Connector Matching

How to Match RG174, RG316, and RG58 with RF Connectors

05/29/2026

When matching RG174, RG316, and RG58 with RF connectors, the connector interface is only one part of the decision. These 50 ohm coaxial cables differ in cable diameter, dielectric structure, jacket material, and termination size, so an SMA or BNC connector for one cable may not fit another cable even if the mating interface looks the same. RG174 and RG316 are commonly used for compact RF pigtails and small cable assemblies, while RG58 uses larger connector hardware for thicker 50 ohm coaxial runs. A correct match should check the cable group, impedance, center contact, ferrule size, and termination method before ordering or assembling the cable.

How to Match RG174,RG316,and RG58 with RF Connectors

Table Of Contents

Start with Cable Size
RG174 Connector Match
RG316 Connector Match
RG58 Connector Match
Connector Matching Table
FAQ
Conclusion

Start with Cable Size

The front interface tells where the connector mates. The cable group tells which coax it terminates. SMA, BNC, TNC and N Type connectors are available in different cable termination versions, because the rear body, ferrule and center contact have to fit the coaxial cable outer diameter, dielectric diameter, shield construction and jacket thickness. For RG174 connector, RG316 connector and RG58 connector selection, RF connector matching starts with the cable side of the connector.

RG174 and RG316 sit in a small diameter coax connector cable group. RG174 is commonly around 0.110 inch or 2.8 mm OD with a PVC jacket. RG316 is commonly around 0.102 inch or 2.6 mm OD with a PTFE dielectric and FEP jacket. Their close cable size is why many connector series list RG174 and RG316 in the same or nearby cable groups. The exact ferrule and center contact still need to match the cable build selected for the assembly.

RG58 uses a larger connector fit. Its OD is commonly around 0.195 inch or 4.95 mm, so the connector rear entry, ferrule and center pin are larger than parts used for RG174 or RG316. A 50 ohm SMA for RG58 and a 50 ohm SMA for RG174 or RG316 may share the same mating interface, yet the cable side is built for a different diameter.

RG174 Connector Match

RG174 is a small diameter 50 ohm coax cable, with a common overall diameter around 0.110 inch or 2.8 mm. A typical RG174 coax cable uses a PE dielectric, single braid shield and PVC jacket, giving it enough flexibility for short RF pigtails, compact antenna leads and internal cable routing. For this cable size, the RG174 connector has to match the cable entry, ferrule size and center contact geometry, not just the visible mating interface.

An RG174 SMA connector is a common choice for WiFi antenna pigtail, GPS antenna cable, small RF module and compact wireless device assemblies. RG174 BNC connector options are also used where quick bayonet mating is preferred on test leads or low power RF links. MCX, MMCX and SMB connectors also appear in compact RG174 cable assemblies. For U.FL or IPEX antenna leads, check the cable diameter separately. Many ultra miniature interfaces use thinner micro coax, so RG174 size cannot be assumed from the connector name alone.

RG174 and RG58 can both appear with SMA or BNC interfaces, yet the cable side is different. RG174 uses a smaller ferrule and rear body than RG58, so a ferrule made for RG58 will leave the RG174 shield and jacket loose inside the termination area.

RG316 Connector Match

RG316 is close to RG174 in cable size, with a different material package. A typical RG316 coaxial cable has 50 ohm impedance, an overall diameter around 0.102 inch or 2.6 mm, a PTFE dielectric and an FEP jacket. This construction gives RG316 a different fit profile from PVC jacket RG174, even when both cables appear in the same small diameter coax connector cable group.

An RG316 SMA connector is a frequent choice for compact RF cable assemblies, test jumpers, communication modules and equipment where the cable route passes near warmer components. SMB, MCX, MMCX, BNC, TNC and QMA connectors may also be matched with RG316 when the connector part number lists RG316, RG174 or RG188 in its cable type range.

For an RG316 RF cable assembly, the connector specification needs to show the right cable group, center contact style and ferrule size. Some miniature coax connector designs use a crimp ferrule with a soldered center contact, while others use crimp contacts or assembly steps tied to a specific tool.

RG58 Connector Match

RG58 is a larger 50 ohm coaxial cable than RG174 and RG316, with a common overall diameter around 0.195 inch or 4.95 mm. This size changes the connector hardware on the cable side. An RG58 connector normally uses a larger rear entry, ferrule and center contact than the versions made for small diameter coax.

RG58 BNC connector and RG58 TNC connector options are common for test equipment leads, radio equipment, antenna feed cable and industrial RF connection. RG58 N Type connector and RG58 UHF connector options are also selected for heavier coaxial jumper cable routes where the device port and cable diameter call for a larger connector body. RG58 SMA connector options are also available. The cable entry and ferrule are sized for RG58, so they are different from SMA versions made for RG174 or RG316.

Connector Matching Table

The table below gives a quick RF connector compatibility chart for RG174 vs RG316 vs RG58.

Cable Type	Typical OD	Common Connector Types	Typical Use	Matching Note
RG174	About 0.110 inch or 2.8 mm	SMA, MCX, MMCX, BNC, SMB	WiFi antenna pigtail, GPS antenna cable, small RF module, compact internal wiring	Check whether the connector specification lists RG174, RG174A/U, RG188, RG316 or a similar 0.100 inch cable group.
RG316	About 0.102 inch or 2.6 mm	SMA, SMB, MCX, MMCX, BNC, TNC, QMA	Compact RF cable assemblies, test jumpers, communication modules, warmer cable routing areas	Confirm the RG316 cable group, ferrule size and center contact style before building the RG316 RF cable assembly.
RG58	About 0.195 inch or 4.95 mm	BNC, TNC, N Type, UHF, SMA	Test equipment leads, radio equipment, antenna feed cable, industrial RF connection, general coaxial jumper cable	RG58 uses larger connector hardware than RG174 or RG316, including the rear entry, ferrule and center contact.

FAQ

Q1: What connector fits RG174 coax cable?

RG174 is a small 50 ohm coax cable with a common outer diameter around 0.110 inch or 2.8 mm. It is often paired with SMA, MCX, MMCX, BNC and selected miniature coax connector assemblies for WiFi antenna pigtails, GPS antenna cables and compact internal wiring. The connector specification needs to list RG174, RG174A/U, RG188, RG316 or a similar 0.100 inch cable group.

Q2: Can RG174 and RG316 use the same RF connector?

RG174 and RG316 are close in cable diameter, so many connector series place them in the same small diameter cable group. The final match still depends on the exact connector part number, ferrule size, center contact and termination method. RG316 often has a PTFE dielectric and FEP jacket, so the cable build needs to be checked along with the cable name.

Q3: Can I use an SMA connector for RG58?

Yes. RG58 SMA connector options are available, as long as the connector is designed for the RG58 cable size. The important detail is the cable group. An SMA connector for RG58 uses a different cable entry, ferrule and center contact size from an SMA connector for RG174 or RG316.

Q4: What is the difference between RG174, RG316 and RG58 connectors?

The main difference is on the cable termination side. RG174 and RG316 usually belong to smaller coax connector cable groups. RG58 needs larger connector hardware because the cable diameter is much larger. Connector interface, impedance, ferrule size, center contact and assembly method all need to match the selected cable.

Q5: Should a 50 ohm cable always use a 50 ohm RF connector?

A 50 ohm coax cable is normally paired with a 50 ohm RF connector for a correct electrical match. RG174, RG316 and RG58 are commonly supplied as 50 ohm coax cables. Mechanical fit and impedance need to be checked together, because a connector can appear to fit while the impedance or cable termination size is wrong.

Q6: Can BNC connectors be used with RG174, RG316 and RG58 cables?

Yes. BNC connectors are available for all three cable types, but the connector must be designed for the specific cable diameter and construction. A BNC connector for RG58 uses different ferrule and cable entry dimensions than a BNC connector intended for RG174 or RG316. Always verify the cable compatibility listed in the connector datasheet.

Q7: How do I choose between crimp, solder and clamp RF connectors?

Crimp, solder and clamp connectors are all common RF connector termination methods. Crimp connectors are widely used for consistent assembly and higher production volumes. Solder connectors are often selected for prototypes or specialized cable constructions. Clamp connectors provide a mechanical attachment method without relying entirely on crimping. The correct choice depends on the cable type, connector design and assembly requirements.

Conclusion

Matching RG174, RG316 and RG58 with RF connectors starts from the cable side of the assembly. The same SMA, BNC, TNC or N Type interface can have different rear body, ferrule and center contact designs for different coax sizes. RG174 and RG316 are closer in diameter and often appear in small cable groups, while RG58 needs larger connector hardware for its thicker 50 ohm coax structure. Before placing an order, check the cable type, connector series, impedance, ferrule size, center contact and termination method together. If you are not sure which RF connector fits your RG174, RG316 or RG58 cable assembly, feel free to leave a comment or contact the Bafitop engineering team for a practical matching suggestion.

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