Coaxials is spelled as /kəʊ-ˈæks-ē-əls/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet. The word refers to a type of electrical cable that contains both a center conductor and a shield conductor. The spelling of coaxials is derived from the root word "coaxial," which means "having a common axis." The plural form of coaxial is coaxials, which is spelled with an "s." This pronunciation guide reflects the American English pronunciation, though other dialects of English may have slightly different pronunciations of this word.
Coaxials, short for coaxial cables, are a type of electrical cable widely used for transmitting audio, video, and data signals. They consist of a central conductor, which carries the desired signal, surrounded by a layer of insulation, and further wrapped in a metallic shield. This shield works to protect the transmission from external electronic interference and reduces signal loss.
The central conductor within coaxial cables is typically made of copper and is surrounded by a dielectric insulating material, such as plastic or foam. This dielectric serves to maintain the distance between the central conductor and the shield, which is essential for the efficient transmission of signals.
The metallic shield encasing the insulation layer is usually composed of aluminum or copper foil, often supplemented with a braided mesh or another layer of foil, and it acts as a conductor to protect against electromagnetic interference (EMI). The combination of the metallic shield and the dielectric ensures that the signal remains intact throughout its transmission.
Coaxial cables are commonly used in various applications, including cable television (CATV) systems, video surveillance, internet connections, and audio systems. They are highly durable and can transmit signals over long distances without significant signal degradation.
Furthermore, coaxials also refer to coaxial speakers or coaxial speaker systems used in car audio setups. In these systems, coaxial speakers consist of a woofer and a tweeter mounted coaxially, allowing for full-range sound reproduction in a compact form factor. This design makes them a popular choice for car audio enthusiasts seeking sufficient audio coverage and quality without requiring additional space for separate woofers and tweeters.
The word "coaxial" is derived from the combination of two Latin roots: "co-" meaning "together" or "with", and "axialis" meaning "axis". The term was first coined in the early 20th century, as part of the development of electrical transmission systems. "Co-" signifies that two elements are aligned and share a common axis, which is the central characteristic of coaxial cables or coaxials. These cables consist of an inner conductor, surrounded by a tubular insulating layer, and an outer conductor, all sharing the same axis.