Coaxial Connectors (RF)

Coaxial Connectors (RF) - Adapters

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
R191620017 Radiall USA, Inc.	NEX 10 F-7/16M ADP	27
53K301-K00N5 Rosenberger	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK N 50 OHM	0
1046278-1 TE Connectivity Aerospace Defense and Marine	CONN ADAPT PLUG-PLUG OSM 50 OHM	0
1-1814407-0 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK N 50 OHM	24
6739 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT PLUG TO JACK BNC	84
HRMJ-U.FLJ-PC Hirose	CONN ADAPT SMA JACK TO U.FL JACK	58
ADT-2583-NF-SMF-02 Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	CONN ADAPT N JACK TO SMA JACK	10
TEBC-1001-LF Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	MIL-STD-1553 DATA BUS COUPLER, 1	1
TEBC-1002 Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	MIL-STD-1553 DATA BUS COUPLER, 2	14
222157 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT PLUG TO JACK F 75 OHM	154
R125720000W Radiall USA, Inc.	SMA FF STR BHD	3
SF1115-6005 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	CONN ADAPT 2.92MM JCK TO SMA JCK	49
SF1138-6015 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	CONN ADAPT SMPS PLUG-2.92MM JACK	16
ADBJ20-E3-PL74 Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	CONN ADAPT BNC JACK TO TRB PLUG	0
29K153-S00Z5 Rosenberger	ADAPT N PLUG - MCX JACK	8
SF1122-6034 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	CONN ADAPT SMA JACK-ZMA PLUG	0
242178-10 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT SMA JACK TO TNC JACK	323
327-11TP Triplett Test Equipment and Tools	BNC ADAPTER FEMALE/FEMALE 10PACK	976
242127 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT MCX PLUG TO SMA JACK	389
FTR.00.250.NTA REDEL / LEMO	CONN ADAPT PLUG-JACK NIM-CAMAC	5

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