CB Series: Low Loss & High Power Flexible Coaxial Cable
AO Microwave’s CB Series features low-loss, high-power flexible coaxial cables designed for transmitter feeds and telecom stations. Utilizing a solid PTFE dielectric and a robust FEP jacket, the series ranges from 4.60mm (CB460) to 14.70mm (CB1500) outer diameters. Its triple-shielded structure (silver-plated copper foil, aluminum laminate, and wire braid) provides >90 dB shielding. Stable under high CW power, making it suitable for base stations and RF testing
High-Power & Low-Loss Flexible Coaxial Cables with FEP Jackets
AO Microwave’s CB Series coaxial cables are engineered specifically to satisfy high-power transmission and low-loss requirements across microwave frequency bands. Built with highly conductive solid Silver-Plated Copper (SPC) center conductors and high-purity solid PTFE dielectrics, these cables ensure stable impedance matching and high-efficiency signal transmission. To achieve exceptional shielding effectiveness (> 90 dB) and prevent RF leakage, the CB Series incorporates a three-layer shielding structure: a Silver-Plated Copper Foil inner shield, an Aluminum Laminate interlayer, and a Silver-Plated Copper wire outer braid.
Protected by high-temperature, chemical-resistant Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) jackets, the physical outer diameters of these cable assemblies are precisely matched to their performance profiles:
- CB460 (4.60 mm Jacket OD): Equipped with a 1.02 mm center conductor and 3.07 mm dielectric core, offering a highly flexible, low-loss routing solution for system cabinet modules.
- CB520 (5.20 mm Jacket OD) & CB550 (5.45 mm Jacket OD): Built with larger inner cores (up to 1.45 mm center conductor) to provide lower insertion loss for medium-power transceiver interconnects.
- CB635 (6.35 mm Jacket OD) & CB800 (7.62 mm Jacket OD): Heavy-duty, mid-sized options utilizing thick conductor and shield layers to maintain stable electrical parameters in active RF system runs.
- CB1000 (9.30 mm Jacket OD) & CB1200 (12.00 mm Jacket OD): Tapered thick-core transmission lines featuring a 3.50 mm center conductor to handle high continuous-wave (CW) power with minimal signal loss.
- CB1500 (14.70 mm Jacket OD): Our premier high-capacity, low-loss flexible coaxial cable. Built with a 4.40 mm silver-plated copper inner conductor and a 12.50 mm solid PTFE dielectric, it handles high average power levels in active transmitter systems.
CB Series Coaxial Cable Selection & Engineering Guidelines
When configuring high-power RF systems, selecting a coaxial cable requires balancing physical diameter, power-handling limits, and path attenuation:
Matching Cable OD with Power Demands
The outer diameter (Jacket OD) of the CB Series corresponds directly to its physical sizing in millimeters (ranging from 4.60 mm for CB460 to 14.70 mm for CB1500). To handle high continuous-wave (CW) power, larger cables are required. The thick center conductor of CB1500 (4.40 mm) significantly reduces ohmic resistance, preventing thermal build-up under high-power loads.
Low-Loss Triple-Shielded Architecture
For long cable runs, conductor attenuation is the primary cause of signal loss. Our CB Series utilizes a highly advanced triple-shielded structure, incorporating a Silver-Plated Copper Foil inner shield, an Aluminum Laminate interlayer, and a Silver-Plated Copper wire outer braid. This configuration provides a continuous conductive wall that prevents RF leakage while maintaining highly consistent low-loss performance.
Overcoming Critical High-Power RF Challenges
High-power RF transmitters and base station assemblies face strict attenuation and thermal constraints. We optimize our CB Series to eliminate common operational issues:
Ohmic Heating & Thermal Dissipation under High Power
When running high average power, conductor losses generate heat inside the cable core. If the dielectric cannot withstand this heat, it will degrade, causing impedance shifts and potential physical failure. Our CB Series is engineered with high-temperature FEP jackets (operating up to 200°C) and highly conductive silver-plated copper conductors to ensure efficient heat transfer and prevent thermal runaway.
Preventing Signal Attenuation at High Frequencies
At high frequencies, current flows along the outer skin of the center conductor due to the skin effect. Any surface roughness increases ohmic losses. AO Microwave utilizes highly polished, silver-plated copper inner conductors to ensure a smooth outer skin layer, keeping attenuation close to ideal theoretical minimums.
Controlling Passive Intermodulation (PIM)
In multi-carrier communications, loose connections or ferromagnetic metals inside the cable assembly can generate non-linear junctions, causing Passive Intermodulation (PIM) that degrades receiver sensitivity. Our CB Series uses non-magnetic, precision-soldered connector junctions and silver-plated outer conductor foils to ensure stable, low-PIM performance (typically < -155 dBc).
Target Applications & Operational Advantages
By providing high power-handling capability with low insertion loss, our CB Series flexible cables secure critical active transmitter runs:
High-Power Broadcast & Transmitter Feeds
Function: Routes high-power pulsed/CW signals from the transmitter tube (such as magnetrons or TWTs) to the antenna feed line.
Advantage: Triple-shielded silver-plated copper foils and large-diameter copper cores handle high continuous power with minimum signal degradation.
Cellular Base Station & Telecom Infrastructure
Function: Connects power amplifier (SSPA) outputs to the antenna array in outdoor telecom towers.
Advantage: Weather-proof, high-temperature FEP jackets resist moisture and ozone, protecting the low-loss cable core from environmental degradation.
Laboratory High-Power RF Test Benches
Function: Interconnects high-power RF sources, amplifiers, and termination loads on laboratory benches.
Advantage: Exceptional mechanical durability and high amplitude stability under movement ensure highly consistent and repeatable measurements.
CB Series Coaxial Cable FAQs
Need high-power, low-loss CB Series Coaxial Cables?
Specify your connector interface (SMA/Type N/7/16 DIN), required size (CB460 to CB1500), power handling, and frequency range — we'll quote in 24 hours.
