What are the types of coaxial cables?

Coaxial cables come in many types and varieties , depending on your equipment and transmission needs. Common types of coaxial cable include: RF: Radio Frequency (RF) cables commonly used in television connectors. These types are best used for short-distance connections. RG: Radio Guide (RG) cables are typically used in applications such as cable televisions, broadband internet, and commercial radio. These cables feature a numerical designation, indicating the diameter and specifications of the cable. LMR : Land mobile (LMR) cables are designated for wireless communications, with flexibility and communications networks. Twinaxial: A specialized form of coaxial cable commonly used in data transmission locations requiring high-speed capacity. These cables feature dual inner conductors, giving them higher capacity than the standard single conductor in a coaxial cable. Triaxial: Similar to twinaxial cables, these cables feature three inner conductors, amplifying their capacity and signal reliability. Each type of custom coaxial cable assembly can contain multiple cable types, including specific RF diameter designations.

What is the difference between RG6 and RG8?

RG6 Cables and RG8 Cables are both types of radio guide cables designated for distinct applications. With RG cables, the numerical designation indicates the cable’s diameter or thickness. RG6 cables are thinner, hold a smaller diameter, and are lighter in weight, making them well-suited for television installations in both residential and commercial settings. These cables are best suited for applications that require a short transmission distance, like from the cable box to the television. Their short-range capacity and makeup make them durable and reliable for simple and stationary installations. RG8 cables have a thicker diameter and are designed for low-loss, high-power applications, such as HAM radio systems and long-distance transmissions.

What are the main parts of a coaxial cable?

Coax cable manufacturers structure a coaxial cable with four primary components: the core conductor, dielectric insulator, shielding, and the outer jacket. The core conductors are typically made out of copper or a copper alloy, depending on the signal requirements. This primary conductor is responsible for transferring the signal between installations. The dielectric insulator separates the conductor from the shielding, enhancing signal integrity and preventing internal signal interference. The shielding of a coaxial cable offers protection from external signal interference, like electromagnetic interference (EMI) or radio frequency interference (RFI). This element is made of a braided or spiraled metallic material that deflects or grounds external interference. Lastly, the outer jacket is typically made of a flexible, rubber-like material that protects against external hazards, such as moisture, dust, or kinks.

What is a coaxial cable assembly?

A coaxial cable assembly is a collection of coaxial cables arranged in a particular formation. This collection of electrical cables is designed to transmit signals and electricity between various connection points. Custom coaxial cable assemblies can be beneficial in a range of industries and applications, serving a unique purpose for each apparatus. These assemblies can accommodate various designations, including length, performance capabilities, signal integrity, environmental concerns, and connection types. A competent coaxial cable manufacturer, like Meridian, can develop a tailored coaxial cable solution that ensures secure connections and smooth installation of your cable assembly.

Why should I choose a custom coaxial cable assembly over a standard one?

While there are certainly some standard cable assemblies that might work for your needs, the majority aren’t going to accommodate your specific signal needs. An off-the-shelf solution may or may not fit your configuration requirements, leaving you with a partial solution. On the other hand, custom coaxial cable assemblies are tailored to your specific requirements, satisfying all the demands of a complex system. With total control over your customization, you can rest assured that your connectors, cable lengths, and signal capacity will seamlessly integrate with your equipment. For assured functionality and hassle-free integration, there’s nothing like a custom coaxial cable assembly.

What industries use coaxial cable assemblies?

Custom coaxial cables and coax cable assemblies can be useful in a variety of industries for a range of purposes. Primary industries include: Telecommunications/Broadcasting Industrial Military Medical Of course, any residential or commercial setting that requires AV systems, like CCTV, short-range broadcasting, or security systems, could also benefit from custom coaxial cable assemblies. A trustworthy coaxial cable supplier can help you determine if your sector needs a custom assembly.

Does Meridian Cable offer prototyping services for custom coaxial cables?

Certainly! As part of our complete customization and fabrication processes, we offer our prototyping services . Prototyping your custom coaxial cable assemblies can be highly beneficial, especially when establishing a new system, integrating upgraded equipment, or working with unfamiliar technology. When you work with our team to prototype your coaxial cable assembly, you reap the benefit of our expertise and precision prototyping capabilities. The team of design engineers works closely with your engineering team to determine and deliver a one-of-a-kind product that integrates seamlessly into your system. If your prototype cable assembly works for your system, we keep your design on record so we can quickly volume-produce your custom coaxial cables and cable assemblies

Why should I choose Meridian as my coaxial cable supplier?

If you've been on the hunt for the ideal coax cable manufacturer for a while, you've likely run into several options. Meridian has the experience, expertise, and impeccable reputation for excellence. We've garnered a team of the best and the brightest engineers and manufacturers to develop custom coaxial cables and coaxial cable assemblies that tick all the boxes. As coax manufacturers of choice, you can rest assured every protective measure, quality test, and detailed inspection will be performed. This means we put our products through the wringer to ensure their top-notch quality, functionality, and viability. Plus, we back up what we craft with a top-tier commercial warranty , giving you confidence and peace of mind. Discover the difference working with our team can make, and get in touch about your custom coaxial cable assembly today!

If I don't have any coax manufacturers near me, can I have my custom coaxial cable assemblies shipped to me?

Absolutely! A key benefit of working with Meridian is our impressive shipping capabilities. We operate on a global scale, so we can manufacture and ship your custom coax cables or cable assemblies just about anywhere. Whether you're shopping for a simple coax cable for your home entertainment system or need something Industrial for your telecommunication center, we've got you covered with all your connection needs. With our quick-turn and global shipping services , you can count on Meridian to deliver exactly what you need when you need it. We've simplified your interactions with RF coaxial cable manufacturers by delivering a quality product right to your doorstep.

What's the difference between coax manufacturers and RF coaxial cable manufacturers?

The primary difference is the type of cables these manufacturers specialize in. Coax manufacturers produce a wide range of coaxial cables for general applications, such as television systems, internal connections, and short-distance connections. Cables typically have a lower frequency and low voltage transmission. RF coaxial cable manufacturers, on the other hand, focus on cables suited for high-frequency applications, such as microwave systems, long-distance transmission systems, and radio broadcasting systems. These cables are quickly engineered to deliver high-quality signal transmission without corrosion or signal loss. While some coaxial suppliers focus on one or two areas, Meridian operates in multiple arenas with broad production capabilities. We've developed cables for just about any industry and are proud to be both coax manufacturers, RF coaxial cable manufacturers, and far more!

How are custom coaxial cable assemblies tested for quality?

We understand the weight and responsibility of what our cables go through. Engineered and designed a custom coaxial cable assembly, we want our customers to have total confidence in their connection solutions. That's why we strive for total perfection in our products. We use a state-of-the-art testing lab to thoroughly examine every single product we create. We perform a litany of standard tests to ensure a coaxial cable’s functionality, performance, durability, and longevity. Everything we manufacture is held to industry-standard certification to ensure quality and reliability. Although, we're not content with merely delivering a product that does the job. We strive to be some of the best coax cable suppliers in the business, delivering top-notch quality products as quickly as you need them.

How long does it take to make custom coaxial cable assemblies?

As an experienced coaxial cable supplier, we know a thing or two about getting a product out the door. Producing a custom coaxial cable assembly occurs in multiple stages. First, you'll work with our engineering team to design the ideal coaxial cable assembly for your equipment, environment, and signal needs. Once we've created a digital rendering, our team will perform preliminary tests to ensure design functionality and viability. Once the design and preliminary testing phase are complete, we can move your product to production (and prototyping if necessary). The manufacturing process typically takes just a few weeks to build a completely custom product. Once finished, we’ll examine your cable assembly in our state-of-the-art testing lab to ensure it meets our impeccably high standards. After that, your custom coaxial cable assembly is sent to shipping and out the door before you know it. All in all, this process can be completed within just a few weeks.

Will Meridian Cable help my company design a flat ribbon cable assembly?

Certainly! Our team of in-house design engineers will help design and create the ideal custom flat ribbon cable assemblies for your needs. We work with you through every step of the process to ensure your satisfaction and the quality of your cable solution. The design phase of production is a crucial part of creating flat ribbon cable assemblies. During this portion of the process, our team will take the time to understand your unique cable needs and begin designing a custom solution. We draft a digital design of your flat ribbon cable assemblies from the design stage and run preliminary screening tests to ensure it meets your needs. Because of the importance of the design stage, our engineers work directly with you throughout the entire process.

What are the benefits of using flat ribbon cable assemblies?

Flat ribbon cable assemblies have a lot to offer in terms of benefits and capacity. For one, a flat ribbon cable has the ability to mass terminate, meaning it can connect to multiple ports/connections at once. In contrast with a round cable assembly , in which there can only be one termination per port, flat ribbon cable assemblies have multiple terminations in a linear structure. Flat ribbon cables can be built to correspond with any number of different port configurations. This flexibility gives flat cables the ability to be custom designed to suit the specific needs of equipment and function. Their unique design lends itself to a wide range of applications and industrial processes. One of the most common benefits of a flat ribbon cable assembly is that its structure can fit in small spaces like a computer. This allows them to be used in nearly every industry that uses technology.

What is the difference between a cable and a ribbon cable?

Traditional cable assemblies are composed of cables that are generally rounded and have a spiral interior structure. Flat ribbon cables, however, have the conductors structured linearly so that they are side-by-side to form a flat structure. This design allows flat ribbon cables to fold into smaller spaces and have multiple terminations at each end. Practically, flat ribbon cables have a lot to offer in terms of flexibility and adaptability to a plethora of applications. The unique linear design of flat ribbon cables can be configured into the ideal solution for custom equipment. Their design often works better in computers than a standard cable because of the flat ribbon cable’s flexibility.

Why should I choose Meridian Cable to build my cable solutions?

Having been in the cable production business for several decades, we understand that there are numerous cable manufacturers out there. While you certainly could purchase from any old cable production company, you may not be getting the solution your unique situation demands. When you buy an off-the-shelf cable solution, it is going to be a generic cable that may or may not do what you need. We’ve been in this business long enough to know that a one-size-fits-all approach should not apply to cables. We create a custom flat ribbon cable solution from the design up, meaning it is always exactly what’s required to solve the task at hand. We work with our clients to build the ideal solution to the most exacting detail. When you choose Meridian Cable, you get our custom design process, our years of experience, and our top-notch quality cable solutions. You can trust our team with any of your flat ribbon cable needs.

What is the purpose of insulation in flat ribbon cable assemblies?

Insulation serves a very important role in the function of a flat ribbon cable. The conductor on the inside of each cable transfers high amounts of data and electricity in pulses. While these electrical pulses are often low voltage, they need to be contained within the cable to properly function and avoid loose electricity in the area surrounding the cable. The insulation in a flat ribbon cable keeps the electricity flowing through the conductor and allows the cable to transfer data and power correctly and safely. During the design phase, you can choose from different insulators that will best suit the purpose of your cable solution. Getting the appropriate materials for the job is important with an important component like insulation.

What are UL-Certified cables?

UL-Certification is the gold standard within the cable industry. Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) has developed a multi-level certification standard by which cables are measured for quality and reliability. This rigorous certification means that the cables, components, and manufacturing processes are all of the highest ethical and industrial standards. In other words, a UL-Certified cable is one that has been built and tested to ensure that it meets qualification standards for safety, integrity, functionality, and reliability. Meridian Cable is proud to say that we offer UL-Certified cable assemblies , wire harnesses , flat ribbon cable assemblies, and more . You can trust that when we make your cable solution, it will be crafted and vetted to the highest standards and most precise detail. With a UL certification, you can rest easy knowing that your cable solution is both capable and well-made.

Where are Meridian’s cables manufactured?

Meridian Cable has multiple facilities where we manufacture our cable solutions. Over the course of several decades, we have grown our business to be a world leader in cable manufacturing. Between our first facility in Tanggu, China to our US-based facility in St. Augustine, Florida , we supply the world with custom cable assemblies and more. In 1999, we had to make the difficult decision to close our facility in the United States. However, just a few years later, business was booming, and we were able to bring our manufacturing back to the USA. Now, in our 7,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility in Florida, we are able to provide jobs to our community in the areas of St. Augustine. With facilities literally around the world, we are able to deliver the perfect solution no matter where our clients need us.

Is there a warranty for flat ribbon cable assemblies?

When you purchase a custom cable solution, it likely represents a significant investment for your business. Meridian Cable stands behind every product we manufacture. Our in-house engineering team designs every cable to the most precise detail, so it is exactly what you need. Standing behind our work, we offer a complete, one-year warranty on the manufacturing and components. When you choose Meridian Cable for your flat ribbon cable solutions, your investment is well-founded. We manufacture our cables to the highest standards and hold to rigorous, UL-Certified qualifications and several internationally-recognized certifications. If that were not enough, you can always trust in our several decades-worth of experience and our outstanding team of experts. We only hire the best of the best for engineering, manufacturing, and design. We take our business seriously and expect our products to be top-notch.

Can I test my flat ribbon cable assemblies before they are mass-produced?

Certainly. As part of our stringent testing process, we can create a prototype to ensure that the solution works well for your equipment. This will give you a tangible representation of the design and the larger order that is yet to be produced. With every one of the flat ribbon cable assemblies that we manufacture, we perform intense testing, reworking, and configuring. If there is an issue with the prototype, we can go back to the drawing board and redesign a viable solution. We do this to be certain that our cables are the ideal solution and will be precisely what your equipment needs.

How does Meridian Cable assure the quality of its flat ribbon cable assemblies?

Over the past several decades, we have become proficient at designing and producing our cable solutions. With our experience in the industry, we have developed intense testing procedures to guarantee the top-notch quality of our flat ribbon cable assemblies. Each cable we produce will undergo a myriad of stress tests, manufacturing inspections, and practical functionality tests to ensure that it is upheld to UL-Certified standards . Even by the time the prototype is developed, our flat ribbon cable assemblies have been subjected to virtual testing to ensure it will function in simulations. This testing helps us ensure the design of your cable solution has the highest probability for success before we even start the physical manufacturing. We want to do everything we can to provide dependable cable solutions of the highest industry standards.

What industries use flat ribbon cable assemblies?

Because flat ribbon cables are often used in computers, their applications are virtually limitless. In our multiple decades of experience in the cable production industry, we have made flat ribbon cables for a range of businesses. We have created thousands of flat ribbon cables for the medical sector, military, telecommunications, and industrial production. One of the beauties of flat ribbon cable assemblies is that they can be found anywhere in some capacity. Their flexible design makes them a valuable cable option for every industry imaginable.

What is custom wire harness manufacturing?

Custom wire harness assembly entails creating a custom set-up of electrical wires and/or cables based on the task needed by our client. You can imagine this can run a pretty large gambit of different applications. As custom wire harness manufacturers, it is our job to fully understand the client’s needs, examine where the cable harness will be used, and consider a host other factors that determine the material types and attributes needed for the wiring harness to perform under even the harshest of conditions for years of faithful, continued service. At Meridian, we have the tools and experience to create just about any wiring harness application a client can think of. We usually produce a small number of prototypes to ensure our engineers have everything perfect for the unique application our client is intending before we move on to larger-scale production.

What are wiring harnesses used for?

Wiring harnesses are used in everything from remote control cars to jumbo jets. For example, the desktop computer you may be using currently has a myriad of different harnesses for data and power transfer, all to let you view a page like this one. Inside your vehicle are reams of cables, wires, terminals, and connectors that have to run through the entire vehicle in order to connect all the different components that allow you to simply drive from A to B. The harness itself sounds simple, but it can be rather complex when different connections, terminations, conductor sizes, sheathing, strain reliefs, and many other considerations have to come into play depending on the needs of the project. Our engineers design a complete system around the wires and cables needed to power electrical systems, transfer high speed data, and send and receive signals. If you’re ready to discuss your project’s unique requirements, talk over your options with a knowledgeable representative now .

Are there different types of wiring harnesses?

The different types of wiring harnesses is only limited by your imagination. As we continue to increase our reliance on electrical systems powering even simply devices, the engineering inside of these applications requires custom made wiring and cable harnesses to complete the intended application. Each project requires its own custom set-up in order to be designed and manufactured to be able to effectively complete the task required of it. As you can imagine, this will be quite different for a remote control car versus a fighter jet, yet each require exact engineering design in order to function. From military applications, industrial, medical, telecommunications, and almost every industry in between, we design custom wire harness solutions that work.

Are all aftermarket wiring harnesses the same?

Definitely not. Unfortunately, shoddy manufacturers abound and buying a harness from a non-reputable wiring harness supplier can put your project’s assets at serious risk of failure. At Meridian, we follow strict quality assurance/quality control procedures, use and maintain UL® standards for wiring, and are proud to have received and maintain ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality. We do all of this to ensure we remain wire harness and cable assembly manufacturers of distinction, engineering the precise solutions our clients demand, and making sure these systems are robust enough to stand up to years of use.

Where can I find custom wire harness manufacturers near me?

We strive to make sourcing cable assemblies and wiring harnesses easy. That’s why we operate two manufacturing facilities both in the U.S. and in China . We own both facilities, so we stay intimately abreast of the day-to-day operations of each. We are UL®-approved for wire harness manufacturing so you can be confident in the exact requirements of your project being met by our design staff. With two, independent facilities running around the globe, we ensure your project is completed on-time and on-budget, using the best materials and methods available in wire harness manufacturing today. So no matter where your project takes place, be confident knowing Meridian can supply all the components needed to produce a top-of-the-line custom cable harness.

What is the wire harness manufacturing process?

For any custom cable or wire harness project, our engineers and design staff first listen to our clients. By intimately understanding the “what, when, where, and how” behind the harnesses’ intended application, we can begin the manufacturing process. Often, we need to understand the electrical needs, as well as, the space constraints first and foremost and build our systems within the project’s scope concerning these dimensions. Each process is a little different for each custom harness and Meridian craftsmen have more than 5,000 tools at their disposal to get the job done. Depending on the level of precision the project calls for, we can either deploy hand tools, semi-automated machines, or fully automated machines. Even though we depend on automation to provide exact design specifications, a lot of work is still done by hand by our skilled manufacturers due to the multitude of complex steps involved. Our process engineers deploy time and money savings techniques like kanban manufacturing and just-in-time ordering to provide the very best products possible, on-time, and within our client’s budget. After we’ve figured out the ins and outs of the project’s unique manufacturing process, we usually develop a prototype for client approval and verification that it will meet their needs. Once approved, we move to larger scale production and ship our products to clients all over the world.

What is the UL® standard for wire harness manufacturers?

United Laboratories (UL) is one of only a select few corporations that have been approved by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for testing and certifying both safety and uniform functionality of wiring and cable components. By only using UL-certified components , we can ensure our products operate the same way, within known specification ranges, year in and year out. Rather than having to design a cable from scratch each time, this allows design staff to focus on other project variables such as weight strain reduction within the harness, type and size of conductors, insulation material, etc. If you don’t see that your wire harness and cable assembly manufacturers are using UL-certified wires and cables, don’t trust your integral electrical systems to a system which could fail when you need it the most.

What is the difference between a cable assembly and a wire assembly?

These often confused components are quite different and serve different purposes. A wire is either a single strand or a bundle of strands that are designed to be conductive. Wires come bare or sheathed and are usually made of copper or aluminum. Conversely, a cable has two or more conductors which are insulated which are then twisted together, usually inside of a protective outer jacket. A wire harness therefore, is the systematic support system that links wires into a cohesive unit with the necessary connections and terminations to complete the task. Think the wiring system in your automobile that requires different systems to all be linked simultaneously. While a cable assembly is similar in concept, the application is quite different and would include examples like the fairly simple cable assembly for connecting your TV and surround sound or the more complex and futuristic-looking electrode helmets used in medical brain scans.

What is ISO 9001:2015 certification?

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) specifies the minimum requirements that the quality assurance/quality control plans a manufacturer has to have in place in order to be certified for ISO 9001:2015 . For this system governing quality management systems, the organization needs to show that it has the ability to consistently deliver the products or services that meet both customer and regulatory requirements, as well as, show they’ve taken steps to enhance the customer’s satisfaction. This is done through demonstrating the organization has continual improvement processes in place and can showcase conformity to customer/regulatory requirements for each project undertaken. Meridian is proud to maintain this important distinction for ensuring our clients receive nothing but high-quality products.

Does Meridian offer a warranty for wire harnesses?

Meridian designs products under the strictest of quality assurance and quality control guidelines, but components do sometimes break down prematurely. We want you to be absolutely confident in your decision to use Meridian as your wire harness supplier of choice so we stand behind our products with a warranty against material defects or workmanship under normal use and service for a period of one (1) year from the original date of invoice. Depending on the situation, Meridian will either repair or replace the product.

Landing Page Archives - Meridian Cable

Custom High-Voltage Cable Assemblies

By budkinzalow | October 28, 2024

When you need precision on your high-voltage cable assembly project, Meridian has you covered. For over 30 years, we’ve delivered high-performing, high-capacity cables, wire harnesses, and connection solutions for our clients worldwide. We manufacture our high-voltage cable assemblies to be reliable, durable, and able to withstand the most demanding transference situations. Choosing Meridian means you…

Custom Wiring and Cable Harnesses

By budkinzalow | September 26, 2024

Meridian Cable specializes in custom wiring and custom cable harnesses to supply all of your connection needs. Since 1994, we’ve dedicated ourselves to creating high-quality connective solutions on a global scale. Our team creates magic with every project we develop. Of course, it’s really more science than magic, and that’s where our engineering team truly…

Semi-Rigid Cable Assemblies

By budkinzalow | September 4, 2024

Leading Custom Cable Manufacturer | Meridian Cable

Since 1994, Meridian Cable has been committed to designing and developing high-quality custom cable assemblies, wire harnesses, and more. Our state-of-the-art production facilities leverage the latest technology, cutting-edge engineering, and rigorous quality assurance practices to provide our customers with innovative and reliable connection solutions. Our team is here to ensure that semi-rigid cable assemblies meet your unique operating needs.…

Custom Molex Cable Assemblies

By budkinzalow | February 8, 2023

Building custom Molex cable assemblies requires attention to detail and a commitment to quality. At Meridian Cable, we design and manufacture Molex cable assemblies to the most precise detail. Our design team works directly with you to create the ideal cable solution for your project. As a leading cable manufacturer in the world, we have…

Custom Coaxial Cable Assemblies

By budkinzalow | January 3, 2023

Over the last 25 years, Meridian Cable has been a leading provider of custom cable assemblies, wire harnesses, and more. Our commitment to quality and high-end materials makes our cables superior to an off-the-shelf cable solution. We apply these standards to everything we do, including our custom coaxial cable assemblies. We pay attention to ultra-fine…

RF Cable Assemblies

By budkinzalow | December 13, 2022

One thing is sure when creating top-notch, UL-certified RF cable assemblies: attention to the smallest details matters. For over 25 years, Meridian Cable has been committed to quality manufacturing standards and to attending to the finest details. We’ve got some of the most brilliant minds in the industry on our in-house engineering team to help…

Custom Shielded Cable Assemblies

By budkinzalow | August 1, 2022

Custom cable assemblies that are used to transmit data are especially vulnerable to interference from heavily electronic environments. It is essential to protect cable assemblies from electromagnetic interference (EMI) through the use of shielded cable assemblies. Shielded cable assemblies are used in a number of different fields and can be extremely useful in protecting data.…

SMA Cable Assemblies

By budkinzalow | May 22, 2020

Meridian Cable designs and produces custom SMA connector cable assemblies for the exacting standards of industries like the Health and Medical fields and the Military. With decades of experience as a custom cable assembly and wire harness manufacturer, we’re able to bring your project from the very first design concept all the way through volume…

Flat Ribbon Cable Assemblies

By budkinzalow | November 18, 2015

One of the many customizable cable assemblies that Meridian Cable manufactures are flat ribbon cable assemblies. Flat ribbon cable assemblies are extremely useful cable groupings that are both efficient and cost-effective. Found in many forms of devices, flat ribbon cable assemblies are versatile and capable. Also known as flat cable assemblies, planar assemblies, and flat…

Custom Wire Harness

By budkinzalow | May 27, 2015

Let the Experts Craft Your Custom Wire Harness A custom wire harness is the backbone of today’s technology-driven society, powering connectivity industries. These complex assemblies streamline intricate operations and wiring systems, delivering efficiency, durability, and high-performance quality in applications ranging from automotive and aerospace to medical and military applications. Since the early 1990s, Meridian Cable has delivered wire…