1.13 mm coaxial cable jacket

　　1.13 mm Coaxial Cable Jacket: Protection and Performance in Every Layer

　　The jacket of a 1.13 mm coaxial cable is far more than a simple outer covering—it is a critical barrier that safeguards the cable’s internal components (inner conductor, dielectric, and outer shield) from environmental hazards, mechanical damage, and performance - degrading factors. In applications ranging from GPS L1 antenna connections in marine vessels to industrial sensor networks, the jacket’s material, durability, and design directly impact the cable’s lifespan and signal integrity. Below, we explore the key attributes, materials, and practical considerations of 1.13 mm coaxial cable jackets.

　　Core Functions of the 1.13 mm Coaxial Cable Jacket

　　In the compact design of a 1.13 mm coaxial cable (outer diameter ≈1.13 mm), the jacket must balance minimal thickness with maximum protection. Its primary roles include:

　　Mechanical Protection: Shielding the delicate inner conductor and dielectric from abrasion, cuts, and impacts. This is especially vital in tight installations—such as routing through vehicle dashboards or marine vessel bulkheads—where the cable may rub against metal edges or other components.

　　Environmental Sealing: Preventing ingress of moisture, dust, and chemicals. For example, in agricultural machinery, the jacket must resist dirt and crop residues, while in marine settings, it must block saltwater corrosion.

　　Electrical Insulation: Maintaining separation between the outer shield and external conductive surfaces, avoiding short circuits that could disrupt signal transmission (critical for GPS L1 antennas, where even minor interference degrades positioning accuracy).

　　Flexibility Support: Enabling the cable to bend within its specified minimum radius (typically 6–8 mm for 1.13 mm cables) without cracking—essential for routing through confined spaces like surveying equipment enclosures.

　　Common Jacket Materials: Tailored to Application Needs

　　The choice of jacket material depends on the cable’s operating environment. For 1.13 mm coaxial cables, the most widely used materials are:

　　PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy Alkane):

　　A high - performance fluoropolymer, PFA is ideal for harsh environments. It offers:

　　Temperature Resistance: Operating range of -65°C to +260°C, making it suitable for industrial ovens, aerospace applications, or outdoor use in extreme climates (e.g., desert heat or arctic cold).

　　Chemical Inertness: Resistance to oils, solvents, and saltwater—critical for marine GPS L1 antenna cables, where salt spray can corrode unprotected jackets.

　　Low Friction: A smooth surface that reduces abrasion during installation, extending cable life in high - vibration settings like agricultural tractors.

　　PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride):

　　A cost - effective option for moderate environments, PVC provides:

　　Good Flexibility: Easy to route in consumer electronics or vehicle interiors (e.g., connecting GPS antennas to in - car navigation systems).

　　Flame Retardancy: Self - extinguishing properties, meeting safety standards for indoor installations (e.g., building automation systems).

　　Moisture Resistance: Adequate protection against rain and humidity for outdoor use in temperate regions, though less durable than PFA in prolonged wet conditions.

　　PE (Polyethylene):

　　PE jackets are valued for:

　　Lightweight Design: Adding minimal bulk to the 1.13 mm cable, ideal for applications where weight is critical (e.g., drone - mounted GPS antennas).

　　Low Dielectric Loss: Ensuring minimal signal attenuation—a benefit for high - frequency transmissions like GPS L1 (1575.42 MHz).

　　UV Resistance: Stabilized PE variants resist degradation from sunlight, making them suitable for outdoor fixed installations (e.g., roof - mounted vehicle antennas).

　　Key Performance Metrics for Jacket Evaluation

　　When selecting a 1.13 mm coaxial cable, evaluate these jacket - specific metrics:

　　Abrasion Resistance: Measured by industry standards (e.g., IEC 60811 - 2 - 1), which tests how many cycles of rubbing against a rough surface the jacket can withstand before exposing the inner shield. PFA jackets typically exceed 10,000 cycles, while PVC averages 5,000–8,000 cycles—critical for cables in high - movement environments like vehicle doors.

　　Water Penetration Resistance: Rated via IP (Ingress Protection) tests. A jacket with IP67 or IP68 certification ensures the cable survives temporary submersion (e.g., in marine bilges or flooded agricultural fields).

　　Chemical Compatibility: Check resistance to fluids common in the application. For example, in oil and gas settings, the jacket must withstand hydrocarbon exposure; PFA is certified for such use, while PVC may swell or degrade.

　　Flame Rating: For indoor use (e.g., building - mounted GPS repeaters), jackets should meet UL 94 V - 0 (self - extinguishing) to reduce fire risk.

　　Practical Considerations for Installation and Maintenance

　　The jacket’s design influences how the cable performs in real - world use:

　　Thickness vs. Protection: In 1.13 mm cables, the jacket typically accounts for 0.15–0.25 mm of the total diameter. Thicker jackets (e.g., 0.25 mm PFA) offer enhanced protection but may slightly reduce flexibility—balance is key for tight routing (e.g., in A - pillar vehicle installations).

　　Color Coding: Jackets are often colored (black, white, or gray) for easy identification. Black jackets, for example, contain UV stabilizers, making them standard for outdoor use, while white jackets reflect heat in high - temperature environments.

　　Termination Compatibility: The jacket must be easy to strip without damaging the underlying shield—critical for reliable connector installation (e.g., SMA or TNC connectors for GPS L1 antennas). PFA jackets require sharp, specialized strippers to avoid tearing, while PVC strips cleanly with standard tools.

　　Application - Specific Jacket Requirements

　　Marine Environments: PFA jackets are mandatory, as they resist saltwater corrosion and withstand constant moisture. For example, in GPS L1 antenna cables routing from a boat’s mast to the navigation system, a PFA jacket ensures the cable remains functional for 5+ years in harsh ocean conditions.

　　Automotive Interiors: PVC or PE jackets are preferred for their flexibility and cost - effectiveness. They easily route through dashboard gaps and resist wear from passenger movement, maintaining signal integrity for in - car GPS.

　　Industrial Sensors: PFA jackets handle high temperatures and chemical exposure, making them ideal for cables connecting sensors to control systems in factories—where oils, coolants, and extreme heat are common.

　　Outdoor Surveying: UV - stabilized PE jackets protect against sunlight degradation, ensuring the cable survives years of field use while connecting surveying equipment to GPS L1 antennas.

　　In summary, the jacket of a 1.13 mm coaxial cable is a precision - engineered component that balances protection, flexibility, and performance. By selecting the right material—whether PFA for extreme environments or PVC for moderate use—you ensure the cable delivers reliable signal transmission, even in the most demanding applications. For GPS L1 antennas, industrial sensors, or marine navigation systems, a quality jacket isn’t an afterthought—it’s the foundation of long - term reliability.