RG316 Cable: 50 Ohm RF Cable Specifications & Applications

RG316 Cable is a compact, flexible 50 Ohm coaxial RF cable designed for high-frequency signal transmission in electronic and communication systems. Its small diameter, flexible construction, PTFE dielectric, and shielded design make it suitable for applications where reliable RF performance is required within limited installation space.

RG316 Cable is commonly used in RF equipment, telecommunications, aerospace electronics, defense systems, GPS equipment, wireless communication, test and measurement equipment, instrumentation, and other high-frequency applications. Its compact construction allows engineers to route the cable through small spaces while maintaining a controlled 50 Ohm transmission path.

What Is RG316 Cable?

RG316 Cable is a 50 Ohm flexible coaxial cable designed to transmit radio frequency signals with controlled impedance and reliable shielding. A typical RG316 construction consists of a stranded center conductor, PTFE dielectric, metallic shielding, and protective outer jacket.

The flexible construction makes RG316 Cable particularly useful where cables must be routed around connectors, circuit boards, RF modules, and compact equipment.

RG316 Cable Construction

Center Conductor

The center conductor carries the RF signal. RG316 Cable commonly uses a stranded silver-plated copper conductor. The stranded structure provides flexibility while silver plating supports good electrical conductivity and high-frequency performance.

PTFE Dielectric

PTFE is commonly used as the dielectric material in RG316 Cable. It electrically separates the center conductor from the shield while contributing to impedance control, insulation, and temperature performance.

Metallic Shield

The shield surrounds the dielectric and helps reduce electromagnetic interference and RF signal leakage. Depending on the specific construction, RG316 Cable may use a braided metallic shield.

Outer Jacket

The outer jacket protects the cable from mechanical damage and environmental exposure. The exact jacket material depends on the manufacturer’s construction and application requirements.

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RG316 Cable Specifications

Specification	Typical Characteristics
Cable Type	Flexible RF Coaxial Cable
Characteristic Impedance	50 Ohms
Nominal Diameter	Approximately 2.5 mm
Dielectric	PTFE
Center Conductor	Stranded Silver-Plated Copper
Construction	Flexible
Frequency Capability	RF and Microwave Applications
Shielding	Metallic Braid
Connector Options	SMA, BNC, TNC, N-Type and Others
Typical Applications	RF, Telecom, Aerospace, Defense, Test Equipment

Exact specifications can vary by manufacturer, cable construction, frequency, and cable assembly.

Key Features of RG316 Cable

RG316 Cable offers several characteristics that make it suitable for compact RF systems:

• 50 Ohm characteristic impedance
• Compact approximately 2.5 mm diameter
• Flexible construction
• PTFE dielectric
• Stranded center conductor
• Silver-plated conductor in common constructions
• RF and microwave capability
• Good temperature performance
• Shielded construction
• Wide connector compatibility
• Easy routing in compact assemblies

Why Is 50 Ohm Impedance Important?

RG316 Cable is generally designed around a 50 Ohm characteristic impedance. Maintaining a consistent impedance between connected RF components helps reduce signal reflections and supports efficient signal transfer.

50 Ohm RF systems are widely used in:

• Wireless communication
• RF test equipment
• Radar systems
• GPS equipment
• Aerospace electronics
• Defense electronics
• Microwave systems
• Antenna assemblies

For best results, the cable, connectors, and connected equipment should use compatible impedance specifications.

Applications of RG316 Cable

Aerospace and Defense

RG316 Cable is suitable for compact RF connections in avionics, navigation systems, communication equipment, instrumentation, and defense electronics.

Telecommunications

It can be used for internal RF connections in wireless communication equipment, RF modules, signal distribution systems, and communication hardware.

GPS and Navigation

The compact size of RG316 Cable makes it useful for GPS receivers, navigation equipment, antenna connections, and positioning systems.

RF Test and Measurement

RG316 Cable assemblies can be used with laboratory equipment such as signal generators, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, RF power meters, and test fixtures.

Wireless Communication

RG316 Cable can connect antennas, RF modules, amplifiers, filters, transmitters, receivers, and other RF components.

Industrial Electronics

Its compact construction makes it useful in industrial equipment where RF connections must fit within restricted spaces.

RG316 Cable Connector Options

RG316 Cable can be terminated with various RF connectors depending on system requirements.

Common options include:

• SMA
• BNC
• TNC
• N-Type
• SMB
• SMC
• MCX
• MMCX
• RP-SMA

Connector selection should consider operating frequency, impedance, mechanical requirements, and available equipment interfaces.

Advantages of RG316 Cable

The main advantages of RG316 Cable include:

• Compact size
• Excellent flexibility
• 50 Ohm impedance
• PTFE dielectric
• Reliable RF transmission
• Easy installation
• Suitable for confined spaces
• Wide connector availability
• Good temperature capability
• Suitable for many RF applications

RG316 Cable vs RG400 Cable

Feature	RG316 Cable	RG400 Cable
Impedance	50 Ohms	50 Ohms
Approx. Diameter	2.5 mm	4.95 mm
Size	Smaller	Larger
Flexibility	Very Flexible	Flexible
Typical Use	Compact RF Assemblies	Higher-performance RF Assemblies
Installation Space	Very Limited	Moderate
Power Capability	Generally Lower	Generally Higher

The choice between RG316 Cable and RG400 depends on cable size, attenuation, power requirements, frequency, flexibility, and installation conditions.

How to Choose the Right RG316 Cable

Before selecting an RG316 Cable, consider:

• Operating frequency
• Characteristic impedance
• Cable length
• Attenuation
• Connector type
• Temperature range
• Shielding requirements
• Power handling
• Installation space
• Flexibility requirements

Longer cable lengths generally introduce greater transmission loss, while connector quality and termination can affect overall VSWR and return loss.

Installation Guidelines

Proper installation helps maintain RG316 Cable performance.

Avoid excessive bending or twisting.

Do not crush the cable.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommended bend radius.

Keep connectors clean.

Use suitable connector installation tools.

Avoid excessive pulling force.

Ensure proper connector mating.

Protect cable assemblies from unnecessary mechanical stress.

Conclusion

RG316 Cable is a compact and flexible 50 Ohm RF cable designed for high-frequency signal transmission in applications where space, flexibility, and reliable RF performance are important. Its PTFE dielectric, shielded construction, small diameter, and broad connector compatibility make it suitable for aerospace, defense, telecommunications, GPS, wireless communication, industrial electronics, and RF test equipment.

When selecting RG316 Cable, engineers should evaluate frequency, impedance, attenuation, cable length, connector type, power handling, temperature requirements, and installation conditions. With the correct specification and installation, RG316 Cable can provide a reliable RF connection for compact and demanding electronic systems.

Frequently Asked Questions About RG316 Cable

1. What is RG316 Cable?

RG316 Cable is a flexible 50 Ohm coaxial RF cable designed for high-frequency signal transmission, particularly in compact electronic and communication systems.

2. What is the impedance of RG316 Cable?

RG316 Cable is generally designed with a 50 Ohm characteristic impedance.

3. What is the diameter of RG316 Cable?

RG316 Cable is commonly associated with a nominal outside diameter of approximately 2.5 mm, although exact dimensions vary by manufacturer.

4. What dielectric material is used in RG316 Cable?

PTFE is commonly used as the dielectric material because of its electrical insulation and temperature characteristics.

5. Is RG316 Cable flexible?

Yes. RG316 Cable has a small and flexible construction, making it suitable for compact RF assemblies and restricted installation spaces.

6. Where is RG316 Cable used?

RG316 Cable is used in aerospace, defense, telecommunications, GPS, wireless communication, instrumentation, industrial electronics, and RF test and measurement systems.

7. What connectors are available for RG316 Cable?

Common connectors include SMA, BNC, TNC, N-Type, SMB, SMC, MCX, MMCX, and RP-SMA, depending on the application.

8. What is the difference between RG316 and RG400?

RG316 is smaller and generally more flexible, while RG400 has a larger diameter and is commonly selected when higher power handling and different RF performance requirements are needed.

9. Is RG316 Cable suitable for high-frequency applications?

Yes. RG316 Cable is designed for RF applications extending into high-frequency ranges, but the exact maximum frequency should always be verified from the manufacturer’s specifications.

10. How do I select RG316 Cable?

Select RG316 Cable based on frequency, impedance, attenuation, cable length, connector type, temperature range, power requirements, shielding, and available installation space.