How Piezo Coaxial Cables Are Made
Piezo coaxial cable is another form of piezo-polymer sensor, designed with a rugged coaxial construction. In this design, PVDF piezoelectric film serves as the dielectric between a stranded silver-plated copper center conductor and an outer shielded braid. When the cable is compressed, stretched, or vibrated, it generates a voltage proportional to the applied stress.
This coaxial structure not only makes the cable self-shielded—allowing it to operate reliably in high-EMI environments—but also gives it the durability, water resistance, and flexibility needed for demanding applications.
The construction process includes:
Helical winding of two narrow PVDF ribbons around a 20 AWG stranded silver-plated copper core.
Shielding and braiding, followed by an extruded high-density polyethylene jacket for protection.
Poling of the PVDF dielectric, which aligns molecular dipoles to create permanent piezoelectric properties.
Piezo Direct offers piezo coaxial cable in short cut lengths (multiples of 1 meter) or in continuous spool lengths for larger installations.
Piezo Coaxial Cable Sensors
Piezo coaxial cable is a passive, linear-format piezoelectric sensor. Unlike discrete discs or films, this cable is ideal for covering long distances or monitoring large surface areas.
Key advantages include:
Self-shielded coaxial design for high EMI environments.
Rugged and water resistant, able to withstand heavy loads.
Linear sensing capability, making it suitable for perimeter or distributed monitoring.
Field-repairable construction, spliceable using standard coax techniques.
Temperature stability up to 85°C.
High voltage response with low impedance per unit length.
Piezo Direct as Your Partner
Piezo Direct is a trusted manufacturer of advanced piezoelectric solutions. Our piezo coaxial cables combine rugged construction, long-length sensing, and high voltage response, making them an excellent choice for industries ranging from security and automotive to aerospace and healthcare.
Whether you need PZT ceramics, PVDF films, or coaxial cable sensors, Piezo Direct can deliver custom-engineered solutions that meet your exact specifications. Partner with us for piezoelectric sensors built with precision, durability, and reliability.
Piezo Coaxial Cable
Mechanics
When stress is applied along the length of the cable—whether through compression, bending, vibration, or tension—the PVDF dielectric layer experiences a change in polarization. This generates an electric charge that is collected by the electrodes, producing a measurable voltage output.
Because the sensor is distributed along its entire length, it can act as a continuous sensing element, capable of detecting pressure, vibration, or tampering across extended areas. This makes piezo coaxial cable unique compared to point-based piezo sensors such as discs or stacks.
Applications of Piezo Coaxial Cable
Piezo coaxial cable is highly versatile and widely used in industries where linear, durable, and flexible sensing is required.
Security & Safety
Perimeter intrusion detection along fences or boundaries.
Cable tampering detectors for security systems.
Door edge and vehicle bumper switches for automotive safety.
Industrial & Infrastructure
Traffic classification and vehicle counting on roadways.
Structural health monitoring for vibration, strain, or impact detection.
Non-destructive testing (NDT) in civil and industrial environments.
Environmental & Acoustic Sensing
Weather sensing including rain and hail detection.
Underwater acoustics for marine monitoring.
Patient mattress monitoring in healthcare applications.
Specifications
| Property | Typical Value | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Outside Diameter | 2.50 ± 0.1 | mm |
| Center Core Diameter | 1.00 ± 0.1 | mm |
| Capacitance @ 1 kHz | 850 – 1280 | pF/m |
| Weight | 15.0 ± 1.5 | kg/km |
| Shield Resistance (DC) | 51 | Ω/km |
| Core Resistance (DC) | 34 | Ω/km |
| Tan Delta (dissipation factor) | 0.025 @ 1 kHz (1m) | — |
| Hydrostatic Piezo Coefficient (d33) | 18 – 25 | pC/N |
Custom Piezo Coaxial Cable
At Piezo Direct, we offer piezo coaxial cable in standard designs or custom configurations depending on application requirements. Custom options include:
Cable length (cut or spool).
Connector and termination styles.
Shielding and jacket materials for specific environments.
Tailored sensitivity for security, industrial, or acoustic applications.