RG-59

RG-59/U is a specific type of coaxial cable, often used for low-power video and RF signal connections. The cable has a characteristic impedance of 75 ohms. "RG" was originally a unit indicator for bulk RF cable in the U.S. military's Joint Electronics Type Designation System.

It is often used at baseband video frequencies, such as composite video. It may also be used for broadcast frequencies, but its high-frequency losses are too great to allow its use over long distances; in these applications, RG-6 or RG-11 is used instead. In cases where the transmission distance is too great for these media, such options as UTP (unshielded twisted pair) or fiber optic can be used.

RG-59 coaxial cable is commonly packed-in with consumer equipment, such as VCRs or digital cable/satellite receivers. Manufacturers tend to include only RG-59 cables because of its low cost (when compared to RG-6). However, given the short lengths provided (usually 4-6 feet / 1.2-1.8 m), this is generally sufficient for its typical use.

RG-59 is frequently used to synchronize two digital audio devices, such as ADAT optical devices. This is called word clock.

ee also

* BNC connector
* Coaxial cable
* RG-58 — A similar cable but with an impedance of 50 or 52 ohms

References

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