RG142 Coaxial Cable is a 50-ohm, double-shielded RF coaxial cable designed for reliable signal transmission in demanding high-frequency and high-temperature environments. It typically uses a silver-plated copper-clad steel conductor, PTFE dielectric, dual silver-plated copper braid shielding, and an FEP outer jacket. This construction provides strong electrical performance, shielding effectiveness, and durability.
RG142 is commonly used in aerospace, defense, telecommunications, wireless communication, RF test equipment, instrumentation, and other systems where stable impedance and protection against electromagnetic interference are important.
What Is RG142 Coaxial Cable?
RG142 is a flexible 50 Ohm RF coaxial cable developed for applications requiring dependable transmission performance across a broad frequency range. Its double-braided shielding helps reduce unwanted electromagnetic interference and signal leakage, while the PTFE dielectric provides stable insulation and temperature resistance.
Depending on the manufacturer and construction standard, RG142 cables can have different maximum frequency ratings. For example, some commercial datasheets specify operation up to 6 GHz, while other constructions are rated higher. Therefore, the manufacturer’s datasheet should always be checked for the exact cable assembly.
RG142 Coaxial Cable Construction
The performance of RG142 Coaxial Cable comes from its carefully designed layered construction.
Center Conductor
The center conductor is commonly made from silver-plated copper-clad steel. This construction combines conductivity with mechanical strength and is suitable for demanding RF environments. Typical conductor diameter is around 0.94–0.95 mm.
PTFE Dielectric
A solid PTFE dielectric surrounds the center conductor. PTFE provides excellent electrical insulation, low dielectric loss, and good temperature performance. A typical dielectric diameter is approximately 2.95 mm.
Double Shielding
One of the defining features of RG142 is its double braided shield. The shields are generally made from silver-plated copper braid. Two shielding layers provide enhanced protection against external electromagnetic interference compared with many single-shield coaxial cables.
FEP Jacket
The outer jacket is commonly brown FEP. FEP provides mechanical protection and supports operation in demanding temperature environments. Many RG142 specifications cite an operating temperature range extending from approximately -55°C to +200°C.
RG142 Coaxial Cable Specifications
| Parameter | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Cable Type | Flexible RF Coaxial Cable |
| Impedance | 50 Ohm |
| Center Conductor | Silver-Plated Copper-Clad Steel |
| Dielectric | PTFE |
| Shielding | Double Silver-Plated Copper Braid |
| Jacket | FEP |
| Nominal Diameter | Approx. 4.95 mm |
| Capacitance | Approx. 95–96 pF/m |
| Velocity of Propagation | Approx. 69–70% |
| Temperature Range | Approx. -55°C to +200°C |
| Frequency Rating | Depends on manufacturer/construction |
Exact electrical and mechanical specifications vary between manufacturers and standards, so the relevant datasheet should be consulted before selecting RG142 for a specific system.
Key Features of RG142 Coaxial Cable
1. 50 Ohm Impedance
RG142 is designed around a 50-ohm impedance, making it suitable for RF and microwave equipment, transmitters, receivers, antennas, and test systems.
2. Double-Shielded Construction
The dual-braid shield improves protection against EMI and unwanted RF coupling, which is particularly useful in environments containing multiple electronic and RF systems.
3. High-Temperature Capability
PTFE insulation and an FEP jacket allow RG142 to operate across a wide temperature range. This makes it useful for aerospace, defense, industrial, and other demanding applications.
4. Mechanical Strength
The copper-clad steel conductor and robust shielding provide a combination of electrical performance and mechanical durability.
5. RF Performance
RG142 is available in constructions suitable for high-frequency applications. Attenuation increases as frequency increases, so cable length and operating frequency should be considered when designing an RF system.
Applications of RG142 Coaxial Cable
RG142 Coaxial Cable is suitable for a wide variety of RF applications, including:
- Aerospace communication systems
- Defense and military electronics
- RF and microwave equipment
- Wireless communication systems
- Antenna connections
- Test and measurement equipment
- Instrumentation systems
- Telecommunications equipment
- High-temperature electronic systems
- Transmitter and receiver interconnections
Belden, for example, identifies RG142 products for aerospace wireless communication applications.
RG142 Cable Assemblies and Connectors
RG142 can be manufactured into custom RF cable assemblies using connectors selected according to the equipment and frequency requirements. Common connector options can include SMA, N-Type, BNC, TNC, and other RF interfaces.
For a complete assembly, the connector, cable, termination method, operating frequency, voltage rating, and mechanical requirements should be evaluated together. The final assembly performance can differ from the cable’s standalone rating.
RG142 vs RG188 Cable
RG142 and RG188 Cable are both 50-ohm PTFE-based RF cable types, but they are not interchangeable products.
RG142 is generally larger, with an approximately 4.95 mm outer diameter and double shielding. RG188 Cable is typically smaller, around 2.54 mm in diameter, and is also used where compact RF interconnections are required.
The appropriate cable depends on requirements such as shielding, attenuation, flexibility, temperature, voltage, physical size, and operating frequency.
How to Select RG142 Coaxial Cable
Before purchasing RG142, consider:
- Operating frequency – confirm the manufacturer’s frequency rating.
- Cable length – longer cables introduce greater attenuation.
- Impedance – use 50-ohm cable for compatible RF systems.
- Temperature – verify the cable’s temperature rating.
- Shielding – double shielding is useful in high-EMI environments.
- Voltage – check the maximum operating voltage.
- Connector type – select connectors compatible with the equipment.
- Assembly performance – evaluate the complete cable assembly, not only the cable.
Conclusion
RG142 Coaxial Cable is a robust 50-ohm RF cable designed for applications requiring double shielding, PTFE insulation, reliable RF transmission, and wide-temperature performance. Its combination of silver-plated conductors, dual braided shielding, PTFE dielectric, and FEP jacket makes it suitable for demanding aerospace, defense, telecommunications, wireless, instrumentation, and test applications.
When choosing RG142, always verify the exact manufacturer’s specifications for frequency range, attenuation, voltage, temperature, dimensions, and connector compatibility.
FAQs About RG142 Coaxial Cable
1. What is RG142 Coaxial Cable?
RG142 is a 50-ohm, double-shielded RF coaxial cable commonly constructed with a silver-plated conductor, PTFE dielectric, dual braided shields, and an FEP jacket.
2. Is RG142 a 50-ohm cable?
Yes. RG142 is designed as a 50-ohm coaxial cable for RF and microwave applications.
3. What is RG142 used for?
It is used in aerospace, defense, telecommunications, wireless communication, RF instrumentation, test equipment, and other demanding electronic systems.
4. What is the dielectric material of RG142?
RG142 commonly uses PTFE as its dielectric material.
5. Does RG142 have double shielding?
Yes. Double silver-plated copper braid shielding is a defining construction feature of RG142.
6. What is the typical diameter of RG142?
A common RG142 construction has an outside diameter of approximately 4.95 mm (0.195 inch).
7. What is the temperature range of RG142?
Many RG142 constructions specify approximately -55°C to +200°C, although the exact rating depends on the manufacturer and construction.
8. Is RG142 suitable for high-frequency applications?
Yes. RG142 is available in constructions designed for high-frequency RF applications, but the exact maximum frequency should be verified from the manufacturer’s datasheet.
9. What is the difference between RG142 and RG188 Cable?
RG142 is generally larger and uses double shielding, while RG188 Cable is a smaller 50-ohm PTFE coaxial cable intended for more compact RF interconnections.
10. Can RG142 be supplied as a cable assembly?
Yes. RG142 can be terminated with suitable RF connectors to create customized cable assemblies for specific equipment and system requirements.
