Use of the correct cable for the RF Site is a design consideration and will need to take into account ageing, temperature, and vswr margins to allow for long term (decades) operation.
- Reference PASTERNACK
- Coaxial Cable Power Handling – Part 1 – Intro
- Coaxial Cable Power Handling – Part 2 – Size – Type Frequency
- Coaxial Cable Power Handling – Part 3 – Attenuation – Environmental – VSWR
Selection of the correct cable to ensure long term operation will need to collect and consider the following criteria:
- Site Altitude Above Sea Level
- Antenna Height Above Ground Level
- Site Location
- Service Frequency
- Maximum Ambient Temperature
- Maximum Solar Irradiation
- Maximum VSWR
- Manufacturer and Part Number for each cable
- Factory Maximum Inner Conductor Temperature
- Factory Maximum Power Rating of Cables
The use of the above information will allow calculation of the Maximum Power Handling Value for each cable ( typically transmit cabling ) via determining a “de-rating” factor for the cabling used at a site.
Cable Rating Calculator
- This link “Cable Rating Calculation” will open a new page to a calculator to demonstrate how cable derating can affect the maximum power an installed cable would be considered to be able to handle.