The group of aluminium products will be produced and distributed globally as a lower-cost alternative to Andrew's copper-based cable. It is claimed by the company to be the first globally available aluminium cable for wireless networking, and the first offered as a total solution that includes connectors and accessories.
Andrew has chosen to combine the Heliax corrugated aluminium cable with its patented Positive Stop connectors. This combination is not just there because it is promoted as a quality product but also to help tackle the problem posed by uncertainties in copper pricing.
"Use of alternative metals in transmission line systems provides a cost-effective option for our customers around the world," declares John DeSana, Andrew's Group President, Antenna and Cable Products.
Using aluminium as the outer conductor in radio frequency transmission lines provides wireless customers with an alternative to all-copper cabling that is cheaper, lighter, and flexible. Andrew states that aluminium is known to be less ideal than copper for use in handling RF transmission but that its own development and testing has led to a new solution that elevates the performance of aluminium transmission line systems. The new 50-ohm Heliax corrugated aluminium cable family is available today in 7/8 inch and 1-5/8 inch diameters.
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