Coaxial Cable Guide

Amphenol RF offers a broad range of connectors designed to terminate to many commercially available coaxial cable types. The following cable guide lists standard flexible, Low Loss, semi-rigid and conformable, micro-coaxial, and corrugated cable as well as associated product links.

 

Need help with choosing the right cable? Talk to a sales representative to get assistance.

 

 

What is a Coaxial Cable?

A coaxial cable, often referred to as coax cable, is a type of electrical cable that consists of a central conductor, an insulating layer, a metallic shield, and an outer insulating layer. It is commonly used for transmitting radio frequency (RF) signals, video signals, and data signals.

Main components of a coaxial cable:

Center Conductor 

This is a solid wire or stranded wire made of copper or aluminum that carries the electrical signal.

Insulating Layer (Dielectric) 

Surrounding the central conductor is an insulating material that prevents the signal from leaking out and maintains the integrity of the signal.

Metallic Shield

The metallic shield is usually made of braided copper or aluminum foil. Its purpose is to protect the inner components from external electromagnetic interference and also helps contain the RF signals within the cable.

Outer Insulating Layer (Jacket)

This is the outermost layer of the cable, made of insulating material like PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) or PE (Polyethylene). It provides mechanical protection to the cable and prevents moisture and environmental factors from affecting the signal transmission.

 

Different Types of Coaxial Cables

Semi-Rigid Coaxial Cables

Rigid coaxial cables have a solid outer conductor and are typically used in applications where minimal signal loss and high-frequency stability are critical. They are commonly used in laboratory equipment, aerospace applications, and high-frequency communication systems.

Low-Loss Coaxial Cables

Low-loss coaxial cables are designed to minimize signal attenuation over long distances. They have a low loss of signal strength and are suitable for applications where signal integrity is paramount, such as in broadcasting, telecommunications, and networking.

Microcoaxial Cables

Microcoaxial cables are smaller and more flexible than standard coaxial cables. They are designed for use in compact electronic devices, medical equipment, automotive applications, and high-density electronic assemblies where space is limited.

 

Selecting An RF Coaxial Cable Assembly

Each type of coaxial cable is engineered to meet specific performance requirements based on factors such as signal frequency, attenuation, impedance, flexibility, and environmental conditions. Choosing the right type of coaxial cable depends on the application's requirements and the desired performance characteristics.

 

Flexible RG Cables

Flexible cable types are designed with either a stranded center conductor which requires repeated flexing or a solid conductor if low-loss performance is required. They are available with double braiding, sometimes referred to as double shielding, with configurations that include most standard RF connector types. Flexible coax cables are ideal for high-speed data and video transmission applications.

What does "RG" stand for?

RG cables, also known as Radio Guide cables, are a type of coaxial cable that originated in the military during World War II. The "RG" designation stands for "Radio Guide," which was a part of the U.S. military's standards for radio frequency cables. These cables are used for transmitting radio frequency signals and come in various types, each with different characteristics suitable for specific applications.

 

Popular RG Coaxial Cables

Items
Cable Type Mil Designation Impedance Dielectric OD (Inches) Shield Construction Cable Group Related Products Links
RG-8   52 PE 0.405 Braid G4 Connectors
RG-9   51 PE 0.420 Braid G4 Connectors
RG-55   53.5 PE 0.200 Braid C1 Connectors
RG-58 /28 -RG58 53.5 PE 0.195 Braid C Connectors
RG-59 /29 -RG59 73 PE 0.242 Braid E Connectors
RG-62   93 PE 0.242 Braid E Connectors
RG-87   50 PTFE 0.425 Braid G4  
RG-122 /54 -RG122 50 PE 0.160 Braid C Connectors
RG-140   75 PTFE 0.233 Braid E  
RG-141   50 ST 0.190 Braid C1 Connectors
RG-142 /60 -RG142 50 ST 0.195 Braid C1 Connectors
RG-174   50 PE 0.100 Braid B Connectors
RG-178 /93 -RG178 50 ST 0.072 Braid A Connectors
RG-179 /94 -RG179 70 ST 0.100 Braid B1 Connectors
RG-179 Double Braided   75 ST 0.125 Double Braid B3 Connectors
RG-180 /95 -RG180 93 ST 0.140 Braid K3 Connectors
RG-187   75 PTFE 0.105 Braid B1 Connectors
RG-188   50 PTFE 0.105 Braid B Connectors
RG-188 Double Braided   50 PTFE 0.105 Double Braid B2  
RG-195   95 PTFE 0.450 Braid K3 Connectors
RG-196   50 PTFE 0.072 Braid A Connectors
RG-210   93 PTFE 0.242 Braid E  
RG-213 /74 -RG213 50 PE 0.405 Braid G4 Connectors
RG-214 /75 -RG214 50 PE 0.425 Braid G4 Connectors
RG-223 /84 -RG223 50 PE 0.211 Double Braid C1 Connectors
RG-225   50 PTFE 0.430 Braid G4 Connectors
RG-302 /110-RG302 75 ST 0.201 Braid G4  
RG-303 /111-RG303 50 ST 0.170 Braid C Connectors
RG-304 /112-RG304 50 ST 0.280 Braid C1  
RG-316 /113-RG316 50 ST 0.102 Braid B Connectors
RG-316 Double Braided   50 ST 0.102 Double Braid B2 Connectors
RG-393 /127-RG393 50 ST 0.390 Braid G4 Connectors
RG-400 /128-RG400 50 ST 0.195 Braid C1 Connectors

 

Other Flexible Cables

Belden offers a wide range of coaxial cables, each tailored to specific applications and requirements. This includes cables for video, data, RF (radio frequency), and broadband applications. Common types include RG (Radio Guide) series, HD (High Definition) series, and custom cables designed for unique applications. Popular Flexible Coaxial Cables Types

 

Other Popular Flexible Coaxial Cable Types

Items
Cable Type Mil Designation Impedance Dielectric OD (Inches) Shield Construction Cable Group Related Products Links
AT&T 734A   75 PE 0.235 Braid  I Connectors
AT&T 735A   75 PE 0.129 Braid I2  
Belden 1152A   75 FFEP 0.273 Braid G1  
Belden 1426A   75 FHDPE 0.242 Braid E1 Connectors
Belden 1505A   75 FHDPE 0.233 Braid E1 Connectors
Belden 1506   75 PE 0.133 Braid F1  
Belden 1794A   75 FHDPE 0.320 Braid/Foil Special Connectors
Belden 1855A   75 FHDPE 0.159 Braid K3 Connectors
Belden 1865A   75 FHDPE 0.150 Braid K3 Connectors
Belden 4794R   75 FHDPE 0.320 Braid/Foil Special Connectors
Belden 4855R   75 FHDPE 0.159 Braid/Foil Special Connectors
Belden 735A1   75 FHDPE 0.129 Braid I2 Connectors
Belden 7806A   50 FHDPE 0.195 Braid C Connectors
Belden 7807A   50 FHDPE 0.195 Braid C2 Connectors
Belden 82108   75 FFEP 0.202 Braid F1 Connectors
Belden 8232A   75 FHDPE 0.315 Braid Special  
Belden 8241   75 PE 0.240 Braid E Connectors
Belden 8263 MIL-C-17D 75 PE 0.241 Braid E  
Belden 8279   75 PE 0.220 Braid E Connectors
Belden 8281   75 PE 0.305 Braid E1 Connectors
Belden 88240   53 FEP 0.159 Braid D Connectors
Belden 89248   75 FFEP 0.222 Braid G1 Connectors
Belden 89907   50 FFEP 0.160 Braid D Connectors
Belden 9100   75 FPE 0.237 Braid E1 Connectors
Belden 9104   75 PE 0.144 Braid F1 Connectors
Belden 9209   75 PE 0.222 Braid E Connectors
Belden 9221   75 FHDPE 0.097 Braid B1 Connectors
Belden 9258   50 FPE 0.242 Braid G2 Connectors
Belden 9290   75 FPE 0.288 Braid G1  
Belden 9907   50 FHDPE 0.185 Braid C  
Belden 9913   50 PE 0.405 Braid G3 Connectors
Belden 9914   50 FHDPE 0.403 Braid G3  

 

Semi-Rigid & Conformable Cables

Conformable cable types are a flexible, malleable alternative to more rigid coaxial cables. They can be stripped and formed by hand without any special tools being required. These cables are available in a wide variety of configurations including most industry standard RF connectors. Conformable cable is ideal for applications that require a high-quality solution with no signal loss caused by the manipulation of the cable.

 

Popular Semi-Rigid Comformable Coaxial Cable Types

Items
Cable Type Mil Designation Impedance Dielectric OD (Inches) Shield Construction Cable Group Related Products Links
RG-401 (0.250 Semi-Rigid) /129-RG401 50 ST 0.250 Cu. S-R L3 Connectors
RG-402 (0.141 Semi-Rigid) /130-RG402 50 ST 0.141 Cu. S-R L Connectors
RG-405 (0.086 Semi-Rigid) /133-RG405 50 ST 0.086 Cu. S-R L2 Connectors
0.047 Semi-Rigid   50 PTFE 0.047 Braid L4 Connectors
0.085 Semi-Rigid   50 PTFE 0.085 Braid L2 Connectors

 

Low Loss (LMR®) Cables

LMR cables, designed and produced by Amphenol Times Microwave Systems are engineered to minimize signal attenuation, meaning they preserve more of the original signal strength over long cable runs compared to standard coaxial cables. This makes them ideal for applications requiring long-distance transmission without significant signal degradation.

 

LMR(®) Low Loss Coaxial Cables

Items
Cable Type Mil Designation Impedance Dielectric OD (Inches) Shield Construction Cable Group Related Products Links
LMR-100A-PVC   50 FEP 0.100 Braid B Connectors
LMR-195   50 FEP 0.195 Braid C Connectors
LMR-200   50 FEP 0.200 Braid C2 Connectors
LMR-240   50 FEP 0.240 Braid G2 Connectors
LMR-400   50 FEP 0.405 Braid G3 Connectors
LMR-600   50 FEP 0.590 Braid K Connectors

 

Micro-Coaxial Cables

Micro coaxial cable types are a high-reliability, high-sensitivity solution. They are engineered with an extremely small outer diameter (OD) which makes this cable ideal for applications with limited space for cable routing.

 

Micro-Coaxial Cables Types

Items
Cable Type Mil Designation Impedance Dielectric OD (Inches) Shield Construction Cable Group Related Products Links
0.81mm   50 FEP 0.032 Braid P1 Connectors
1.13mm   50 FEP 0.044 Braid P2 Connectors 
1.32mm   50 FEP 0.052 Double Braid P3 Connectors
1.37mm   50 FEP 0.054 Braid P4 Connectors 

 

Corrugated Cables

Corrugated coaxial cables are a type of coaxial cable that features a corrugated (ribbed or wavy) outer conductor, typically made of copper or aluminum. This design provides several advantages in terms of flexibility, strength, and electrical performance, making these cables suitable for specific applications, particularly in telecommunications and broadcasting. Image Credit: www.rfstechnologies.com

 

Corrugated Coaxial Cable Types

Items
Cable Type Mil Designation Impedance Dielectric OD (Inches) Shield Construction Cable Group Related Products Links
1/4" Helical   50 PE 0.250 Braid N Connectors
3/8" Helical   50 PE 0.375 Braid N1 Connectors
1/2" Helical   50 PE 0.519 Braid N2 Connectors

Need help with choosing the right cable? Talk to a sales representative to get assistance.