A connection cable which allows various high-frequency surgical instruments to be used with various high-frequency surgical devices. The connection cable includes a first connecting means designed for connection to a socket of the high-frequency surgical device and a second connecting means designed for connection to the high-frequency surgical instrument. A programmable memory is provided which is connected to contacts of the first connecting means and controls adjustment of the high-frequency surgical device. The adjustment of the high-frequency surgical instrument is controlled in accordance with stored data sets in order to adapt device settings to the particular high-frequency surgical instrument.