What Is Coaxial Cable? Types, Applications & RF Cable Guide

In modern electronic equipment, stable signal transmission is becoming more important than ever. Whether it is an automotive camera system, an RF antenna, industrial automation equipment, or wireless communication hardware, signal interference can directly affect overall system performance.

This is one of the main reasons coaxial cables are still widely used in high-frequency and EMI-sensitive applications.

Compared with ordinary wires, coaxial cables provide better shielding performance, more stable impedance control, and lower signal loss during transmission. In many RF and automotive applications, choosing the correct coaxial cable assembly can significantly improve signal stability and long-term reliability.

Industrial Applications of Coaxial Cable

In RF communication and automotive electronic systems, signal interference is one of the most common challenges engineers face.

To maintain stable signal transmission in high-frequency environments, coaxial cable assemblies are widely used in antennas, camera systems, GPS modules, and wireless communication equipment.

Some common applications include:

• Automotive Fakra harness systems
• GPS and antenna modules
• CCTV and video systems
• RF communication equipment
• Medical electronic devices
• Industrial automation equipment
• Wireless communication infrastructure

In automotive electronics especially, coaxial cable assemblies are commonly used in camera systems, ADAS modules, infotainment systems, and radar communication applications.

What Makes a Coaxial Cable Different?

Unlike ordinary electrical wires, a coaxial cable uses a layered shielding structure to protect signals from external interference.

A standard coaxial cable normally contains:

• Inner conductor
• Dielectric insulation
• Shielding layer
• Outer protective jacket

This structure helps maintain stable impedance and improves signal integrity during high-frequency transmission.

Coaxial Cable Structure

In practical RF applications, shielding quality directly affects signal stability. Poor shielding coverage may lead to EMI interference, unstable communication, or signal attenuation in high-frequency environments.

In RF applications, poor shielding coverage can lead to:

• Signal attenuation
• EMI interference
• Unstable communication
• Data transmission errors

For this reason, shielding termination quality is carefully controlled during coaxial cable assembly manufacturing.

In automotive Fakra cable production, for example, improper shield crimping may directly affect signal stability inside the vehicle communication system.

Common Types of Coaxial Cable

Different coaxial cables are designed for different frequencies, impedance requirements, and installation environments.

RG58

RG58 is commonly used in RF systems and antenna communication equipment.

RG59

RG59 is widely used in analog CCTV and video transmission systems.

RG6

RG6 provides lower attenuation and is commonly used in television broadcasting and broadband systems.

RG174

RG174 is commonly used in compact RF modules and automotive electronic systems where limited installation space requires smaller cable diameters and better routing flexibility.

50 Ohm vs 75 Ohm Coaxial Cable

One of the most common questions in RF cable applications is the difference between 50Ω and 75Ω coaxial cable.

50Ω coaxial cable is generally optimized for power handling and RF communication performance.

75Ω coaxial cable is more commonly used for video transmission because it provides lower signal attenuation over longer distances.

Selecting the wrong impedance may result in signal reflection and communication instability.

Coaxial Cable vs Twisted Pair Cable

Although both are used for signal transmission, their application scenarios are quite different.

In industrial environments with strong electromagnetic interference, coaxial cable usually provides more stable transmission performance.

How to Choose the Right Coaxial Cable

Choosing the correct coaxial cable depends on several engineering factors.

Frequency Range

Higher-frequency applications require cables with lower attenuation characteristics.

Shielding Requirements

Industrial and automotive applications often require higher shielding coverage to reduce EMI interference.

Flexibility

For compact installations, miniature coaxial cables such as RG174 are often selected.

Connector Type

Common coaxial cable connectors include:

• SMA
• SMB
• Fakra
• BNC
• MMCX
• MCX

Connector compatibility directly affects assembly stability and signal performance.

Environmental Conditions

Outdoor and industrial applications may require:

• High-temperature resistance
• Oil resistance
• Moisture protection
• UV-resistant jackets

How Kaweei Manufactures Custom Coaxial Cable Assemblies

At Kaweei, custom coaxial cable assemblies are manufactured according to application requirements including impedance control, shielding performance, connector compatibility, and installation environment.

The manufacturing process typically includes:

• Cable cutting
• Precision stripping
• Shield processing
• Terminal crimping
• Connector assembly
• Soldering inspection
• Continuity testing
• Pull-force testing

For automotive and industrial applications, stable shielding termination is especially important because it directly affects RF transmission quality.

Coaxial Cable Testing Process

To ensure stable signal transmission, coaxial cable assemblies usually undergo multiple quality inspections before shipment.

Typical testing procedures include:

• Continuity testing
• Impedance verification
• Shielding inspection
• Pull-force testing
• Signal integrity testing

In RF communication systems, even small assembly deviations may affect transmission stability, which is why testing consistency is critical in coaxial cable manufacturing.

Why Coaxial Cable Is Still Widely Used

Even with the development of newer communication technologies, coaxial cable remains an important solution in many industries because of its:

• Strong EMI resistance
• Stable impedance performance
• Reliable RF transmission
• Long service life
• High-frequency capability

In automotive, industrial, and RF communication systems, coaxial cable assemblies continue to play an essential role in maintaining stable and reliable signal transmission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is coaxial cable mainly used for?

Coaxial cable is mainly used for RF communication, automotive electronics, CCTV systems, antenna modules, and industrial signal transmission.

What is the difference between RG58 and RG174?

RG58 is thicker and suitable for general RF communication, while RG174 is thinner and more flexible for compact installations.

Why is shielding important in coaxial cable?

Shielding helps prevent electromagnetic interference and improves signal stability.

What connectors are commonly used for coaxial cables?

Common connector types include SMA, Fakra, BNC, MCX, MMCX, and SMB connectors.

Can coaxial cables be customized?

Yes. Coaxial cable assemblies can be customized based on impedance, connector type, cable length, shielding requirements, and application environment.

Conclusion

Coaxial cable remains an important component in RF communication, automotive electronics, industrial equipment, and modern signal transmission systems.

Compared with ordinary wires, coaxial cables provide better shielding performance and more reliable high-frequency transmission, making them suitable for applications where signal stability is critical.

As electronic systems continue moving toward higher-frequency communication and smarter connectivity, demand for reliable custom coaxial cable assemblies will continue to grow.