Coaxial Connectors (RF)

Coaxial Connectors (RF) - Adapters

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
3283 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK BNC 50 OHM	1191
72967 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT SMA JCK TO RP-SMA PLG	13
6779 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT BNC PLUG TO F JACK	84
4294 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT SMA PLUG TO TNC JACK	51
4285 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK SMA	126
6782 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT BNC PLUG TO F PLUG	44
6739 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT PLUG TO JACK BNC	84
6780 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT BNC JACK TO F JACK	21
6740 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT PLUG-PLUG BNC 75 OHM	255
4940 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK TNC 50 OHM	0
73044 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT PLUG TO JACK N 50 OHM	0
73045 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK N 50 OHM	14
4284 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK SMA	9
4956 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK N 50 OHM	3
6781 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT F PLUG TO BNC JACK	145
6714 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT BNC PLUG TO F JACK	0
73058 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK UHF	0
72974 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT SMA PLUG-RP-SMA PLUG	7
72978 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT SMA JACK TO SMB JACK	0
73046 Pomona Electronics	CONN ADAPT TNC PLUG TO N JACK	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