123: Coaxial cable and connections

Coaxial cable also called coax is one type of network cables with an inner conductor surrounded by an insulated layer and a conductive shielding and used to convey data, video and voice.

Coaxial cable types (common):

1- RG (Radio Guide): RG stands for Radio Guide (Radio Frequency cable (RF)) and the number after the letter indicates the diameter in inches.

• RG-6 (75 Ω, 18 AWG, solid)
• RG-8 (50 Ω, 10/12 AWG, solid)
• RG-11 (75 Ω, 14 AWG)
• RG-12
• RG-58 (50 Ω, 20/24 AWG, stranded)
• RG-59 (75 Ω, 20/22 AWG, solid)
• RG-62
• RG-174 (50 Ω, 26 AWG)
• RG-178 (50 Ω, 30 AWG)
• RG-213
• RG-316 (50 Ω, 26 AWG)

2- LMR

• LMR-100
• LMR-195
• LMR-200
• LMR-240
• LMR-400
• LMR-600

Note: The number after the letter (LMR) indicates the outer diameter in inches.

Coaxial cable based on the core type:

• Solid
• Stranded

Coaxial cable based on impedance:

• 50 Ω (ohm): for data and wireless communications
• 75 Ω (ohm): for video signals

Coaxial cable parts:

• Center conductor (typically a copper wire)
• Inner dielectric insulator
• Metallic shield (Copper braid)
• Outer plastic sheath (jacket)

Coax connector shapes:

• Male: with pin
• Female: with hole
• Male RP (Reverse Polarity): with hole
• Female RP (Reverse Polarity): with pin

Common connectors for coaxial cables:

1. BNC (Bayonet Neil-Concelman)

• 50 / 75 Ω
• Up to 4 GHz
• Male/Female/RP Male/RP Female

2. TNC (Threaded Neil-Concelman)

• 50 / 75 Ω
• Up to 12 GHz
• Male/Female/RP Male/RP Female
• Threaded
• Weatherproof

3. F-type

• Male/Female
• RG59 / RG6 / RG11

4. N-type

• 50 / 75 Ω
• Up to 18 GHz
• Male/Female/RP Male/RP Female

5. DIN / Mini DIN

• 50 / 75 Ω
• Up to 10 GHz / 4GHz
• 0/2.3, 4.1/9.5, 4.3/10, 7/16

6. UHF (Ultra high frequency) / min UHF

• 50 Ω
• Male: PL-259 / Female:SO-239
• RG8 / RG58 / LMR

7. SMA (SubMiniature version A)

• 50 Ω
• Up to 24 GHz
• Male/Female/RP Male/RP Female
• Threaded
• RG58

8. SMB (Subminiature version B)

• 50 Ω
• Up to 4 GHz
• Male/Female
• Threaded
• RG58

9. SMC (Subminiature version C)
10. SMP (Subminiature push-on)
11. SHV (Safe High Voltage)
12. QMA (quick-locking SMA)

• 50 Ω
• Up to 24 GHz
• Male/Female/RP Male/RP Female
• Threaded
• RG58
• Quick locking

13. FME (For Mobile Equipment)

• 50 Ω
• Male/Female
• RG58

14. MBX
15. MC (Microcoaxial)
16. MCX (Micro Coaxial Connector)

• Male
• Up to 6 GHz

17. MMBX
18. MMCX (Micro Miniature Coaxial)
19. NMO

• Male
• RG58 / LMR-195

20. OSP
21. OSMT
22. Triax
23. Twinax
24. TS-9

• LMR-100 / LMR-195

25. QMC
26. PAL (Phase Alternating Line)
27. RCA (Radio Corporation of America)
28. QLI
29. QN
30. UMCC

Note: Follow the advice of network equipment suppliers when choosing connectors.

Related standards

• EN
• VDE