Coaxial Connectors (RF)

Coaxial Connectors (RF) - Adapters

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
031-4804 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK TNC 50 OHM	7
930-130A-51S Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT QMA PLUG TO SMA PLUG	0
242106 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT SMA PLUG TO TNC PLUG	304
031-4803-1101 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK BNC 50 OHM	120
82-101-RFX Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK N 50 OHM	60
132172 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT PLUG TO JACK SMA	12303
31-208 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT PLUG TO JACK BNC	122
AD-SMAPSMPP-1 Connex (Amphenol RF)	SMA PLUG TO SMP PLUG ADAPTER	0
122347 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK TNC 75 OHM	52
242132 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT N JACK TO TNC JACK	133
SMP-FSBA-990 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT PLUG-PLUG SMP 50 OHM	3597
242122 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT N PLUG TO BNC PLUG	122
531-40120 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK F 75 OHM	0
242192RP Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT RP-TNC JACK-AMC JACK	58
182319 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK UHF 50 OHM	160
AD-NPBNCJ-1 Connex (Amphenol RF)	N PLUG TO BNC JACK 75 OHM ADAPTE	36
AD-NPNP-2 Connex (Amphenol RF)	18 GHZ TYPE N PLUG TO PLUG LOW P	44
242137 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT N JACK TO 7/16 JACK	15
132217 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT PLUG TO JACK SMA	527
31-218 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT PLUG-PLUG BNC 50 OHM	319

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