Coaxial Connectors (RF)

Coaxial Connectors (RF) - Adapters

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
SF1187-6626 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	CONN ADAPT SMA JACK TO ZMA JACK	0
VNA517 Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	CONN ADAPT PLUG TO JACK N 50 OHM	58
901-9219-ASF Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT JACK TO PLUG SMA	19
172261 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT PLUG-PLUG N 50 OHM	192
APH-HDBNCJ-SMAJ Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT HDBNC JACK - SMA JACK	95
APH-BNCP-HDBNCP Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT HDBNC PLUG - BNC PLUG	20
ADP-BNCF-TNCM RF Solutions	CONN ADAPT BNC JACK TO TNC PLUG	0
02S121-S00S3 Rosenberger	ADAPT 2.92MM PLUG - 2.92MM PLUG	19
60K164-S00N1 Rosenberger	CONN ADAPT 7/16 JACK-4.3/10 PLUG	29
6782 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT BNC PLUG TO F PLUG	44
56K501-K00N5 Rosenberger	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK TNC 50 OHM	27
R191620027 Radiall USA, Inc.	NEX 10 F-N F STR	25
1055069-1 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN ADAPT PLUG-JACK OSM 50 OHM	599
RFB-1136 RF Industries	BNC MALE-UHF FEMALE	1032
HRM-501(09) Hirose	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK SMA 50OHM	4
147-0901-811 Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	ADAPTER 2.4MM PLUG TO PLUG	18
172123-10 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK N 50 OHM	78
1060498-1 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN ADAPT SMB PLUG TO SMA JACK	64
53K132-K00L5 Rosenberger	CONN ADAPT SMA JACK TO N JACK	58
242129 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT SMA JACK TO MCX JACK	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