Coaxial Connectors (RF)

Coaxial Connectors (RF) - Adapters

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
HRM-503S(40) Hirose	CONN ADAPT PLUG-JACK SMA 50OHM	61
ADT-2809-SF-BMF-02 Vitelec / Cinch Connectivity Solutions	CONN ADAPT BMA JACK TO SMA JACK	0
HRM-501S Hirose	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK SMA 50OHM	44
RFD-43M-F RF Industries	4.3/10 MALE-4.3/10 FEMALE	136
64403160211000 Würth Elektronik Midcom	COAX ADAPTOR SMA JACK TO MMCX PL	42
TMA-4FS-9MS-00 CIT (Carlisle Interconnect Technologies)	MW ADAPTER 2.4(F) TO 2.92(M)	46
29K153-K00Z5 Rosenberger	MCX ADAPTER	0
1060272-1 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN ADAPT SMC PLUG TO SMA JACK	196
51S301-K00N5 Rosenberger	CONN ADAPT PLUG TO JACK BNC	1
000-7925-RFX Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT JACK-JACK TWINAX	44
CP30121 Cliff	CONN XLR 75 OHM BNC FT BLACK MET	50
HRMP(PO)-HRMJ Hirose	CONN ADAPT PLUG-JACK SMA 50OHM	0
AD-4310P225J-1 Connex (Amphenol RF)	ADAPTER 4.3-10 PLUG TO 2.2-5 JAC	19
242178 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT SMA JACK TO TNC JACK	1339
SF1189-6104 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	CONN ADAPT SMA PLUG TO BMZ JACK	0
1112-6114 SV Microwave (Amphenol SV Microwave)	SMP MALE QB TO SMA MALE ADAPTER	5
HRM-556SV Hirose	CONN ADAPT SMA JACK TO N JACK	19
BU-P4896 Mueller Electric Co.	CONN ADAPT PLUG TO JACK BNC	145792
112452 Connex (Amphenol RF)	CONN ADAPT JACK TO PLUG BNC	98
1-1337567-0 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN ADAPT N PLUG TO BNC JACK	241

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