RG316 Double Shielded Cable is a compact, flexible coaxial cable designed for reliable RF signal transmission in applications where shielding, flexibility, and stable electrical performance are important. Its double-shielded construction provides improved protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI), making it suitable for telecommunications, aerospace, defense, wireless communication, instrumentation, test equipment, and industrial electronics.

The RG316 Cable Double Shield configuration is commonly selected for compact RF assemblies where space is limited and dependent signal integrity is required.

What Is RG316 Double Shielded Cable?

RG316 is a small-diameter 50-ohm coaxial cable generally used for RF and microwave signal transmission. The cable consists of a center conductor, dielectric insulation, shielding layers, and an outer protective jacket.

The double-shield construction uses two metallic shielding layers around the dielectric. This design helps reduce unwanted electromagnetic coupling and improves protection against external interference compared with cables using a single shield.

Because of its compact size and flexible construction, RG316 can be routed through tight spaces and integrated into complex electronic systems.

RG316 Cable Double Shield Construction

The performance of RG316 depends heavily on its layered construction.

Center Conductor

The center conductor is commonly made from silver-plated copper, with stranded construction used in many flexible versions. Silver plating supports good conductivity and can provide improved performance in demanding RF environments.

PTFE Dielectric

A PTFE dielectric surrounds the center conductor. PTFE offers stable electrical characteristics and good temperature resistance, making it suitable for high-performance RF applications.

Double Shielding

The defining feature of an RG316 Cable Double Shield is its two metallic shielding layers. These layers help minimize signal leakage and protect the transmitted RF signal from external electromagnetic interference.

Outer Jacket

The outer jacket protects the internal cable structure against mechanical handling and environmental exposure. Jacket materials and exact construction can vary depending on the manufacturer and cable version.

Typical RG316 Cable Specifications

Exact electrical and mechanical specifications can vary by manufacturer, cable construction, connector configuration, and assembly length. Always verify the manufacturer's datasheet for critical applications.

Key Features of RG316 Double Shielded Cable

The major features of RG316 Cable Double Shield include:

• 50-ohm characteristic impedance

• Compact and lightweight construction

• Flexible cable design

• Double metallic shielding

• PTFE dielectric insulation

• Good resistance to EMI and RFI

• Suitable for RF and microwave systems

• Easy integration into compact equipment

• Available in multiple connector configurations

• Suitable for custom cable assemblies

Technical Benefits

Improved EMI Protection

The double-shield structure helps reduce electromagnetic interference entering or leaving the cable. This is particularly useful in environments containing multiple electronic devices and RF sources.

Compact Design

RG316 has a relatively small outside diameter, allowing engineers to install it where larger coaxial cables may not fit.

Flexible Routing

Its flexible construction supports routing around equipment, panels, instruments, and compact assemblies without requiring rigid cable structures.

Reliable RF Transmission

With a nominal 50-ohm impedance, RG316 is designed for RF systems where impedance matching is important for maintaining signal integrity.

Temperature Capability

PTFE insulation gives RG316 cable assemblies useful thermal performance for demanding electronic and RF environments. The actual operating temperature range depends on the specific cable construction.

Applications of RG316 Cable Double Shield

RG316 Double Shielded Cable is used across a wide range of technical industries.

Aerospace and Defense

Its compact size, shielding, and flexibility make RG316 suitable for RF interconnections inside aerospace electronics, communication equipment, navigation systems, and defense electronics.

Telecommunications

RG316 can be used for internal RF connections, communication equipment, wireless systems, and compact telecom assemblies.

Test and Measurement

Test instruments, laboratory equipment, RF analyzers, signal generators, and measurement systems can use RG316 cable assemblies for interconnections.

Wireless Communication

The cable is suitable for internal connections between antennas, RF modules, transceivers, and other wireless communication components.

Medical Electronics

RG316 may be used for RF connections inside specialized electronic and medical equipment where compact cable routing is required.

Industrial Electronics

Industrial automation, control equipment, instrumentation, and electronic systems can use RG316 where compact and shielded RF connections are needed.

RG316 Cable Connector Options

RG316 can be terminated with various RF connectors depending on the application. Common options include SMA, BNC, TNC, N-Type, and other miniature or standard RF interfaces.

Connector selection should consider frequency, impedance, installation space, mating requirements, environmental conditions, and mechanical requirements.

RG316 Cable Assembly

An RG316 cable assembly combines the cable with professionally installed connectors at one or both ends. Assemblies can be manufactured in different lengths and connector combinations.

Straight and right-angle connectors are available for applications where installation space or cable routing is restricted. Proper termination is important because poor connector installation can increase insertion loss, VSWR, and signal reflection.

How to Select RG316 Double Shielded Cable

Before selecting an RG316 Cable Double Shield, consider:

1. Required operating frequency

2. Cable length

3. Characteristic impedance

4. Required shielding performance

5. Operating temperature

6. Connector type

7. Required bending flexibility

8. Insertion loss and VSWR requirements

9. Environmental conditions

10. Assembly and termination requirements

For critical RF systems, the complete cable assembly should be evaluated rather than selecting the cable alone.

RG316 Double Shielded Cable vs Other RF Cables

RG316 is particularly useful when compact dimensions and flexibility are important. Larger RF cables may provide lower attenuation or greater power-handling capability, while semi-rigid cables can provide stronger mechanical stability and controlled geometry.

Therefore, RG316 should be selected according to the system's frequency, loss, power, flexibility, shielding, and installation requirements rather than simply cable size.

Conclusion

RG316 Double Shielded Cable provides a practical combination of compact size, flexibility, 50-ohm impedance, PTFE dielectric construction, and double shielding. Its ability to provide reliable RF interconnection in space-constrained environments makes it valuable for aerospace, defense, telecommunications, wireless communication, test and measurement, medical electronics, and industrial applications.

When selecting an RG316 Cable Double Shield, engineers should evaluate frequency range, attenuation, VSWR, temperature rating, shielding performance, connector type, cable length, and complete assembly quality to ensure reliable RF system performance.

FAQs About RG316 Double Shielded Cable

1. What is RG316 Double Shielded Cable?

RG316 Double Shielded Cable is a compact 50-ohm flexible coaxial cable featuring two metallic shielding layers for improved RF interference protection.

2. Is RG316 cable 50 ohms?

Yes. RG316 is generally designed as a 50-ohm RF coaxial cable.

3. What is the benefit of double shielding?

Double shielding helps reduce electromagnetic interference, radio-frequency interference, and unwanted signal leakage.

4. What dielectric is commonly used in RG316?

PTFE is commonly used as the dielectric material in RG316 cable construction.

5. Is RG316 suitable for high-frequency applications?

RG316 is used for RF and microwave applications, but the maximum usable frequency depends on the specific cable construction and manufacturer specifications.

6. Which connectors can be used with RG316?

Common connector options include SMA, BNC, TNC, N-Type, and other RF connectors.

7. Is RG316 flexible?

Yes. RG316 is designed as a flexible coaxial cable, making it useful for compact and complex equipment layouts.

8. Where is RG316 Cable Double Shield used?

It is commonly used in aerospace, defense, telecommunications, wireless communication, test and measurement, medical electronics, and industrial electronics.

9. Can RG316 be supplied as a cable assembly?

Yes. RG316 can be terminated with different connector combinations and supplied in customized lengths.

10. What should be checked before purchasing RG316?

Check impedance, frequency requirements, attenuation, VSWR, shielding, temperature rating, cable diameter, connector type, length, and application-specific requirements.