Characteristics of Coaxial

Cables in Hybrid Fiber

Coax Systems
Presenter:
Doug Stromberg
Telecom Training Systems,
Inc.
 Presentation Outline:
 HFC Networks Defined
 RF Transmission Lines
 Coaxial Cable Characteristics
 Connections
 Passive Devices
 Two-Way Transmission
 Broadband
A technology or system
capable of carrying large
amounts of information by
using an extensive portion of
the electromagnetic
spectrum.
 Convergence
 Theconverged communication
system will provide voice, video
and data on a single network
convergence
 The Hybrid Fiber Coax
Network
 Evolved from the coaxial cable
distribution systems used in the
CATV industry
 Fiber Optic transmission for
“trunking”
 Coaxial cables used for distribution
to network users
 Why Coax?
 High bandwidth capability
 Simple user interface
 HFC Architecture

Fiber Optic Cables Optical Node

Optical Node

Coaxial
Distribution

Optical Node
An Example Application
A university campus with
connections in each classroom,
office and dormitory room.
 Each connection provides
telephone service, multi-
channel video and high speed
data
 Coaxial Cables in HFC
Networks
 Used for the network end user
connections
 Transported bandwidths can
approach 1 GHz
 Physical characteristics of cables
and connections become critical
RF Transmission Lines
carry RF energy efficiently
Line types:
–Parallel - balanced
–Coaxial - unbalanced
Coaxial Cable Physical
Characteristics
FOAM DIELECTRIC

ALUMINUM
COPPER CLAD SHIELD
CENTER CONDUCTOR
Canceling fields effect
 Prevents signal energy from
escaping from the cable.
 Determined by the physical
dimensions and symmetry of
the cable.
Characteristic Impedance
 The effective impedance
presented by the cable to
source and load devices.
 Critical to the efficient transfer
of signal energy.
 Determined by the physical
dimensions of the cable.
Any physical defect in the
cable will cause problems
in signal transmission.
Cable
Fault

Reflected
Signal Radiated Signal
(Leakage)
Any physical defect in the
cable will be a point for
interfering signal ingress.
Cable
Fault

Over the air

signal
 Transmission Line Losses
 Where does that signal go?
Resistive Cable Loss
Varies directly with
frequency
Varies inversely with cable
diameter
Varies directly with
temperature
 Cable Attenuation vs.
Frequency
ATTENUATION

FREQUENCY
 Cable attenuation varies by
.1% per degree Fahrenheit

Higher temperature =
Higher attenuation
 Dielectric Loss
caused by signal
dissipated in dielectric
material
more air = lower loss
 Radiation Loss
Signal escaping from the
cable.
Caused by physical
imperfections in the cable.
 Terminations
All cables must end in a
load which is equal to the
characteristic impedance
of the transmission line.
Termination of drop cables
has been considered
unnecessary in the past.
Hey, I didn’t
know.
 Connectors
 Often considered the “weak link.”
 Must maintain physical integrity of
the cable.
 Rigid cables implement a 3-piece
connector design.
 Critical limitation to performance is
often the “F” connector used on
the drop cable.
 Coaxial Devices
Passive
Divide signals
Combine signals
Interface of cable types
Directional Coupler
 Three terminal device
–Input
–Output
–Tap
 Unequal division of signal
 Used on mainline and drop
Directional Coupler
INPUT OUTPUT OUT

IN

TAP

SYMBOL
TAP
TAP LOSS

INSERTION LOSS
 Splitter
 Divides signal in half (2-way)
 Can be multiple output (4-
way, 8-way)
 Typically 3.5 dB loss per
output on a two way split
 Used on mainline and drop
 Splitter
OUTPUT
- 3.5 dB

INPUT

OUTPUT
- 3.5 dB
 Tap
Interface between
mainline and drop
Reduce signal level
Multiple values available
Combination of directional
coupler and splitter
 Tap
MAINLINE IN MAINLINE OUT

USER CONNECTIONS
Frequency Limitation of
Passives
 Passive devices will have a
frequency response limitation
 Most devices currently being
manufactured will pass 900MHz or
above
 A concern when implementing
older devices as part of a high
bandwidth system
Two-Way Operation of HFC
Systems
 Normally use a separate fiber for
forward and return path
transmission
 Two-way transmission on coaxial
cable done by frequency division on
shared cable
 Sub-split systems most common
 HFC Network Block Diagram
FORWARD
PATH FORWARD
FIBER COAXIAL PLANT

Headend Node User

RETURN RETURN
PATH COAXIAL
FIBER PLANT
 Sub-Split Transmission

Sub-VHF
Return Forward Spectrum
Spectrum

5MHz 50 54 1GHz
Concerns in return path
 Ingress of noise and interfering
signals due to poorly
installed/maintained plant.
 Noise buildup from the return
nature of the coaxial plant
 Makes cabling and connector
integrity critical
Thank-you!