The HJA158-50A 1-5/8″ HELICABLE Air-Dielectric Coaxial Cable is a high-performance solution designed for efficient RF signal transfer and long-term reliability in various applications. This cable boasts several key features that contribute to its superior performance, including low VSWR, excellent shielding, low attenuation, and a high-power rating.
Key Features and Benefits:
First and foremost, the HELICABLE coaxial cables exhibit low VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio), which is crucial for maintaining optimal system performance and minimizing signal reflections. This ensures that your valuable RF signal is transmitted effectively, rather than being lost due to impedance mismatches. Furthermore, these cables feature a solid outer conductor, providing continuous electromagnetic shielding. Consequently, this design significantly reduces interference within your system, leading to cleaner and more reliable signal transmission.
In addition, attenuation, or signal loss over distance, is remarkably low with HELICABLE coaxial cables. This characteristic is vital for achieving extremely efficient transfer of your RF signal, especially over longer runs, and ensures that the signal strength remains robust. Moreover, the HJA158-50A is engineered for an extended operating life, even at high transmission power levels. This durability is directly attributable to its low attenuation properties and efficient heat transfer capabilities, which prevent degradation and ensure consistent performance over time.
Technical Specifications:
Let’s delve into the technical details of the HJA158-50A. Its structure features a 1-5/8″ size, and it comes with a black jacket option. The inner conductor has a diameter of 18.5 mm (0.73 in) and is made from corrugated copper tube, which enhances flexibility and performance. The dielectric, with a diameter of 39.7 mm (1.56 in), is crafted from a polyethylene helical strip, a material chosen for its excellent insulating properties. The outer conductor, also made of corrugated copper tube, has a diameter of 46.5 mm (1.83 in). Finally, the cable is encased in a polyethylene (PE) jacket with a diameter of 51.0 mm (2.01 in), providing robust protection. This cable is classified as an air-dielectric, corrugated type.
Environmental and Electrical Characteristics:
When it comes to environmental performance, the HJA158-50A is halogen-free, which is an important safety consideration, especially in enclosed spaces. The installation temperature range is quite broad, from -40°C to 60°C (-40°F to 140°F). For storage and operation, the cable can withstand temperatures ranging from -45°C to 85°C (-49°F to 185°F), highlighting its resilience in diverse climates.
Electrically, this cable has an impedance of 50 ±0.5 Ω, a standard for many RF applications, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of equipment. It supports a maximum frequency of 3 GHz and boasts an impressive velocity of 95%, meaning the signal travels at 95% the speed of light. The capacitance is 71 pF/m, and the inductance is 0.175 µH/m. The peak power rating is a substantial 270 kW, with an RF peak voltage of 5.2 kV. The return loss performance is standard, with a typical minimum return loss of 20.8 dB (1.2 VSWR) or better within typical operating bands. For DC resistance, the inner conductor has a resistance of 0.75 Ω/1000m, and the outer conductor has a resistance of 0.33 Ω/1000m.
Mechanical Specifications and Attenuation:
From a mechanical standpoint, the nominal cable weight is 1.55 Kg/m. The minimum bending radius for a single bend is 180 mm (7 in), while for repeated bends, it is 550 mm (22 in), demonstrating its flexibility for installation. The bending moment is 42 Nm, and the tensile strength is 1500 N, indicating its durability under stress. Recommended clamp spacing is 0.8/1.2 m (2.6/3.9 ft), and the maximum hoisting grip spacing is 61 m (200 ft), facilitating easier installation.
The attenuation and power rating figures provide further insight into its capabilities. For example, at 0.5 MHz, the attenuation is 0.04 dB per 100 m (0.01 dB per 100 ft), with a power rating of 270 kW. As the frequency increases, so does the attenuation, but the cable still maintains excellent performance. For instance, at 100 MHz, the attenuation is 0.62 dB per 100 m (0.19 dB per 100 ft), with a power rating of 19.5 kW. Even at 3000 MHz, the attenuation is 3.65 dB per 100 m (1.11 dB per 100 ft), and the power rating is 3.2 kW. This extensive data demonstrates the cable’s consistent and reliable performance across a broad spectrum of frequencies.