COAXIAL DROP CABLE HAVING A MECHANICALLY AND ELECTRICALLY CONTINUOUS OUTER CONDUCTOR AND AN ASSOCIATED COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

摘要

The communications system transmits both communications signals and electrical power to a plurality of subscribers. The communications signals can include video, voice and data signals. The communications system includes a coaxial drop cable for transmitting both the communications signals and electrical power from a cable tap to at least one subscriber of the communications system. The coaxial drop cable includes an annular outer conductor surrounding the dielectric material and having a mechanically and electrically continuous, non-overlapping tubular metallic shield. The coaxial drop cable has predetermined signal transmission characteristics, including enhanced shielding properties, which are maintained while the coaxial drop cable is flexed due, at least in part, to an increase in the stiffness of the dielectric material relative to the outer conductor. In particular, the dielectric material has a predetermined compressive stiffness of at least 1000 pounds per linear inch while the outer diameter of the outer conductor is less than about 0.04 inches. In addition, the outer conductor typically has a predetermined thickness which is at least 2.5 % of the outer diameter of the outer conductor. Accordingly, the coaxial drop cable effectively transmits both communications signals and electrical power while providing enhanced shielding and relatively low electrical resistance and attenuation.