Coaxial Connectors (RF)

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
0731740410 Woodhead - Molex	CONN 1.0/2.3 JACK R/A 50 OHM PCB	0
0734040740 Woodhead - Molex	CONN SMB PLUG R/A 50 OHM SOLDER	0
0731795001 Woodhead - Molex	CONN TNC PLUG STR 50 OHM CRIMP	0
0731245005 Woodhead - Molex	CONN BNC RCPT STR 50 OHM SOLDER	0
0734156173 Woodhead - Molex	LEMO JACK RA PCB 50 OHM	0
0734035354 Woodhead - Molex	SMB J FAKRA 50 OHM LATCH UP	0
0734151635 Woodhead - Molex	MCX JACK VERT PCB RECPT SMT 7	0
0732162710 Woodhead - Molex	50 OHM TNC(J) R/A PCB REC	0
0734042280 Woodhead - Molex	CONN SMB RCPT R/A 50 OHM PCB	0
0731750250 Woodhead - Molex	TRIAX JACK SHV INTERFACE HV STR	0
0731710440 Woodhead - Molex	CONN BNC RCPT STR 50 OHM PCB	0
0734035352 Woodhead - Molex	SMB J FAKRA PIN IN PASTE 50 OHM	0
0734040813 Woodhead - Molex	FAKRA JACK R/A, PCB, CODE D	0
0731335003 Woodhead - Molex	CONN BNC RCPT STR 50 OHM PCB	0
0733000440 Woodhead - Molex	CONN SMPM PLUG STR 50 OHM SMD	2535
0731716090 Woodhead - Molex	SMA JACK EDGEMOUNT	0
0734155130 Woodhead - Molex	DUMMY TNC BULKHEAD WITH SEAL	252
0732511854 Woodhead - Molex	CONN SMA RCPT STR 50OHM COMPRESS	28
0734154280 Woodhead - Molex	SMP PLUG, PCB, 50 OHM	0
0731000256 Woodhead - Molex	CONN SMB PLUG R/A 75 OHM SOLDER	0

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.