What is the impact of increased temperature on coaxial cable performance?

Increased temperature has a noticeable impact on the performance of coaxial cables, particularly in relation to signal attenuation. When the temperature rises, the materials within the coaxial cable experience changes in resistance and dielectric properties.

As temperature increases, the resistance of the conductive materials, typically copper, can rise as well. This increase in resistance leads to greater energy loss, which manifests as attenuation – the reduction in signal strength as the signal travels through the cable.

Additionally, higher temperatures can affect the dielectric materials insulating the conductor, potentially leading to increased leakage currents and dielectric losses. Therefore, the performance of coaxial cables generally deteriorates with higher temperatures, which directly correlates to an increase in attenuation.

In contrast, it would be incorrect to state that increased temperature improves signal strength or decreases signal loss, as high temperatures negatively influence both aspects. Additionally, the notion that temperature has no significant effect overlooks the well-documented relationship between temperature and electrical properties in materials, particularly in the context of coaxial cable performance.