What Do Coaxial Cable Codes like RG and LMR Mean?
Coaxial cable codes like RG, LMR, and others are used to distinguish different types and specifications of coaxial cables. These coding systems were developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) to indicate the performance characteristics and application ranges of coaxial cables.
First, RG (Radio Guide) is the earliest coaxial cable standard coding system, used to describe different types and uses of coaxial cables. The numbers in the RG series typically consist of two digits. The first digit represents the cable's performance grade, while the second digit refers to its outer diameter. For example, RG-6 refers to a coaxial cable with a performance grade of 6, and RG-58 refers to a cable with an outer diameter of 58.
Specifically, RG series cables are widely used in TV antennas, radio stations, and other applications requiring high-quality signal transmission. Different RG cable models have various characteristics and uses. For instance, RG-6 is commonly used in cable TV and satellite TV systems to transmit high-quality audio and video signals over high frequencies. On the other hand, RG-58 is a smaller coaxial cable, commonly used for short-distance data transmission and network connections.
However, as technology advanced, the performance of RG series cables could no longer meet the demands of modern high-frequency and high-speed transmission. This led to the development of the LMR (Low Loss Microwave) series of cables. LMR cables are high-performance coaxial cables designed for signal transmission over high-frequency ranges, with low loss and excellent shielding properties.
Compared to RG cables, LMR cables offer higher frequency response and lower loss. The LMR cable coding system is similar to the RG series, with two digits. The first digit represents the cable's performance grade, while the second digit refers to its outer diameter. For example, LMR-400 refers to a coaxial cable with a performance grade of 400, and LMR-200 refers to a cable with an outer diameter of 200.
LMR cables are widely used in communication and wireless network applications. They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor mobile communication devices, microwave antenna systems, satellite communication, and broadcast systems. The low loss and excellent shielding of LMR cables enable them to maintain signal clarity and stability in high-frequency environments.
What Advantages Does LMR Have Over RG58?
1.Lower Loss: RG58 is a commonly used coaxial cable, while LMR200 is the next-generation low-loss RF coaxial cable. Compared to RG58, LMR200 has much lower loss during operation, enabling longer transmission distances. LMR200 uses a special foamed polyethylene insulation medium, which, compared to the standard insulation in RG58, has a lower dielectric constant and loss factor at high frequencies. This helps to effectively reduce signal attenuation during transmission. For example, at a frequency of 2GHz, the insertion loss of LMR200 is around 0.49dB/m, whereas RG58 has relatively higher insertion loss. Due to the lower insertion loss, LMR200 can better maintain signal strength over long distances, making it ideal for applications that require long transmission distances, such as base station antenna feeders. It can also reduce the need for signal repeaters or amplifiers, thus lowering system costs and complexity.
2.Wider Range of Applications: Due to its superior performance in loss characteristics, frequency response, and shielding, LMR200 is especially suitable for modern communication systems like mobile communication base stations, microwave communication links, satellite communication ground stations, and wireless local area networks (WLANs). It meets the demands for high-speed, stable, and reliable signal transmission. In applications where extremely high signal quality is required, such as radar systems, electronic countermeasure devices, and aerospace communication equipment, LMR200 ensures accurate signal transmission between devices, ensuring normal operation and performance.
3.Better Shielding: LMR200 typically features a dual-layer shielding structure, such as aluminum foil and tinned copper wire braiding, compared to the single-layer shielding in RG58. This dual-layer shielding offers much better protection against external electromagnetic interference (EMI) and reduces the signal's outward radiation. It ensures the stability and confidentiality of signal transmission. The shielding effectiveness of LMR200 can generally reach above 90dB, while RG58 has relatively lower shielding effectiveness. In environments with complex electromagnetic interference, such as city centers or industrial areas, LMR200 can resist interference from other electronic devices and radio signals, ensuring the purity and reliability of the communication signal, reducing the error rate, and improving communication quality.
While LMR200 outperforms RG58 in many aspects, its cost remains relatively reasonable. When considering factors such as longer service life, lower maintenance costs, and improved system performance due to better signal transmission quality, LMR200 provides a higher cost-to-performance ratio. It offers users a more economical and effective solution.
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