What are RG216 Coaxial Cables?

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- everything RF

Jan 23, 2023

RG216 Coaxial Cables are a type of cable that is ideal for carrying high frequency radio signals over long distances, owing to their excellent signal integrity and low signal attenuation. These characteristics make them ideal for long haul communication links and telecommunication applications.

RG216/U

RG216/U Cable Construction

The RG216/U is a 75-ohm coaxial cable with an overall diameter of 0.425 inches and a voltage rating of up to 5000 Vrms. It has an internal tinned copper conductor with 7-stranding construction (carrying the electrical signal), which is enclosed by an insulation layer made of Polyethylene (PE). The insulation layer is then completely enclosed by 2 Bare Copper Braid Shields that form the outer conductor and also provides shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI). Finally, the structure is covered with an outermost layer - called a jacket - made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). The jacket protects the cable core from mechanical, moisture, and chemical issues.

The RG216/U cable exhibits capacitance of approximately 20.6 pF/ft (67.7 pF/m), signal attenuation of around 5.2 dB/100 ft at 400 MHz (signal attenuation of the cable depending on the frequency), and has a velocity of propagation of 66%. It has a center 7-stranding conductor design measuring 0.0477 inches (1.21 mm) in diameter and an insulation layer measuring 0.285 inches (7.2 mm) in diameter. This cable is ideal for broadband transmission of radio, TV, video, and data signals. It has an operating temperature of -40˚C to + 80˚C.

Key Specifications of RG216/U Coaxial Cables

Parameters

Typical Value

Overall Diameter (inch)

0.425

Characteristic Impedance (Zo)

75 ohms

Maximum Voltage Rating (RMS)

5000 V

Cable Capacitance (pF/ft)

20.6

Attenuation (dB/100 ft , @ 400 MHz)

5.2

Insulation

Polyethylene (PE)

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