RF Cable
An RF (Radio Frequency) cable is a specialized shielded cable assembly designed to transmit high-frequency signals with minimal power loss and maximum protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI). These transmission lines ensure that electric and magnetic fields are confined within the dielectric, preventing signal leakage.
Key Attributes
- Connector Standards: Compatible with SMA, MMCX, BNC, and N-type connectors for modular integration.
- Impedance Precision: Consistent 50Ω or 75Ω impedance to minimize signal reflection and Return Loss.
- Frequency Support: Broad range capabilities from DC up to 6 GHz (General purpose) / up to 18 GHz (High-frequency).
- Advanced Shielding: Multi-layer braiding or foil designs for superior EMI/RFI protection.
Primary Industry Applications
- Wireless Infrastructure: Base station internal wiring and antenna feedlines.
- Medical Imaging: Ultra-low noise signal transmission for MRI machines and diagnostic equipment.
- Aerospace & Defense: High-reliability connectivity for communication and radar systems.
RF Cable Overview
LCSC RF cables deliver high-integrity signal transmission for modern wireless and high-frequency electronic systems. Built with high-conductivity silver-plated copper (SPC) or copper-clad steel (CCS) conductors and high-quality dielectric materials like PTFE, these cables are engineered to reduce signal energy loss (attenuation). LCSC provides a vast selection of configurations and precision-matched impedances, providing procurement teams with a reliable source for critical RF interconnects.
Conductor Selection Guide
- Copper-Clad Steel (CCS): Engineered for high tensile strength, making it the ideal choice for stationary installations and long-distance structural cabling.
- Silver-Plated Copper (SPC): Recommended for precision applications requiring superior electrical conductivity and mechanical flexibility in high-performance environments.
Why Choose LCSC RF Cables
| Feature | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Low Attenuation | High-quality dielectric materials (PTFE/PE) | Allows longer cable runs without frequent signal amplification. |
| Precision Matching | Consistent impedance (50Ω or 75Ω) | Ensures maximum power transfer and minimal reflection. |
| Superior Shielding | Foil and braiding multi-layer protection | Eliminates crosstalk in dense electronic environments. |
RF Cable Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Connector Type | SMA, MMCX, BNC, N-type |
| Conductor Material | Silver-plated Copper (SPC) / Copper-clad Steel (CCS) |
| Dielectric Withstanding Voltage | 300V to 2500V RMS (Standard dependent) |
| Frequency Range | RG58 1GHz / LMR-200 6GHz |
| Operating Temp | Typically rated for high-performance thermal stability |
| Compliance | RoHS, REACH, MIL-DTL-17 |
RF Cable Options
- Connector Pairing: Straight, right-angle, or bulkhead connector configurations.
- Cable Length: Custom-cut lengths ranging from 10cm pigtails to 50m bulk reels.
- Jacket Material: Standard UV-resistant PE, armored jackets, or LSZH variants.
- Impedance: Selection between 50 Ohm (power) or 75 Ohm (signal) standards.
RF Cable Applications
- Industrial IoT: Used in IoT gateways and wireless sensors for factory monitoring.
- Automotive Telematics: Powering GPS, LTE, and V2X communication modules.
- Telecommunications: Internal board-to-antenna connections in base stations.
- Laboratory Testing: High-precision leads for signal generators and analyzers.
LCSC Sourcing & Support
LCSC sources RF cables from top-tier manufacturers with rigorous quality assurance and batch traceability. We support everything from small-batch engineering prototypes to high-volume mass production with flexible MOQs. Every production batch undergoes VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) and Insertion Loss testing before dispatch to ensure optimal performance for global engineering teams.
RF Cable Comparison
| Criteria | RG-58 (Standard) | LMR-200 (Low Loss) |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | High | Medium |
| EMI Resistance | Standard Braiding | Superior (Foil + Braid) |
| Attenuation | ~70.5 dB/100m (@1GHz) · ~118 dB/100m (@2.4GHz) · Not Recommended (@5.8GHz) | ~34 dB/100m (@1GHz) · ~55.4 dB/100m (@2.4GHz) · ~86.5 dB/100m (@5.8GHz) |
| Usage | General purpose short runs | High frequency long distance |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between 50 Ohm and 75 Ohm RF cables?
50 Ohm cables are optimized for power handling in wireless transmitters, while 75 Ohm cables are optimized for low signal loss in video and CATV applications.
2. How does cable length affect performance?
Signal attenuation increases with length; for high-frequency use, it is critical to keep runs short or use low-loss materials to maintain integrity.
3. Can these cables be used outdoors?
Yes, provided you select a version with a UV-resistant PE jacket or armored exterior to protect against sunlight and moisture.
4. What is VSWR and why does it matter?
VSWR measures the impedance matching between the cable and the connected system. Mathematically, it is defined as the ratio of the maximum voltage to the minimum voltage along the standing wave created by the interaction of incident and reflected signals on the line. A lower ratio (closer to 1:1) indicates better matching, less signal reflection, and higher transmission efficiency. Poor matching (high VSWR) causes signal loss, power waste, and degraded signal integrity, which can damage equipment in high-power applications.
5. Are these cables compliant with global safety standards?
Yes, LCSC RF cables meet RoHS, REACH, and MIL-DTL-17 standards for safe global distribution.