Progress in 4K Single-Link Coaxial Cable

This paper is an exercise in prediction motivated by the desire to produce single-link coax for 4K (12 GHz) video. Can this be done? And, if so, can such a cable carry these 12 GHz signals far enough that the required infrastructure can be designed and built? And can this cable be produced at a reasonable cost? — It should be recognized that, as this is being written, there is no SMPTE standard for 4K. Until a standard is ratified, this entire discussion is theoretical and based on a best guess as to what the requirements and limitations will be, or should be, for these new cables. — This paper is therefore a conversation between the designers and factory engineers and our customers, the system integrators, installers, designers and end-users as to what will be acceptable performance. Further, it will be demonstrated that any improvements in cable performance will result in changes in many related products. Improvements in cable performance, for instance, will require corresponding improvements to connectors, bulkhead/feedthrough adaptors, patch panels, patch cords and all other passive devices. None of these components are addressed in this paper, and other manufacturers are encouraged to present similar papers for each of these product types.

Published

2014-10

Content type

Original Research

Keywords

4K, 8K, Ultra HD, UHD, Quad HD, SMPTE, HD-SDI, 3G-SDI, high definition, serial digital, 1080p/50–60, lines, resolution, pixel, bits, color depth, frame rate, 3D, quad-link, dual-link, single-link, shields, foil, braid, velocity, propagation, dielectric, gas injected foam, 6 GHz, 12 GHz, 18 GHz

DOI

10.5594/M001574

ISBN

978-1-61482-954-6