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.

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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.

coax cable
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.

RG cable
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
flexible cable
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 cables
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 cable
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 cable
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 cable
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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