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
| Illustration | Group | Description | Max. Freq. Sort descending | Att. @ 1 GHz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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-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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
L-300 |
L-300 is a 50 Ω mid-size coaxial cable with an overall diameter of 7.62 mm, providing a compromise between form-factor/bend radius, and attenuation/power handling. The double shielded outer conductor provides exceptional RF shielding exceeding 90 dB, and PE jacket for a service life in excess of 20 ... |
24.5 GHz | 0.21 dB/m |
|
L-240 |
L-240, sometimes referred to as LMR-240, is a low loss coaxial cable with a medium sized 6.10 mm outer diameter. This series is without a doubt the most popular choice of RF cable, due to its efficient compromise between performance and cost. L-240 cable provides the flexibility and easy ... |
31 GHz | 0.26 dB/m |
|
0.141 Semi-Flex |
0.141" Semi-Flexible coaxial cable is hand-formable and microwave grade with mode free operation to 34 GHz. The cable's easy forming, excellent shielding, and very low PIM makes it a popular choice for use in component interconnection. The tin-soaked copper braid provides near 100% RF shielding and ... |
34 GHz | 0.39 dB/m |
|
0.141 Semi-Rigid |
0.141" Semi-Rigid coaxial cable provides mode free operation to 34 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 ... |
34 GHz | 0.38 dB/m |
|
RG-402 |
RG-402 Semi-Rigid coaxial cable is a MIL-DTL-17 qualified series providing mode free operation to 34 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 ... |
34 GHz | 0.37 dB/m |