RG174 vs RG58 vs RG316: Technical Comparison Guide for RF Applications
Technical Comparison: RG174, RG58, and RG316
Selecting the appropriate coaxial cable is crucial for ensuring signal integrity in RF communication systems. The most commonly used RF cables are RG174, RG58, and RG316. Each cable has distinct electrical and mechanical properties that make it suitable for a certain application.
Let us compare them technically.
1. RG174 coaxial cable.
RG174 is a thin, flexible 50-ohm coaxial wire used in tiny RF applications.
Key Specifications:
Impedance: 50 Ω.
Outer diameter: approximately 2.8 mm.
Frequency Range: Up to 1GHz
Conductor: Stranded copper.
Dielectric: PE.
Advantages:
Highly flexible.
Lightweight
Perfect for short-distance connections.
Applications:
GPS antennas
WiFi pigtails
Internal RF wiring.
IoT gadgets
When space-saving and flexibility are most important, RG174 is the best choice.
2. RG58 coaxial cable.
Overview: RG58 is thicker than RG174, resulting in improved power handling and lower attenuation.
Key Specifications:
Impedance: 50 Ω.
Outer Diameter: about 5 mm.
Frequency Range: Up to 3GHz
Conductor: Solid or stranded copper.
Dielectric: PE.
Advantages:
Lower signal loss compared to RG174.
Better shielding.
Ideal for moderate distance runs.
Applications:
VHF/UHF radios
CCTV systems
Two-way radios.
Laboratory RF setups
RG58 is suited for general-purpose RF communication with moderate cable length requirements.
3. RG316 coaxial cable.
Overview: RG316 is comparable in size to RG174, but with PTFE insulation for increased heat resistance and durability.
Key Specifications:
Impedance: 50 Ω.
Outer Diameter: about 2.5 mm.
Frequency Range: Up to 3GHz
Dielectric: PTFE.
Shielding: A silver-plated copper braid
Advantages:
High temperature resistance.
Excellent chemical resistance.
Improved high-frequency performance over RG174
Applications:
Military Equipment
Aerospace systems
High-frequency RF modules.
Test the equipment.
RG316 is preferred in high-temperature, high-reliability applications.
Technical Comparison Table
Final Verdict
RG174 is ideal for compact, low-power, short-distance applications.
Choose RG58 for improved performance at medium distances.
Select RG316 for high-frequency, high-temperature, and mission-critical applications.
Choosing the right cable ensures peak RF performance, minimal signal loss, and a longer system life.
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📍 District: Bhopal, PIN: 462026, Madhya Pradesh
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