Coaxial cable
Definition
A coaxial cable is a type of electrical cable consisting of a central conductor, an insulating layer, a metallic shield, and an outer insulating layer. It is used for transmitting high-frequency signals with minimal signal loss.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Coaxial cables have a characteristic impedance that affects signal transmission and matching.
- The capacitance per unit length of a coaxial cable depends on the dielectric material between the conductors.
- Coaxial cables can store energy in their electric field due to their capacitance properties.
- The magnetic field generated by the current in the central conductor and shield can induce inductance in the coaxial cable.
- Attenuation in coaxial cables increases with frequency due to skin effect and dielectric losses.
Review Questions
- What factors determine the characteristic impedance of a coaxial cable?
- How does the dielectric material inside a coaxial cable affect its capacitance?
- Explain how both electric and magnetic fields are involved in energy storage in a coaxial cable.
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Related terms
Capacitance: The ability of a system to store charge per unit voltage across its plates.
Inductance: The property of an electrical conductor that opposes changes in current flow through it by generating an electromotive force.
Skin Effect: The tendency of alternating current (AC) to distribute itself within a conductor such that the current density near the surface is greater than at its core.
