FSJ1-50A Superflexible Coaxial Cable: Complete Technical Guide for Industrial Automation Applications
FSJ1-50A Superflexible Coaxial Cable
High-performance 50-ohm coaxial cable for industrial automation and wireless communication systems
Product Overview
The FSJ1-50A is a premium superflexible coaxial cable designed specifically for industrial automation applications, wireless communication systems, and PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) installations. This 1/4-inch coaxial cable features a 50-ohm impedance rating and is engineered to deliver exceptional performance in demanding industrial environments.
Manufactured by CommScope/Andrew (now part of Amphenol), the FSJ1-50A belongs to the HELIAX® SureFlex® product line, renowned for its reliability and durability in industrial settings. The cable's superflexible construction allows for easy installation in tight spaces while maintaining excellent electrical performance.
Product Images and Video
Key Features and Benefits
- Superflexible Construction: Allows for easy installation in tight spaces and complex routing scenarios common in industrial automation systems
- 50-Ohm Impedance: Standard impedance rating ideal for industrial communication systems and PLC networks
- Corrugated Copper Outer Conductor: Provides excellent shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI) in industrial environments
- Black PE (Polyethylene) Jacket: Outdoor-grade material resistant to UV radiation, moisture, and chemicals
- Wide Frequency Range: Operates from 1 MHz to 18 GHz, suitable for various industrial communication protocols
- High Power Handling: Peak power rating of 6.4 kW ensures reliable performance in demanding applications
- Excellent Temperature Range: Operating temperature from -55°C to +85°C (-67°F to +185°F)
Technical Specifications
Electrical Specifications
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Cable Impedance | 50 ± 1 | ohm |
| Operating Frequency Band | 1 - 18,000 | MHz |
| Capacitance | 79.4 / 24.201 | pF/m / pF/ft |
| DC Resistance (Inner Conductor) | 9.843 / 3.000 | ohms/km / ohms/kft |
| DC Resistance (Outer Conductor) | 7.216 / 2.199 | ohms/km / ohms/kft |
| Inductance | 0.2 / 0.061 | µH/m / µH/ft |
| Peak Power | 6.4 | kW |
| Propagation Velocity | 82-84% | % |
Mechanical Specifications
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal Size | 1/4 | inch |
| Diameter Over Jacket | 7.366 / 0.290 | mm / inch |
| Diameter Over Dielectric | 4.826 / 0.190 | mm / inch |
| Inner Conductor OD | 1.905 / 0.075 | mm / inch |
| Outer Conductor OD | 6.350 / 0.250 | mm / inch |
| Cable Weight | 0.07 / 0.047 | kg/m / lb/ft |
| Minimum Bend Radius | 25.4 / 1.00 | mm / inch |
| Tensile Strength | 68 / 150 | kg / lb |
Environmental Specifications
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Temperature | -55 to +85 | °C |
| Installation Temperature | -40 to +60 | °C |
| Storage Temperature | -70 to +85 | °C |
| Jacket Material | PE (Polyethylene) | - |
| Dielectric Material | Foam PE | - |
| Outer Conductor Material | Corrugated Copper | - |
| Inner Conductor Material | Copper-clad Aluminum | - |
Industrial Automation Applications
PLC and Control Systems
The FSJ1-50A is particularly well-suited for PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) installations where reliable signal transmission is critical. Its excellent EMI shielding properties protect sensitive control signals from industrial electromagnetic interference, ensuring accurate data transmission between PLCs, HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces), and field devices.
Wireless Communication in Industrial Settings
In industrial automation facilities, wireless communication systems often require robust cabling for antenna connections. The FSJ1-50A's wide frequency range (1 MHz to 18 GHz) makes it ideal for connecting wireless access points, RFID systems, and industrial IoT devices throughout manufacturing plants.
SCADA Systems
For Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, the FSJ1-50A provides reliable connectivity for remote monitoring and control applications. Its outdoor-grade construction allows for installation in harsh industrial environments, including outdoor substations and remote monitoring stations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Technical References and Citations
Industry Standards and Certifications
The FSJ1-50A complies with relevant industry standards for coaxial cables used in industrial applications. Key specifications are based on:
- IEC 61196 standards for coaxial communication cables
- Industry-standard 50-ohm impedance requirements
- Outdoor cable specifications for industrial environments
- EMI/RFI shielding requirements for industrial automation
Manufacturer Documentation
Technical specifications referenced from official manufacturer documentation:
- CommScope/Andrew FSJ1-50A Datasheet (Revised March 12, 2025)
- HELIAX® SureFlex® Product Specifications
- Industrial Coaxial Cable Performance Standards
Performance Comparison with Similar Products
| Feature | FSJ1-50A | Standard RG-58 | LMR-200 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impedance | 50 ohm | 50 ohm | 50 ohm |
| Diameter | 7.37 mm | 5.0 mm | 10.3 mm |
| Flexibility | Superflexible | Standard | Flexible |
| Frequency Range | 1-18,000 MHz | 0-1,000 MHz | 0-6,000 MHz |
| Outer Conductor | Corrugated Copper | Braided Copper | Aluminum |
| Industrial Grade | Yes | No | Limited |
Installation and Maintenance Guidelines
Best Practices for Industrial Installation
- Proper Handling: Avoid sharp bends during installation - maintain minimum bend radius of 25.4 mm (1.00 inch)
- Grounding: Ensure proper grounding of cable shields in industrial environments to prevent ground loops and EMI issues
- Environmental Protection: Use appropriate conduit or protective covering in areas with chemical exposure or mechanical abrasion
- Connector Installation: Follow manufacturer guidelines for connector installation to maintain impedance matching and signal integrity
- Cable Routing: Separate from power cables and other potential sources of electromagnetic interference
Maintenance Recommendations
- Regularly inspect cable jackets for signs of wear, cracking, or chemical damage
- Check connector integrity and tightness periodically
- Monitor system performance for signal degradation that might indicate cable issues
- Keep connectors clean and protected from industrial contaminants
- Document installation details for future maintenance and troubleshooting
Conclusion
The FSJ1-50A Superflexible Coaxial Cable represents a premium solution for industrial automation applications requiring reliable RF signal transmission. With its robust construction, wide frequency range, and excellent environmental specifications, this cable is ideally suited for PLC networks, wireless communication systems, and industrial control applications.
For industrial automation engineers and system integrators, the FSJ1-50A offers the perfect balance of performance, durability, and flexibility. Its compliance with industry standards and proven track record in demanding industrial environments make it a trusted choice for critical communication infrastructure in manufacturing plants, processing facilities, and industrial automation systems worldwide.
