Antennas, Antenna Cables, Wireless Products: Technical Articles
RG-174 compared to LMR-100 Coax : Shielding and Signal Loss
LMR-100 and RG174 Coaxial Cable Comparison
- RG174 and LMR-100 are compatible with Wi-Fi, Cellular, and most IoT wireless applications.
- LMR-100 is double-shielded and suitable for outdoor as well as indoor use.
- RG174 has a single shield and is unsuitable for long-term outdoor use.
| ATTENUATION | Signal Loss: dB/ft. | Signal Loss: dB/ft. |
| Frequency (Mhz) | RG174 | LMR-100 |
| 100 | 0.088 | 0.038 |
| 200 | 0.140 | 0.100 |
| 400 | 0.220 | 0.146 |
| 500 | 0.159 | |
| 900 | 0.300 | 0.228 |
| 1000 | 0.320 | |
| 1500 | 0.301 | |
| 2400 | 0.750 | 0.390 |
RG174 is a small, flexible coax for antenna cables with an American Wire Gauge of 26. Its diameter is 2.79mm (0.11 inches). Its relatively small diameter, flexibility, high speed, and efficient data transfer make it an ideal choice for a wide range of contemporary and consumer applications, including:
- Security and access control
- Automation and IoT networking
- GPS
- Wireless networking such as LAN/WAN:
- For Wi-Fi: Most typically RP-SMA, cables
- For LTE: SMA cables or N-Type cables
RG174 Physical Characteristics:
RG174's structure is typical of coaxial cables and is comprised of the following layers and materials:
- Central conductor: 7 strands of stranded copper-clad steel (CCS) with a diameter of 0.483mm (0.019 inches).
- Dielectric: Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which contributes water resistance and flexibility to the cable. The dielectric diameter is 1.55mm (0.06 inches)
- Outer shielding: A single layer of tinned copper with coverage between 88% and 90%, depending on the manufacturer.
- Jacket: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), a flexible weather-resistant coating with good flame resistance. Due to its material composition (plastics), the operating temperature of this cable is between -40 and 80 degrees Celsius (-40 degrees to 176 degrees Fahrenheit).
Electrical profile of RG174
The impedance of RG174 is typically 50 Ohm. The conductor resistance is a maximum of 142.4 Ohm, and the dielectric resistance is at least 1000 Ohm. This cable transmits a maximum frequency of 6GHz.
Comparison of RG174 and LMR-100 coax cable
Key Features:
- RG174:
- Diameter: Typically around 2.79mm.
- Impedance: Standard 50 ohms.
- Velocity of Propagation: Approximately 66%.
- Attenuation: Higher than LMR-100, especially over longer distances.
- LMR-100:
- Diameter: Roughly 2.79mm, similar to RG174.
- Impedance: Maintains the 50 ohms industry standard.
- Velocity of Propagation: Slightly higher than RG174 at around 70%.
- Attenuation: Provides better performance with lower loss over extended distances.
Materials Composition:
- RG174: RG174 coaxial cables often consist of a silver-plated copper center conductor surrounded by a dielectric insulator, typically solid polyethylene. This assembly is then covered by a shield, usually made from tinned copper, followed by an external PVC jacket.
- LMR-100: This cable features a copper center conductor, often silver-plated, and a gas-injected foam polyethylene dielectric core. LMR-100 is recognized for its dual shielding, with the inner layer being aluminum and the outer layer made from tinned copper braid, all enveloped in a durable polyethylene jacket.
Types:
RG174 and LMR-100 come in various versions specially designed for specific environments. You can find these cables in their regular form as ultra-flexible versions, or even with UV resistance for outdoor installations.
Associated Wireless Technologies:
- RG174: Due to its higher Attenuation, RG174 is commonly employed in low-power, short-distance applications, such as Wi-Fi antennas, GPS systems, and mobile communications.
- LMR-100: LMR-100, with its superior Attenuation performance, finds applications in a broader range of wireless technologies, including 2G/ 3G/4G cellular, WLAN, RFID, and more.
Applications & Suitability for Specific IoT Applications:
IoT revolves around connectivity, requiring reliable transmission lines.
- RG174: Suitable for indoor IoT applications where the cable run is short. Ideal for connecting Wi-Fi-based IoT devices, short-range sensors, and indoor antennas.
- LMR-100: Given its low loss characteristics, LMR-100 is more appropriate for indoor and outdoor IoT deployments, particularly where longer cable runs are involved. If you're looking at IoT applications such as outdoor weather stations, smart agriculture, or city-wide sensor deployments, LMR-100 stands out as the preferred choice.
Conclusion:
Coaxial cables have been at the forefront of telecommunication and radio-frequency transmissions for decades. As technology advances, the requirements for more efficient coax cables grow, especially in the Internet of Things (IoT) domain. Two significant contenders in this arena are the RG174 and LMR-100 cables.
When comparing RG174 and LMR-100 coax cables, understanding their key features and associated applications is essential. For short-distance, indoor IoT applications, RG174 may suffice. However, LMR-100, with its enhanced performance metrics, is the superior option for more extensive and demanding scenarios, especially outdoors. As the landscape of IoT continues to evolve, ensuring you're equipped with a suitable coaxial cable can be the difference between seamless connectivity and unwanted transmission losses.