Coaxial Connectors (RF)

Coaxial Connectors (RF) - Adapters

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
242130RP Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT N PLUG TO RP-TNC JACK	33
1057374-1 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN ADAPT PLUG-JACK OSN 50 OHM	0
17K117-K01L5 Rosenberger	LONGWIPE SMP ADAPTER	0
222117-1 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK BNC 75 OHM	209
02K118-S00S3 Rosenberger	PRECISION 2.92 ADAPTER	0
1054874-1 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK OSM 50 OHM	587
122351 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT PLUG-PLUG TNC 75 OHM	24
112446 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK BNC 75 OHM	5654
1112-4147 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	SMP FEMALE TO FEMALE BULLET, SPR	50
1-1478043-0 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN ADAPT PLUG-PLUG BNC 75 OHM	148
ADP-NM-BNCF RF Solutions	CONN ADAPT N PLUG TO BNC JACK	0
242107 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT SMA JACK TO TNC JACK	424
RFU-534 RF Industries	T SHAPE; UHF; 3 FEMALE	14
31-219-RFX Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK BNC 50 OHM	2780
148-0901-711 Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	ADAPTER 1.85MM PLUG-JACK 50OHM	11
1112-4009 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	CONN ADAPT PLUG-JACK SMP 50 OHM	44
252171 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK MCX 50 OHM	139
031-2208 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT PLUG TO JACK BNC	50
APH-NJ-HDBNCJ Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT HDBNC JACK TO N JACK	0
M55339/34-00001 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK TNC 50 OHM	4

Coaxial Connectors (RF) - Adapters

1. Overview

RF coaxial connector adapters are passive devices enabling seamless interface between different coaxial connector types or configurations. They maintain signal integrity in radio frequency (RF) systems by ensuring impedance matching and minimizing signal reflection. These adapters play a critical role in telecommunications, test equipment, aerospace, and industrial applications where reliable RF transmission is required.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Function Features	Application Examples
BNC Adapters	Bayonet coupling, quick-connect, 50/75 variants, up to 4 GHz	Test instruments, CCTV systems
N-Type Adapters	Threaded coupling, weatherproof, 0-11 GHz, 50	Cellular base stations, microwave links
SMA Adapters	Threaded, compact, 0-18 GHz, 50	WiFi antennas, RF modules
F-Type Adapters	Compression fittings, 75 , CATV compatible	Cable TV splitters, satellite receivers
TNC Adapters	Threaded BNC variant, vibration-resistant	Military communication systems

3. Structure and Components

Typical physical construction includes:

Center conductor: Precision-machined brass or beryllium copper with gold plating
Dielectric insulator: PTFE or ceramic material maintaining precise spacing
Outer conductor/shield: Brass or stainless steel with nickel plating
Interface mechanism: Threaded (N, SMA), bayonet (BNC), or compression (F-type)

Advanced designs incorporate EMI shielding, environmental sealing (IP68), and low-PIM (Passive Intermodulation) materials.

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Typical Range	Importance
Frequency Range	DC-40 GHz (varies by type)	Determines application suitability
Impedance	50 or 75	Matching critical for VSWR
VSWR	1.1:1-1.5:1	Measures signal reflection
Insertion Loss	0.1-0.5 dB	Impacts signal strength
Durability	500-5000 mating cycles	Affects long-term reliability

5. Application Areas

Telecommunications: 5G base stations, fiber-wireless systems
Test & Measurement: Spectrum analyzers, signal generators
Aerospace: Avionics, satellite communication systems
Industrial: RFID readers, IoT gateways
Consumer: Set-top boxes, home networking equipment

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Products
Amphenol RF	QN Series quick-connect adapters
TE Connectivity	Deutsch N-Type aerospace adapters
Rosenberger	8GHz SMA calibration kits
Keysight Technologies	3.5mm precision test adapters
ITT Cannon	SL Series space-grade connectors

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations:

Match impedance (50 for data/telecom, 75 for video)
Verify frequency requirements (10% headroom recommended)
Assess environmental needs (IP rating, temperature range)
Evaluate mechanical requirements (mating cycles, vibration)
Check industry certifications (MIL-STD, RoHS, REACH)

Example: Selecting N-type female-to-SMA male adapter for 3.5GHz outdoor link requires IP67 rating and <1.3:1 VSWR.

8. Industry Trends

Miniaturization: Development of 1.0/2.3mm connectors for 5G mmWave
Higher frequencies: Adapters supporting 40+GHz for automotive radar
Material innovation: Use of beryllium-free alloys for safety
Smart connectivity: Integrated sensors for condition monitoring
Environmental focus: Lead-free plating and recyclable materials