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.
| 2.4 mm Maximum Frequency: 50 GHz This family is not directly
mateable with the SMA family. Quality grades; general purpose, instrument, and metrology. |
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| 7/16 DIN Maximum Frequency: 7.5 GHz Cellular and other "wireless"
applications, especially on towers. Rated to 7.5 GHz. Low PIMs. |
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| APC-2.4 (Amphenol Precision Connector, 2.4 mm) |
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| APC-3.5 (Amphenol Precision Connector, 3.5 mm) |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| C Maximum Frequency: 12 GHz Medium-size, 50 Ω impedance. Type
N connectors, but are bayonet locking. |
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| F Maximum Frequency: 1 GHz Utilized in television cable and
antenna applications. 75 Ω characteristic impedance. 3/8-32 coupling thread. |
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| GR874 Maximum Frequency: 8.5 GHz Hermaphroditic, 50 Ω impedance
with a slide-on interface. |
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| GR900BT Maximum Frequency: 8.5 GHz Hermaphrodite connectors.
Used in highly critical laboratory applications at frequencies up to 8.5 GHz. |
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| N (Navy) OSN Maximum Frequency: 12 GHz Uses an internal
gasket to seal out the environment. |
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| 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). |
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| 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. |
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| SMB (Sub-Miniature B) OSMB |
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| SMC (Sub-Miniature C) OSMC |
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| SSMA (Sub-SMA) OSSM |
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| TNC (Threaded Navy Connector) Maximum Frequency: 2 GHz
OSTThreaded version of the BNC connector. Both 50 Ω and 75 Ω versions are available. |
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| 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. |
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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
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