Coaxial Connectors (RF)

Coaxial Connectors (RF) - Adapters

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
ADP-SMAF-TNCM RF Solutions	CONN ADAPT SMA JACK TO TNC PLUG	0
142245 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT PLUG-PLUG SMB 50 OHM	88
082-65 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK N 50 OHM	3
000-79125-RFX Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT PLUG-JACK TNC 50 OHM	47
31-208-RFX Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT PLUG-JACK BNC 50 OHM	69
122350 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT PLUG-PLUG TNC 50 OHM	604
SF1080-6004 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	SMA MALE TO SMPM MALE ADAPTER, S	27
RFE-6101 RF Industries	BNC FEMALE-FME MALE	190
59K132-K00L5 Rosenberger	CONN ADAPT SMB JACK TO SMA JACK	17
134-1000-018 Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	ADAPTER 1.85MM PLUG-2.4MM JACK	19
R191313000 Radiall USA, Inc.	SMA F-TNC M	62
1129-4004 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	SMA FEMALE TO FEMALE NON-MAGNETI	49
71S301-K00N5 Rosenberger	CONN T ADAPT BNC PLUG - 2 JACKS	9
RFU-532 RF Industries	UHF MALE-UHF FEMALE; R/A	828
02K123-K00S3 Rosenberger	PRECISION 2.92 ADAPTER	0
242105RP Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT SMA JACK-RP-TNC PLUG	631
J01462A0000 Telegärtner	2.2-5 ADAPTER	1
SF1115-6096 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	2.92MM MALE TO FEMALE, R/A ADAPT	8
132172RP-RP Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT PLUG-JACK RP-SMA	124
19K119-K38L5 Rosenberger	ADAPT SMP JACK - SMP JACK	0

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