Coaxial Connectors (RF)

Coaxial Connectors (RF) - Adapters

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
APH-RA-HDP-J-75 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT PLUG-JACK BNC HD	104
901-508-2 Connex (Amphenol RF)	ADAPTER, SMA PLUG TO SMA JACK, P	0
000-76400 Connex (Amphenol RF)	TNC FEMALE TO BNC FEMALE ADAPTER	0
31-6112 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT AMC JACK-RP-TNC JACK	0
132170RP-RP Connex (Amphenol RF)	ADAPTER RP SMA JACK TO JACK	85
920-169A-51S Connex (Amphenol RF)	RF BULLET ADAPTER, AFI PLUG TO A	160
531-40147 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK F 75 OHM	100
AD-SMAJSMPP-1 Connex (Amphenol RF)	ADAPTER, SMA JACK TO SMP PLUG, 5	65
901-9173 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT BNC JACK TO SMA JACK	100
901-293 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT N JACK TO SMA PLUG	0
000-34125 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT UHF JACK TO N PLUG	0
031-8356-2 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK TNC	0
131-7023-1001 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN 3.5MM ADAPTER PL/PL 0HZ TO	0
082-508 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT N PLUG TO C JACK	0
000-14000 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT N JACK TO UHF PLUG	0
000-79125-1000 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT PLUG-JACK TNC 50 OHM	0
252186 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT PLUG-JACK MCX	35
AD-NJMCXJ-2 Connex (Amphenol RF)	TYPE N BHD JACK TO MCX JACK ADAP	22
901-9216-SF Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT PLUG-JACK SMA 50 OHM	100
901-10559 Connex (Amphenol RF)	SMA(F-F)BHD ADAPTOR IP 68	0

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