RF Connector Info
7/16 DIN connectors are designed for the transmission of medium to high power in transmitting stations and low loss transmission of received signals such as in mobile phone base stations are typical applications. The 7/16 DIN is a rugged mechanical connector with screw lock. With an impedance of 50-Ohms, and a frequency range of DC to 7.5 GHz.
APC-2.4 (Amphenol Precision Connector-2.4 mm) is also known as an OS-50 connector. It was originally conceived by Hewlett-Packard (HP), but was developed and manufactured by Amphenol (and others). It was designed to operate at extremely high microwave frequencies (up to 50 GHz). Although the 2.4mm connector looks like the SMA and 3.5mm connectors they are not compatible. Impedance: 50-Ohms.
APC-3.5 mm precision connectors are designed for microwave applications up to 33GHz. 3.5mm precision connectors are fully compatible with SMA, K and SK connectors. Due to an air dielectric interface and the more durable design, a superior repeatability enhances the performance. DC to 33GHz, nickel plated brass to resist corrosion. Impedance: 50-Ohms. The APC-3.5 is a 3.5mm connector.
APC-7 - Amphenol uses the acronym APC to describe precision connectors. APC stands for Amphenol Precision Connectors and was developed by Amphenol and Hewlett-Packard engineers. APC-7 have a sexless coupling mechanism that permits any two APC-7 connectors to mate. Typical frequency range is DC to 18GHz. Impedance: 50-Ohms. The APC-7 is a 7mm connector.
BNC The BNC connector was developed in the late 1940's as a miniature version of the Type C connector. BNC stands for Bayonet Neill Councilman and is named after Amphenol engineer Carl Councilman. It features two bayonet lugs on the female connector; mating is achieved with only a quarter turn of the coupling nut. Operates in a frequency range of DC to 4 GHz (typical). Impedance: 50-Ohms.
C Type "C" connectors are medium size and weatherproof. Coupling is two-stud bayonet lock. Type "C" connectors provide constant 50-Ohm impedance. They may be used with 75-Ohm cable, at lower frequencies (below fg300 MHz) where no serious mismatch is introduced. Operates in a frequency range of DC to 11 GHz (typical).
F The type F, also know as F-81 connector is the industry standard for cable TV and satellite applications.
FME FME connectors are used in mobile antenna applications. With adapters, they can also be used in place of UHF, Mini-UHF, TNC, BNC, and Type N connectors. Impedance: 50-Ohms.
GR-874 General Radio GR-874 adapters are uni-sex connections and are fully compatible with all other GR874 series connections. The slide-on interface has been a standard for many years on a wide variety of test, and communication equipment, due to its good electrical characteristics and ease of mating. Impedance: 50-Ohms.
GR-900 General Radio GR-900 connectors are uni-sex and are fully compatible with all other GR-900 series connectors. Impedance: 50-Ohms. The GR-900 is commonly refers to as a 14mm connector.
HN connectors are larger than type N connectors and have a 3/4-20 mating thread. HN connectors are designed to have increased voltage capabilities without realizing the loss of its RF parameters. Their threaded interfaces ensure a solid connection, allowing for high-power signal transmission with minimal signal loss. These connectors are ideal for magnetic resonance imaging, amplifier applications, and are well-suited for carrying high-power RF signals. Additionally many military radio systems used HN connectors. Impedance: 50-Ohms. Frequency range: DC to 4GHz. Voltage rating: 1,500 volts RMS.
K (2.92mm) connector is trademarked by the Wiltron Corporation, now Anritsu Corporation. Also known as the 2.9 mm, the K mates with SMA and 3.5 mm connectors, the Wiltron WMSA and other 2.92 mm, and offers mode-free performance to 40 GHz, usable to 46 GHz. Some manufacturers call this the "2.9" and others the "SMK". K-Band indicates the frequency band in which this connector operates. Impedance: 50-Ohms.
LC connectors are often used on Bird Electronic dummy loads. This adapter will allow the user to configure such devices to a standard type N connector. Impedance: 50-Ohms.
MCX Miniature coaxial (MCX) connectors provide broadband capability through 6GHz and are used in applications where weight and physical space are limited. They provide good electrical performance and are used to address the rapid implementation of the U.S. digital cellular PCN infrastructure. MCX connectors are also used in global positioning systems (GPS) and Wireless LAN (WLAN), Wi-Fi applications. Impedance: 50-Ohms.
Mini-UHF connectors are a miniature version of the original UHF connector. They feature a threaded coupling mechanism for reliable mating. Mini-UHF connectors are designed for use in cellular mobile telephone systems where size, weight and cost are critical. Mini-UHF connectors provide excellent RF performance in applications through 2.5 GHz. Impedance: 50-Ohms.
MMCX Micro-miniature coaxial (MMCX) connectors are smaller than MCX connectors and feature a more robust interface for greater durability. They are ideal for high volume, wireless SMT or PCMCIA applications in cellular base stations, cellular phones and personal communicators. MMCX connectors are also used in global positioning systems (GPS) and wireless LAN (WLAN) applications. MMCX connectors operate between DC and 6GHz. The reliable "snap-on" coupling mechanism ensures that the electrical parameters are consistently reproduced. MMCX series provide a low RF leakage due to its non-slotted outer contact. Impedance: 50-Ohms.
N connector is named after Paul Neill of Bell Labs and was developed in the 1940's. The Type N offered the first true microwave performance. The Type N connector was developed to satisfy the need for a durable, weatherproof, medium-size RF connector with consistent performance through 11GHz. Some precision N connectors perform consistently through 18GHz. Impedance: 50-Ohms.
RP-N connectors are essentially the same as Type N connectors but use a reverse polarity interface to prevent the mating with standard Type N connectors. The female contact is in the male side and the male contact is in the female side. Some manufacturers use reverse threading to accomplish reverse polarity keying; however, this is not as common. RP-N connectors are most often used in wireless LAN systems, and Wi-Fi applications. Impedance: 50-Ohms.
RP-SMA connectors are essentially the same as SMA connectors but use a reverse polarity interface to prevent the mating with standard SMA connectors. The female contact is in the male side and the male contact is in the female side. Some manufacturers use reverse threading to accomplish reverse polarity keying; however, this is not as common. RP-SMA connectors are most often used in wireless LAN systems, and Wi-Fi applications. Impedance: 50-Ohms.
RP-TNC connectors are essentially the same as TNC connectors but use a reverse polarity interface to prevent the mating with standard TNC connectors. The female contact is in the male side and the male contact is in the female side. Some manufacturers use reverse threading to accomplish reverse polarity keying; however, this is not as common. RP-TNC connectors are most often used in wireless LAN systems, Wi-Fi applications. Impedance: 50-Ohms.
RCA connectors are round, press-on connectors commonly used for consumer-grade audio and composite video connections. The RCA connector is often used in audio / video applications. It is often called a phono plug and jack. The male RCA plug consists of a central pin measuring approximately 2mm in diameter, and an outer shell whose inside diameter is approximately 6mm. The plug shell is slotted rather than threaded.
SC connector is often referred to as the "Screwed C". It was developed to overcome the shortcoming of the C and HN connectors. Its has a 11/16-24 mating thread. The SC is most often found in military aircraft and areas which have high vibration. The SC connectors are not more widely used because of their price.
SHV & MHV MHV coaxial connectors are Miniature High Voltage (SHV) connectors with 5 kV rms test voltage in mated condition and a working voltage up to 1.6 kV rms. They suit applications up to 300 MHz. MHV connectors are of similar design to BNC connectors, but the insulators protrude over the outer contacts to give a degree of shock protection when unmated. The use of series SHV is recommended if a high degree of shock protection in the unmated condition is required. The SHV was designed to replace the MHV. It was felt the MHV was an unsafe connector since the ground connection was broken before power connection. The SHV was developed by NBS for high energy physics applications.
SMA connectors are typically used in microwave applications up to 18GHz. This has long been considered the standard in microwave applications due to it's mechanical strength, high durability, high reliability and low VSWR. Impedance: 50-Ohms.
SMB connectors are subminiature connectors designed for applications from DC-4GHz. The SMB snap-on mechanism provides a fast and reliable connection for applications with high packing densities. SMB connectors are used for the internal wiring in fixed and mobile communication equipment as well as in automotive applications. Impedance: 50-Ohms.
SMC subminiature connector is based on the same design as the SMB and SMS series. Due to its screw-on coupling mechanism, SMC connectors are suitable for applications up to 10 GHz. The threaded coupling mechanism permits a vibration-proof connection which is ideal for semi-permanent connections and for the use in mobile equipment with low VSWR requirements. Impedance: 50-Ohms.
SSMA Sub-SMA (SSMA) are miniaturized SMA connectors that are 30% smaller than standard SMA connectors. Impedance: 50-Ohms.
SSMB Sub-SMB (SSMB) are miniaturized SMB connectors that are 30% smaller than standard SMB connectors. Impedance: 50-Ohms.
SMP Subminiature P (SMP) connectors are rated to 40 GHz and, depending on detent type, can withstand from 100 to 1,000 interconnect cycles.
TNC Developed in the late 1950's, the TNC stands for Threaded Neill Concelman and is named after Amphenol engineer Carl Concelman. Designed as a threaded version of the BNC, the TNC series features screw threads for mating. TNC are miniature, threaded weatherproof units with a constant 50-Ohms impedance and they operate from DC-11GHz.
Triax connectors are used with triaxial cables where maximum RF shielding and minimum noise radiation is required.
Twinax connectors are used with twinaxial cables for balanced low level and high sensitivity circuits. Twinax connectors feature polarized key and keyway construction as well as threaded coupling.
Twin-Banana For test versatility, banana plugs can be vertically and horizontally stacked to the adapter.
UHF Ultra high frequency (UHF) connectors are economical, all-purpose connectors designed with non-constant impedance for use in comparatively low voltage and low frequency applications such as citizens' band (CB) communications systems. UHF connectors are also used in public address systems, closed circuit television (CCTV), civil defense, landing systems, ground control apparatus, ship-to-shore communications, and mobile radio equipment hookups between antenna and transmitters or receivers. The UHF-Male connector is commonly referred to as a PL-259, and the UHF-Female connector is commonly referred to as a SO-239.