LMR-195 Coaxial Cable: The Ultimate Low-Loss Upgrade for RF Connectivity

2026/10/13

Date: October 13, 2026

Category: RF Components / Technical Insights

In the world of wireless communication and RF engineering, signal integrity is everything. For decades, RG-58 has been the industry standard for short-range coaxial connections. However, as modern applications demand higher frequencies and lower latency, legacy cables often fall short. Enter LMR-195, a high-performance, low-loss flexible coaxial cable designed specifically to bridge the gap between traditional RG-58 and thicker, less manageable alternatives.

Whether you are upgrading a Wi-Fi infrastructure, deploying IoT sensors, or maintaining amateur radio equipment, understanding LMR-195 is key to optimizing your RF system.

What Is LMR-195?

LMR-195 is a 50-ohm coaxial cable that serves as a direct, drop-in replacement for RG-58. Originally developed by Times Microwave Systems (now part of Amphenol), it features advanced foam PE insulation and superior shielding technology. Despite having nearly identical physical dimensions to RG-58 (~0.195" OD), it delivers significantly better electrical performance, making it the preferred choice for professionals who need flexibility without sacrificing signal quality.

Key Technical Advantages

1. Superior Signal Attenuation

The most significant advantage of LMR-195 is its low loss. At 2.4 GHz, LMR-195 exhibits approximately 45% less attenuation than standard RG-58. This translates to stronger signals at the antenna and improved link budgets for critical communications.

2. Exceptional Shielding (>90 dB)

Unlike single-braid RG-58 cables that offer only ~40 dB of shielding, LMR-195 utilizes a dual-shield design consisting of aluminum foil and tinned copper braid. This provides >90 dB shielding effectiveness, virtually eliminating RFI/EMI interference and preventing signal leakage in dense electronic environments.

3. Flexibility & Durability

Despite its high performance, LMR-195 remains highly flexible. It supports repeated bending with a minimum bend radius of just 2 inches (50.8 mm) for long-term installations. The UV-resistant black PE jacket ensures longevity in outdoor deployments, resisting moisture, sunlight, and temperature extremes.

Quick Specifications at a Glance

Parameter	Specification
Impedance	50 Ω
Outer Diameter	0.195" (4.95 mm)
Inner Conductor	Bare Copper Clad Aluminum (BCC) or Solid Copper
Dielectric	Foam PE
Frequency Range	DC – 6 GHz
Velocity of Propagation	80%
Attenuation @ 900 MHz	~10.5 dB/100 ft
Attenuation @ 2.4 GHz	~18.5 dB/100 ft
Shielding Effectiveness	>90 dB

Note: Always verify specifications with your supplier’s datasheet, as minor variations may exist between manufacturers.

Primary Applications

LMR-195 is versatile enough for both commercial and industrial use cases:

Wi-Fi & WLAN: Ideal jumper cables for 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz access points and indoor DAS.
Cellular & 5G Small Cells: Short feeder lines for base stations and repeaters.
GPS/GNSS: Precision timing and navigation antenna connections.
Amateur Radio: VHF/UHF mobile antennas and handheld transceiver pigtails.
Test & Measurement: Lab instrument interconnects and network analyzer test leads.
IoT & M2M: Reliable RF links for smart meters, asset trackers, and industrial sensors.

LMR-195 vs. RG-58: Why Upgrade?

If your current setup uses RG-58 and you are experiencing signal degradation, LMR-195 offers a seamless migration path:

Same Connectors: Compatible with standard BNC, SMA, N-Type, and TNC connectors designed for RG-58.
Same Tooling: Most RG-58 crimp tools work perfectly with LMR-195.
Better Performance: Nearly half the signal loss at microwave frequencies.
Future-Proof: Supports emerging protocols operating up to 6 GHz.

Expert Selection Tips

Pro Tip: While LMR-195 outperforms RG-58, it is still a thin-diameter cable. For runs exceeding 3–5 meters at 2.4 GHz+, consider stepping up to LMR-240 or LMR-400 to maintain acceptable signal levels. Use LMR-195 primarily for jumpers, pigtails, and short-distance feeds where flexibility and space are constrained.

Conclusion

LMR-195 represents the sweet spot in RF cabling: compact, flexible, affordable, and significantly more capable than legacy standards. For system integrators, installers, and DIY enthusiasts looking to maximize RF performance without overhauling their entire connector ecosystem, LMR-195 is the definitive upgrade.

lmr 195 coaxial cable the ultimate low loss upgrade for rf connectivity-2

Looking for LMR-195 assemblies or custom RF solutions? [Contact our sales team] or browse our [Coaxial Cable Catalog] for detailed datasheets and pricing.