Coaxial Connectors (RF)

Coaxial Connectors (RF) - Adapters

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
0733861570 Woodhead - Molex	CONN ADAPT SMA JACK TO SMP PLUG	609
0733000220 Woodhead - Molex	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK SMPM 50 OHM	1237
0734153020 Woodhead - Molex	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK SMP 50 OHM	3642
0733860302 Woodhead - Molex	CONN ADAPT SMA PLUG TO MMCX PLUG	331
0733860013 Woodhead - Molex	CONN ADAPT BNC PLUG TO SMA PLUG	441
0734153350 Woodhead - Molex	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK SMP 50 OHM	0
0732510360 Woodhead - Molex	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK SMA 50 OHM	956
0733860031 Woodhead - Molex	CONN ADAPT BNC PLUG TO SMA JACK	609
0733860101 Woodhead - Molex	CONN ADAPT TNC PLUG TO SMA JACK	192
0733860850 Woodhead - Molex	CONN ADAPT SMA PLUG TO UMC JACK	3486
0733000230 Woodhead - Molex	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK SMPM 50 OHM	0
0734066410 Woodhead - Molex	SMP JACK TO JACK ADAPTER, 50 OHM	0
0731712370 Woodhead - Molex	CA SMB PLUG RA TO SMB PLUG RA WI	0
0731713760 Woodhead - Molex	CA SMB PLUG RA TO SMB PLUG RA WI	1000
0733860860 Woodhead - Molex	CONN ADAPT MCRF JACK TO SMA PLUG	0
0731515003 Woodhead - Molex	CONN ADAPT PLUG-JACK BNC 50 OHM	0
0731714030 Woodhead - Molex	CA SMB PLUG RA TO SMB PLUG RA WI	0
0733861430 Woodhead - Molex	BSA SMA JACK TO SMP JACK 50 OHM	0
0733861210 Woodhead - Molex	BNC JACK TO JACK, PUSH-ON BH 50	0
0733860192 Woodhead - Molex	CONN ADAPT SMA PLUG TO SMB 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