Coaxial Connectors (RF)

Coaxial Connectors (RF) - Adapters

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
CT3387 Cal Test Electronics	CONN ADAPT BNC JACK TO SMA PLUG	23
CT2766 Cal Test Electronics	CONN ADAPT PLUG-PLUG BNC 50 OHM	277
CT2762 Cal Test Electronics	CONN ADAPT BNC JACK TO N PLUG	37
CT2411 Cal Test Electronics	CONN ADAPT PLUG-JACK BNC 50 OHM	20
CT2760 Cal Test Electronics	CONN ADAPT PLUG-JACK N 50 OHM	20
CT3348 Cal Test Electronics	CONN ADAPT BNC JACK TO N JACK	1
CT3389 Cal Test Electronics	CONN ADAPT N JACK TO SMA JACK	40
CT3313 Cal Test Electronics	CONN ADAPT PLUG-JACK BNC 50 OHM	45
CT2708 Cal Test Electronics	BNC ADAPTER 5MM NONTERMINATED	82
CT3328 Cal Test Electronics	CONN ADAPT BNC PLUG TO SMA JACK	396
CT2765 Cal Test Electronics	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK BNC 50 OHM	5
CT3347 Cal Test Electronics	CONN ADAPT BNC PLUG TO N JACK	0
CT3323 Cal Test Electronics	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK SMA 50 OHM	0
CT3346A Cal Test Electronics	CONN ADAPT BNC JACK TO N PLUG	0
CT3317 Cal Test Electronics	CONN ADAPT BNC PLUG TO SMA JACK	0
CT3344 Cal Test Electronics	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK BNC 50 OHM	0
CT3326 Cal Test Electronics	CONN ADAPT PLUG-JACK SMA 50 OHM	0
CT3435 Cal Test Electronics	CONN ADAPT BNC PLUG TO N JACK	0
CT3345 Cal Test Electronics	CONN ADAPT PLUG-JACK BNC 50 OHM	0
CT3321A Cal Test Electronics	CONN ADAPT N JACK TO SMA PLUG	5

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