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.
Contact UsWhat 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
| 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
| 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
|
FEP
|
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
|
FEP
|
0.242
|
Braid
|
G2
|
Connectors
|
| Belden 9290
|
|
75
|
FEP
|
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
| 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.
Low Loss (LMR®) Coaxial Cables
| 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
| 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
| 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
|
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