Coaxial Connectors (RF)

Coaxial Connectors (RF) - Adapters

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
242208 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT MCX JACK TO TNC PLUG	11
1046274-1 TE Connectivity Aerospace Defense and Marine	CONN ADAPT BNC PLUG TO SMA JACK	0
SF1187-6623 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	CONN ADAPT SMA JACK TO ZMA JACK	11
125-0901-801 Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK SMPM 50 OHM	1517
242164 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT BNC JACK TO UHF PLUG	67
MS-156-HRMJ-14 Hirose	CONN ADAPT COAX PLUG TO SMA JACK	0
VBA107 Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	CONN ADAPT PLUG TO JACK BNC	3
25-7500 Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	CONN ADAPT BNC PLUG TO F JACK	369
72976 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT SMA PLUG TO SMB JACK	285
242115RP Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT N JACK TO RP-SMA JACK	124
RFB-1142-4 RF Industries	BNC FEMALE-MOTOROLA SMA FEMALE	56
SF1133-6009 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	CONN ADAPT PLUG-PLUG 1.85MM	29
5-1634526-1 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN ADAPT PLUG TO JACK BNC	983
03K721-S23S3 Rosenberger	PRECISION 3.5 FLOATING ADAPTER	0
134-1000-025 Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	ADAPTER 1.85MM JACK-SMPM PLUG	10
000-2900 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT BNC PLUG TO UHF JACK	2
P2RSA-3704 RF Industries	SMA FEMALE-SMA FEMALE; 18 GHZ	19
031-219-75 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK BNC 75 OHM	20
0733860224 Woodhead - Molex	CONN ADAPT SMA JACK TO SMB PLUG	245
ABC.00.250.NTM REDEL / LEMO	CONN ADAPT NIM-CAM JACK-BNC JACK	16

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