RG179 Cable is a small-diameter coaxial cable designed for reliable RF and high-frequency signal transmission where compact size, flexibility, and controlled impedance are important. It is commonly associated with 75-ohm coaxial cable construction and is available with PTFE insulation and a braided metallic shield. Typical RG179 designs have an outside diameter around 2.5 mm, although exact specifications vary by manufacturer and construction.
What Is RG179 Cable?
RG179 Cable is a miniature coaxial cable consisting of a center conductor, dielectric insulation, metallic shielding, and an outer protective jacket. Its compact construction makes it suitable for equipment where space is limited and a small-radius cable is required.
The RG179 designation is widely used in the RF industry, but RG designations themselves do not guarantee identical specifications across manufacturers. Therefore, important parameters such as impedance, frequency range, attenuation, voltage rating, jacket material, and temperature range should be verified against the manufacturer’s datasheet.
RG179 Cable Construction
The performance of RG179 Cable depends on the materials and dimensions used in its construction.
Center Conductor
RG179 designs commonly use a small stranded or solid conductor made from silver-plated copper or silver-coated copper-clad steel, depending on the manufacturer. The conductor carries the RF signal through the cable.
Dielectric
PTFE is commonly used as the dielectric material in RG179 constructions. The dielectric separates the conductor from the shield while helping maintain the cable’s electrical characteristics.
Shielding
A metallic braid surrounds the dielectric and provides shielding against external electromagnetic interference while also forming the return path of the coaxial transmission structure.
Outer Jacket
The outer jacket protects the internal construction from mechanical handling and environmental exposure. FEP is commonly used in RG179 cable constructions, particularly where temperature and chemical resistance are important.
RG179 Cable Specifications
| Parameter | Typical RG179 Specification |
|---|---|
| Cable Type | Miniature Coaxial Cable |
| Impedance | 75 Ohms |
| Dielectric | PTFE |
| Shield | Metallic Braid |
| Nominal Diameter | Around 2.5 mm |
| Construction | Compact and Flexible |
| Jacket | FEP or equivalent |
| Conductor | Silver-plated/silver-coated conductor |
| Application | RF, video, instrumentation and electronics |
Specifications can vary between manufacturers, so the exact product datasheet should be checked before selecting a cable. RG179 references may also identify different variants; for example, some sources list RG179 around 70 ohms while RG179A/B is commonly listed at 75 ohms.
Key Features of RG179 Cable
The compact design of RG179 Cable provides several useful characteristics:
- 75-ohm impedance for applications requiring 75-ohm signal transmission
- Small outside diameter for space-constrained equipment
- PTFE dielectric in many standard constructions
- Metallic braid shielding for protection against electromagnetic interference
- Flexible construction suitable for equipment interconnections
- FEP jacket options for demanding environments
- Suitable for high-frequency electronic and instrumentation applications
RG179 Cable Applications
RG179 Cable is used where compact coaxial interconnection and 75-ohm impedance are required.
Video and Display Systems
RG179 has been used in video and signal-distribution applications where controlled impedance and small cable size are important.
Test and Measurement
Its compact form makes it useful for internal equipment wiring, instrumentation, measurement systems, and signal interconnections.
RF and Communication Equipment
RG179 can be used for RF signal routing within communication and electronic equipment when its electrical specifications match the system requirements.
Aerospace and Electronics
Miniature coaxial cables are useful in compact electronic assemblies where weight, routing space, and cable diameter are important considerations.
Industrial Equipment
RG179 may also be used for instrumentation and electronic control systems requiring small coaxial connections.
RG179 Cable vs RG188 Cable
RG 188 Cable is another miniature coaxial cable, but it is generally associated with 50-ohm impedance, whereas RG179 is commonly associated with 75-ohm construction. RG188 commonly uses PTFE dielectric and is available with a small outside diameter around 2.54–2.67 mm depending on construction.
The choice between RG179 and RG188 Cable should therefore be based primarily on the required system impedance, frequency range, attenuation, voltage, connector compatibility, and environmental requirements.
How to Select RG179 Cable
Before purchasing RG179 Cable, consider:
- Impedance: Confirm that 75 ohms matches the equipment.
- Frequency: Check attenuation and maximum operating frequency.
- Cable diameter: Ensure the cable fits the available routing space.
- Temperature: Verify the operating temperature range.
- Shielding: Select suitable braid coverage for the electromagnetic environment.
- Connector: Confirm connector compatibility with the cable diameter.
- Assembly: For pre-terminated cables, verify the complete assembly’s RF performance.
Conclusion
RG179 Cable is a compact coaxial cable solution for applications requiring controlled impedance, small dimensions, and reliable RF or signal transmission. Its PTFE dielectric, metallic shielding, and compact construction make it suitable for instrumentation, video, communication, aerospace, and electronic equipment. Since RG179 specifications can vary between manufacturers, engineers should always verify the complete datasheet before selecting the cable for a specific system.
FAQs About RG179 Cable
1. What is RG179 Cable?
RG179 Cable is a miniature coaxial cable commonly designed for 75-ohm signal transmission and used in RF, video, instrumentation, and electronic systems.
2. Is RG179 Cable 50 ohm or 75 ohm?
RG179 is commonly specified as a 75-ohm cable, although historical or manufacturer-specific variants may differ. Always check the exact datasheet.
3. What dielectric is used in RG179 Cable?
PTFE is commonly used as the dielectric material in RG179 constructions.
4. What is the diameter of RG179 Cable?
A typical RG179 cable has an outside diameter of approximately 2.5 mm, depending on the manufacturer and construction.
5. Is RG179 Cable flexible?
Yes. Its miniature construction allows it to be routed through compact electronic assemblies, although the exact flexibility depends on conductor and jacket construction.
6. What is the difference between RG179 and RG188 Cable?
RG179 is generally associated with 75-ohm systems, while RG188 Cable is generally a 50-ohm miniature coaxial cable.
7. Where is RG179 Cable used?
Common applications include video systems, instrumentation, communication equipment, RF interconnections, aerospace electronics, and compact electronic assemblies.
8. Can RG179 Cable be used for high-frequency signals?
Yes, RG179 can be used for high-frequency signals when its frequency, attenuation, VSWR, and connector specifications meet the requirements of the application.
9. What connectors can be used with RG179 Cable?
Connector selection depends on the cable’s exact dimensions and application. Suitable miniature coaxial connectors can be selected based on the cable construction and required interface.
10. How should I choose RG179 Cable?
Check impedance, frequency range, attenuation, diameter, temperature rating, shielding, connector compatibility, and the requirements of the complete RF system before selecting RG179 Cable.
