Signal Loss, Specifications and Composition of LMR-100, LMR-200 and LMR-400 Compared

Attenuation is Loss of Signal in the Cable

Double shielding benefits: LMR-100, LMR-200 and LMR-400

If you are applying hardware to a particularly noisy environment or concerned about your loss of signal strength to electromagnetic interference, you'll be pleased to know that the double shielded composition of LMR-100, LMR-200 and LMR-400 enables far better preservation of signal strength than the single-shielded coax types that they are most typically compared to (RG-174, RG-58 as examples):  The LMR-100, 200 and 400 coax types have in-built shielding from both an aluminum layer providing 100% coverage and a denser copper braiding layer. Combined this leads to a minimal loss cable and also one that effectively blocks out external interference.

Attenuation (Loss of Signal): How do LMR-100, 200 & 400 compare?

As classified as low loss, you can probably imagine they all fare well in this category. But for further detail, please read on:

* For detailed information on the terms dBi, dB, dBm, and dB(mW) * 

At 900 MHz

• LMR-100 = 0.75 dB/m. (0.23 dB/ft.)
• LMR-200 = 0.33 dB/m. (0.09 dB/ft.)
• LMR-400 = 0.13 dB/m. (0.039 dB/ft.)

At 2400 MHz

• LMR-100 = 1.28 dB/m. (0.39 dB/ft.)
• LMR-200 = 0.54 dB/m. (0.12 dB/ft.)
• LMR-400 = 0.22 dB/m. (0.066 dB/ft.)

At 3500 MHz

• LMR-100 = 1.58 dB/m. (0.48 dB/ft.)
• LMR-200 = 0.67 dB/m. (0.21 dB/ft.)
• LMR-400 = 0.27 dB/m. (0.081 db/ft.)

At 5800 MHz

• LMR-100: 2.10 dB/m. (0.64 dB/ft.)
• LMR-200: 0.87 dB/m. (0.264 dB/ft.)
• LMR-400: 0.36 dB/m. (0.108 dB/ft.)

Composition

Coaxial cables, by definition, are designed and manufactured along similar fundamental principles. These all give rise to their apparent functional benefits. Let's take a look at the technical features (composition) of the cables and draw relation to how they contribute to the user benefits (advantages):

1. Copper clad-steel conductor - an excellent carrier of radio frequency signal, ideal for almost any cabling challenge
2. Dielectric PE foam - a superior dampener of loss of electromagnetic radiation
3. Double shielding - aluminium sheet plus copper braiding for maximum preservation of signal strength across length of cable
4. Outer Jacket - a robust finish, ideal for maintaining functional excellence in physically challenging environments

1. Inner conductor

• LMR-100 conductor: approximately 0.46 mm (0.02 inches) in diameter
• LMR-200 conductor: approximately 1.42 mm (0.06 inches) in diameter
• LMR-400 conductor: above 2.74 mm (0.11 inches) in diameter

2. Dielectric foam diameter & material

• LMR-100 foam diameter: 1.52 mm (0.01 inches), Polyetylene foam
• LMR-200 foam diameter: 2.79 mm (0.001 inches), Polyethylene foam
• LMR-400 cable sheath: 7.24 mm, (0.29 inch) Polyethylene foam

3. Inner shield

• All copper braiding

4. Outer shield

• All aluminium layer

5. Outer cable sheath diameter, material & color

• LMR-100 cable sheath: approximate 2.79 mm (0.11 inches) diameter, Polyethylene black
• LMR-200 cable sheath: approximately 6.1 mm (0.24 inches) in diameter, Polyethylene, black
• LMR-400 cable sheath: above 10.29 mm (0.41 inches) in diameter, Thermoplastic elastomer, black

Other qualities which the LMR-100, LMR-200 & LMR-400 have...

Temperature stability = operable unto 85-degrees C maximum temperature and a minimum of -40-degrees C. Hot or cold, your LMR coaxial cables are adept at doing well. Bending radius = the LMR-100, LMR-200 and LMR-400 have respective bend radii of: 6.4 mm (0.25 inches), 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) and 25.4 mm (1.0 inches). Agile, without question. Weight = as all-rounders, consideration has been applied to their overall weight for ease of installation. The weights are as follows: LMR-100 0.02 kg/m (0.013 lbs/ft), LMR-200 0.03 kg/m (0.02 lbs/ft) and LMR-400 0.10 kg/m (0.068 lbs/ft) Each cable is made conscientiously without the use of halogens according to standard health and safety protocol.

LMR-100, LMR-200 & LMR-400 are double-shielded, low signal-loss coaxial cable types for antenna cables. As closely related siblings they each share commonly associated characteristics and possess comparable benefits. Their purpose? Simple - conveying radio frequency transmitted signals across physical distance, with minimal loss or interference. Here are some typical application scenarios:

• HDTV deployment,
• Broadband internet networks,
• CCTV,
• Video
• Radio
• Antenna runs
• Wireless assemblies
• WLAN
• GPS