Coaxial Connectors (RF)

Coaxial Connectors (RF) - Adapters

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
172278 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK N 50 OHM	0
142249-75 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK SMB MINI	5
06-0100 NTE Electronics, Inc.	RF-F-FEMALE TO UHF MALE	320
TMA-8MS-5MS-00 CIT (Carlisle Interconnect Technologies)	MW ADAPTER 1.85(M) TO 3.5(M)	20
HRMP-W.FL2J Hirose	CONN ADAPT SMA PLUG - W.FL2 JACK	16
242106RP Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT SMA PLUG-RP TNC PLUG	8
242279 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT 7/16 PLG-4.1/9.5 PLG	4
18K101-K00L5 Rosenberger	ADAPT SMPM JACK - SMPM JACK	85
127-2901-822 Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	CONN ADAPT PLUG-PLUG SMP 50 OHM	10
03KR121-SR00S3 Rosenberger	PRECISION 3.5 TESTPORT ADAPTER	0
242156 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT N PLUG TO F JACK	101
134-1019-361 Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	CONN ADAPT SMA PLUG TO UMC JACK	497
1-1337461-0 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN ADAPT PLUG TO JACK BNC	0
1059729-1 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN ADAPT SMA JACK TO OSP JACK	0
VBA112 Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	CONN ADAPT PLUG TO JACK BNC	236
TEBC-1003-LF Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	MIL-STD-1553 DATA BUS COUPLER, 3	10
SF1116-6003 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	CONN ADAPT 2.4MM JACK-2.92MM PLG	95
4133-0002 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	CONN ADAPT JACK-PLUG TNC 50 OHM	41
19K101-K00L5 Rosenberger	ADAPT SMP JACK - SMP JACK	5588
272134 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT PLUG-PLUG 7/16 50 OHM	10

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