What is a signal cable
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The definition of signal cables
Signal cables are a type of signal transmission tool. Their main function is to transfer and transmit various signals from one area to another. They must precisely transmit network signals; otherwise, network failures will occur due to interference. Therefore, shielding interference is more important among the structural elements of signal cables. At the same time, the accuracy and completeness of signal transmission are required to be relatively high.
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The difference between signal cables and ordinary cables
Signal cable
Signal cables have high requirements in terms of precise transmission and anti-interference, which can ensure the stability, reliability and accuracy of signal transmission.
Ordinary cable
There are significant differences between signal cables and ordinary cables in terms of material properties, transmission characteristics, structural design, and applications.
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Difference |
Signal cable |
Ordinary cable |
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Material properties |
Copper has a high purity and the insulating material is soft. |
Copper has a low purity and the insulating material is relatively hard. |
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Transmission characteristics |
Power signal: Low level, low frequency. |
Electrical signal: high level, high frequency. |
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Structural design |
The double-shielding structure is mainly composed of four protective layers: the insulating layer, the shielding layer, the winding layer and the jacket layer. |
The single-layer shielding structure mainly consists of four parts: the insulating layer, the conductor layer, the inner protective layer and the jacket layer. |
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Purpose |
Used for audio signal cable, composite video cables, signal transmission of instruments, meters and sensors. |
It is used for transmitting electrical energy, such as power for mechanical equipment. |
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The Importance of signal cables
Signal cables play a significant role in various fields of society, fulfilling the signal transmission requirements in different application scenarios and supporting the development of society and life.
1.In the field of communication
Signal cables play a significant role in transmitting data, pictures, voice and video. signal cable of computer are used for data transfer on computers, such as file transmission and network access.
2. In the field of transportation
The traffic signal cable controls the transmission of the railway signal system, controls the normal operation and stopping of trains, and the traffic light cable transmits instructions and also controls the different displays of signal lights. The signal transmitted by the cable controls the changes of the switch machine to the turnout.
3.In intelligent buildings
Signal cables transmit information to various intelligent systems within the building, such as access control systems and monitoring systems, providing people with a more convenient and secure living environment.
4.In industrial automated production
Signal transmission cables transmission cables convey electrical signals converted from information such as pressure, temperature and humidity during the production process, and simultaneously send control signals, achieving precise control in the production process.
Structure of signal cables
Signalling cable features a double-shielded structure and is mainly composed of four protective layers: insulation layer, shielding layer, winding layer and jacket layer, ensuring precise signal transmission.
(Copper mesh shielded computer cable)Insulation layer: It can be independently used as a conductor. In narrow space conditions, the sheath, shielding layer and winding layer can be screened out.
Winding layer: As a polymer material, its main function is to prevent the shielding layer from affecting the insulation layer and improve the mechanical transmission performance of the cable.
Shielding layer: Generally, metal materials such as copper or tin-plated copper are used. It must have strong bending resistance to prevent metal debris from affecting the operation of electrical equipment and smoothly discharge interference signals.
Jacket layer: It must have a high tensile strength, be able to withstand repeated bending for a long time, and be capable of withstanding high-intensity metal cutting and impact.
Types of Signal Cables
Railway signalling cable is one of the main classifications of signalling cables. It can operate normally within the temperature range of -45℃ to +60℃. It is mainly applied in railway signalling systems with AC 750V or DC 1100V and below, and can transmit both digital and analog signals. The outer sheath is made of polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride materials, which serve the functions of insulation and flame retardancy. It is widely used in underground and vertical shaft environments, capable of resisting electromagnetic interference and maintaining the normal transmission of signals. Other types of signal cables are as follows:
1.hdmi over coaxial cable
The most common type of signal cable is coaxial cable. It mainly consists of four parts: inner conductor, insulating layer, outer conductor and sheath.
Inner conductor: Generally, it is copper core wire.
Insulation layer: Generally made of PE material, it separates the inner conductor from the outer conductor.
Outer conductor: Generally, it is a layer of metal mesh, which serves to shield against external interference.
Jacket: Its function is to protect the cable.
2.PVC insulated cable
PVC insulated cables mainly use PVC as the insulating material. PVC material has high flexibility and mechanical strength, which plays a role in protecting the internal conductors.
3.PE insulated cable
PE insulated cables mainly use PE as the insulating material. PE material has high corrosion resistance and water resistance, and also has excellent electrical insulation performance, which can transmit high-quality signals. Its insulating material has low dielectric loss.
4.Optical fiber composite cable
Optical fiber composite cables are the combination of optical fibers and traditional cable structures. It contains optical fibers for transmitting optical signals and conductors for transmitting electrical signals. Traditional cables provide power transmission, while optical fibers have strong resistance to electromagnetic interference and fast transmission speed.
5.Control cable
Control cables are used for transmitting and controlling signals to control various devices. It is generally composed of multiple insulated wires and has excellent shielding performance, which can effectively prevent external interference with the control signal.
6.Shielded cable
Adding a shielding layer to a regular cable forms a shielded cable. Its function is to prevent external electromagnetic interference and ensure the continuous and stable transmission of signals through the cable. The main materials are metal mesh, metal foil, etc.
The application of signal cables
In terms of cable TV systems
Coaxial cables transmit the signals sent by TV stations to every household's TV. They can efficiently convey high-frequency signals and have excellent electrical performance. They are widely used in the transmission of TV signals, providing convenience for people's lives.
In terms of electrical wiring in buildings
PVC insulated cables are used to transmit power and control signals. For instance, in a lighting control system, PVC insulated cables convey control signals from the control center to each controller of the lighting fixtures. In industrial equipment, it is used to convey control and monitoring signals to various components of machine facilities.
In the field of communication
PE insulated cables can continuously and stably transmit data, voice and other signals, and have been widely used in urban communication lines and long-distance communication lines. In special industrial environments, due to the high corrosion resistance and water resistance of PE insulated cables, they are generally also used to transmit signals to various control systems and monitoring facilities.
In terms of smart grid construction
Optical fiber composite cables precisely transmit the control signals and monitoring data of the power grid to the control area through optical fibers. Meanwhile, the cable conductors can also provide power supply to the equipment. In large factory parks, it is often used to build communication and power networks.
In terms of industrial automated production
Control cables convey control instructions to production machines, ensuring the stable operation of the production line. In the elevator control system, control cables transmit the operation signals of the elevator to the controller in the machine room, ensuring the normal and safe operation of the elevator.
In terms of electronic device connection
It is applied in the connection of computer dvi signal. Shielded cables connect the motherboard and hard disk inside a computer, playing a role in preventing unstable data transmission caused by electromagnetic interference. In medical machinery, it is used to connect various control facilities and detection machines, ensuring the normal operation of medical machines and avoiding the influence of inaccurate detection results caused by external electromagnetic interference.
Solutions
By understanding the classification and application of signal cables, you can quickly know what kind of signal cables you need. Through our selection of a series of signal cables, you will find everything you need for the product.
At the same time, we also offer customized services. You can send us the drawings, and we will design a solution that suits you. The project includes material selection, shape design, cost control, practical application, etc. You can specify the material manufacturer, and we can also find substitutes for you, saving you costs while ensuring the practical application of the product. We always support you via email (sales003@ecocables.cn) and phone (mobile: +8613412331588).
We manufacture signal cable products suitable for various scenarios, including:
An outstanding supplier located in the "World Factory"
The industries we serve:
Consumer electronics and IT - high-quality cables for home appliances, computers and networks.
Industrial and automotive - Fixed cables for industrial automation and automotive systems.
Electronic communication - high-speed cables used for network facilities and data transmission...................
Frequently Asked Questions
How to choose the right signal cable?
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1. Determine the application scenarios.
Application in the home: Choose unshielded twisted-pair cables, which are easy to install and have a low signal cable price.
Application in industrial environments: Double-layer shielding structure and tin-plated copper conductors are selected, which have strong anti-interference and anti-corrosion capabilities
2. Determine the signal type.
analog signal cable: Highly sensitive to interference, requires high-quality shielding.
Digital signals: They have strong anti-interference capabilities, but they have strict requirements for characteristic impedance matching and bandwidth.
3. Determine the transmission distance.
Long-distance transmission: Choose cables with thick conductors and thick wire diameters. Cables with thick conductors have lower resistance. However, the wire diameter is not necessarily the thicker the better; the actual impedance needs to be matched. Use signal booster cable when necessary.
4. Determine the usage environment.
Indoor environment: Choose those with higher flexibility and flame retardancy.
Outdoor environment: Select cables with high UV resistance and temperature resistance.
If it is necessary to come into contact with oily or chemical environments, choose cables that are oil-resistant, corrosion-resistant or bent-resistant.
5. Determine the type of shielding.
For ordinary indoor environments: Choose aluminum foil shielding.
For outdoor environments in industrial zones: Select composite shielded cables or braided mesh shielding to ensure that signals are not affected by strong interference sources.
6.Determine the matching impedance value.
It is essential to ensure that the characteristic impedance of the cable is the same as that of the connected facilities in the system. Impedance mismatch will result in energy loss and signal reflection, affecting the stability of transmission performance.
What should be noted when installing signal cables?
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1. In terms of the laying method of signal cables, avoid long-term bending to prevent damage to the signal cables and avoid affecting signal transmission.
2. Regarding the laying path of signal cables, the path should be set according to the usage requirements to avoid interference between signal cables and other cables.
3. Regarding the signal cable terminals, cable protection sleeves should be installed to safeguard the terminals.
How to maintain signal cables?
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1. Regular inspection. check signal cable to inspect the appearance of the signal cable for any damage or aging, and ensure that the cable joint position is not loose.
2. Environmental maintenance. Signal cables should not be placed in damp, corrosive or high-temperature environments, as this will accelerate their aging and cause short circuits. Dust and corrosive substances should be prevented from accumulating around the cables, which may affect heat dissipation and signal transmission.
3. Disassembly and maintenance. When disassembling signal cables, be careful to avoid damaging the cables and terminals. When working around the cable, to prevent the cable from being cut by external forces, proper cable protection measures must be taken.
4. Regular testing. Corresponding maintenance measures are taken by testing the insulation resistance of the cable and the transmission quality of the signal, etc.
How Do I reset my cable signal?
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When the set-top box's startup page does not appear after turning on the TV, it might be due to incorrect channel Settings. You can press the AV/TV button or the source button on the TV remote control. In this way, the TV channel will switch from analog TV to video project, successfully connecting to cable TV.
What is the TV signal cable?
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Television signal cables refer to the wires that transmit signals through electromagnetic waves, also known as RF cables, and are often used to connect televisions to set-top boxes. Its transmission distance generally does not exceed 50 meters and is only limited to transmitting TV signals. However, the quality of the TV signals it conveys is stable and free from interference. The TV signal cable has two ports, a female connector and a male connector, which can be connected to the antenna hole of the TV.