Coaxial Connectors (RF)

Coaxial Connectors (RF) - Adapters

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
P2RSA-3752 RF Industries	SMA MALE-N FEMALE; 18 GHZ	14
SF1116-6083 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	2.4MM FEMALE TO FEMALE BULKHEAD	19
BNCJ-UMP(40) Hirose	CONN ADAPT BNC JACK TO UMC PLUG	21
SF1102-6024 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	CONN ADAPT SMA JACK TO PTNC JACK	51
M55339/02-30001 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	CONN ADAPT JACK-PLUG SMA 50 OHM	43
02S121-K00S3 Rosenberger	PRECISION 2.92 ADAPTER	0
920-517A-52S Connex (Amphenol RF)	HD-EFI BULLET ADAPTER 18.28MM LE	50
P2RSA-3753 RF Industries	SMA MALE-N MALE; 18 GHZ	24
BU-P72966 Mueller Electric Co.	CONN ADAT JACK-JACK SMA 50 OHM	93718
3283 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK BNC 50 OHM	1191
APH-FKJ-SMAJ Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT FAKRA JACK - SMA JACK	434
SMP-FSBA-739 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT PLUG-PLUG SMP 50OHM	200
0733860042 Woodhead - Molex	CONN ADAPT BNC JACK TO SMA JACK	74
72967 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT SMA JCK TO RP-SMA PLG	13
192105 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT FME PLUG TO TNC PLUG	1183
53S301-K00N5 Rosenberger	CONN ADAPT PLUG TO JACK N 50 OHM	9
142-0901-821 Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	CONN ADAPT PLUG TO JACK SMA	238
SF1116-6004 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	CONN ADAPT 2.4MM JACK-2.92MM JCK	127
HK-A-PJ Hirose	ADAPTER PLUG-JACK	4
000-79100 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK TNC 50 OHM	85

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