Coaxial Connector Descriptions & Drawings

An RF connector is an electrical connector designed to work at radio frequencies in the multi-megahertz range. RF connectors are typically used with coaxial cables and are designed to maintain the shielding that the coaxial design offers. Better models also minimize the change in transmission line impedance at the connection. Mechanically they provide a fastening mechanism (thread, bayonet, braces, push pull) and springs for a low ohmic electric contact while sparing the gold surface thus allowing above 1000 reconnects and reducing the insertion force. Research activity in the area of radio-frequency (RF) circuit design has surged in the last decade in direct response to the enormous market demand for inexpensive, high data rate wireless transceivers. - Wikipedia

Here is an interesting read on RF Connector Guide & History

Click here to see connector usage chart.

Type Male Female
2.4 mm

Maximum Frequency: 50 GHz

This family is not directly mateable with the SMA family. Quality grades; general purpose, instrument, and metrology.

SMA male connector drawing - RF Cafe SMA female connector drawing - RF Cafe
7/16 DIN

Maximum Frequency: 7.5 GHz

Cellular and other "wireless" applications, especially on towers. Rated to 7.5 GHz. Low PIMs.

   
APC-2.4

(Amphenol Precision Connector, 2.4 mm)

   
APC-3.5

(Amphenol Precision Connector, 3.5 mm)

   
APC-7

(Amphenol Precision Connector, 7 mm)

Maximum Frequency: 18 GHz

Offers the lowest reflection coefficient and most repeatable measurement of all 18 GHz connectors. Hermaphrodite design. Preferred connector for metrology and calibration.

   
BNC

(Bayonet Navy Connector)

(Amphenol claims it's for Bayonet Neill Concelman)

Maximum Frequency: 2 GHz

OSBDesigned for military use. Wide acceptance in video and RF applications to 2 GHz.

BNC male connector drawing - RF Cafe BNC female connector drawing - RF Cafe
C

Maximum Frequency: 12 GHz

Medium-size, 50 Ω impedance. Type N connectors, but are bayonet locking.

   
F

Maximum Frequency: 1 GHz

Utilized in television cable and antenna applications. 75 Ω characteristic impedance. 3/8-32 coupling thread.

   
GR874

Maximum Frequency: 8.5 GHz

Hermaphroditic, 50 Ω impedance with a slide-on interface.

   
GR900BT

Maximum Frequency: 8.5 GHz

Hermaphrodite connectors. Used in highly critical laboratory applications at frequencies up to

8.5 GHz.

   
N

(Navy)

OSN

Maximum Frequency: 12 GHz

Uses an internal gasket to seal out the environment.

N male connector drawing - RF Cafe N female connector drawing - RF Cafe
RCA

Maximum Frequency: 10 MHz

Round, press-on connector used for consumer-grade audio and composite video connections. Color coded as follows: red (audio-Right), black or white (audio-Left) and yellow (composite video).

   
SMA

(Sub-Miniature A)

OSM/3mm

Maximum Frequency: 12 GHz

One of the most commonly used RF/microwave connectors. Standard SMA connectors are designed for interconnects to 12.4 GHz. A good SMA is useable to 18 GHz.

SMA male connector drawing - RF Cafe SMA female connector drawing - RF Cafe
SMB

(Sub-Miniature B)

OSMB

SMB male connector drawing - RF Cafe SMB female connector drawing - RF Cafe
SMC

(Sub-Miniature C)

OSMC

SMC male connector drawing - RF Cafe SMC female connector drawing - RF Cafe
SSMA

(Sub-SMA)

OSSM

   
TNC

(Threaded Navy Connector)

Maximum Frequency: 2 GHz

OSTThreaded version of the BNC connector. Both 50 Ω and 75 Ω versions are available.

TNC male connector drawing - RF Cafe TNC female connector drawing - RF Cafe
UHF

Maximum Frequency: 300 MHz

Non-constant (characteristic) impedance, suitable for use up to 300 MHz but can be rated for up to 500 MHz.

UHF male connector drawing - RF Cafe UHF female connector drawing - RF Cafe

Related Pages on RF Cafe

- Coaxial Cable Specifications

- Capacitor Dielectrics & Descriptions

- Dielectric Constant, Strength, & Loss Tangent

- Conductor Bulk Resistivity & Skin Depths

- Coaxial Cable Equations

- Coaxial Cable Specifications

- Coaxial Cable Vendors

- Coaxial Resonator

- Skin Depth Calculator

- Coaxial Connector Usage Chart