Recommended Coaxial Cable Types for SMA Connectors｜Comparison & Application Guide
Recommended Coaxial Cable Types for SMA Connectors｜Comparison & Application Guide
SMA (SubMiniature version A) connectors are widely used for high-frequency RF signal transmission. While much attention is paid to connector quality, the choice of compatible coaxial cable is equally important.
This article compares popular SMA-compatible cables—RG-316, RG-402, RG-405, Sucoflex 100, and LDF1-50—to help you select the ideal cable for your system design.
5 Key Factors When Selecting a Cable for SMA Connectors
Here’s a quick checklist to guide your cable selection:
- Frequency Support
Make sure the cable supports the operating frequency of your SMA system to prevent signal loss and distortion. - Insertion Loss
Lower insertion loss means better signal strength and stability—especially crucial in 5G, millimeter-wave, or other high-frequency environments. - Flexibility & Mechanical Properties
Choose flexible cables for compact or dynamic installations; opt for semi-rigid cables when stability and low loss are priorities. - Impedance Matching
SMA connectors are designed for 50Ω systems. Using a mismatched cable (e.g., 75Ω) can cause return loss and performance issues. - Cable Length Consideration
The longer the cable, the greater the signal loss—especially at higher frequencies. Use low-loss cables and keep cable runs short where possible.
Cable Comparison Table: Frequency, Flexibility & Use Cases
| Cable Type | Frequency Range | Flexibility | Insertion Loss | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RG-316 | DC – 6GHz | High flexibility | Moderate | Wi-Fi modules, IoT, general RF use |
| RG-402 | DC – 18GHz | Low (semi-rigid) | Low | Test equipment, radar, aerospace |
| RG-405 | DC – 18GHz | Low (semi-rigid) | Low | Military devices, mobile RF modules |
| LDF1-50 | DC – 10GHz | Low (semi-rigid) | Very low | Long-distance links, base station feeds |
| Sucoflex 100 | DC – 26.5GHz | Medium | Ultra-low | Precision measurement, aerospace systems |
Recommended Cables for Different Applications
| Application Scenario | Recommended Cable | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| General RF communication | RG-316 | Cost-effective, ideal for short or internal runs |
| Military & portable outdoor use | RG-405 | Flexible and rugged for harsh environments |
| High-frequency test / radar | RG-402 / Sucoflex | Low loss, high bandwidth, precise transmission |
| Base stations / high-power Tx | LDF1-50 | Extremely low loss, supports high power |
Maximize Your SMA System’s Performance with the Right Cable
The right coaxial cable boosts signal transmission, extends system life, and ensures stable performance. Whether you're designing test systems, communication modules, or 5G RF platforms, understanding cable properties helps you make better design choices.
Browse Our SMA Connector Assemblies
Looking for SMA connectors with pre-assembled cables? We provide complete assembly solutions.
SMA Cable Selection Q&A
- Q: Can I use a 75Ω cable with an SMA connector?
A: Not recommended. SMA connectors are designed for 50Ω systems. Using a 75Ω cable can cause impedance mismatch, resulting in signal reflection and performance loss.
- Q: Which cable is best for tight cabinet installations?
A: For space-limited setups, flexible cables like RG-316 are easier to route and service. However, for high-frequency precision applications, semi-rigid options like RG-405 are better due to lower insertion loss.
- Q: What’s the typical use case for Sucoflex cables with SMA connectors?
A: Sucoflex cables support up to 26.5 GHz with ultra-low loss. They're ideal for high-precision RF testing, radar modules, and aerospace systems, where reliability is critical.
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