Diameter of the inner conductor

Coax impedance determination

The impedance of the RF coax cable is chiefly governed by the diameters of the inner and outer conductors. On top of this the dielectric constant of the material
between the conductors of the RF coax cable has a bearing. The relationship needed to calculate the impedance is given simply by the formula:

Where:
Zo = Characteristic impedance in
r = Relative permeability of the dielectric
D = Inner diameter of the outer conductor
d = Diameter of the inner conductor

Note: The units of the inner and outer diameters can be anything provided they are the same, because the equation uses a ratio.

Coax Impedance Calculator

Enter Values:
Outer diameter:
Inner diameter: same units as above.
r:

Clear Data

Results:
Impedance:

Importance of coax impedance

The coax impedance is one of the major specifications associated with any piece of coax cable. As it will determine the matching within the system and hence the
level of standing waves and power transfer, it is a crucial element. It is therefore necessary to ensure that the correct coax impedance is chosen for any system.

Attenuation or loss is a key specification for all coax cables. The function of a coax cable is to transfer radio frequency power from one point to another. In doing so,
in the ideal world, the same amount of power should exit from the remote end of the coax cable as enters it. However in the real world this is not so, and some power
is lost along the length of the RF cable, and less power reaches the remote end than enters the RF cable.

Coax cable attenuation

The power loss caused by a coax cable is referred to as attenuation. It is defined in terms of decibels per unit length, and at a given frequency. Obviously the longer
the coax cable, the greater the loss, but it is also found that the loss is frequency dependent, broadly rising with frequency, although the actual level of loss is not
linearly dependent upon the frequency.

For virtually all applications the minimum level of loss is required. The power is lost in a variety of ways:

Resistive loss

Dielectric loss

Radiated loss

Of all these forms of loss, the radiated loss is generally the least important as only a very small amount of power is generally radiated from the cable. Accordingly
most of the focus on reducing loss is placed onto the conductive and dielectric losses.

Resistive loss: Resistive losses within the coax cable arise from the resistance of the conductors and the current flowing in the conductors results in heat
being dissipated. The actual area through which the current flows in the conductor is limited by the skin effect, which becomes progressively more
apparent as the frequency rises. To help overcome this multi-stranded conductors are often used.

To reduce the level of loss due in the coax cable, the conductive area must be increased and this results in low loss coax cables being made larger.
However it is found that the resistive losses increase as the square root of the frequency.

Dielectric loss: The dielectric loss represent another of the major losses arising in most coax cables. Again the power lost as dielectric loss is dissipated
as heat.

It is found that the dielectric loss is independent of the size of the RF cable, but it does increase linearly with frequency. This means that resistive losses
normally dominate at lower frequencies. However as resistive losses increase as the square root of frequency, and dielectric losses increase linearly, the
dielectric losses dominate at higher frequencies.

Radiated loss: The radiated loss of a coax cable is normally much less than the resistive and dielectric losses. However some very cheap coax cables
may have a very poor outer braid and in these cases it may represent a noticeable element of the loss.
 Power radiated, or picked up by a coax cable is more of a problem in terms of interference. Signal radiated by the coax cable may result in high signal
levels being present where they are not wanted. For example leakage from a coax cable carrying a feed from a high power transmitter may give rise to
interference in sensitive receivers that may be located close to the coax cable. Alternatively a coax cable being used for receiving may pick up
interference if it passes through an electrically noisy environment. It is normally for these reasons that additional measures are taken in ensuring the outer
screen or conductor is effective. Double, or even triple screened coax cables are available to reduce the levels of leakage to very low levels.

Coax cable attenuation with time

It is found that the attenuation of coax cables increases over a period of time for a number of reasons. The main reasons are as a result of flexing, and moisture entry
into the RF cable. As the degradation and increase in loss depends to some degree on the construction of the coax cable, this may affect he choice of which cable to
employ.
Although many coax cables are flexible, the level of loss or attenuation will increase, particularly if the RF cable is bent sharply, even if within the makers
recommended bend radius. This increase in loss can arise as a result of disruption to the braid or screen, and as a result of changes to the dielectric. At frequencies of 1
GHz with RF cables normally exhibiting a loss of 10 dB, there could be an increase of a decibel or so.

Even if a cable is not flexed, there can be a gradual degradation in performance over time. This can be caused by contamination of the braid by the plastictisers in the
outer sheath. Additionally moisture penetration can affect both the braid where it causes corrosion, and it may enter the dielectric where the moisture will tend to
absorb power.

It is found that the loss in coax cables that use either bare copper braid, or tinned copper braid exhibit more degradation than those with silver plated braids, although
the later are more expensive. Additionally it is found that braids using tinned copper exhibit about 20% greater loss than those using bare copper, but they are more
stable over time.

The dielectric also has an effect. It is found that some versions of polyethene can absorb moisture more readily than other types. Although foam polyethene offers a
lower level of loss or attenuation when new, it absorbs moisture more readily than the solid types. Accordingly coax cables with solid dielectric polyethene are more
suited to environments where the level of loss needs to remain constant, or where moisture may be encountered.

Although RF cables are enclosed in a plastic sheath, many of the plastics used will allow some moisture to pass through them. For applications where moisture may be
encountered, specialized cables should be used otherwise the performance will degrade.

The loss introduced by a coax cable is of paramount importance. Any power that is lost in the RF cable will degrade the performance of the system in which it is used.
However the decision of which RF cable to use may not just rest in deciding which cable provides the lowest loss, but in a variety of parameters including its size,
weight and also its long term stability

RF coax cable power rating

Although for receiver applications the level of power that coax cable can handle is not an issue, when it comes to medium or high power transmitters, the power
handling capacity of the coax cable becomes very important. If the incorrect type of coax cable is used, it can result in a failure of the cable, and possible damage to
the transmitter.

For most applications where the power is applied continuously, the limiting factor arises from the heat loss within the cable. If the power in the RF cable is to be
pulsed, then it is necessary to check that the operating voltage is not exceeded.

RF coax cable power loss

The major root cause for the limit in power handling capacity of an RF cable is the level of heat caused by the power losses occurring in the cable. If the temperature
of the coax cable rises too high, the cable my become deformed and be permanently damaged.
For the resistive losses in the coax cable, it is found that most of the heat is generated in the centre conductor. Additionally any heat generated as a result of dielectric
losses will be dissipated within the dielectric. It is therefore the construction of the dielectric that is of key importance in determining the power handling capability of
the coax cable. Its maximum operating temperature, and its heat transfer coefficient both have a major effect.

It can be seen that the lower the losses of the cable the smaller the temperature rise, and the greater the power handling capability is for the cable. As a broad rule of
thumb, lower loss cables will have a higher power rating than higher loss RF cables.

RF coax cable derating

Although a power rating may be given for a particular coax cable, it is often necessary to de-rate it to cater for non-optimal operating conditions.

The temperature of the environment is one factor. If the coax cable is operating in a high temperature environment, it will not be able to dissipate as much heat, and
therefore the operating temperature will rise. Even at the highest foreseeable environmental operating temperature, the RF cable must be able to remain within its
maximum internal temperature. Accordingly a de-rating factor is normally applied if the coax cable is to be used at high temperatures.
If the coax cable is operated under conditions where the VSWR is high, the cable rating needs to be reduced. The reason for this is that when there is a high level of
VSWR, there are positions of high and low current along the coax cable. These may be such that they cause the power dissipation to rise significantly in some areas
causing higher levels of power to be dissipated locally.

Altitude also has an effect, although at significant heights. If the cable is to be operated at altitude and hence under reduced pressure, the any cooling will be less
effective. Therefore the temperature rise within the cable will be greater.

High power coax cables

For coax cables where high powers are likely to be used, specially constructed cables are needed. If cables using ordinary polyethylene were used, then the might
higher temperatures encountered would soon melt and distort the cable. This would then lead to its destruction.

For very high power applications, typically cables are used that possess an air dielectric and employed. The centre conductor is then held in place by a form of coil
that runs along the length of the cable.

For medium to high power coax cables a Teflon dielectric can be used. This can withstand high temperatures of typically up to around 160C.

When considering which cable to use, it should be remembered that as the frequency increases, so the skin effect becomes more pronounced, and coupled with
increased losses in the dielectric, this limits the power handling capacity.

Although the power handling capability of RF coax cable may not be an issue for many installations, when using medium or high power transmitters the power rating
or handling capability of RF coax cable needs to be carefully considered.

he speed at which a signal travels within a coax cable is not the same as an electromagnetic wave travelling in free space.

Instead it is affected by the dielectric that is used within the coax cable, and this has the effect of slowing the signal down.

The velocity factor can be of great importance in some applications, although for many purposes it does not need to be known.

What is velocity factor?

The speed at which the signal travels is normally given the designation Vp or Vg and this is the faction of the speed at which the signal travels when compared to a
signal travelling in free space. Thus Vp for a signal travelling at the speed of light would be 1.0, and for one travelling at half the speed of light it would be 0.5.

The velocity factor of the cable is found to the reciprocal of the square root of the dielectric constant:

Coax cable electrical length

One important factor of a coax cable in some applications is the wavelength of the signals travelling in it. In the same way that the wavelength of a signal is the speed
of light divided by the frequency for free space, the same is also true in any other medium. As the speed of the wave has been reduced, so too is the wavelength
reduced by the same factor. Thus if the velocity factor of the coax cable is 0.66, then the wavelength is 0.66 times the wavelength in free space.
In some instances lengths of coax cable are cut to a specific length to act as an impedance transformed or a resonant circuit, then this needs to be taken into
consideration when determining the required length of coax cable.

The advantage of using a coax cable with a low velocity factor is that the length of coax cable required for the resonant length is shorter than if it had a figure
approaching 1. Not only does this save on cost, but it can also be significantly more convenient to use and house.
Dielectric materials
There is a variety of materials that can be successfully used as dielectrics in coax cables. Each has its own dielectric constant, and as a result, coax cables that use
different dielectric materials will exhibit different velocity factors.

DIELECTRIC CONSTANTS AND VELOCITY FACTORS

OF SOME COMMON DIELECTRIC MATERIALS USED IN
COAX CABLES

MATERIAL DIELECTRIC VELOCITY

CONSTANT FACTOR

Polyethylene 2.3 0.659

Foam polyethylene 1.3 - 1.6 0.88 - 0.79

Solid PTFE 2.07 0.695

From this it can be seen that the velocity factor of coax cables that use a polyethylene dielectric will have a velocity factor of 0.66 or thereabouts.

If resonant lengths of RF coax cable are to be used, then it is necessary to know the velocity factor of the coax cable. It is often possible to determine this to a
sufficient degree of accuracy from a knowledge of the dielectric material.

ere is a variety of different types of coax or coaxial cable that are in widespread use. Different types of coax cable or feeder are needed for different purposes and
applications and accordingly it is necessary have specifications and data to be able to determine the required coax type or RF cable type easily.

While it would be possible to manufacture an infinite variety of RF cables, standard varieties are specified. There are two basic systems that are used for defining RF
cables. One originated in the United Kingdom and its type numbers all start with UR. The other system is American with type numbers commencing with the letters
RG.

The RG series was originally used to specify the types of coax cables for military use, and the specification took the form RG (RG from Radio Guide) plus two
numbers. In some instances these numbers were followed by the letter U which indicated it was for multiple uses. These types of coax cable were all listed in the MIL-
HDBK-216 which is now obsolete. Although full MIL specifications are now officially used for specifying most components for military use, the RG series of RF
cables continued to be used because of its widespread acceptance. However it should be noted that the RG specifications are no longer maintained so there is no
complete guarantee to the exact specification for the particular type of coax cable.

A summary of data for some of the more commonly used types of coax or coaxial cable is given below. Most of these RF cables are easily available from RF cable
stockists.:

TABLE OF DATA FOR COMMON COAX CABLE TYPES

COAX TYPE CHARACTERISTIC OUTSIDE VELOCITY ATTEN ATTEN COMMENTS

IMPEDANCE DIAMETER FACTOR @ 100 MHZ @ 1000 MHZ

RG5/U 52.5 8.4 0.66 1.0 3.8

RG6A/U 75 8.4 0.66 1.0 3.7

RG9/U 51.0 10.7 0.66 0.66 2.4

RG10A/U 50 12.1 0.66 0.66 2.6

RG11A/U 75 10.3 0.66 0.76 2.6

RG12A/U 75 12.1 0.66 0.76 2.6

RG20A/U 50 30.4 0.66 0.22 1.2

RG22 95 10.7 0.75 1.5

RG23 125 24.0 0.52 2.0

RG24 125 25.5 0.52 2.0

RG34 75 16.0 0.46 1.8

RG58C/U 50 5.0 0.66 1.8 7.6

RG59B/U 75 6.1 0.66 1.2 4.6

RG62A/U 93 6.1 0.84 0.9 2.8

RG63 125 10.3 0.6 2.1

RG79 125 12.1 0.6 2.1

RG108 78 6.0 1.1 3.8

RG111 95 12.1 0.75 2.6

RG114 185 10.3 1.1 3.8

RG119 50 11.8 0.5 1.8

RG120 50 13.3 0.5 1.8

RG122 50 4.1 1.7 5.5

TABLE OF DATA FOR COMMON COAX CABLE TYPES

COAX TYPE CHARACTERISTIC OUTSIDE VELOCITY ATTEN ATTEN COMMENTS

IMPEDANCE DIAMETER FACTOR @ 100 MHZ @ 1000 MHZ

RG213/U 50 10.3 0.66 0.62 2.6 Polythene dielectric

RG214/U 50 10.8 0.66 0.76 2.9 Double screened, silver plated copper wire

RG223/U 50 5.5 0.66 1.58 5.4

UR43 50 5 0.66 1.3 4.46

UR57 75 10.2 0.66 0.63 2.3 Similar to RG11A/U

UR67 50 10.3 0.66 0.66 2.52 Similar to RG213/U

UR74 51 22.1 0.66 0.33 1.4

UR76 51 5 0.66 1.7 7.3 Similar to RG58C/U

UR77 75 22.1 0.66 0.33 1.4

UR79 50 21.7 0.96 0.17 0.6

UR90 75 6.1 0.66 1.2 4.1 Similar to RG59B/U

Data for attenuation figures are typical figures and measured in dB / 10 metres dimensions in mm

The RF cables described above are all flexible cable types. For microwave applications where very low loss is needed, semi rigid coaxial RF cable using a solid
copper outer sheath may be used. This type of coax offers superior screening compared to RF cables with a braided outer conductor, especially at microwave
frequencies. As the name implies, though, it is not particularly flexible and is not intended to be flexed after it has been formed to the required shape.

This RF cable data has been presented as a guide and no liability can be taken for any errors or mistakes in the data. Naturally every care has been taken to ensure the
data concerning these RF cables is correct.