LMR-200 Coaxial Cable: The Perfect Balance of Low Loss and Flexibility

2026/10/14

When designing RF systems, engineers often face a trade-off: choose a thin, flexible cable with higher signal loss, or a thick, low-loss cable that is difficult to route in tight spaces. LMR-200 coaxial cable was engineered to solve this exact dilemma. Positioned between the ultra-flexible LMR-195 and the heavier-duty LMR-240, LMR-200 delivers an optimal blend of low attenuation, high shielding, and manageable flexibility for mid-range wireless applications.

Whether you are extending a Wi-Fi 6E access point feed, deploying a 5G small cell, or building a GPS timing system, LMR-200 offers the performance headroom that RG-58 and LMR-195 cannot provide—without the bulk of larger cables.

What Is LMR-200?

LMR-200 is a 50-ohm, low-loss flexible coaxial cable with an outer diameter of approximately 0.240 inches (6.1 mm). Originally developed by Times Microwave Systems (now Amphenol), it features foam PE dielectric, bare copper-clad aluminum (BCC) center conductor, and dual-layer shielding. It is specifically designed for applications where LMR-195 is too lossy but LMR-240 is too stiff or bulky.

Critical Note: LMR-200 is physically similar in size to 75Ω RG-59/RG-6, but it is strictly a 50Ω cable. Never use LMR-200 in 75Ω systems (e.g., CCTV, CATV) unless you are using the specialized 75Ω variant (LMR-200-75). Impedance mismatch will cause severe signal reflection and system failure.

Key Technical Advantages

1. Optimized Attenuation Performance

At 2.4 GHz, LMR-200 exhibits approximately 22% lower loss than LMR-195 and 60% lower loss than RG-58. This makes it ideal for runs between 3–8 meters where every dB matters, yet space constraints prevent the use of LMR-240.

2. Higher Velocity of Propagation (83%)

With a propagation velocity of 83% (vs. 80% for LMR-195), LMR-200 offers reduced dielectric loss and superior phase stability. This is particularly valuable for GPS/GNSS precision timing, phased array antennas, and test equipment requiring accurate signal delay characteristics.

3. Superior Shielding & Outdoor Durability

Like all LMR-series cables, LMR-200 features foil + tinned copper braid dual shielding with >90 dB effectiveness. The UV-resistant black PE jacket ensures reliable outdoor performance without additional conduit or weatherproofing.

4. Flexible Yet Robust

Despite its enhanced performance, LMR-200 maintains excellent flexibility with a repeated bend radius of just 2.4 inches (61 mm). It can be routed through conduits, around corners, and into enclosures far more easily than LMR-240 or LMR-400.

Quick Specifications at a Glance

Parameter	Specification
Impedance	50 Ω
Outer Diameter	0.240" (6.1 mm)
Center Conductor	Bare Copper Clad Aluminum (BCC), 0.046" (1.17 mm)
Dielectric	Foam PE
Shielding	Foil + Tinned Copper Braid (>90 dB)
Frequency Range	DC – 6 GHz
Velocity of Propagation	83%
Attenuation @ 900 MHz	~8.5 dB/100 ft (27.9 dB/100 m)
Attenuation @ 2.4 GHz	~14.5 dB/100 ft (47.6 dB/100 m)
Min. Bend Radius (Repeated)	2.4" (61 mm)

Note: Always consult your supplier’s official datasheet. Specifications may vary slightly between manufacturers and jacket materials.

Primary Applications

Wi-Fi 6/6E/7 Mid-Range Feeds: AP-to-antenna runs of 3–8 meters where LMR-195 loss is unacceptable.
Cellular Small Cells & DAS: 4G/5G indoor distribution branch lines.
GPS/GNSS Precision Timing: Base station clock synchronization and high-accuracy positioning.
Amateur Radio: UHF/SHF mobile antennas, Yagi short feed lines.
UAVs & Robotics: Video transmission links and radar sensor connections (lightweight + low loss).
Test & Measurement: Benchtop test leads requiring better performance than LMR-195 with greater flexibility than LMR-240.

LMR-200 vs. Neighboring Cables: Selection Guide

Model	OD	Loss @2.4GHz	Flexibility	Best Use Case
LMR-195	0.195"	18.5 dB/100ft	★★★★★	≤3m jumpers, internal wiring
LMR-200	0.240"	14.5 dB/100ft	★★★★☆	3–8m feeds, space-constrained low-loss
LMR-240	0.280"	11.5 dB/100ft	★★★☆☆	8–15m main trunks, fixed installs
RG-58	0.195"	~33 dB/100ft	★★★★★	Legacy/low-freq only (obsolete for modern RF)

Critical Installation Notes

Use LMR-200 Specific Connectors Only: LMR-200 has unique center conductor and OD tolerances. Standard RG-58, RG-59, or even LMR-195 connectors will not work properly. Always use connectors and crimp tools explicitly rated for LMR-200 to avoid poor VSWR, intermittent contact, or equipment damage.
Length Threshold at 5 GHz: For runs exceeding 5 meters at 5 GHz+, consider upgrading to LMR-240. Below 5 meters with frequent bending requirements, LMR-200 remains the optimal choice.
Authenticity Matters: "LMR" is a registered trademark of Amphenol Times Microwave. Counterfeit cables often suffer from inferior copper purity, inconsistent foam density, and inadequate shielding. For mission-critical deployments, source only from authorized distributors or certified equivalents (e.g., Pasternack PE-C200, MPD LMR-200-EQ).

Conclusion

LMR-200 occupies a vital niche in the RF cabling ecosystem. It eliminates the compromise between performance and practicality, offering engineers a cable that is both electrically superior to legacy standards and mechanically easier to install than heavier alternatives. For any 50Ω system operating above 1 GHz where cable routing space is limited but signal integrity cannot be sacrificed, LMR-200 is the definitive solution.

Need LMR-200 assemblies, custom lengths, or technical support? [Contact our RF specialists] or explore our [Coaxial Cable Catalog] for datasheets, connector compatibility guides, and volume pricing.