RF connector is an important medium to connect and receive signal between equipment. RF connector is also a key component to ensure the stability of signal transmission and overall performance of the system. Therefore, RF connector has a significant position in modern communication and electronic systems. Whether in wireless communications, broadcasting, satellite connectivity or military applications, the quality and design of RF connector will directly affect the reliability and efficiency of the system. There are actually a wide variety of specifications for RF connectors. This article will introduce the popular 2.4mm RF connectors and adapters.  

What are the Common 2.4mm Connectors?

The 2.4mm RF connectors are designed for high frequency applications. The connectors are capable of transmitting signals in the microwave and millimeter wave frequency bands. There are several reasons for the use of 2.4mm RF connectors.

High Frequency Demand

High frequency signal transmission is increased along with the development of communication technology. 2.4mm RF connectors can fulfill the frequency demand up to DC-50GHz.
 

Performance Requirements

High frequency applications require low insertion loss, low reflection, and high stability. 2.4mm RF connectors meet these performance criteria.
 

Technological Advances

In recent years, advances in processing technology and material science have made it easier to manufacture products with higher precision and quality. These advances have also led to the launch of 2.4mm RF connectors.
 

Compatibility

echanically compatible with another 1.85 mm RF connector series (Table 1).
 

Characteristics and Compatibility of Coaxial Connectors

Common Specifications for 2.4mm RF Connectors

The basic specifications of 2.4mm RF connectors include frequency range, insertion loss, and reflection loss. The following is a brief introduction of the common basic specifications and applications:
 

Frequency Range

2.4mm RF connectors are available in frequency up to 50 GHz. They are suitable for high frequency applications such as radar and microwave communications.
 

 Insertion Loss

Maintains low insertion loss over the operating frequency range. The specific value varies with frequency and generally falls between 0.1 dB and 0.3 dB.
 

Reflection Loss

This refers to the loss of signal reflected inside the connector. 2.4mm RF connectors typically have high reflection loss of about 20 dB or more, which helps to minimize signal reflection and improve transmission efficiency.

Applications

Environmental Resistance 

2.4mm connectors can be designed for use in environments (high temperature, high humidity and high vibration) making it suitable for military, aerospace and industrial applications.
 

Connection Reliability

Precise mechanical design ensures good electrical performance and mechanical stability even after repeated plugging and unplugging.  

Advantages of 2.4mm RF connectors

High Frequency Performance

• Supports High Frequency: 2.4mm RF connectors are capable of handling frequency up to 50 GHz, making them ideal for many high frequency applications, such as millimeter wave communications, radar systems, and test equipment.

• Low Reflection Loss: 2.4mm RF connectors are the precision designed to maintain good impedance matching, which reduce reflection loss and provide stable signal transmission performance.

Low Loss

• Low Insertion Loss: The design and material selection of the 2.4mm RF connectors provide relatively low insertion loss, which is critical for signal integrity in high frequency applications.

• High Quality Materials: High quality metals and insulating materials are used to ensure low loss performance at high frequency.

Challenges of 2.4mm RF Connectors

Precision Manufacturing Requirements

• High Precision Requirements: In order to satisfy the application in 50GHz high frequency for 2.4mm connectors. They need to be manufactured with high precision (e.g. small tolerance), which is a big challenge for CNC machining and assembly.

• Strict Quality Control: During the manufacturing process, strict quality control (e.g., burr treatment) is required to ensure that each connector meets the design specifications. 

Higher Cost

• Higher Manufacturing Costs: Precision manufacturing and high quality materials make the cost relatively high of 2.4mm RF connectors.

• High Testing Costs: In order to ensure the high performance and reliability of the connectors, a lot of testing and validation is required which also increases the overall cost.

2.4mm Adapter Introduction

2.4mm adapters are designed for high frequency specification to connect with different types of 2.4mm RF connectors. The frequency range is up to 50 GHz and beyond. There are also commonly used 2.4mm adapters to meet the diverse connection needs in high frequency applications.
 

2.4mm RF Connectors Introduction

It is a high performance RF connector for applications in the frequency range up to 50 GHz or higher. Due to its miniaturized design and superior electrical performance such as low insertion loss and low VSWR, 2.4mm RF connectors are widely used in microwave, radar, test equipment and high frequency communication systems.

In order to make different types of connectors compatible for use with each other, the 2.4mm series also offers adapters. Users can connect the 2.4mm RF connectors to other types of connectors (e.g. SMA, K) or the same type of connectors (e.g. 2.4mm jack to plug, 2.4mm plug to plug). The high precision design of these adapters ensure signal integrity and reliability in high frequency applications.

Differences between 2.4mm RF Connectors and Adapters

In short, the coaxial connector is a direct connection to the end port of a cable or equipment. While a coaxial adapter is used to connect two different or the same type of coaxial connectors. The differences between both can be seen in the table below:
 

Compare 2.4mm RF Connectors with Adapters

Common 2.4mm Adapter Types

2.4mm adapters come in a variety of models and specifications, depending on their use and end-use applications. Here we introduce some of the more common types of 2.4mm adapters on the market.

2.4mm to SMA Adapter

This adapter is 2.4mm on one end and SMA on the other end. Its maximum operating frequency is up to 26.5GHz.

In high frequency testing and applications, different equipment and cables may be equipped with different types of connectors. Since 2.4mm connectors are usually used in higher frequency applications and SMA connectors are more common in lower frequency applications, it may be necessary to connect high frequency test equipment to other standard equipment in some applications. This 2.4mm to SMA adapter is required for this application.

<Recommended Products: ADU1-QM1-SMM1>

2.4mm to 2.92mm Adapter

This adapter is 2.4mm on one end and 2.92mm on the other end. Its maximum operating frequency is up to 40GHz.

2.4mm to 2.92mm adapter is a high performance RF adapter for connecting two different sizes of coaxial connectors. 2.4mm and 2.92mm connectors are both precision connectors commonly found in high frequency applications, such as millimeter wave and microwave test systems, and communications equipment. 2.4mm to 2.92mm adapters are a reliable solution for both laboratory and field test environments.

<Recommended Product: ADU1-QF1-KM1>

2.4mm to 3.5mm Adapter

This adapter is 2.4mm on one end and 3.5mm on the other end. Its maximum operating frequency is up to 34GHz.

2.4mm to 3.5mm adapters are widely used in RF testing, communication equipment, laboratory research, electronic product development and wireless communication systems. They can effectively connect different types of connectors to ensure the accuracy and stability of signal transmission as well as support efficient testing and reliable connections in high frequency environments.

<Recommended Products: ADU1-QF1-35F1>

How to Choose the Right 2.4mm RF connectors and Adapters

There are three main aspects to consider when selecting the right 2.4mm RF connectors and adapters:

Selection Based on Application Requirements

Frequency Range

Ensure that the connector and adapter you choose can support the frequency range required for your application. 2.4mm RF connectors can typically support frequency up to 50 GHz for high frequency applications.
 

Environmental Conditions

Select the appropriate 2.4mm RF connectors and adapters based on the environmental conditions of your application (e.g., temperature, humidity, vibration, etc.). Some applications may require higher durability products for harsh environments (e.g. high and low temperatures, waterproof, etc.).

Consider Cost and Performance

Budget

Choose 2.4mm RF connectors and adapters that strike the best balance between cost and performance. High quality products usually cost more, but have better performance and reliability.
 

Performance Metrics

Consider performance metrics such as insertion loss, reflection loss, and durability. These metrics directly affect signal quality and system reliability.
 

Life and Maintenance

Select connectors and adapters that have a longer life and lower maintenance requirements to reduce the total cost over time.

Brand and Supplier Selection

Brand Reputation

 Choose brands with good reputation, these brands usually provide high quality products and reliable after sales service. Huang Liang Technologies would be a good choice.
 

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Check out customer reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the product performance and service of different brands and suppliers.

By taking these two aspects into consideration, the 2.4mm RF connectors and adapters can be selected to suit the application requirements, ensuring high performance and reliability of the system.

Conclusion

2.4mm RF connectors and adapters are preferred for high frequency applications due to their excellent high frequency performance (DC to 50GHz), low insertion loss, high reflection loss and durability. These connectors meet the needs of test and measurement, RF and microwave communications, laboratory R&D, aerospace and satellite communications. Huang Liang Technologies is a professional manufacturer of RF microwave connectors and adapters, which not only provides the basic 2.4mm RF connectors and adapters, but also extends other designs to meet the requires of a variety of applications. Please Contact Us for more information.