What Is RG316 Cable Double Shield? Features & Applications

SRFS Teleinfra — Sat, 26 Sep 2026 07:08:50 +0000

RG316 Cable Double Shield is a compact, flexible RF coaxial cable designed for reliable signal transmission in high-frequency electronic and communication 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 shielding performance are important.

With a typical 50-ohm impedance, flexible construction, PTFE dielectric, and silver-plated conductor, RG316 Cable Double Shield is widely used in aerospace, defense, telecommunications, wireless communication, test and measurement, medical electronics, and industrial equipment.

What Is RG316 Cable Double Shield?

RG316 Cable Double Shield is a shielded coaxial RF cable consisting of a central conductor, dielectric insulation, two metallic shielding layers, and an outer protective jacket. The double-shield configuration helps reduce unwanted electromagnetic coupling and limits RF signal leakage.

The cable is particularly useful in compact systems where engineers require a combination of flexibility, shielding, compact size, and dependable RF performance.

RG316 Cable Double Shield Construction

The performance of RG316 Cable Double Shield depends heavily on its layered construction.

Center Conductor

The center conductor is commonly made using silver-plated copper, providing good electrical conductivity and supporting reliable RF signal transmission. Stranded construction also contributes to the cable's flexibility.

PTFE Dielectric

A PTFE dielectric surrounds the center conductor and maintains electrical separation between the conductor and shield. PTFE is valued for its stable electrical characteristics and suitability for demanding temperature environments.

Double Shield

The defining characteristic of RG316 Cable Double Shield is its two-layer metallic shielding structure. The first shield surrounds the dielectric, while the second metallic braid provides additional protection.

This arrangement improves resistance to external EMI and RFI while helping contain the cable's RF energy.

Outer Jacket

The outer protective jacket provides mechanical protection and helps protect the internal cable structure during installation and operation.

Key Features of RG316 Cable Double Shield

RG316 Cable Double Shield offers several characteristics that make it useful for RF and microwave systems:

Feature Description
Impedance Typically 50 Ohms
Construction Flexible coaxial cable
Shielding Double metallic shield
Conductor Commonly silver-plated copper
Dielectric PTFE
Size Compact construction
Flexibility Suitable for routing and equipment connections
Applications RF, microwave, telecom, test and electronic systems

Exact electrical and mechanical specifications can vary between manufacturers, so the manufacturer's datasheet should be checked before final selection.

Why Double Shielding Is Important

Shielding plays an important role in maintaining RF signal quality. External electromagnetic fields can introduce unwanted noise into sensitive circuits, particularly when cables are routed near transmitters, power equipment, digital electronics, or other RF sources.

The RG316 Cable Double Shield design provides an additional shielding layer compared with single-shield constructions. This can improve isolation and help reduce the effects of external interference.

Double shielding can be especially valuable in:

High-frequency electronic equipment
RF test systems
Communication equipment
Aerospace electronics
Defense electronics
Wireless communication systems
Instrumentation
Technical Benefits of RG316 Cable Double Shield

One major benefit of RG316 Cable Double Shield is its balance between compact construction and RF performance. Its flexible design makes it easier to route inside equipment and around connectors compared with rigid or semi-rigid cables.

Other benefits include:

Improved EMI and RFI Protection

The double metallic shield helps reduce interference entering or leaving the cable.

Flexible Installation

The flexible construction allows the cable to be routed through compact equipment and connection assemblies.

Stable RF Transmission

The 50-ohm configuration makes RG316 suitable for many RF systems designed around standard 50-ohm signal paths.

Temperature Capability

The PTFE-based construction supports demanding temperature environments. Exact operating limits depend on the cable manufacturer's design.

Compact RF Connections

RG316 is commonly selected where space is limited and a smaller flexible RF cable is required.

Applications of RG316 Cable Double Shield

RG316 Cable Double Shield is used across multiple industries because of its compact size, flexibility, and shielding characteristics.

Aerospace and Defense

It can be used for internal RF connections, avionics equipment, communication systems, navigation electronics, and other demanding electronic assemblies.

Telecommunications

Telecom equipment can use RG316 cable assemblies for RF connections between components, modules, and communication equipment.

Test and Measurement

RG316 Cable Double Shield is useful in laboratory and engineering environments where flexible RF connections are required for instruments and test equipment.

Wireless Communication

The cable can support RF connections in wireless equipment, antennas, radio systems, and related communication hardware.

Medical Electronics

Its compact construction can be useful for RF and electronic connections inside specialized medical equipment where controlled signal transmission is required.

Industrial Electronics

Industrial RF equipment, instrumentation, sensors, and electronic control systems may use RG316 cable assemblies for internal and external connections.

RG316 Cable Double Shield Connector Options

RG316 Cable Double Shield can be terminated with different RF connectors depending on system requirements. Common options include SMA, BNC, TNC, and N-Type, along with other connector configurations.

The connector should be selected according to frequency, impedance, mechanical requirements, installation space, and equipment interface.

How to Select RG316 Cable Double Shield

Before selecting RG316 Cable Double Shield, consider:

Required operating frequency
System impedance
Cable length
Insertion loss requirements
VSWR and return loss
Shielding requirements
Operating temperature
Connector type
Bend and routing requirements
Cable assembly configuration

For demanding RF applications, evaluate the complete cable assembly rather than the cable alone because connector quality and termination can significantly influence overall performance.

Conclusion

RG316 Cable Double Shield is a compact and flexible 50-ohm RF cable designed for applications requiring dependable signal transmission and enhanced shielding. Its silver-plated conductor, PTFE dielectric, double metallic shielding, and flexible construction make it suitable for aerospace, defense, telecommunications, wireless communication, test and measurement, medical electronics, and industrial systems.

For reliable selection, engineers should compare frequency capability, attenuation, VSWR, shielding performance, temperature rating, dimensions, connector compatibility, and complete assembly specifications.

FAQs About RG316 Cable Double Shield

What is RG316 Cable Double Shield?

RG316 Cable Double Shield is a flexible 50-ohm coaxial RF cable featuring two metallic shielding layers for improved EMI and RFI protection.

What impedance does RG316 cable typically have?

RG316 cable is typically designed with a 50-ohm impedance, making it suitable for many RF and microwave systems.

Why does RG316 use double shielding?

Double shielding provides additional protection against electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference and can improve signal isolation.

What is the dielectric used in RG316 cable?

RG316 commonly uses PTFE dielectric material, supporting stable electrical performance and demanding temperature environments.

Where is RG316 Cable Double Shield used?

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

Is RG316 cable flexible?

Yes. RG316 is designed as a flexible coaxial cable, making it suitable for equipment interconnections and compact routing.

Which connectors can be used with RG316?

Common connector options include SMA, BNC, TNC, N-Type, and other RF connector configurations depending on the application.

Is RG316 suitable for high-frequency applications?

RG316 is widely used for RF and microwave applications, but its maximum usable frequency and electrical performance should always be verified from the manufacturer's datasheet.

What should be checked before purchasing RG316 Cable Double Shield?

Check impedance, frequency range, attenuation, VSWR, shielding construction, temperature rating, cable dimensions, connector type, and assembly requirements.

Can RG316 be supplied as a cable assembly?

Yes. RG316 can be terminated with different RF connectors to create customized cable assemblies for specific equipment and installation requirements.

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What Is RG316 Cable Double Shield? Features & Applications