Coaxial Connectors (RF)

Coaxial Connectors (RF) - Adapters

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
72969 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT PLUG TO JACK SMA	76
192110 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT FME PLUG TO UHF PLUG	0
242176 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT SMA JACK TO SMC JACK	32
SMP-J-B-GF-ST-0645 Samtec, Inc.	SMP ST JACK FOR RF25S CABLE - 50	0
RFU-533 RF Industries	T SHAPE; UHF; 2 FEMALE-1 MALE	23
01K108-K00D3 Rosenberger	PRECISION 1.00 ADAPTER	0
51K542-K00A5 Rosenberger	ADAPT BNC JACK - BNC JACK	30
119K111-K00N5 Rosenberger	ADAPT PSMP PLUG - PSMP PLUG	95
ADP-RPSM-SMAF Linx Technologies	CONN ADAPT SMA JACK-RP-SMA PLUG	0
BNC-PA-JJ(40) Hirose	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK BNC 50OHM	27
02K621-K00S3 Rosenberger	PRECISION 2.92 ADAPTER	0
82-100-RFX Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT PLUG-PLUG N 50 OHM	99
AD-QMAJQMAJ-1 Connex (Amphenol RF)	QMA JACK TO QMA JACK ADAPTER 50	0
APH-NP-HDBNCP Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT N PLUG TO HDBNC PLUG	29
2994-6602 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	CONN ADAPT PLUG-JACK SMA 50 OHM	7
1057390-1 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN ADAPT N PLUG TO BNC JACK	0
BJ78HS Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	CONN ADAPT JCK-JCK TRB TWIN/TRI	51
31-216 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT N PLUG TO BNC JACK	185
134-1000-017 Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	ADAPTER 1.85MM JACK-2.4MM PLUG	14
UG-306/U(40) Hirose	CONN ADAPT PLUG-JACK BNC 50OHM	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