What is the electrical difference between RG-58 and RG-213 coaxial cable?

What is the electrical difference between RG-58 and RG-213 coaxial cable?

• A. There is no significant difference between the two types
• B. RG-58 cable has two shields
• C. RG-213 cable has less loss at a given frequency
• D. RG-58 cable can handle higher power levels

Answer: (C)

The correct choice highlights that RG-213 cable has less loss at a given frequency compared to RG-58. This distinction is primarily due to the physical characteristics and construction of the cables. RG-213, being a thicker cable with a larger diameter, typically utilizes a higher quality dielectric and a more effective shielding design, which reduces attenuation. This lower loss is critically important for applications where signal integrity must be maintained over longer distances, making RG-213 a preferred choice for communications in settings such as repeater stations or other infrastructure where signal strength is crucial. In contrast, RG-58, while suitable for many applications, tends to have higher attenuation due to its smaller conductor size and lighter construction. This can limit its effectiveness for longer runs or higher frequency applications where signal degradation needs to be minimized. Thus, while both cables can be used in various situations, the lower loss characteristic of RG-213 is a significant advantage when considering performance in transmitting signals across distances.

The correct choice highlights that RG-213 cable has less loss at a given frequency compared to RG-58. This distinction is primarily due to the physical characteristics and construction of the cables. RG-213, being a thicker cable with a larger diameter, typically utilizes a higher quality dielectric and a more effective shielding design, which reduces attenuation. This lower loss is critically important for applications where signal integrity must be maintained over longer distances, making RG-213 a preferred choice for communications in settings such as repeater stations or other infrastructure where signal strength is crucial.

In contrast, RG-58, while suitable for many applications, tends to have higher attenuation due to its smaller conductor size and lighter construction. This can limit its effectiveness for longer runs or higher frequency applications where signal degradation needs to be minimized. Thus, while both cables can be used in various situations, the lower loss characteristic of RG-213 is a significant advantage when considering performance in transmitting signals across distances.