Compare performance and attenuation standard LMR-600 and flexible LMR-600 coaxial cables
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Compare performance and attenuation standard LMR-600 and flexible LMR-600 coaxial cables:
The LMR-600 Standard and LMR-600 Flexible are both high-performance coaxial cables used for RF signal transmission. While they share similar electrical characteristics, they differ in terms of mechanical properties and attenuation performance. Here’s a detailed comparison:
1. Performance
a) Attenuation
- LMR-600 Standard: Slightly lower attenuation (signal loss) due to its solid outer conductor.
- LMR-600 Flexible: Slightly higher attenuation because of the use of a stranded outer conductor, which increases flexibility but slightly compromises performance.
| Frequency (MHz) | Attenuation (dB/100 ft) LMR-600 Standard | Attenuation (dB/100 ft) LMR-600 Flexible |
|---|---|---|
| 50 MHz | 0.60 | 0.65 |
| 150 MHz | 1.06 | 1.15 |
| 450 MHz | 1.88 | 2.03 |
| 900 MHz | 2.72 | 2.93 |
| 2400 MHz | 4.47 | 4.87 |
b) Power Handling
- LMR-600 Standard: Higher power-handling capability due to its lower attenuation and solid construction.
- LMR-600 Flexible: Slightly reduced power-handling capability.
2. Flexibility and Durability
- LMR-600 Standard:
- Less flexible due to the solid outer conductor.
- Best suited for fixed installations or environments where bending is minimal.
- LMR-600 Flexible:
- Highly flexible due to the stranded outer conductor.
- Ideal for installations requiring tight bends or frequent handling, such as portable setups or temporary deployments.
3. Weight
- LMR-600 Standard: Heavier due to the solid conductor.
- LMR-600 Flexible: Lighter because of the stranded conductor.
4. Applications
- LMR-600 Standard:
- Fixed RF transmission lines (e.g., cell towers, broadcast facilities).
- Applications requiring minimal movement and the lowest possible attenuation.
- LMR-600 Flexible:
- Portable or temporary setups (e.g., field testing, events, or movable systems).
- Environments where cable bending and flexibility are critical.
5. Cost
- LMR-600 Flexible: Generally slightly more expensive due to its stranded conductor design, which is more complex to manufacture.
- LMR-600 Standard: More affordable for fixed installations.
Conclusion
- LMR-600 Standard: Best for permanent installations where low attenuation and high power handling are critical.
- LMR-600 Flexible: Ideal for applications requiring frequent movement, tighter bends, or portable setups, though it comes with a small trade-off in performance.
For high-frequency applications or installations requiring long cable runs, the Standard version is typically preferred, while the Flexible version excels in dynamic or confined spaces.