When multiple wires are bundled together to form one, they have commonly termed feeder cables. These cables are utilized for transmitting RF signals across two points. Similar to the ones employed for transmitting signals to television from its antenna.
Types Of Feeder
There are multiple types of feeder cables employed to transmit radio signals across the connected points, utilized for different functions, with distinct benefits.
Read on to have a piece of more in-depth knowledge about them:
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Coax or coaxial cable
Coax cable is the most commonly employed radio frequency feeder for both domestic and commercial applications. Coax cable is typically covered with an outer screen that insulates the inner conductor by surrounding it with a dielectric. It holds current in both internal and external conductors, but all the fields are caged to within the cord and cannot emit because they are identical and opposite. Since all the energy is kept confined at one place, one can easily employ the cable with little risk of being affected.
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Twin feeder
The twin feeder is also known as open wire. After coax cable, this is the second most employed type of feeder.
This type of feeder contains two parallel wires. As the energy that flows in the two wires is identical and opposing, in theory, no signal should be emitted from them. However, from practice, it is discovered that nearby items influence them.
However, experts like Ferret Australia say this type of feeder cannot be employed for residential needs but for the construction of some vertical antennas for VHF.
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Waveguide
Waveguide is another form of feeder employed to pass higher frequencies, specifically in the microwave region. These usually consist of a pipe that is either rectangular or circular at its cross-section.
Waveguides have no center conductor like the ones available in coax cable; their working mechanism is quite different from the rest of the feeder.
A signal is transmitted into it, and as it cannot exit through the walls. It is seen that a waveguide of special dimensions cannot function below a specific frequency, which is generally comprehended as a cut-off frequency. Below this, no signals breed along with it, implying that different sizes of the waveguide are functionally dependent on the frequency in usage.
The primary advantage of employing a waveguide is its inferior loss at high frequencies compared to coax.
Why Is It Important To Choose The Right Feeder Cable?
Feeders are designed to carry pulses of light along flexible glass threads. Thus there is a high chance of mishaps if the cable is found to be leaking or emitting charges carried by it. Consequently, it is important to have to choose the right feeder cable service provider like The Ferret Australia to have the best feeders employed, reducing the threat while enjoying efficient service.
Conclusion
Although each of the feeder cables has its own advantages, coax cable by far is the most commonly employed one. They are easy to use and don’t harm nearby objects, so even experts like the Ferret Australia recommend using them. Besides, they are relatively cheaper and have more advantages than waveguides.
