Dictionary Definition
coaxial adj : having a common axis [syn: coaxal]
User Contributed Dictionary
English
Pronunciation
- a UK /kəʊ.ˈæk.sɪi.əl/, /k@U."
Extensive Definition
In geometry, coaxial means that
two or more forms share a common axis; it
is the three-dimensional linear analog of
"concentric".
Coaxial
cable, as a common example, has a wire conductor
in the center (D) a circumferential outer conductor (B) and an
insulating medium called the dielectric (C) separating these two
conductors. The outer conductor is usually sheathed in a protective
PVC outer jacket (A).
The dimension and material of
the conductors and insulation determine the cables characteristic
impedance and attenuation at various
frequencies.
In loudspeaker design, coaxial
refers to a loudspeaker system in which the individual driver units
radiate sound from the same point or axis. This is achieved by
placing the high-frequency unit in the centre of the low-frequency
driver, rather than having the two radiating from separate spaces.
Altec
Lansing pioneered the design with their 601 and 604 "duplex"
(Altec's term for "coaxial") drivers in the 1940's and Tannoy further
popularized the idea with their "dual-concentric"
design several years later. The concept has been used by a number
of other loudspeaker companies such as KEF, Technics, Thiel, and Geithain, but it
still remains a minority exercise due to technical and budgetary
considerations despite its theoretical advantages.
See also
coaxial in German:
Koaxial
coaxial in Italian:
Coassiale