Cable delay is physical length divided by propagation velocity. Velocity equals the speed of light multiplied by the cable's velocity factor.
How it works in practice
Electrical phase at frequency f is 360 times f times delay in degrees, interpreted modulo a full turn where appropriate. Actual assemblies include connector effects and tolerances. Use measured delay for precision phase matching rather than only a nominal velocity factor.
Example and interpretation
A 1 m cable with velocity factor 0.7 delays roughly 4.76 ns; at 100 MHz that is about 171.4 degrees.
Checks before use
- Find velocity factor
- Calculate propagation velocity
- Calculate delay and phase
- Verify the actual assembly
Important limit
Do not confuse physical wavelength in free space with wavelength inside the cable.
Related Centron RF product
SMA 2 W 6 GHz fixed attenuator. Use calculated levels to define a requirement, then compare it with the exact product’s current bandwidth, input power, impedance and available attenuation options. Calculations assume stated conditions and do not replace a component datasheet.
Further reading
Keysight: Fundamentals of RF and Microwave Power Measurements. This background reference explains general principles; the selected Centron RF model’s datasheet governs its own ratings.
Related guides
Educational guide. Numerical examples use the stated assumptions and are not test results for a supplied unit.