
Why is RF400 from Connex is a good alternative to LMR400?
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Why is RF400 from Connex is a good alternative to LMR400?
RF400 is a European manufactured 50-ohm coaxial cable commonly used in RF communications (Wi-Fi, 4G 5G, IoT applications, 2-way radios, repeaters, etc.) and can be used as an effective alternative to LMR400. Connex terminates RF400 very low loss coaxial cables in-house to order with N-Type, SMA, RP-SMA and TNC connectors.
Here’s why RF400 is an alternative very low loss coaxial cable worth considering:
1. Electrical Performance
• Attenuation (loss per 100m): Both cables are virtually identical across most frequencies.
• Impedance & VSWR: Both maintain 50 Ω with very low VSWR, making them suitable for higher-frequency applications up to 6 GHz.
2. Physical Characteristics
• Size & Bend Radius: RF400 has the same outer diameter (10.2mm) and bend radius as LMR400, so it fits the same connectors and installation requirements.
• Flexibility: Like LMR400, RF400 is more flexible than many solid-core coaxial cables but still maintains low loss.
3. Shielding Effectiveness
• Both use foil + braid shielding, giving >90 dB shielding effectiveness. This offers better resistance to interference.
4. Connector Compatibility
• RF400 accepts all standard LMR400 connectors (N-type, SMA, TNC, etc.), so installers don’t need special tools or proprietary parts.
5. Cost
• RF400 is often more affordable than LMR400 while delivering comparable performance. For longer cable runs, the cost savings can be significant.
In summary,
RF400 is a good alternative to LMR400 because:
• It matches performance specs (low loss, shielding, frequency range).
• It has the same size and connectors (easy swap).
• It’s more cost effective