Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and is a PFAS that has numerous applications. The commonly known brand name of PTFE-based composition is Teflonby Chemours, a spin-off from DuPont, which originally discovered the compound in 1938.
In the wire and cable industry, it's used extensively as insulation and jacketing material because of its high temperature resistance, chemical inertness, excellent electrical insulation properties, low friction, and durability. These characteristics make PTFE ideal for cables in various demanding environments, including industrial, military, and aerospace applications.
What are the benefits of using PTFE in Coax Cables?
PTFE is advantageous in coaxial cables due to its low dielectric constant, which reduces electrostatic charge storage and interference, enhancing signal integrity, especially at high frequencies. Its nonreactive nature offers chemical resistance, while its high-temperature tolerance ensures reliable performance in various environments. Additionally, PTFE's durability extends the lifespan of the cables, making it a cost-effective and efficient insulation material for coaxial cables.
Types of PTFE insulated coaxial cables
Several types of coaxial cables utilize Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) for their dielectric/insulation, jacketing, or both.
Here's a summary of these cables as carried by Allied Wire and Cable:
RG142 Cable:
Features a silver-coated copper-clad steel conductor, PTFE dielectric, two silver-coated copper shields, and a fiberglass jacket. It is rated to 1,900 VMS and operates between -55° and 250° Celsius. Typically used for interconnects or jumpers.
RG304 Cable:
Silver-coated copper-clad steel conductor, solid PTFE dielectric, single silver-coated copper shield, FEP jacket.Often -55° Celsius to 200° Celsius.
FEP jacket.Usually -55° Celsius to 200° Celsius.Commonly rated up to 5,000 VMS.
RG400 Cable:
Features a silver-coated copper-clad steel conductor, a dual shield, solid PTFE dielectric, and a fluorinated ethylene propylene jacket.
Rated to 1,900 VMS, with a temperature range of -55° Celsius to 200° Celsius.
RG178 Cable:
Comprises a silver-coated copperclad steel conductor, PTFE dielectric, a single silvercoated copper shield, and a fluorinated ethylene propylene jacket.
It is rated to 1,000 VMS, with an operating range of -55° to 200° Celsius.
RG179 Cable:
Built with a silver-coated copper-clad steel conductor, PTFE dielectric, a single silvercoated copper shield, and a KEL-F jacket rated at 75 ohms,
suitable for cable TV and video.
RG180 Cable:
Similar to RG179 but rated at 95 ohms and 15 pF/ft capacitance, making it more apt for data transmission over cable TV and video.
RG316 Cable:
Consists of a silver-coated copperclad steel conductor, a single silver-coated copper shield, a solid PTFE dielectric,
and a fluorinated ethylene propylene jacket. Rated to 1,200 VMS and operational between -55° Celsius and 80° Celsius.
RG302 Cable:
Silver-coated copper-clad steel conductor, solid PTFE dielectric, single silver-coated copper shield, FEP jacket.Typically -55° Celsius to 200° Celsius.
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