What is a disadvantage of air core coaxial cable compared to foam or solid dielectric types?

• A. It is more expensive
• B. It has a higher insertion loss
• C. It requires special techniques to prevent moisture
• D. It has less bandwidth

Answer: (C)

The correct choice indicates that air core coaxial cable requires special techniques to prevent moisture. This is significant because air itself can allow moisture to enter the cable, especially in environments where humidity levels are high. Moisture can directly impact the performance of the coaxial cable by degrading its insulation properties and potentially causing signal loss or interference.

In contrast, foam or solid dielectric coaxial cables are designed to be more resistant to moisture infiltration, as they are constructed with materials that create a more effective barrier. This makes them more reliable in varying environmental conditions.

While factors such as cost, insertion loss, and bandwidth are important in evaluating cable performance, in this context, the emphasis on moisture management highlights a practical and operational challenge specifically associated with air core coaxial cable that can directly affect its use in the field.