Coaxial Connectors (RF)

Coaxial Connectors (RF) - Adapters

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
17K117-K01L5 Rosenberger	LONGWIPE SMP ADAPTER	0
02K118-S00S3 Rosenberger	PRECISION 2.92 ADAPTER	0
03KR105-S0AS3 Rosenberger	PRECISION 3.5 TESTPORT ADAPTER	0
02S118-K00S3 Rosenberger	ADAPT2.92MM PLUG - MINI SMP JACK	0
29K153-K00Z5 Rosenberger	MCX ADAPTER	0
51S301-K00N5 Rosenberger	CONN ADAPT PLUG TO JACK BNC	1
18K118-K04L5 Rosenberger	ADAPT SMPM JACK - SMPM JACK	67
03K719-S22S3 Rosenberger	ADAPT 3.50MM JACK - SMP PLUG	15
60S164-S00N1 Rosenberger	CONN ADAPT 7/16 PLUG-4.3/10 PLUG	0
53S132-K00L5 Rosenberger	CONN ADAPT N PLUG TO SMA JACK	526
53K160-KIMN1 Rosenberger	CONN ADAPT N JACK TO 7/16 JACK	0
19S132-S00S3 Rosenberger	ADAPT SMP PLUG - SMA PLUG	101
53K401-K00N5 Rosenberger	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK N 50 OHM	28
64K501-K00B1 Rosenberger	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK 4.3/10	0
17K732-K0AS5 Rosenberger	LONGWIPE SMP ADAPTER	0
03K710-K22S3 Rosenberger	PRECISION 3.5 ADAPTER	0
28S132-K00N5 Rosenberger	ADAPT QMA PLUG - SMA JACK	266
56K101-K00N5 Rosenberger	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK TNC 50 OHM	27
19K132-K00D3 Rosenberger	ADAPT SMP JACK - SMA JACK	274
51K401-K00N5 Rosenberger	ADAPT BNC JACK - BNC JACK	1

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