What are RG88 Coaxial Cables?

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- everything RF

Jan 17, 2023

RG88 Coaxial Cables are a type of cable typically used for high frequency signal transmission. They exhibit high degree of signal integrity and feature low signal loss, making them ideal for long-haul communication links and networking applications.

RG-88/U

The RG-88/U is a 48-ohm coaxial cable with an overall diameter of 0.515 inches and a voltage rating of up to 10000 Vrms. It has an inner tinned copper wire (carrying the electrical signal) with 19-stranding construction. The inner conductor is enclosed by an insulation layer made of Rubber. The insulation layer is then completely enclosed by 4 tinned 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 RG88/U cable exhibits capacitance of approximately 50 pF/ft (164.47 pF/m), and signal attenuation of around 0.7 dB/100 ft at 1 MHz (signal attenuation of the cable depends on the frequency). It has a center conductor measuring 0.0585 inches (1.48 mm) in diameter and an insulation layer measuring 0.288 inches (7.31 mm) in diameter.

Key Specifications of RG-88/U Coaxial Cables

Parameters

Typical Value

Overall Diameter (inch)

0.515

Characteristic Impedance (Zo)

48 ohms

Maximum Voltage Rating (RMS)

10000 V

Cable Capacitance (pF/ft)

50

Attenuation (dB/100 ft, @ 1 MHz)

0.7

Insulation

Rubber-E

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