RADIAFLEX® radiating cables are “leaky feeder” coaxial cables designed to provide continuous RF coverage along the length of the cable. Instead of feeding a single antenna, the cable radiates signals through slots in the outer conductor, acting as a distributed antenna system (DAS) for tunnels, underground spaces, and large buildings.

Key Benefits

• Continuous RF coverage along the entire cable length
• Eliminates need for multiple antennas in confined spaces
• Supports multi-band wireless systems (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G and mission-critical radio)
• Reliable communication in challenging environments like tunnels and underground infrastructure
• Low signal loss and high durability for long deployments

Typical Specifications

Parameter	Typical Value
Characteristic Impedance	50 Ω
Dielectric	Foam polyethylene
Outer Conductor	Corrugated copper with radiating slots
Transmission Mode	Distributed radiating antenna
Signal Type	One-way and two-way communication
PIM Performance	Low PIM designs available
Jacket Options	Flame-retardant, halogen-free, plenum rated

These cables are designed to support multiple communication services simultaneously due to broadband capability.

Available Cable Sizes

Typical RADIAFLEX cable diameters:

Cable Size	Typical Application
1/2″	Small tunnels, parking garages, buildings
7/8″	Medium tunnels and underground systems
1-1/4″	Long tunnels, railways, large infrastructure
1-5/8″	Very long tunnels or high-power systems

Larger cables provide longer coverage distance and lower loss.

Frequency Range

Typical supported frequencies:

Range	Example Services
75 MHz – 450 MHz	Public safety radio
600 – 960 MHz	Cellular & mission-critical
1700 – 2700 MHz	LTE
3400 – 4200 MHz	5G / CBRS / C-Band
Up to ~6 GHz	Future wireless services

RADIAFLEX cables support all commercial and mission-critical services up to around 6 GHz.

Transmission Line Type

• Radiating coaxial transmission line (Leaky feeder cable)
• Corrugated outer conductor with precision slots to radiate RF energy
• Foam dielectric insulation
• 50-ohm impedance

Unlike standard coax cables, these function as a distributed antenna along the cable length.

Common Connector Types

Typical connectors used with RADIAFLEX systems:

• N-type connectors
• 7/16 DIN connectors
• 4.3-10 connectors
• EIA flange connectors (for large cables)

Connector families are designed to minimize PIM and maintain RF performance.

How to Choose the Right Radiating Cable

When selecting among similar radiating cable products, consider:

1. Coverage Area

Choose cable size based on tunnel or building length.

Coverage Requirement	Recommended Cable
Small building / parking garage	1/2″
Medium tunnel	7/8″
Long rail or road tunnel	1-1/4″ or 1-5/8″

2. Frequency Bands

Ensure the cable supports the required spectrum:

• Public safety radio
• Cellular LTE
• 5G / CBRS / C-Band
• Railway communication systems

3. Environment

Select the correct jacket type:

• Fire-retardant / low smoke → tunnels and buildings
• Halogen-free → safety-critical installations
• Plenum rated → indoor air-handling spaces

4. Network Design

Consider the wireless architecture:

• Single operator DAS
• Multi-operator networks
• Public safety communication systems
• Railway / metro communication

Typical Applications

RADIAFLEX cables are widely used in:

• Metro and railway tunnels
• Road tunnels
• Mines
• Underground stations
• Airports and large buildings
• Public safety communication systems

RADIAFLEX cables provide reliable connectivity in confined areas where traditional antennas cannot deliver consistent coverage.