Executive Summary
This document is one in a series of technical monographs providing a high-level overview of a given topic. Here, two very closely related topics, skin effect and skin depth, are discussed.
Scope
Skin effect and skin depth describe the transmission of alternating current – including radio frequency signals – on and near (below) the surface of a metallic conductor, such as the center conductor and shield of coaxial cable. Skin effect and skin depth are, in part, why signals transmitted in coaxial cable stay inside of that cable (and undesired external signals stay outside of the cable). Skin effect and skin depth are also major factors in the attenuation of coaxial cable varying with frequency.
Benefits
The material in this document can be used as part of technical training programs, a tutorial for individuals seeking a high-level understanding of skin effect and skin depth, and/or a refresher for those who may have forgotten some of the fundamentals of the topic.
Intended Audience
The intended audience for this document includes technical personnel from installers to engineers. The material is also suitable for those new to the cable industry.