What are RF/Microwave Connectors?

24-02-05
RF Connector
 
RF microwave coaxial connectors are the key factor in wireless, satellite and microwave communication systems to ensure the quality of signal transmission. Whether the communication system engineering, high frequency electronic engineering, laboratory test and measurement research organization, or the manufactures of communication equipment, radar systems, satellite receivers, UAV/UAS or drone communications, mobile phones or electronic devices, aerospace industry, medical devices, etc., that you may need to purchase high quality and reliable connectors to ensure the proper functioning of your communication equipment. In this article, we will explain in detail what RF microwave coaxial connectors are. It will also discuss the types of connectors that are suitable for each application, providing you with the most complete connectivity solution!
 

What are RF microwave connectors?

RF/Microwave Connector or RF Connector is a type of wire and signal transmission connector. It is primarily used at the end of cables that are connected to systems operating in the radio frequency or (Microwave) spectrum. Microwave refers to electromagnetic energy with a frequency greater than 1 gigahertz and a wavelength of less than 30 centimeters, while RF refers to an alternating current. When fed into an antenna, it can generate an electromagnetic field that suitable for wireless broadcasting and communications. (RF Connectors) are commonly used in transmission systems to connect or disconnect system components. They consist of a male connector (Plug) and a female connector (Jack) to form a pair of mating connectors.
 

Common Applications of RF Microwave Connectors

RF microwave connectors are designed to transmit signals in the high frequency range, usually in the GHz (gigahertz) frequency range. They are widely used in wireless communications, radar systems, satellite communications, broadband networks and other communications fields. Let us take a look of what are the practical applications of RF microwave connectors in our lives!
 

Application of "Short" Frequency Range

Short distance coaxial cables are widely used in home audio-visual equipment and amateur radio devices. Among them, the "Foam Insulated RF Microwave Connectors", which are insulated with physically foamed polyethylene material and they are mainly used in the telecommunications industry for a variety of applications. Included in cellular mobile communication systems, microwave communication systems, short-wave national defense systems, broadband networks, and mobile radio systems of land.
 

Application of "Long" Frequency Range

Long distance RF Connectors are often used as "TV signal lines" in radio or TV station networks. These coaxial cables are characterized by relatively low cost and a well-established infrastructure. They are also widely used in radio and television broadcasting stations, FM broadcasting in tunnels, commercial mobile services, dedicated communications services, and wireless coverage in large buildings and basements. For instance, airports, parks, highway tunnels, railroad tunnels, and rail transit signaling systems.
 

RF Microwave Connector Series Introduction

RF/Microwave Connectors are commonly known as "connectors". They are the important components used for signal transmission. The following section focuses on a few commonly used of RF/Microwave Connectors. With basic visual identification, electrical characteristics, and corresponding applications for certain connector series.
 

Sheet of RF/Microwave Connectors

Series Frequency Appearance Mating Style Applications
SMA DC – 18 GHz
DC – 27 GHz
Jack: Thread
Plug: Coupling Nut
With 1/4-36 UNS-2A/2B screw threads.
Threaded Connection
(Screw-on Coupling)
  • Military Communications
  • Instruments
  • Amplifiers
  • Filters
  • Military
  • Wireless
MCX DC – 6 GHz The Plug side has the appearance of six slot. Snap on Coupling
  • Communications
  • Instruments
  • Process Control System
MMCX DC – 6 GHz The Plug side is a miniature C-clip which is smaller than MCX connector. Snap on Coupling
  • Antenna
  • Dissemination of Communications
  • GPS
  • Mobile Communications
  • WLAN
N DC – 18 GHz Jack: Thread
Plug: Coupling Nut
With 5/8-24 UNEF-2A/2B screw threads.
Threaded Connection(Screw-on Coupling)
  • Base Stations
  • Receiver
  • Radar
  • Instrument
SMP DC – 40 GHz The Jack side has the appearance of four slot. Snap on CouplingSlide on Coupling
  • Aerospace
  • Board to Board (PCB)
  • Organizational Connections
  • Communications
  • Instruments
SSMP DC– 65 GHz Straight Plug Type of Connector Snap on CouplingSlide on Coupling
  • Microwave Communications
  • Wireless Communications
  • Shortwave National Defense System
TNC DC– 18GHz Jack: Thread
Plug: Coupling Nut
With 7/16-28 UNEF-2A/2B screw threads.
Threaded Connection
(Screw-on Coupling)
  • Antenna
  • Base Station
  • Radar
BMA DC– 22 GHz Jack: Spring Fingers
Plug: O-Ring
Slide on Coupling
  • Base Station
  • Military Radar
  • Satellite
3.5 mm DC– 34 GHz With 1/4-36 UNS-2A/2B screw threads. Threaded Connection
(Screw-on Coupling)
  • Widely Used in Laboratories
  • Test Equipment and Analyzers
2.92mm DC– 40 GHz With 1/4-36 UNS-2A/2B screw threads. Threaded Connection
(Screw-on Coupling)
  • Widely Used in Laboratories
  • Test Equipment and Analyzers
2.4mm DC– 50 GHz With M7x0.75 screw threads. Threaded Connection
(Screw-on Coupling)
  • Can be used for precision instruments and other laboratory applications.
1.85mm DC– 67 GHz With M7x0.75 screw threads. Threaded Connection
(Screw-on Coupling)
  • Military affairs
  • Aerospace
  • Satellite Communications
  • Test and Measurement
 

Conclusion

Huang Liang Technologies is committed to providing low insertion loss and good performance of VSWR for the connectors. It means our RF Connectors are able to transmit RF signals efficiently and ensure high quality signal transmission. This is especially important for high-frequency applications in 5G/6G communication equipment, radar systems, satellite receivers, UAV/UAS or drone communications, high-frequency electronic engineering design, laboratory test and measurement, cellular or electronic devices, aerospace industry, medical devices, and other products. No matter what your communication application is, we will provide you with a full range of one-stop services, including: initial design, simulation, and the assembly instruction. We also provide performance analysis, to give you with the best solution. Please click “Contact Us” that you can get professional simulation advice before mass production, which will help you realize the competitive advantage of signal stability and also reduce signal loss of commercial communications.