Connector Specifications
Author: Frederick R. Vobbe, W8HDU
January 4, 2008
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Name Impedance
in ohms
Freq Range Connector Description
BMA / BMMA 50 0-18 GHz BMA connectors feature a push-on interface and a threadless outer ground connection. They can withstand both radial and axial misalignment. BMMA connectors are miniature BMA connector.BMA connectors also includes a unique First-Make-Last-Break (FMLB) ground contact, which allows modular components to be plugged and unplugged or "hot swapped" in and out of a live system.
BNC 50/75 0-4 GHz Bayonet Neil-Concelman (BNC) connectors were designed for military applications, but are used widely in video and RF applications to 2 GHz. BNC connectors have a slotted outer conductor and a plastic dielectric that causes increasing losses at higher frequencies. BNC connectors are usable above 4 GHz as long as the slots radiate signals; however, these devices may not be mechanically stable to 10 GHz. BNC connectors are also known as "bayonet navy connectors", "baby Neil connectors", or even "British Naval connectors".
Type C 50 0-11 GHz Type C connectors are medium-size, weatherproof devices with a two-stud bayonet coupling. They provide constant 50 ohm impedance and may be used with 75 OHM cable below 300 MHz.
Type F 75 0-1 GHz Type F connectors have a screw-type coupling and frequency range up to 1.5 GHz. Applications include CATV, TV, and antennas.
FME 50 0-200 MHz FME connectors are used in mobile antenna applications. With adapters, they can also be used in place of UHF, Mini-UHF, TNC, BNC, and Type N connectors.
Type G 75 0-1 GHz Type G connectors are 75-ohm impedance devices with snap-on coupling. They are well-suited for CATV applications.
MCX 50 0-6 GHz Miniature coaxial (MCX) connectors provide broadband capability through 6 GHz and are used in applications where weight and physical space are limited. They provide good electrical performance and are used to address the rapid implementation of the U.S. digital cellular PCN infrastructure. MCX connectors are also used in global positioning systems (GPS) and wireless LAN (WLAN) applications.
MHV 50 0-300 MHz MHV connectors are compact, high-voltage devices with 50-ohm impedance and and a two-stud bayonet coupling. MHV connectors are similar in size to, but not interchangeable with, BNC connectors.
MMCX 50 0-6 GHz Micro-miniature coaxial (MMCX) connectors are smaller than MCX connectors and feature a more robust interface for greater durability. They are ideal for high volume, wireless SMT or PCMCIA applications in cellular base stations, cellular phones and personal communicators. MMCX connectors are also used in global positioning systems and wireless LAN (WLAN) applications.
Type N 50 0-11 GHz Type N connectors include an integrated gasket to protect against environmental ingress and create an air gap between the center and the outer conductor. They primarily have 50-ohm impedance, but 75-ohm versions for CATV, are available.
QMA 50 0-6 GHz QMA connectors are quick-disconnecting devices that have the same internal construction as SMA connectors.
SC 50 0-11 GHz Subscription channel (SC) connectors are coaxial, medium-size devices with a constant 50-ohm impedance and a frequency range of 0 - 11 GHz. They are larger than BNC connectors, but about the same size as Type N devices.
SMA 50 0-12.4 GHz Subminiature-A (SMA) connectors are intended for use on semi-rigid cables in components. They directly interface the cable dielectric without air gaps. They are not intended for permanent connections.
SMB 50 0-4 GHz Subminiature-N (SMB) connectors are snap-mount connectors that are available either in 50-ohm or 75-ohm impedances. They are used for frequencies from DC to 4GHz.
SMC 50 0-4 GHz Subminiature C (SMC) connectors are 50-ohm or 75-ohm devices with a frequency range of 7 - 10 GHz. They are smaller than SMA connectors, but can accept flexbile cables with diameters as large as 3.17 mm or 0.125".
SSMA 50 0-26 GHz Sub-SMA (SSMA) are miniaturized SMA connectors that are 30% smaller than standard SMA connectors.
SSMB 50 0-12.4 GHz Sub-SMB (SSMB) connectors are 30% smaller than SMB connectors. They are well-suited for board-to-board applications and are designed for use with semi-rigid cables.
SMP 50 0-26.5 GHz Subminiature P (SMP) connectors are rated to 40 GHz and, depending on detent type, can withstand from 100 to 1,000 interconnect cycles.
TNC 50 0-11 GHz Threaded Neil-Concelman (TNC) connectors are similar in size to BNC connectors but feature a threaded coupling nut for applications that require performance to 11 GHz. TNC connectors are durable, reliable devices that are widely used in the cellular and mobile communication industry for equipment cabling and antenna interfaces.
UHF / PL259 Non- constant 0 - 300 MHz Ultra high frequency (UHF) connectors are economical, all-purpose connectors designed with non-constant impedance for use in comparatively low voltage and low frequency applications such as citizens' band (CB) communications systems. UHF connectors are also used in public address systems, closed circuit television (CCTV), civil defense, landing systems, ground control apparatus, ship-to-shore communications, and mobile radio equipment hookups between antenna and transmitters or receivers.
Mini-UHF 50 0-2.5 GHz Mini-UHF connectors are a miniature version of the original UHF connector. They feature a threaded coupling mechanism for reliable mating. Mini-UHF connectors are designed for use in cellular mobile telephone systems where size, weight and cost are critical. With crimp cable termination for low installation costs, these connectors provide excellent RF performance in applications through 2.5 GHz.
1.6 / 5.6 75 0-1 GHz 1.6 / 5.6 connectors are mechanically sturdy devices that feature a coupling mechanism. They are often used with equipment that requires resistance against environmental and mechanical stress. 1.6 / 5.6 connectors are also suitable for handling RF analog and digital signals in telecommunications systems.
7/16 50 0-7.5 GHz 7/16 connectors are designed for use in medium to high power communication systems. These connectors perform exceptionally well in multichannel cellular systems where power levels approximate 100 watts per channel. Designed for both flexible as well as corrugated cables, these connectors are used in a variety of cellular base station and broadcast communication applications.
1.0 / 2.3 50 0-10 GHz 1.0 / 2.3 coaxial connectors are designed for telecommunications systems that require sub-miniature 50-ohm slide-on or screw-on connectors.
1.85 mm 50 0-65 GHz 1.85 mm connectors are metric devices that derive their name from the length of the inside diameter of their outer conductor. They are used for frequencies from DC to 65 GHz.
2.4 mm 50 0-50 GHz 2.4 mm connectors are metric devices that derive their name from the length of the inside diameter of their outer conductor. They are used for frequencies from DC to 50 GHz.
2.92 mm 50 0-45 GHz 2.92 mm connectors are metric devices that derive their name from the inside diameter of their outer conductor. They mate with SMA and 3.5 mm connectors and provide mode-free performance to 45 GHz.
3.5 mm 50 0-26.5 GHz 3.5 mm connectors are metric devices that derive their name from the inside diameter of their outer conductor. They are rated for frequencies up to 34 GHz.
7 mm 50 0-18 GHz 7 mm connectors are metric devices that derive their name from the inside diameter of their outer conductor. Compared to other 18 GHz connectors, 7 mm devices provide the lowest reflection coefficient and the most repeatable measurements. 7 mm connectors are also know as ACP-7, an acronoym for Amphenol precision connector, 7 mm.

Notes:

  1. When designing, be aware of Voltage Ratings on connectors. While some connectors may be idea for your application, they will be insufficient for carrying power.
  2. Mating is important, especially in mobile operations. I never use a connector that is "push on" in a mobile configuration. I always use something that is a threaded twist on.
  3. Although a connector is listed at 50 ohms, it may be able to be used at 75 or other impedances. Check the specs carefully, as well as make sure the cable can be installed properly on the connector.
  4. See the Amphenol RF for additional specifications.


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