Coaxial Connectors (RF)

Coaxial Connectors (RF) - Adapters

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
RFB-1732 RF Industries	BNC FEMALE-BNC MALE; R/A; 75 OHM	54
RFB-1142 RF Industries	BNC FEMALE-SMA FEMALE	1534
RFT-1240 RF Industries	TNC FEMALE-FME FEMALE	204
RFU-627 RF Industries	MUHF FEMALE-BNC MALE	205
RSA-3400 RF Industries	T SHAPE; SMA; 2 FEMALE-1 MALE	17
RSA-3475 RF Industries	SMA FEMALE-UHF FEMALE	156
RSA-3477-2 RF Industries	SMA FEMALE-N FEMALE	54
RFD-225F-NM RF Industries	2.2-5 FEMALE-N MALE	192
RFB-1130-1 RF Industries	T SHAPE; BNC; 2 FEMALE-1 MALE	131
RSA-3476-1 RF Industries	SMA FEMALE-BNC MALE	63
RSA-3413-04 RF Industries	SMA FEMALE-BNC FEMALE	440
RSA-3406 RF Industries	SMA FEMALE-SMB FEMALE	114
RSA-3405-1 RF Industries	SMA MALE-SMA FEMALE	218
RFT-1225 RF Industries	TNC FEMALE-TNC FEMALE BARREL	190
RFE-6111 RF Industries	SMA MALE-FME MALE	335
RT-1227 RF Industries	TNC FEM-TNC MALE; LEFT THREADS	392
RFE-6153 RF Industries	MUHF MALE-FME FEMALE	162
RSA-3472 RF Industries	SMA FEMALE-TNC MALE	346
RSA-3474 RF Industries	SMA FEMALE-UHF MALE	2006
RSA-3478 RF Industries	SMA FEMALE-N MALE	1807

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