Coaxial Connectors (RF)

Coaxial Connectors (RF) - Adapters

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
DCB-3510-MF-SMA-02 Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	CONN ADAPT JACK-PLUG SMA 50 OHM	8
1138-4025 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	SMPS FEMALE TO FEMALE BULLET	134
242157 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT N PLUG TO F PLUG	38
M55339/29-30101 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	CONN ADAPT PLUG-PLUG SMA 50 OHM	0
SF1132-6093 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	SMPM MALE TO SMA FEMALE BULKHEAD	40
ADAPT/SMBM/SMAF Siretta	CONN ADAPT SMA JACK TO SMB JACK	88
64416116111000 Würth Elektronik Midcom	WR-ADPT_ADAPTOR_SMB JACK-SMB JAC	100
SMP-FS2A-645 Connex (Amphenol RF)	ADAPTER, SMP PLUG TO SMP PLUG, F	634
112433 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK BNC 50 OHM	2694
64403160111000 Würth Elektronik Midcom	COAX ADAPTOR SMA JACK TO MMCX JA	53
72964 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT PLUG-PLUG SMA 50 OHM	111
031-9-75RFX Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT PLUG TO JACK BNC RFX	404
6519 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT BNC JCK-WECO MINI PLG	0
CT3392 Cal Test Electronics	CONN ADAPT N PLUG TO SMA PLUG	0
AD-NJHDBNCP-1 Connex (Amphenol RF)	TYPE N JACK TO HD BNC PLUG ADAPT	25
HRM-554S(40) Hirose	CONN ADAPT SMA JACK TO N PLUG	63
06K132-S00S3 Rosenberger	PRECISION TNC ADAPTER	0
242102 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT SMA PLUG TO BNC JACK	2869
132339 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT PLUG-PLUG SMA 50 OHM	3453
112435 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK BNC 50 OHM	88

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