Coaxial Connectors (RF)

Coaxial Connectors (RF) - Adapters

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
242144 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT SMA PLUG TO SMB JACK	94
32S151-S00L5 Rosenberger	ADAPT BNC PLUG - SMA PLUG	3
CT3388 Cal Test Electronics	CONN ADAPT PLUG-JACK N 50 OHM	4
SF1117-6018 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	CONN ADAPT SMA PLUG TO BMA PLUG	33
53S101-K00N5 Rosenberger	CONN ADAPT PLUG TO JACK N 50 OHM	32
28S132-S00N5 Rosenberger	ADAPT QMA PLUG - SMA PLUG	10
03KR105-K0AS3 Rosenberger	PRECISION 3.5 TESTPORT ADAPTER	0
6738 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK BNC 75 OHM	76
301-RA75-350TP Triplett Test Equipment and Tools	BNC ADAPTER RIGHT ANGL M/F 10PK	18
AD-NJBNCP-1 Connex (Amphenol RF)	BNC PLUG TO N-TYPE JACK ADAPTER	24
CT2761 Cal Test Electronics	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK N 50 OHM	6
MS-162-HRMJ-1 Hirose	CONN ADAPT COAX PLUG TO SMA JACK	49
RFB-1134 RF Industries	BNC FEMALE-BNC FEMALE BARREL	272
1132-4003 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	CONN ADAPT SMPM JACK TO SMA PLUG	53
SMP-FSBA-1716 Connex (Amphenol RF)	ADAPTER, SMP PLUG TO SMP PLUG, F	453
CP30120 Cliff	CONN XLR 50 OHM BNC FT BLACK MET	40
RSA-3458 RF Industries	SMA MALE-BNC FEMALE	570
18K104-K00L5 Rosenberger	MINI SMP ADAPTER	0
SF1122-6108 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	CONN ADAPT BZ JACK TO SMA JACK	0
242132RP Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT N JACK TO RP-TNC JACK	105

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