Coaxial Connectors (RF)

Coaxial Connectors (RF) - Adapters

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
142-0901-401 Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK SMA 50 OHM	2260
53K102-K00N5 Rosenberger	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK N 50 OHM	18
05K432-S00S3 Rosenberger	PRECISION N TYPE ADAPTER	0
M55339/30-30101 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK-PLUG SMA	9
R191332000 Radiall USA, Inc.	N F-SMA F BHDP	80
CT3340 Cal Test Electronics	CONN ADAPT N PLUG TO SMA PLUG	0
31-9-RFX Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT PLUG TO JACK BNC	2856
GAD41811118 LOW PIM RF/Mobiyu Corporation	ADP-SMAF-NF 18GHZ	30
19K115-K00L5 Rosenberger	ADAPT SMP JACK - SMP JACK	148
242171 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT N JACK TO MCX PLUG	19
ADP-SMAM-BNCM RF Solutions	CONN ADAPT BNC PLUG TO SMA PLUG	0
AD-NJ-PSMPJ-1 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPTER N JACK - PSMP PLUG	0
272292 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT JACK TO PLUG 7/16	17
M55339/32-00001 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	CONN ADAPT JACK-PLUG TNC 50 OHM	92
242110 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT SMA PLUG TO UHF PLUG	98
R191621017 Radiall USA, Inc.	NEX 10 SMA 3.5 M ADP	28
51S156-K00N5 Rosenberger	CONN ADAPT BNC PLUG TO TNC JACK	1
02S119-K00E3 Rosenberger	PRECISION 2.92/SMP ADAPTER	0
4292 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT SMA PLUG TO TNC PLUG	16
5297 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT PLUG TO JACK BNC	14

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