Cable
RG178
End A
MCX MALE
$1.00
End B
RP-SMA FEMALE
$1.00
RG178 — MCX MALE to RP-SMA FEMALE
Custom RG178 cable assembly with MCX MALE and RP-SMA FEMALE connectors. Every cable is hand-assembled, tested, and ships free.
| Length | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ft | $11.98 | |
| 6 ft | $14.48 | |
| 25 ft | $23.98 |
Specs Summary
About This Assembly
RG178 Cable
RG-178 is an extremely thin 50-ohm coaxial cable measuring just 1.75mm in diameter, designed for space-constrained RF assemblies. Its PTFE dielectric and silver-plated conductors deliver reliable performance from DC up to several GHz. Commonly used for internal wiring in test equipment, medical devices, and cellular module pigtails.
MCX Connector
MCX (Micro Coaxial) is a snap-on RF connector approximately 30% smaller than SMB, designed for compact equipment requiring frequent connections in a small footprint. Rated to 6 GHz, MCX is commonly used in GPS receivers, automotive telematics modules, handheld communication devices, and compact measurement instruments.
RP-SMA Connector
RP-SMA (Reverse Polarity SMA) uses the SMA threaded coupling mechanism but with the male/female pin convention reversed — the jack has a pin and the plug has a socket. Originally standardized to prevent connection of uncertified antennas to consumer WiFi equipment, RP-SMA is now the dominant connector on commercial WiFi routers, access points, and 2.4/5 GHz antennas.
Common Applications
This MCX and RP-SMA cable assembly is well suited for ultra-compact internal wiring in test equipment and small wireless modules. The combination of reliable MCX and RP-SMA connectors and custom-cut cable length makes it a practical choice for both field installations and bench setups. Every assembly is hand-terminated, continuity tested, and ships free within the USA.
RG178 Signal Loss
Approximate attenuation at common RF frequencies.
| Frequency | Loss / 100 ft | Loss / ft |
|---|---|---|
| 100 MHz | 7.5 dB | 0.075 dB |
| 450 MHz | 16.5 dB | 0.165 dB |
| 900 MHz | 24 dB | 0.24 dB |
| 1.8 GHz | 35 dB | 0.35 dB |
| 2.4 GHz | 42 dB | 0.42 dB |
| 5.8 GHz | 70 dB | 0.7 dB |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RG178 coaxial cable used for?
RG-178 is an extremely thin 50-ohm coaxial cable measuring just 1.75mm in diameter, designed for space-constrained RF assemblies. Its PTFE dielectric and silver-plated conductors deliver reliable performance from DC up to several GHz. Commonly used for internal wiring in test equipment, medical devices, and cellular module pigtails.
What is the signal loss of RG178?
At 1800 MHz, RG178 has approximately 35 dB of loss per 100 ft (0.35 dB/ft).
What frequency range does this assembly support?
This assembly is rated DC – 3 GHz, limited by the lowest-rated component across the cable and connectors.
What is a MCX connector?
MCX (Micro Coaxial) is a snap-on RF connector approximately 30% smaller than SMB, designed for compact equipment requiring frequent connections in a small footprint. Rated to 6 GHz, MCX is commonly used in GPS receivers, automotive telematics modules, handheld communication devices, and compact measurement instruments.
