RF Cable Groups

This document has been composed to provide a industry reference for the major coaxial cable groups and their nominal specifications. Cable grouping is important to ensure compatibility across different manufacturers. Rather than introduce a brand new cable type with unique dimensions, RF cable manufacturers typically produce their cable to align with a well known cable group. This ensures connectors from one company can be used on another company's cable.

This can sound confusing, so to help illustrate the point consider the following example. Powertec produce coaxial cables such as our PTL-240, which sits alongside others including CommScope CNT-240, Telegärtner G30, Times Microwave LMR-240, and many others, who all manufacture an "L-240" group cable.

Cable Groups by Attenuation (dB/m)

Cable Groups by Max. Frequency

Explore RF Cable Groups

Group	Description	Max. Freq. Sort ascending	Att. @ 1 GHz
0.250 Semi-Flex	0.250" Semi-Flexible coaxial cable is a formable, microwave grade with mode free operation to 19 GHz. The tin-soaked copper braid provides near 100% RF shielding and the malleable nature of the outer jacket eliminates solder joint failures and allows bends immediately behind the fillet. Standard 0 ...	19 GHz	0.25 dB/m
0.250 Semi-Rigid	0.250" Semi-Rigid coaxial cable provides mode free operation to 19 GHz. The sold tin-plated copper tube effectively provides 100% RF shielding with shielding effectiveness exceeding 110 dB, and enables the dielectric and center conductor to remain precisely spaced. This results in optimum impedance ...	19 GHz	0.23 dB/m
RG-401	RG-401 Semi-Rigid coaxial cable is a MIL-DTL-17 qualified series providing mode free operation to 19 GHz. The sold tin-plated copper tube effectively provides 100% RF shielding with shielding effectiveness exceeding 110 dB, and enables the dielectric and center conductor to remain precisely spaced ...	19 GHz	0.22 dB/m
1/4 Corrugated	Quarter-Inch (1/4") corrugated coaxial cable is a flexible, light duty jumper cable designed for short interconnections within large antenna systems. Quarter-Inch jumper cables are one of three main cable types used in Distributed Antenna Systems. While designs can vary between manufacturers, quarter ...	18.6 GHz	0.20 dB/m
L-400	L-400, sometimes referred to as LMR-400, is a low loss coaxial cable with a 10.16 mm outer diameter. Supporting frequencies beyond 6 GHz it's a popular choice for entry- to intermediate-level wireless communications systems. Due to its braided outer conductor the cable cannot be used for PIM ...	16.2 GHz	0.14 dB/m
3/8 Corrugated	3/8-Inch (3/8") corrugated coaxial cable is a medium duty jumper cable designed for short interconnections within large antenna systems. 3/8-Inch jumper cables are one of three main cable types used in Distributed Antenna Systems. While designs can vary between manufacturers, 3/8-inch cables always ...	13.5 GHz	0.12 dB/m
L-500	L-500 is a heavy duty 50 Ω full sized coaxial cable with an overall diameter of 12.7 mm and finds its use as a general purpose feeder cable for SCADA, WiFi, UHF, and other telemetry systems, although less popular than their L-400 and L-600 counterparts. The double shielded outer conductor provides ...	12.6 GHz	0.11 dB/m
RG-400	RG-400 is a high temperature coaxial cable used in interconnections between telecommunications equipment and is widely used for commercial wireless applications such as avionics, radar, GPS, and medical systems. Featuring a PTFE dielectric and FEP jacket the cable is rated for operation up to 200°C ...	12.4 GHz	0.48 dB/m
RG-223	RG-223 is a type of RF coaxial cable that is similar in dimensions to the more common RG-58 cable. It differs due to its double shielding, which provides excellent protection against electromagnetic interference, enhancing the quality of signal transmission and supporting a higher maximum operating ...	12.4 GHz	0.44 dB/m
RG-142	RG-142 is a high temperature, double shielded coaxial cable used in interconnections between telecommunications equipment. This cable type is widely used for commercial wireless applications such as avionics, radar, GNSS, and medical systems. Featuring a PTFE dielectric and FEP jacket the cable is ...	12.4 GHz	0.42 dB/m
RG-393	RG-393 coax is commonly used in telecommunications and broadcast equipment. This type of coaxial cable is often used in military equipment, as well as in commercial applications requiring high temperature operation. RG-393 cable is generally approved for direct burial. Equivalent Mil-Spec standard is ...	11 GHz	0.24 dB/m
RG-214	RG-214 is a heavy duty 50 Ω coaxial cable used in high frequency telecommunications applications and is widely used for commercial wireless applications such as broadcast, UHF, and military. The cable's large center conductor, good shielding, and large overall diameter ensures low attenuation with ...	11 GHz	0.24 dB/m
L-600	L-600 is a heavy duty 50 Ω full sized coaxial cable with an overall diameter of 14.99 mm and finds its use as a heavy duty feeder cable for SCADA, broadcast, cellular, UHF, and other telemetry systems. L-600 is occasionally used as a flexible drop-in replacement for corrugated half inch cables such ...	10.3 GHz	0.09 dB/m
1/2 Corrugated	Half-Inch (1/2") corrugated coaxial cable is a heavy duty feeder cable designed for integration into large antenna systems. Half-Inch feeder cables are one of three main cable types used in passive Distributed Antenna Systems. While designs can vary between manufacturers, half-inch cables always ...	8.8 GHz	0.07 dB/m
0.81 mm Mini-Coax	0.81 mm mini-coaxial cable is typically found inside devices that require high-frequency transmission up to 6 GHz, such as in cellular modems and GNSS transceivers. It is also used in medical equipment and military installations due to its compact size and reliable performance. The cable is most ...	6 GHz	2.65 dB/m