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Signal transmission via coaxial cable
A coaxial cable consists of a central conductor surrounded by an outer conductor in a cylindrical shape, with an insulator between them. It is widely used for transmitting RF signals.
Why coaxial cable?
RF signals propagate as electromagnetic waves. Electromagnetic waves are waves that propagate through space with electric and magnetic fields oscillating perpendicular to each other. In coaxial cables, the central conductor and outer conductor act as waveguides for electromagnetic waves. Current flows through the central conductor, and current flows in the opposite direction through the outer conductor, enabling the propagation of electromagnetic waves.
Coaxial cables offer the following advantages:
·Low loss: Electromagnetic waves are confined within the cable, resulting in low loss.
·Resistant to noise: The outer conductor shields from external electromagnetic waves, making it less susceptible to noise interference.
·Signal degradation is minimized: The uniform structure ensures a constant characteristic impedance, preventing signal degradation caused by reflections or distortions of electromagnetic waves.
Coaxial cables are an excellent choice for transmitting RF signals due to their superior characteristics. Understanding the basic principles of their structure enables effective utilization of coaxial cables.