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The Toolbox — Charts
RF & Coax
Coaxial cable types with velocity factor and loss ratings, and RF connector types.
Coaxial Cable Types
| Type | Impedance | Vel. Factor | Max Freq | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RG-58 | 50 Ω | 0.66 | 1 GHz | Short runs, test leads, mobile HF |
| RG-8X | 50 Ω | 0.78 | 1 GHz | HF and VHF mobile, flexible |
| RG-213 | 50 Ω | 0.66 | 1 GHz | HF base stations, low loss |
| LMR-400 | 50 Ω | 0.85 | 2.5 GHz | VHF/UHF base, very low loss |
| LMR-600 | 50 Ω | 0.87 | 2.5 GHz | High power, long runs |
| RG-174 | 50 Ω | 0.66 | 1 GHz | Pigtails, GPS, tight spaces |
| RG-59 | 75 Ω | 0.66 | 1 GHz | Video, CCTV, CATV |
| RG-6 | 75 Ω | 0.82 | 3 GHz | Satellite, digital CATV |
| RG-11 | 75 Ω | 0.84 | 1 GHz | CATV trunk, long runs |
RF Connector Types
| Connector | Impedance | Frequency Range | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| PL-259 (UHF) | Unspecified | DC – 300 MHz | HF/VHF amateur and marine radio |
| BNC | 50 or 75 Ω | DC – 4 GHz | Test equipment, aviation electronics |
| TNC | 50 or 75 Ω | DC – 11 GHz | Mobile radios, vibration-prone environments |
| N-Type | 50 or 75 Ω | DC – 11 GHz | VHF/UHF base antennas, high power |
| SMA | 50 Ω | DC – 18 GHz | Portable radios, GPS, WiFi modules |
| SMB | 50 or 75 Ω | DC – 4 GHz | Automotive, broadcast equipment |
| F-Type | 75 Ω | DC – 3 GHz | Cable TV, satellite, DOCSIS modems |
| MCX | 50 or 75 Ω | DC – 6 GHz | GPS, compact electronics |
| SC (fiber) | N/A | Optical | Fiber optic — push-pull, data networks |
| LC (fiber) | N/A | Optical | Fiber optic — small form factor, SFP |
| ST (fiber) | N/A | Optical | Fiber optic — bayonet, multimode |