Subelement F: Installation, Maintenance & Repair— Topic 49: Installation
Question 8-49F1
Element 8 (RADAR)Why is coaxial cable often used for S-band installations instead of a waveguide?
Explanation
At S-band frequencies (approximately 2-4 GHz), coaxial cable can still provide reasonably low losses for many applications, especially shorter runs. The primary advantage of coaxial cable over waveguide is its significantly lower cost of materials, manufacturing, and installation. Coax is more flexible, easier to route, and uses simpler connectors, leading to substantial cost savings compared to rigid, precision-machined waveguide sections and flanges.
In contrast:
B) Waveguide is *excellent* for high power density and can handle far more power than coaxial cable without breakdown, making this statement incorrect.
C) Properly installed S-band waveguide flanges are designed for minimal leakage and are safe. Excessive leakage indicates a faulty installation, not an inherent design flaw.
D) Waveguide installations are very rugged and are widely used in demanding environments like ships at sea, making this statement incorrect.
Related Questions
8-48F5 A non-magnetic screwdriver should always be used when replacing what component?8-48F6 What kind of display would indicate water in the waveguide?8-49F2 RADAR interference to a communications receiver is eliminated by:8-49F3 Why should long horizontal runs of waveguide be avoided?8-49F4 Long horizontal sections of waveguides are not desirable because: