Silver-Plated Copper-Clad Steel Wire (SPCCS) for High-Frequency Coaxial Cable Applications
Release time:
2025-07-08
In modern telecommunications, high-frequency signal transmission requires conductors that combine excellent conductivity with mechanical durability. Silver-Plated Copper-Clad Steel (SPCCS) wire has emerged as a powerful solution for coaxial cable cores, RF antennas, and shielding braids, offering both superior high-frequency performance and structural resilience.
What is SPCCS Wire?
SPCCS is a composite wire with a steel core, copper intermediate layer, and a silver-plated surface. It integrates the best of three worlds:
Steel provides tensile strength and mechanical rigidity
Copper enables good base conductivity
Silver enhances high-frequency surface conductivity (due to skin effect)
Typical structure:
[Steel core] + [Electrolytic Copper layer] + [Silver plating (5–10 μm)]
Why SPCCS for RF and Coaxial Cable?
At high frequencies (MHz–GHz), current flows primarily along the outer surface of the conductor—a phenomenon known as the skin effect. Silver has the lowest electrical resistance of all metals, making it the ideal outer layer for RF applications.
SPCCS advantages:
High-frequency performance approaching pure silver wire
Better strength and lower cost than solid silver or silver-plated copper (SPC)
Improved flex life over copper-clad aluminum (CCA)
Corrosion resistance from the silver layer
Excellent shielding integrity in braided applications
Key Applications
Coaxial Cable Inner Conductor (e.g., RG-58, RG-214)
SPCCS is widely used as the central conductor in RF coaxial cables, combining low attenuation and durability under flexing.
Shielding Braids for RF and EMI Protection
Silver-plated braided SPCCS wires are used in precision shielding applications to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI), particularly in aerospace and defense.
Antennas and Feeder Lines (5G, GPS, Microwave)
Ideal for high-frequency feed lines where signal integrity and long-term mechanical performance are required.
Surveillance & Security Systems
Used in low-loss signal transmission lines for CCTV, monitoring systems, and radar arrays.
Performance Comparison: SPCCS vs SPC vs CCA
| Property | SPCCS | SPC (Silver-Plated Copper) | CCA (Copper-Clad Aluminum) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conductivity (DC) | Moderate | High | Lower |
| HF Skin Performance | Excellent (due to Ag) | Excellent | Poor |
| Tensile Strength | High (steel core) | Moderate | Low |
| Weight | High | Medium | Light |
| Flexibility | Medium | High | Medium |
| Cost Efficiency | High | Moderate | High |
Specification Options from Mosstee
We supply SPCCS wire with the following customization:
Silver coating thickness: 2–10 μm
Conductor diameter: 0.10 mm to 1.50 mm
Core options: high-carbon steel, low-carbon steel
IACS conductivity: 30–40%
Tensile strength: up to 1400 MPa
Available in:
Round wire (single or stranded)
Flat ribbon form for braiding
Shielded cable kits or bulk supply formats
Conclusion
Silver-Plated Copper-Clad Steel (SPCCS) wire offers a powerful combination of high-frequency electrical performance, mechanical strength, and cost-effectiveness, making it the material of choice for a wide range of RF and coaxial cable applications.
At Mosstee, we provide engineered SPCCS wire solutions for advanced communication systems, with flexible specifications and fast delivery.
Interested in SPCCS samples or datasheets?
Contact us today to discuss your application needs.
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E-mail: hbwong@mosstee.com
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