Coaxial Cable is a type of transmission line that consists of two layers, an inner conductor and a shield. It is used for high-speed data, audio, video, and internet connections. It was invented in the early 20th century. Today, it is widely used by telephone companies, internet providers, cable operators, and automobiles.
The center conductor layer of coaxial cable is solid or braided or a thin conducting wire. It is surrounded by an insulating layer, usually air, foam plastic, or solid polyethylene. The thickness of the dielectric insulator determines the speed of propagation. Coaxial cables are available in different types and sizes. The diameter of the central conductor is inversely related to the cutoff frequency.
The permeability of the cable is generally 1 and the optimum dielectric material is vacuum or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The loss of the dielectric increases in order of its ideal properties.The shielding layer is also important, since it provides the copper core with a shield to prevent interference from electromagnetic fields. The shield can be metal foil, metallic tape, or a metal strip.
Coax cables should not be immersed in water. If they do, they can deteriorate. Moreover, they can be damaged if stepped on. They can also get damaged by heat sources.The mechanical properties of the cable depend on the combination of the various parameters. The stiffness of the cable is determined by the internal construction. It can also be affected by its age and the environment.
