In the 1980s and 1990s, wireless technology rapidly advanced, with the frequencies used becoming higher and higher, and the performance requirements for RF cables also increasing. The coaxial cables used at the time were mainly RG series and corrugated copper structure cables. While RG cables were flexible, they had high loss, poor RF shielding performance, and were unsuitable for outdoor environments. Corrugated cables, on the other hand, had low loss and were suitable for outdoor use, but they were rigid, prone to twisting, and difficult to terminate. Times Microwave Systems recognized the urgent need for more reliable and efficient coaxial cables in the market. Leveraging their extensive knowledge and experience in the field of coaxial cables, they developed and launched the LMR series. As the demand for wireless communication, broadcasting, satellite communication, and data transmission grew, the LMR series also evolved and improved. Below is a brief history of the development of the LMR series:
1.1980s: The Birth of LMR Cables The LMR series was developed by Times Microwave Systems in the 1980s. It utilized high-performance materials and design to offer lower signal attenuation, stronger interference resistance, and higher transmission stability compared to traditional cables. This marked the origin of the LMR cable series.
2.1990s: Gradual Improvement and Innovation As radio communication and broadcasting technologies progressed, LMR cables underwent further optimization. Particularly, improvements were made in electromagnetic interference (EMI) resistance and signal attenuation reduction. The LMR series incorporated more advanced shielding materials and structural designs, further enhancing signal quality and transmission stability. By the late 1990s, the LMR series expanded to several models, including LMR-100, LMR-195, LMR-240, among others, to meet the demands of different frequencies, distances, and applications. These cables gradually replaced traditional coaxial cables in data transmission, wireless networks, and satellite communication, becoming the go-to choice.
3.2000s: Widespread Application of LMR Cables In the 2000s, with the rise of Wi-Fi technology, the construction of 3G/4G mobile communication networks, and the widespread use of the internet, the demand for signal transmission surged. LMR cables, with their low attenuation, high flexibility, and strong interference resistance, found widespread applications in these fields. They became the preferred cable in industries such as wireless communication, base stations, data centers, and video surveillance. Not only did LMR cables gain significant traction in the U.S. and Western markets, but they also gradually expanded globally, especially in Asian and European markets, where they became synonymous with high-quality coaxial cables.
4.2010s to Present: Further Innovation and Application Expansion With the advent of 5G technology, the demand for network infrastructure increased dramatically, particularly with the requirements for higher bandwidth, lower latency, and higher frequencies. The LMR series of cables saw new application opportunities, with high-performance cables like LMR-400 and LMR-600 being widely used in 5G base stations and high-frequency wireless communication systems. The LMR series continued to innovate in materials and structure, incorporating higher-quality insulating materials and improved shielding techniques to further reduce attenuation, enhance transmission performance, and ensure stable operation in extreme environments. With the rise in environmental awareness, LMR cables were also optimized for environmental adaptability, featuring UV resistance, chemical corrosion resistance, and high-temperature endurance to meet the demands of harsh environments.
5.Conclusion Since its launch in the 1980s, the LMR series of cables has undergone multiple rounds of technological innovation and optimization, becoming an indispensable high-performance coaxial cable in wireless communication, satellite communication, data transmission, broadcasting, and other fields. As technology continues to advance, the LMR series cables will continue to adapt to new communication needs and play a significant role in supporting higher frequencies and more complex environments in the future.