Coaxial Connectors (RF)

Coaxial Connectors (RF) - Adapters

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
134-1000-011 Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	ADAPTER 2.4MM JACK - SMP PLUG	25
901-165 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT BNC PLUG TO SMA JACK	105
SF1157-6009 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	CONN ADAPT SMA JACK TO BMA JACK	0
0733860041 Woodhead - Molex	CONN ADAPT BNC JACK TO SMA JACK	53
29S153-K00Z5 Rosenberger	ADAPT N JACK - MCX PLUG	0
242114 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT SMA PLUG TO N PLUG	214
M55339/28-30001 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK SMA 50 OHM	62
ADAPT/SMAM/SMAM/RP Siretta	CONN ADAPT SMA PLUG-RP-SMA PLUG	111
242262 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT QMA JACK TO SMA JACK	66
3341.SMP.9910.003	ADAPTER SMP(F) - SMP(F)	0
HRM-502-1(40) Hirose	CONN ADAPT PLUG-PLUG SMA 50OHM	0
CT3312 Cal Test Electronics	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK BNC 50 OHM	5
RSA-3400-1 RF Industries	T SHAPE; SMA; 2 FEMALE-1 MALE	222
AD-BNCJMCXJ-1 Connex (Amphenol RF)	BNC BULKHEAD JACK TO MCX JACK IP	26
64430103111000 Würth Elektronik Midcom	COAXIAL ADAPTOR RP SMA JACK - SM	35
ADBJ20-E2-PL75 Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	CONN ADAPT BNC JACK TO TRB PLUG	235
J01442C0003 Telegärtner	4.3-10 ADAPTER W/ FLANGE F-F	1
BNCP-UMJ(40) Hirose	CONN ADAPT BNC PLUG TO UMC JACK	0
242120-75 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT F JACK TO N JACK	36
ADAPT/FMEM/SMAF Siretta	CONN ADAPT SMA JACK TO FME PLUG	51

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