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.	Att. @ 1 GHz
RG-8	RG-8 is a type of RF coaxial cable commonly used in VHF/UHF applications such as ham radio or CB radio installations. It is characterised by its large diameter, good shielding and power handling, and low signal loss over distance, making it ideal for long-range transmissions. However, its size can ...	6 GHz	0.20 dB/m
RG-58	RG-58 is a low cost coaxial cable designed for simple, low-power UHF-band applications. The cable's upper frequency limit of around 1 to 2 GHz makes it largely unsuitable for wireless technologies outside of traditional VHF and UHF communcations. The cable is characterised by its flexibility and ...	1.8 GHz	0.50 dB/m
RG-405	RG-405 Semi-Rigid coaxial cable is a MIL-DTL-17 qualified series providing mode free operation to 61 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 ...	61 GHz	0.64 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
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
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-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-316	RG-316 is a simple, low cost coaxial cable that can support high temperature operation. With a 2.50 mm outer diameter, RG-316 established itself as a higher performance replacement for RG-174. It is highly valued for its flexibility and resistance to heat, making it suitable for environments with ...	3 GHz	0.85 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-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
RG-213	RG-213 is a type of RF coaxial cable commonly used in VHF/UHF radio communications and broadcasting. It is characterised by its robust construction, with a thick polyethylene dielectric and a dense braided copper shield, providing excellent protection against physical damage and electromagnetic ...	2 GHz	0.23 dB/m
RG-178	RG-178 is a type of RF coaxial cable that is commonly used in telecommunications and radio frequency transmission requiring a high operating temperature. This cable is characterised by its small diameter and flexibility, making it suitable for applications where space is limited. However, due to its ...	3 GHz	1.49 dB/m
RG-174	RG-174 (often written RG174) is a simple, low cost coaxial cable, with a 2.79 mm outer diameter and maximum operating frequency of 1 to 2 GHz depending on manufacturer variation. The cable was popular during early advancement of modern wireless communications, and still remains useable for simple RF ...	2 GHz	0.97 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-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