Types of RG Cables: Features, Applications & Guide (RG174, RG58, RG213, LMR)

Introduction :

Coaxial cables, often known as RG (Radio Guide) cables, are critical components in the fields of communication, electronics, and RF applications. They are utilized to transmit signals with low loss and superior shielding, resulting in high-quality performance in industries such as telecom, television, defense, and IoT. Each type of RG cable has its own standard, shielding technique, and application region, making it unique. In this Blogs, we will look at the most popular varieties of RG cables, their characteristics, shielding techniques, their features and applications.

Different Types of RG Cables :

1. 1/4" Inch (Feeder Cable) :

Definition: The 1/4 inch feeder cable, which is smaller than the 1/2 inch variant, is used for short-distance RF transmission in base stations and wireless communication installations.

Features: A compact telecom feeder cable.

Applications: include base stations, repeaters, and LTE networks.

2. 1/2" Inch (Feeder Cable) :

Definition: These cables are commonly used in telecom base stations as feeder cables. They are optimized for high power handling and low attenuation, making them indispensable in 4G and 5G network installations.

Features: Extremely low loss, waterproof, and wide diameter.

Applications: include cellular towers and telecom providers.

3. 1.13 mm Cable :

Definition: This compact coaxial cable is incredibly thin and lightweight, making it perfect for consumer electronics such as cellphones, GPS modules, and Internet of Things devices. However, it has more attenuation than thicker wires.

Features: Ultra-thin, lightweight, and flexible, with a greater signal loss.

Applications: include IoT modules, GPS, and tiny consumer electronics.

4. 1.37 mm Cable :

Definition: The 1.37mm coaxial cable, which is similar to 1.13mm but somewhat thicker, is commonly used in IoT, GPS, and compact RF modules with limited space.

Features: Thin, flexible, and lightweight.

Applications include GPS, IoT trackers, and RF modules.

5. RG0.86 / RG0.81 Cable : 

Definition: These ultra-thin cables are intended for small devices such as GPS trackers, IoT sensors, and hand-held radios. Their compact size is useful for space-saving designs, but it restricts performance over long distances.

Features: Small, adaptable, and suitable for usage in areas where space is limited.

Applications: include IoT boards, GPS trackers, and small wireless devices.

6. RG6  Cable :

Defintion: RG6 Cable is one of the most popular 75-ohm cables, is commonly used in homes for satellite TV, cable TV, and internet broadband. Its robust shielding guarantees high-quality video and data transmission.

Features: include 75-ohm resistance, strong shielding, and little TV signal loss.

Applications: include DTH, cable TV, and home broadband.

7. RG11 Cable : 

Definition: RG11 is a thick 75-ohm cable with low attenuation that is commonly used in long cable runs for digital TV, satellite, and broadband internet connections.

Features: Thick, low-loss 75-ohm coax.

Applications: include long-distance TV broadcasting, CATV, and satellite.

8. RG58 Cable : 

Definition: RG58, a popular 50-ohm coaxial cable, is commonly used in networking, RF testing, and low-power radio frequency communication systems. It is thicker than RG174, resulting in lesser attenuation and improved signal quality.

Features: A popular 50-ohm cable with little loss and excellent flexibility.

Applications: include Wi-Fi, CB radios, test equipment, and RF modules.

9. RG59 Cable : 

Definition: RG59 is mostly used for video transmission, CCTV systems, and cable television. It runs at 75 ohms and provides consistent video signal quality for analog and digital systems.

Features: A 75-ohm wire for video transmission.

Application: CCTV cameras, analog television, and broadcasting.

10. RG141 Cable : 

Definition: RG141 has a PTFE dielectric and silver-coated copper conductors, making it durable in high-temperature situations. It is suited for aerospace, military, and radio frequency (RF) testing.

Features: include high power handling, PTFE insulation, and good shielding.

Applications: include military, aerospace, radar, and satellite ground stations.

11. RG142 Cable : 

Definition: RG142 is identical to RG141, but provides stronger shielding and longevity. It is utilized in applications that need strong RF signals and mechanical strength.

Features: Double-shielded, low-loss PTFE dielectric.

Applications: include base stations, avionics, and defense.

12. RG174 Cable :

Definition : RG174 is a tiny, flexible coaxial cable with a typical impedance of 50 ohm. It is commonly used for GPS, WLAN, and tiny antenna connections. Its tiny size makes it excellent for portable devices, although it has a higher signal loss than bigger connections.

Features: Thin, lightweight, and flexible, with little signal loss.

Applications: Include IoT devices, GPS antennas, Wi-Fi routers, and low-power RF modules.

13. RG178 Cable : 

Definition: This cable is lightweight and thin, having a silver-coated copper conductor. RG178 performs well at higher frequencies and is widely employed in aircraft, GPS, and microwave systems when space is constrained.

Features: Ultra-thin PTFE cable with great temperature tolerance.

Applications: include aerospace, military, and tiny IoT devices.

14. RG179 Cable : 

Definition: RG179, a 75-ohm cable with strong temperature resistance, is widely used in video, broadcasting, and aerospace communication systems. Because of its modest size, it may be easily integrated into smaller devices.

Features: Small, lightweight, and resistant to extreme temperatures.

Applications: include aerospace, automobile telematics, and IoT.

15. RG188 Cable :

Definition: RG188, a tiny 50-ohm coaxial cable with PTFE dielectric, is utilized in radio frequency and microwave applications that need excellent flexibility and temperature resistance.

Features: High-temperature PTFE cable is durable.

Applications: include aerospace, satellites, and tough IoT devices.

16. RG213 Cable : 

Definition: RG213 is a strong, low-loss coaxial cable that is commonly utilized in high-power RF and military applications.

Features: include 50-ohm impedance, minimal attenuation, and double braided shielding.

Applications: include amateur radio, military communications, outdoor antennas, and broadcasting.

17. RG214 Cable : 

Definition: RG214 is a double-shielded, heavy-duty coaxial cable intended for high-frequency, military, and broadcasting applications. Its excellent shielding minimizes interference.

Features: Double shielding, high power capacity.

Application: include military, ground communications, and HF/VHF radios.

18. RG223 Cable : 

Definition: RG223 is a low-loss, double-shielded coaxial cable used in telecommunications, broadcasting, and defense applications. Its double shield improves noise immunity.

Features: include double-shielding, flexibility, and minimal signal leakage.

Applications: include military, telecommunications, and instrumentation.

19. RG316 Single Sheilded or RG316 Double Shielded Cable : 

Definition: RG316 is a high-performance coaxial cable that comes in both single and double shielded varieties. It can withstand high temperatures and is commonly used in RF, telecommunications, and military applications.

Features: PTFE jacket, superior durability, and lower loss than RG174.

Applications: include telecom base stations, laboratory testing, and high-frequency equipment.

20. RG402 (Semi-rigid) Cable :

Definition: RG402, a semi-rigid coaxial cable with a solid copper cover, performs exceptionally well at microwave frequencies. It's commonly utilized in laboratories and defense-grade communications systems.

Features: Semi-rigid, strong shielding, and low VSWR.

Applications: include high-frequency RF testing and microwave communication.

21. RG405 (Semi-Rigid) Cable : 

Definition: RG405 is another semi-rigid coaxial cable that is widely used in microwave, military, and aerospace applications that demand very high frequency and minimal loss.

Features: Precision microwave cable with low VSWR.

Applications: include radar, satellite, and high-frequency RF testing.

22. LMR/HLF100 Cable : 

Defintion: The LMR/HLF100 is a lightweight coaxial cable with low attenuation. It is commonly used for short wire lengths in WiFi routers, IoT devices, and tiny antenna systems.

Features: include a low-loss alternative to RG174, as well as flexibility and durability.

Applications: include Wi-Fi routers, LTE modules, and indoor IoT networks.

23. LMR100 (Bare Copper Aluminum Foil) Cable :

Definition: This lightweight wire with strong shielding is commonly used for GPS, tiny IoT antennae, and WLAN. The aluminum foil layer provide enhanced EMI shielding.

Features: Lightweight, flexible, and minimal loss.

Applications: include LTE, GPS, WLAN, and small IoT devices.

24. LMR195 Cable : 

Definition: This cable is often used in WiFi routers, GPS devices, and short-distance cellular connections. It provides superior protection and performance than RG174.

Features: Flexible, good performance at high frequencies.

Applications: GPS, WLAN, LTE systems.

25. LMR200 Cable : 

Definition: LMR200 is a low-loss, flexible cable intended for WLAN, GPS, and cellular networks. It provides stronger shielding and lower signal loss than RG174 or RG58, making it ideal for medium-range communication.

Features: This low-loss coaxial cable is more robust than RG174/RG58.

Applications: include telecom, Wi-Fi, LTE, and industrial RF application.

26. LMR240 Cable : 

Definition: LMR240 is a flexible, low-loss cable intended for WLAN, GPS, and antenna extension applications. It strikes a favorable balance between adaptability and signal performance.

Features: Low-loss cable, smaller than LMR400.

Applications: Wi-Fi, LTE, point-to-point antennas.

27. LMR400 Cable : 

Definition: LMR400 is a high-quality, low-loss coaxial cable. Because of its superior shielding and longevity, it is commonly employed in base stations, long antenna lines, and high-frequency telecom systems where signal loss is minimal.

Features: Extremely low signal loss, thick and robust, waterproof.

Applications: include cellular towers, satellite systems, and outdoor radio frequency (RF) applications.

28. BT-3002 Cable : 

Definition: This is a specialty coaxial cable intended for base station applications, with high endurance and low signal loss for telecom carriers.

Features: Durable, telecom-grade feeder wire.

Applications: include base stations, RF towers, and telecommunications operators.

Conclusion

RG cables provide the foundation of RF communication networks, with each variety providing distinct advantages based on frequency, power management, and application environment. The decision between tiny IoT cables like RG174 and 1.13mm and low-loss feeder cables like LMR400 and 1/2 inch cables is determined by the requirements of your project.

Eteily Technologies specializes in developing and providing various sorts of RG cables, LMR cables, feeder cables, and bespoke RF Cable Assemblies to customers across the world. With in-house R&D and production, we guarantee exceptional quality, worldwide exports, and tailored solutions for the telecom, IoT, automotive, and defense sectors.

Contact Us

Eteily Technologies India Pvt. Ltd.

📫 Address: B28 Vidhya Nagar, Near SBI Bank,
 📍  District: Bhopal, PIN: 462026, Madhya Pradesh
🌐 Website: https://eteily.com

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