Understanding the Construction and Shielding of Double Shielded Coax Cable

Double shielded coax cable, also known as RG-6 or RG-11, is a type of coaxial cable that utilizes two layers of shielding to protect the signal path from external interference and noise. This makes it a suitable choice for applications where reliable and high-quality signal transmission is crucial, such as in broadband networks and cable television systems.

Construction

Double shielded coax cable consists of three main components:

– Center conductor: A solid copper wire that carries the signal.

– Inner dielectric: A layer of insulating material, typically polyethylene, that surrounds the center conductor and separates it from the shield.

– Dual shielding: Two layers of metal braid or foil that surround the inner dielectric and provide protection from interference.

Shielding

The dual shielding of double shielded coax cable serves two primary purposes:

– Electromagnetic interference (EMI) suppression: The metal braid or foil acts as a shield, preventing electromagnetic waves from outside sources from affecting the signal.

– Radio frequency interference (RFI) reduction: The inner and outer layers of shielding effectively reduce the radiation of radio frequency energy from the cable, minimizing interference with other sensitive electronic devices.

Types of Shielding

Double shielded coax cable employs two types of shielding:

– Braided shielding: A tight-knit mesh of copper strands that offers excellent EMI and RFI suppression.

– Foil shielding: A thin layer of aluminum or copper that provides a conductive barrier around the cable. Foil shielding is typically more lightweight and flexible than braided shielding.

Benefits of Double Shielding

The dual shielding in double shielded coax cable offers several advantages over single shielded cables:

– Increased signal integrity: The additional shielding layer ensures a cleaner and more stable signal path, reducing the occurrence of bit errors and dropped packets.

– Reduced noise: The dual shielding effectively dampens external noise, resulting in a lower signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and improved signal quality.

– Protection from harsher environments: The extra layer of shielding provides added protection against moisture, temperature fluctuations, and physical stress, making double shielded coax cable ideal for outdoor or industrial applications.

Applications

Double shielded coax cable is commonly used in various applications:

– Broadband networks: Providing high-speed internet and data services.

– Cable television systems: Transmitting video and audio signals to homes and businesses.

– Satellite communications: Connecting satellite dishes to receivers.

– Security systems: Carrying video and audio signals from cameras and surveillance equipment.

– Industrial automation: Linking sensors, actuators, and other devices within industrial settings.