How to tell Semi-rigid cable, Semi-flexible cable and flexible cable
Fast look
Semi-rigid cable, SR is usually composed of a three-layer structure of a center conductor, a dielectric layer and an outer conductor.
Semi-flexible cable structure
Semi-flexible cable (Hand formable, Semi-flex, SF) is similar to semi-rigid cable, but a tinned outer conductor is added as an outer shield. Sometimes, it is also covered with a sheath upon request. This type of cable withstand bending into different shapes for a few times without damage.
Common flexible cable structure
Flexible cable is similar to a sheathed semi-flexible cable, but it generally uses metal braiding or longitudinal wrapping as an outer shield. Due to its bending resistance, it is usually used as a joint connection or test cable.
Semi-rigid cable adopts a seamless metal tube as outer conductor which provide excellent shielding effectiveness (≥120dB), and the operating frequency can reach 67GHz. Some manufacturers have launched higher frequency band products. Its features include:
Semi-rigid
Low insertion loss: It depends on parameters such as dielectric material, outer conductor material and outer diameter
Preformed design facilitates quick installation and excellent stability after installation
corrosion resistance high temperature resistance and anti-electromagnetic interference ability, it can adapt to complex environments.
As a popular component in RF microwave system, Semi rigid cable is with mature technique and cost effective.
It also calls for highly accurate requirements and high maintenance costs
customized high-performance products is common to serve in special applications
It is recommended to cooperate with reliable suppliers with professional qualifications to ensure product quality and get professional technical support.
Features
Bending:Semi-flexible cables can be formed by hand to adapt to complex installation environments, the bending keep stable and is not easy to deform.
Cost-effectiveness: The processing difficulty is relatively low and the price is affordable, which is an ideal choice for many low-frequency band interconnection scenarios.
Compatibility: Most connectors can be used with semi-rigid cables, reducing the cost of system upgrades and replacements.
Semi-flexible
Semi-flexible cables are mostly used in indoor distributed antenna systems, module-to-module interconnection in communication chassis and other scenarios. However, if the cable needs to be moved, bent or twisted frequently, the performance of end near the connector will deteriorate rapidly, and its service life will be greatly reduced.
Flexible Cable
Flexible cable is favored for its ultra flexibility and durability. It can be bent many times without damage. The performance of flexible cables varies significantly according to different structures and materials.
Low-end model: single-layer copper braided mesh shielding, suitable for low-frequency and low-power scenarios (such as internal connections of consumer electronics);
High-end model: multi-layer shielding structure (braiding + wrapping + extrusion), shieldingeffectiveness ≥90dB, low loss and dynamic stability.
Core features:
Flexibility and durability: can be bent repeatedly without damaging performance, adapt to complex situations such as vibration and impact;
Environmental adaptability: common temperature resistance range -65℃ to +86℃. IP68 waterproof and flame retardant properties, and different environments,
Other property against radiation , impact or hundreds of thousands times bending , etc is optional.
Phase stability performance: suitable to scenarios demanding high-precision such as aerospace, test and measurement .
