Micro Coaxial Cable-Micro Coaxial Cable factory-(FRS)-FRS
High-frequency micro coaxial cables are essential for connecting sensitive components in modern electronics like smartphones, radar systems, satellite communications, medical devices, and high-speed digital circuits. One of the most critical performance parameters for these tiny cables is Insertion Loss. Understanding typical benchmarks is vital for designing reliable systems.
What is Insertion Loss?
Simply put, insertion loss measures how much signal power disappears (“is lost”) as it travels through the cable. It’s expressed in decibels (dB). A lower dB value indicates less signal loss, meaning more of your valuable signal reaches the other end. Think of it like water pressure dropping over a long, thin pipe – insertion loss is the measure of that drop for electrical signals.
Why is Insertion Loss Critical at High Frequencies?
As signal frequencies increase (think GHz ranges), insertion loss becomes increasingly significant. This is due to:
Typical Insertion Loss Benchmarks for Micro Coax
Crucial Note: Insertion loss HIGHLY depends on several factors:
Here’s a table showing representative insertion loss benchmarks for common commercial micro coaxial cable types at popular frequency points:
| Cable Diameter (Approx.) | Common Series Examples (e.g.) | Frequency | Typical Insertion Loss Benchmark (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~0.047″ (1.19 mm) | RG-178B/U, UFB136A, C091 | 3 GHz | 1.1 – 1.5 dB/ft (3.6 – 4.9 dB/m) |
| 6 GHz | 1.8 – 2.5 dB/ft (5.9 – 8.2 dB/m) | ||
| ~0.034″ (0.86 mm) | RG-316/U, M17/065, UFB112A | 3 GHz | 1.6 – 2.0 dB/ft (5.2 – 6.6 dB/m) |
| 6 GHz | 2.4 – 3.2 dB/ft (7.9 – 10.5 dB/m) | ||
| ~0.032″ (0.81 mm) | RG-188A/U, UFB127A | 3 GHz | 1.3 – 1.8 dB/ft (4.3 – 5.9 dB/m) |
| 6 GHz | 2.0 – 2.8 dB/ft (6.6 – 9.2 dB/m) | ||
| ~0.027″ (0.68 mm) | – | 3 GHz | 1.7 – 2.3 dB/ft (5.6 – 7.5 dB/m) |
| 6 GHz | 2.8 – 3.8 dB/ft (9.2 – 12.5 dB/m) | ||
| ~0.020″ (0.51 mm) | RG-405/U, M17/135, UFB091A | 3 GHz | 2.0 – 2.7 dB/ft (6.6 – 8.9 dB/m) |
| 6 GHz | 3.3 – 4.5 dB/ft (10.8 – 14.8 dB/m) | ||
| 26.5 GHz | 12.0 – 18.0 dB/ft (39.4 – 59.0 dB/m) * | ||
| 40 GHz | 16.0 – 24.0 dB/ft (52.5 – 78.7 dB/m) * |
(* Important MM-Wave Note): Extremely high-frequency signals (e.g., 26.5 GHz, 40 GHz) used in 5G mmWave, radar, and advanced SATCOM demand ultra-low-loss micro coax (often 0.020″ or smaller). Benchmarks vary even more significantly here depending on specific materials and construction (e.g., solid vs. stranded center conductor, premium dielectrics). Losses become very high per foot/meter, making cable length critically important.
Key Considerations Beyond Raw dB Numbers:
Conclusion:
Expect insertion loss for high-frequency micro coax to range from roughly 1.0 dB/ft at 3 GHz for larger (~0.047″) cables to over 20 dB/ft at 40 GHz for the smallest (~0.020″) cables. Loss increases steeply with both frequency and decreasing cable diameter. While the benchmarks provided give a realistic starting point, always rely on the official manufacturer’s datasheet for the precise cable you select. Factor in connector losses and bend effects to accurately predict overall system performance, especially in demanding applications like mmWave communications. Choosing the right micro coax with known low-loss characteristics is fundamental to ensuring your high-frequency signal arrives intact.
Our factory offers high-quality products at competitive prices
Overview of I-PEX Micro Coaxial Cable Connectors I-PEX is a global leader in micro coaxial cable solutions, specializing in high-performance IPEX micro coax connectors and micro coaxial cable assemblies. These products are designed for.
Meta Description: Discover our premium Flexible Micro-Coaxial Assemblies—engineered for high-frequency signal integrity, durability, and versatility in aerospace, medical, telecom, and robotics applications. What Are Flexible .
Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries or orders.
