Coaxial Connectors (RF)

Coaxial Connectors (RF) - Adapters

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
APH-HDBNCP-SMAJ Connex (Amphenol RF)	ADAPT HDBNC PLUG/SMA JACK 50 OHM	0
GAD42821118 LOW PIM RF/Mobiyu Corporation	ADP-SMAM-NM 18GHZ	25
RFN-1013-1-03 RF Industries	N FEMALE-N FEMALE	95
APH-SMAF-AFIM Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT SMA JACK TO AFI PLUG	0
112532 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT JACK TO PLUG BNC	239
ADP-BNCM-2BNCF RF Solutions	CONN ADAPT PLUG-JACK BNC 50 OHM	132
RSA-3402-1 RF Industries	SMA MALE-SMA FEMALE; R/A	294
242141RP Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT MMCX PLUG-RP-SMA JCK	15
3-0347-9 Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	ADAPTER TRB JACK - SMA BKHD JACK	121
1057463-1 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN ADAPT SMA JACK TO N JACK	100
GT16GS-HRMJ Hirose	CONN ADAPT GT16G JACK TO SMA JCK	0
SF1116-6039 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	CONN ADAPT PLUG-PLUG 2.4MM 50OHM	38
SF1133-6005 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	CONN ADAPT 1.85MM TO 2.4MM PLUG	0
119K107-K00N5 Rosenberger	ADAPT PSMP JACK - PSMP JACK	100
61B MITEQ, Inc.（L3 Narda-MITEQ）	ADAPTER SMA-F TO SMA-M	5
122352RP-RP Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT JACK-PLUG RP TNC	471
PA9673 Paladin Tools (Greenlee Communications)	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK F	0
5414666-1 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN ADAPT PLUG TO JACK BNC	0
UM.P-HRM.J(40) Hirose	CONN ADAPT SMA JACK TO UMC PLUG	0
AD-4310PNP-1 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT 4.3/10 PLUG TO N PLUG	7

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