RG316 Coax Cable

Additional Information

What is RG316 Coax Cable?

RG316 coaxial cable is a low-loss, high-frequency cable with a characteristic impedance of 50 ohms. It's primarily intended for radio and data communications. This robust cable is flexible, suitable for burial, and appropriate for use over a wide temperature range. The coaxial cable's diameter conduction allows for relatively high-power transmission capabilities, depending upon the operating frequency. The cable's maximum operating voltage is 1,200 volts.

What is the Construction of RG316 Coaxial Cable?

RG316 is a coaxial cable with a stranded silver-covered copper-clad steel conductor made with seven strands of 0.0067-inch diameter wire. The conductor has a solid polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) dielectric insulation that allows for a wide range of operating temperatures from 200ºC down to -55ºC. A shield made from silver-coated copper braid covers the dielectric insulation, and there's a transparent protective jacket made from fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) Type IX as per MIL-DTL-17 specifications.

What is the Impedance and Signal Attenuation of RG316 Coaxial Cable?

The characteristic impedance of RG316 coaxial cable is 50 ohms. Note, this is not the electrical resistance of the cable but rather a complex term related to the effective electrical impedance of the line to a radio frequency electrical wave taking inductance and capacitance into account. The important aspect is that the impedance of the cable must match that of the transmitting and receiving device to avoid reflections that cause interference. The characteristic impedance of coaxial cables differs according to the coaxial cable classification type, with 50- and 75-ohm coax being the most common.

Signal attenuation, measured in decibels (dB), depends on the frequency of the signal. At low frequencies, it's primarily determined by the electric resistance of the cable, whereas at high frequencies, by the cable capacitance. At 10 Hz, the attenuation of RG316 coax is 2.5 dB per foot while at 3 GHz it's 47 dB per foot.

What are Common Applications of RG316 Coaxial Cable?

RG316 Coax Cable performs best for applications that require 50-ohm impedance making it a great choice for applications that require signal transmission; radio, data, or computer communications. RG316 Coaxial cable is also used in various industries; from being found in medical diagnostic equipment to being found in military and avionics communications systems. Although our standard RG316 cable includes splices, AWC also offers custom cable that can be crafted to your exact requirements. If you need a continuous length RG316 cable or another type of custom cable, please contact us.

Are There Alternatives to RG316 Wire?

Yes, there are several alternatives to RG316 wire, each designed to meet specific needs and requirements. Some common alternatives include:

1. RG178 Cable: Similar to RG316 but with a smaller diameter, RG 178 is suitable for applications where space is at a premium and moderate performance is acceptable.
2. RG174 Cable: This is another smaller diameter coaxial cable with slightly different electrical properties, often used in low-power, high-frequency applications.
3. RG58 Cable: With a larger diameter and different shielding characteristics, RG58 is commonly used for radio frequency communication and is more suited for applications that do not require the high-temperature tolerance of RG316.
4. Low-Loss Coaxial Cables: For applications requiring minimal signal loss, low-loss coaxial cables like LMR-195 or LMR-240 may be preferred. These cables offer better performance over longer distances compared to traditional RG cables.

When selecting a coaxial cable, consider the specific requirements of your application, including frequency range, power handling, environmental conditions, and physical space constraints. Our experts at Allied Wire & Cable are always ready to help you find the best solution for your needs.

RG316 Coaxial Cable Specs

• Conductor: Silver-coated copper-plated steel
• Dielectric: Pure PTFE
• Screen: Silver-plated copper braid
• Jacket: Fluorinated ethylene propylene
• Characteristic impedance: 50 +/-2-ohms
• Maximum voltage: 1,200-volts
• Operating temperature range: From -55ºC to 200ºC
• Propagation velocity: 69.5% of the speed of light
• Maximum frequency: 3 GHz
• Attenuation at maximum frequency: 47 dB per foot
• Power at maximum frequency: 93 watts

Military specification equivalent:

M17/113-RG316

RG316 Spec Sheet:

Download PDF of RG316 Specs

Learn More about RG316 Coax Cable by visiting Allied University

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