The RG316 Cable Double Shield is a compact, flexible coaxial cable designed for reliable RF and microwave signal transmission in demanding electronic systems. Its double-shield construction provides improved protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI), making it suitable for applications where signal integrity and compact cable routing are important.
With a nominal 50-ohm impedance, flexible construction, PTFE dielectric, and silver-plated copper conductor, RG316 is widely used in telecommunications, aerospace, defense, test and measurement, wireless communication, medical electronics, and industrial equipment.
What Is RG316 Double Shield Cable?
RG316 Double Shield Cable is a 50-ohm RF coaxial cable designed to carry high-frequency signals while minimizing unwanted electromagnetic interference. The cable uses multiple conductive layers around the dielectric to improve shielding effectiveness.
The typical construction consists of a stranded silver-plated copper center conductor, PTFE dielectric, two metallic braided shields, and an outer protective jacket. This construction provides a practical combination of flexibility, shielding, temperature resistance, and RF performance.
RG316 Cable Double Shield Construction
The performance of an RG316 cable depends significantly on its internal construction.
Center Conductor
The center conductor is typically made from silver-plated copper strands. The stranded construction allows the cable to bend more easily than many solid-conductor RF cables while maintaining good electrical conductivity.
PTFE Dielectric
A PTFE dielectric surrounds the center conductor and provides electrical insulation while maintaining stable RF characteristics. PTFE is also valued for its temperature resistance and suitability for demanding electronic environments.
Double Shield
The defining feature of the RG316 Cable Double Shield is its two-layer metallic shielding structure. The first metallic braid surrounds the dielectric, while a second braid provides additional protection.
This double-shield arrangement helps reduce external interference entering the cable and limits unwanted RF energy escaping from the transmission path.
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Outer Jacket
The outer jacket protects the internal cable construction from handling, installation, and environmental exposure. The exact jacket material and construction can vary depending on the manufacturer and cable version.
Key Features of RG316 Double Shield Cable
The RG316 Cable Double Shield offers several characteristics that make it useful for compact RF systems:
- 50-ohm characteristic impedance
- Double metallic shielding
- Flexible construction
- Silver-plated copper stranded conductor
- PTFE dielectric
- Compact cable size
- Good EMI and RFI protection
- Suitable for RF and microwave systems
- Wide temperature capability depending on construction
- Compatible with numerous RF connector configurations
Actual electrical and mechanical specifications can vary between manufacturers, so the cable datasheet should be checked before final selection.
Technical Benefits of RG316 Cable Double Shield
Improved EMI and RFI Protection
The dual shielding structure provides an additional barrier against electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference. This is particularly useful in environments containing multiple electronic systems, transmitters, motors, switching equipment, or high-frequency circuits.
Flexible Cable Routing
RG316 is designed for applications requiring relatively small and flexible RF cables. Its flexibility makes it easier to route through compact equipment, instrumentation, communication systems, and electronic assemblies.
Stable RF Transmission
The 50-ohm configuration makes RG316 suitable for many standard RF systems where impedance matching is important. Properly selected connectors and correctly terminated assemblies help maintain signal integrity throughout the transmission path.
Temperature Resistance
The PTFE dielectric contributes to the cable’s suitability for demanding temperature environments. However, the allowable operating temperature should always be confirmed from the specific manufacturer’s datasheet.
Typical Specifications
| Parameter | Typical Description |
| Cable Type | Flexible RF Coaxial Cable |
| Impedance | 50 Ohms |
| Conductor | Stranded Silver-Plated Copper |
| Dielectric | PTFE |
| Shielding | Double Metallic Braid |
| Construction | Flexible |
| Application | RF & Microwave Systems |
| Connector Options | SMA, BNC, TNC, N-Type and others |
These values represent common RG316 construction characteristics. Exact specifications may differ by manufacturer, cable design, and assembly configuration.
Applications of RG316 Double Shield Cable
The RG316 Cable Double Shield can be used across a wide range of RF and electronic applications.
Aerospace and Defense
Its compact construction, flexibility, and shielding make RG316 suitable for RF interconnections inside aerospace and defense electronics, communication equipment, navigation systems, and electronic assemblies.
Telecommunications
RG316 can be used for internal RF connections in telecommunications equipment, wireless communication systems, antennas, and radio-frequency modules.
Test and Measurement
Laboratory instruments, RF test equipment, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, and measurement systems can use RG316 cable assemblies for reliable signal connections.
Wireless Communication
The cable is suitable for RF interconnections in wireless modules, communication equipment, antenna systems, and other high-frequency electronic assemblies.
Medical Electronics
Compact shielded RF cables can be used for signal interconnections inside selected medical and electronic instrumentation where controlled RF transmission is required.
Industrial Electronics
RG316 can support RF connections in industrial control equipment, electronic systems, sensors, instrumentation, and specialized communication equipment.
RG316 Cable Connector Options
RG316 cable assemblies can be terminated with different RF connectors according to system requirements. Common options include SMA, BNC, TNC, and N-Type connectors, although the available combination depends on cable assembly design.
Straight and right-angle configurations can also be selected. Right-angle connectors are particularly useful where installation space is restricted.
How to Select the Right RG316 Cable
When selecting an RG316 Cable Double Shield, consider:
- Required operating frequency
- Characteristic impedance
- Cable attenuation
- VSWR and return loss
- Shielding requirements
- Operating temperature
- Required cable length
- Connector type
- Connector gender
- Minimum bend requirements
- Mechanical environment
- Complete assembly performance
For critical RF systems, evaluate the cable and connectors together rather than selecting the cable alone.
Conclusion
The RG316 Cable Double Shield is a compact and flexible RF solution for applications requiring reliable signal transmission and enhanced electromagnetic protection. Its 50-ohm impedance, PTFE dielectric, silver-plated copper conductor, and double-shield construction make it suitable for aerospace, defense, telecommunications, wireless communication, test and measurement, medical electronics, and industrial systems.
For demanding RF installations, selecting the correct cable specification, connector configuration, operating frequency, and assembly design is essential for achieving consistent performance.
FAQs About RG316 Double Shield Cable
1. What is RG316 Double Shield Cable?
RG316 Double Shield Cable is a flexible 50-ohm coaxial RF cable featuring a PTFE dielectric and two metallic shielding layers for improved EMI and RFI protection.
2. What is the impedance of RG316 Cable?
RG316 is typically designed with a characteristic impedance of 50 ohms, making it suitable for many RF and microwave systems.
3. Why does RG316 use double shielding?
Double shielding provides an additional barrier against electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference, helping protect signal integrity in electrically noisy environments.
4. What dielectric is used in RG316?
RG316 commonly uses PTFE as its dielectric material. PTFE provides electrical insulation and good temperature performance.
5. Is RG316 Cable flexible?
Yes. RG316 is a flexible coaxial cable and is commonly used where compact routing and repeated bending are important.
6. What connectors are available for RG316?
Depending on the assembly, RG316 can be terminated with connectors such as SMA, BNC, TNC, N-Type, and other RF connector configurations.
7. Where is RG316 Double Shield Cable used?
It is commonly used in aerospace, defense, telecommunications, wireless communication, test and measurement, medical electronics, and industrial electronic systems.
8. Is RG316 suitable for high-frequency applications?
RG316 is designed for RF and microwave applications, but the maximum usable frequency and attenuation depend on the specific cable construction and manufacturer specifications.
9. What should be checked before buying RG316 Cable?
Check impedance, frequency range, attenuation, shielding, temperature rating, connector type, cable length, bend requirements, and complete assembly specifications.
10. Can RG316 be supplied as a cable assembly?
Yes. RG316 can be supplied as customized RF cable assemblies with different connector types, genders, lengths, and straight or right-angle configurations.
