33 |
There are three main types of available coaxial cable:
rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible. Rigid coaxial cable
must be manufactured to exact specifications and
tends to be the highest-performing coaxial cable.
Semi-rigid coaxial cable can be formed to shape
using appropriate tools (or by hand in some cases),
but then it can no longer be bent without risking
damage. Flexible coaxial cable sacrifices attenuation
and shielding effectiveness to allow for flexibility.
Moreover, flexible coaxial cables typically require a
jacket to ensure that they maintain coaxiality and are
protected from physical abrasion and other physical
stresses. A wide variety of specialized constructions
for flexible coaxial cables ensures that they offer
phase stability, amplitude stability, and consistent
behavior over a wide range of environmental factors.
Conclusion
RF circuits and interconnects are critical technologies
for nearly all modern electric and electronic devices.
Virtually all modern technological applications use
some form of RF wireless communication, sensing,
power transfer, or directed energy, and this will
likely only increase as more technologies are
electrified and controlled via advanced electronics.
As RF applications continue to evolve with 5G, 6G,
satellite-based connectivity, and artificial intelligence
(AI)-powered wireless systems, innovations in
miniaturization, advanced materials, and 3D fabrication
techniques will expand RF circuit design. Engineers
should understand the strengths and trade-offs of
PCB, HTCC, LTCC, and IC technologies and various
RF interconnects to make informed design decisions
to improve signal integrity, reduce losses, and
set the stage for next-generation RF solutions.
Sources
1
https://technology.nasa.gov/blog-sensing-opportunities
2
https://technology.nasa.gov/blog-sensing-opportunities
3
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20170003040/
downloads/20170003040.pdf
4
Sophocles J. Orfanidis, Electromagnetic Waves and
Antennas (Rutgers University, 2016), 546, fig. 11.4.1, https://
rutgers.box.com/s/rwzifofsu9slf8xy38f6uwhjd5gmn2q7;
accessed via https://www.ece.rutgers.edu/orfanidis.
