Do you find it difficult to identify what RF connector types you’re going to use in an application? If so, don’t worry; in this article, you will discover the various RF connector types and the applications they are frequently used for.
Radiofrequency (RF) connectors and adapters are passive electrical parts designed to work at radio frequencies in the multi-megahertz range. These connectors come in a variety of types, though.
Here are five of the RF connectors that are most frequently used.
Table of Contents
What Are RF Connectors?
RF connectors are connectors used to make electrical connection for signal transmission in radio frequency applications. From 0 to 18 GHz and above, these connectors are used in a wide range of applications.
There is a male and a female connector on every type of RF connector. Plug and jack are common names for male and female connectors, respectively. A strong and dependable connection is provided by the center pin and outer grounding with the locking mechanism.
Read More: What Is An RF Cable?
5 Most Common RF Connector Types
The 5 most common RF connector types include
- Type N Connectors
- UHF Connectors
- TNC Connectors
- BNC Connectors
- SMA Connectors
1. Type N Connector
The weatherproof, medium-sized Type N connector is threaded and suitable for rugged applications. It can easily handle frequencies up to 11 Ghz. In lower frequency microwave systems where ruggedness and affordability are required, this type of connector, which adheres to MIL-STD-348, is widely used.
2. UHF Connector
The Ultra High Frequency (UHF) connector is a threaded RF connector that can handle signals up to 100 MHz in frequency. It doesn’t have constant surge impedance and is not waterproof. It can be applied to amateur radio, Citizens band radio, and marine VHF radio applications.
3. TNC Connector
A threaded BNC connector is what this kind of connector is.
Since the TNC connector performs better than the BNC connector, it is advised for use with microwave frequencies. Mostly wired and radio applications make use of it.
4. BNC Connector
A small, quick-connect/disconnect radio frequency connector known as a BNC connector is frequently used in low-frequency applications. It was originally developed for the military but has since found widespread use in composite video on commercially available video devices and Radio Frequency applications up to 2 Gigahertz.
This particular connector type offers very high performance while being incredibly simple and convenient to use. On test equipment like audio generators and power meters to operate generators, it is used. In particular for Radio Frequency applications, this kind of connector is used where a coaxial or screened cable is required.
5. SMA Connector
SMA connectors are semi-precision coaxial RF connectors with a maximum operating frequency of 18 GHz; however, some exclusive versions have a maximum frequency of 26.5 GHz. It is frequently used at frequencies above 5 GHz in radio astronomy, RF power amplifiers, RF isolators, microwave systems, mobile phone antennas, WiFi antenna systems, and antenna systems for WiFi.
What is the Difference Between RF and Coaxial?
Although RF and coaxial are frequently used synonymously, it’s important to understand the differences between the two.
Simple definitions: Coaxial typically refers to the cable itself, whereas RF refers to signals that are transmitted through shielded cables. Coaxial cable is frequently used to transmit RF signals, and its ends may also contain RF transmitters and receivers. This leads to the misunderstanding that RF and coaxial have the same meaning, which is why coaxial cables are occasionally referred to as RF cables.
To create connections that are heavily screened, a variety of RF connectors can be used with coaxial cable. They can thus be used with RF applications, specific test and measurement tools, and settings that call for both RF and screening applications.
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Final Words on RF Connector Types
RF connectors are available in many size shape and frequency range to fit wide variety of applications. It must be chosen in accordance with the specifications required for specific applications.
In spite of the fact that their gender and polarity are typically used to distinguish them, these include type, size, impedance, and termination.
FAQs
How Do I Choose An RF Connector?
- When selecting RF connectors, size is an important factor to take into account.
- RF connectors are offered in a variety of interfaces.
- RF connectors are made of a variety of materials, depending on their type.
- Quick-Lock.
- Price.
What Are the Three Types of Coaxial Connectors?
There are three different types of coaxial cable connectors and they are the F-Series, the N-Series and the BNC coaxial connectors.
