RG174 Coaxial Cable – Specifications, Uses & RG174 vs LMR/HLF

Introduction

RG174 coaxial wire is a thin, flexible RF cable that is commonly used in compact electrical and communication systems where space is limited and lightweight cabling is required. RG174, known for its tiny diameter and ease of routing, is widely used in Wi-Fi devices, GPS modules, antennas, IoT equipment, and test instruments.

Despite its compact appearance, RG174 provides dependable signal transmission for low-power RF applications over a wide frequency range.

What is RG174 Coaxial Cable ?

RG174 is a 50-ohm coaxial cable having a stranded center conductor, dielectric insulation, shielding, and a protective outer jacket. Its small size makes it excellent for brief RF connections within devices and enclosures.

It is especially popular in applications that value flexibility and ease of installation over ultra-low signal loss.

Construction Structure of RG174 Cable

Construction Structure of RG174 Cable :

RG174 coaxial wire has the following layers:

Inner Conductor

  • Stranded or tinned copper.
  • Enhances flexibility and vibration resistance.

Dielectric Insulation

  • Solid polyethylene (PE)
  • maintains constant impedance.

Shielding

  • Single-braided copper or tinned copper shield
  • Offers EMI and noise shielding.

Outer Jacket

  • PVC, FEP (Teflon)
  • Prevents mechanical and environmental damage.

Types of RG174 Coaxial Cables :

RG174 cables are offered in a variety of options based on jacket material, conductor type, and compliance needs.

1. Standard RG174 (PVC jacket)

  • Most popular version
  • Flexible and cost-effective.
  • Ideal for indoor electronics.

2. RG174 FEP/ Teflon Jacket

  • Higher temperature resistance.
  • Used in aeronautical, military, and industrial settings.

3. RG174 with Double Shielding

  • Enhanced EMI shielding.
  • Ideal for loud RF situations.

4. RG174 Cable Assemblies

  • Pre-terminated with connections including SMA, SMB, U.FL, and MMCX.
  • Plug-and-play radio frequency (RF) systems

Key features of RG174 Coaxial Cable

  • Small diameter (~2.8 mm).
  • Highly flexible and lightweight.
  • 50Ω typical impedance.
  • Wide frequency range (up to ~1 GHz or higher for short runs)
  • Easy routing in tiny enclosures.
  • Compatible with numerous RF connections.
  • Cost-effective for low-power radio frequency designs.

Technical Specifications of RG174 Cable

Parameter RG174 Specification
Characteristic Impedance 50 Ohm
Inner Conductor Stranded Copper / Tinned Copper
Dielectric Material Solid Polyethylene (PE)
Shielding Single Braided Copper Shield
Outer Jacket PVC / FEP (Teflon)
Overall Diameter ≈ 2.8 mm
Capacitance ~101 pF/m
Velocity of Propagation ~66%
Operating Temperature -40°C to +80°C (PVC)

Applications for RG174 Coaxial Cable

Applications for RG174 Coaxial Cable :

RG174 is widely utilized in the telecommunications, industrial, and consumer electronics sectors.

Common applications include:

  • WiFi and Bluetooth antennas
  • GPS and GNSS Modules
  • IoT and M2M devices.
  • RF modules, integrated boards
  • Test and measurement equipment
  • WiFi routers and access points
  • Medical and diagnostic tools.
  • Compact antenna pigtail assemblies

Its flexibility and small size make it excellent for interior RF connections where bulkier cables are nsuitable.

RG174 vs LMR vs HLF Comparison Table

RG174 vs LMR vs HLF Comparison Table :

Feature RG174 LMR HLF
Cable Diameter Very Thin Medium to Thick Thick
Flexibility High Moderate Moderate
Signal Loss High Low Low
Power Handling Low High High
Typical Use Internal RF & Antenna Pigtails Outdoor & Long RF Runs Telecom & Base Station Links
Cost Low Medium Medium

Conclusion

RG174 coaxial cable remains a dependable and cost-effective option for tiny RF and wireless applications. Its versatility, connection compatibility, and ease of use make it an ideal choice for antennas, RF modules, IoT devices, and internal signal routing.

For applications that require unique lengths, particular connectors, or additional shielding, RG174 cable assemblies are a versatile and scalable solution.

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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