Coaxial Connectors (RF)

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
MMCX-J-P-H-ST-SM1-K Samtec, Inc.	CONN MMCX JACK STR 50 OHM SMD	0
GRF1-P-P-08-E-ST-TH1 Samtec, Inc.	CONN MMCX PLUG STR 50 OHM PCB	18
SMB5-J-P-H-RA-TH1 Samtec, Inc.	CONN SMB JACK R/A 50 OHM SOLDER	171
MCX-P-P-H-ST-TH2 Samtec, Inc.	CONN MCX PLUG STR 50 OHM PCB	1311
SMB7H-P-C-H-ST-CA3 Samtec, Inc.	CONN SMB PLUG STR 75 OHM SOLDER	94
HDBNC-J-P-GN-RA-BH2 Samtec, Inc.	CONN HDBNC JACK R/A 75 OHM PCB	325
MCX-J-P-H-ST-SM1 Samtec, Inc.	CONN MCX JACK STR 50 OHM SMD	1875
MMCX7-P-C-HF-ST-CA3 Samtec, Inc.	CONN PLUG MMCX 75OHM	112
MCX7-J-P-H-ST-TH1 Samtec, Inc.	CONN MCX JACK STR 75 OHM PCB	2804
HDBNC-P-C-GN-ST-CA6 Samtec, Inc.	CONN HDBNC PLUG STR 75OHM SOLDER	62
CJT-T-P-HH-RA-BH1 Samtec, Inc.	CONN TWINAX JACK RA 100OHM PCB	126
BNC7T-J-P-GN-ST-EM1D Samtec, Inc.	CONN BNC JACK STR 75OHM EDGE MNT	187
IJ5-01-05.0-L-S-1-TR Samtec, Inc.	CONTACT ARRARY ASSEMBLY	657
GRF1-J-P-08-E-ST-TH1-E Samtec, Inc.	CONN MMCX JACK STR 50 OHM PCB	106
GRF1-J-P-04-E-RA-TH1 Samtec, Inc.	CONN MMCX JACK R/A 50 OHM PCB	60
SMA-J-P-H-RA-TH1 Samtec, Inc.	CONN SMA JACK R/A 50 OHM PCB	6674
SMP-PS-P-HH-ST-EM3 Samtec, Inc.	50 OHM SMP PLUG, EDGE MOUNT	365
SMP-PS-P-GF-ST-TH2 Samtec, Inc.	CONN SMP PLUG STR 50 OHM PCB	185
MMCX-J-P-H-RA-TH1 Samtec, Inc.	CONN MMCX JACK R/A 50 OHM PCB	5887
RSP-122811-02 Samtec, Inc.	CONN IPEX MHF3 RCP STR 50OHM SMD	977

Coaxial Connectors (RF)

1. Overview

RF coaxial connectors are electro-mechanical devices designed to transmit radio frequency (RF) signals between components or systems. They maintain signal integrity in coaxial cables by preserving impedance matching and shielding performance. These connectors are critical in telecommunications, aerospace, defense, and test equipment, enabling reliable high-frequency signal transmission up to 110 GHz in modern applications.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Features	Typical Applications
BNC	Bayonet coupling, 50/75 impedance, quick-connect	Test instruments, video systems, 10BASE-T Ethernet
N-Type	Threaded coupling, 50 , weatherproof	Cellular base stations, microwave links, broadcast equipment
SMA	Threaded, 0-18 GHz range, compact size	Wi-Fi antennas, GPS modules, RF modules
F-Type	Compression fitting, 75 impedance	Cable TV, satellite TV, CATV systems
LC	Miniature threaded, low PIM design	High-density telecom equipment, 5G infrastructure

3. Structure and Components

A typical RF coaxial connector consists of four key elements:

Center Conductor: Precision-machined pin/socket (beryllium copper or phosphor bronze) for signal transmission
Dielectric Insulator: PTFE or ceramic material maintaining 50/75 impedance and spacing
Outer Conductor: Brass or stainless steel shell providing 360 shielding (typical attenuation >80dB)
Connection Mechanism: Threaded (N, SMA), bayonet (BNC), or compression (F-type) interface with anti-rotation features

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Description	Importance
Frequency Range	0.01-110 GHz (varies by type)	Determines maximum usable bandwidth
Impedance	50 (standard) or 75	Matches cable/system requirements
VSWR	1.2:1 (typical) - 1.5:1 (high-performance)	Measures signal reflection efficiency
Insertion Loss	0.1-0.5 dB (varies with frequency)	Impacts signal strength preservation
Withstanding Voltage	500V-3000V AC	Safety and insulation capability

5. Application Fields

Telecommunications: 5G base stations (N-Type/LC), fiber modems (SC/FC)
Military/Aerospace: Radar systems (high-reliability N-Type), avionics (MIL-STD-348 compliant)
Test & Measurement: Spectrum analyzers (Precision SMA), oscilloscopes (BNC)
Consumer Electronics: Cable TV (F-Type), Wi-Fi routers (RP-SMA)
Industrial IoT: Wireless sensors (TNC), RFID readers (MMCX)

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Key Products	Special Features
Amphenol	Series 5000 N-Type	IP68 rating, 0-11 GHz
TE Connectivity	Deutsch DMC	Military-grade vibration resistance
Rosenberger	4.3-10 Connector	70% smaller than N-Type, 6 GHz
Huber+Suhner	RadiX Hybrid	Combines RF and power in single interface
Southern California RF	Mini 50	High-density SMA alternative

7. Selection Recommendations

Key selection criteria include:

Frequency Requirements: BNC ( 4 GHz) vs SMA ( 18 GHz) vs 2.92mm ( 40 GHz)
Environmental Factors: Outdoor applications require IP67+ rated N-Type
Mechanical Durability: >500 mating cycles for test environments
Impedance Matching: 75 for video/cable TV systems
Space Constraints: Miniaturized options (MMCX, U.FL) for mobile devices

Case Study: In 5G massive MIMO systems, engineers prefer 4.3-10 connectors over traditional N-Type due to 30% size reduction and improved PIM performance (<-160dBc).

8. Industry Trends

Emerging development directions include:

Extreme Frequency: 110 GHz+ connectors for 6G and automotive radar
Miniaturization: 1.0mm connectors for wearable IoT devices
High-Density Integration: Multi-port arrays with integrated filters
Material Innovation: Graphene-enhanced contacts for reduced insertion loss
Smart Connectivity: Embedded sensors for real-time VSWR monitoring

Market forecasts indicate a CAGR of 7.2% (2023-2028), driven by 5G expansion and satellite internet demand.