Test & Measurement

RF Test Cables — SMA, BNC & N-Type Lab Assemblies

Measurement accuracy starts with the cable. Poor shielding introduces noise, impedance mismatches create return loss errors, and phase instability corrupts VNA measurements. The right cable for lab work is double-shielded, PTFE-insulated, and properly terminated.

Quick Pick — Best Cable by Run Length

Not sure what to order? Start here.

RG-58
DC – 1 GHz RG-58

Standard 50-ohm cable for oscilloscopes and signal generators

Build with RG-58 →
RG-316
1 – 6 GHz RG-316

PTFE-insulated for precision SMA and BNC connections to 6 GHz

Build with RG-316 →
RG-142
6 – 18 GHz RG-142

Double-shielded for VNA and microwave bench work

Build with RG-142 →
RG-405
Up to 20 GHz RG-405

Semi-rigid .086 for highest phase stability and frequency

Build with RG-405 →

Signal Loss Comparison

dB loss per 100 feet — lower is better. Multiply by your run length and divide by 100.

Cable 100 MHz 1 GHz 6 GHz 18 GHz
RG-58 4.3 14.3 44.0 44.0
RG-174 6.6 21.5 65.0 65.0
RG-316 5.5 18.5 55.0 55.0
RG-316DS 5.3 17.5 52.0 52.0
RG-142 3.8 12.5 37.0 37.0
RFC-100A 5.3 16.5 49.0 49.0
RG-402 3.5 ✓ 10.8 ✓ 30.0 ✓ 30.0 ✓
RG-405 5.5 17.5 49.0 49.0

Values are approximate. ✓ indicates lowest loss for that frequency.

All Recommended Cables

RG-58

RG-58

$1.00/ft
Low loss:

Standard 50-ohm test cable for oscilloscopes and bench equipment.

Best for: Oscilloscopes, signal generators, DC–1 GHz

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RG-174

RG-174

$0.75/ft
Low loss:

Ultra-thin for tight bench setups and probe connections.

Best for: Probe leads, miniature test fixtures

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RG-316

RG-316

$0.90/ft
Low loss:

PTFE-insulated for precision SMA connections up to 6 GHz.

Best for: SMA test leads, bench work up to 6 GHz

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RG-316DS

RG-316DS

$1.05/ft
Low loss:

Double-shielded RG-316 for better isolation in noisy environments.

Best for: EMI-sensitive measurements, shielded test leads

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RG-142

RG-142

$2.35/ft
Low loss:

Double-shielded PTFE. Handles VNA and microwave bench work.

Best for: Network analyzers, microwave lab use

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RFC-100A

RFC-100A

$0.90/ft
Low loss:

Compact .100 cable for SMA instrument connections.

Best for: SMA instrument jumpers, rack-mount connections

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RG-402

RG-402

$3.00/ft
Low loss:

Semi-rigid .141 for broadband phase-stable measurements.

Best for: VNA jumpers, lab interconnects to 18 GHz

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RG-405

RG-405

$2.00/ft
Low loss:

Semi-rigid .086 for highest-frequency precision work to 20 GHz.

Best for: Microwave test, VNA calibration, SMA up to 20 GHz

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Popular Builds

Most common connector combinations on rg316. Click to configure length and order.

SMA MALE SMA MALE

SMA to SMA

From $13.38

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BNC MALE BNC MALE

BNC to BNC

From $15.38

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SMA MALE BNC MALE

SMA to BNC

From $14.38

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N MALE SMA MALE

N to SMA

From $13.88

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Frequently Asked Questions

What RF cable is best for test and measurement?
For bench work above 6 GHz, semi-rigid RG-405 (.086) or RG-402 (.141) provide the best phase stability. For general lab cables up to 6 GHz, double-shielded RG-142 or RG-316 are preferred. RG-58 handles low-frequency bench testing.
What connectors do oscilloscopes and signal generators use?
Most oscilloscopes and signal generators use BNC connectors. VNAs and microwave equipment use SMA or 3.5mm. Many instruments have N-type RF ports for higher power.
What is a phase-stable RF cable?
A phase-stable cable maintains consistent electrical length as it flexes or changes temperature — critical for VNA calibration. Semi-rigid coax (RG-405, RG-402) and cables with solid PTFE dielectric are the most phase-stable.

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