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Coaxial Connectors (RF)

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
PA70024

PA70024

Paladin Tools (Greenlee Communications)

CONN F PLUG STR

0
XFC-6-10

XFC-6-10

Paladin Tools (Greenlee Communications)

CONN F PLUG STR

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

TypeFunctional FeaturesTypical Applications
BNCBayonet coupling, 50/75 impedance, quick-connectTest instruments, video systems, 10BASE-T Ethernet
N-TypeThreaded coupling, 50 , weatherproofCellular base stations, microwave links, broadcast equipment
SMAThreaded, 0-18 GHz range, compact sizeWi-Fi antennas, GPS modules, RF modules
F-TypeCompression fitting, 75 impedanceCable TV, satellite TV, CATV systems
LCMiniature threaded, low PIM designHigh-density telecom equipment, 5G infrastructure

3. Structure and Components

A typical RF coaxial connector consists of four key elements:

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

4. Key Technical Specifications

ParameterDescriptionImportance
Frequency Range0.01-110 GHz (varies by type)Determines maximum usable bandwidth
Impedance50 (standard) or 75 Matches cable/system requirements
VSWR1.2:1 (typical) - 1.5:1 (high-performance)Measures signal reflection efficiency
Insertion Loss0.1-0.5 dB (varies with frequency)Impacts signal strength preservation
Withstanding Voltage500V-3000V ACSafety 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

ManufacturerKey ProductsSpecial Features
AmphenolSeries 5000 N-TypeIP68 rating, 0-11 GHz
TE ConnectivityDeutsch DMCMilitary-grade vibration resistance
Rosenberger4.3-10 Connector70% smaller than N-Type, 6 GHz
Huber+SuhnerRadiX HybridCombines RF and power in single interface
Southern California RFMini 50High-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.

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