RF coaxial cable connectors are used to connect cables to other devices and are specifically designed to maintain the shielding on the cable. High-quality connectors offer reliable, long-lasting connections.
There are two distinct connector styles; male and female. Male connectors have a protruding metal pin in the center, whereas female connectors have a receptacle to receive the pin.
There're varieties of RF coaxial cable connector types in digital, video, audio, RF, and microwave industries. Each offers unique benefits based on the end-use or application. Below are some of the most common coaxial connector types, along with their distinguishing characteristics and intended applications.
BNC
The Bayonet Neil-Concelman (BNC) coaxial connector is a miniature-to-subminiature RF connector used for quick connect/disconnect in RF equipment, test instruments, radio, television, and video signal transmission, originally designed for military use. BNC connectors contain two bayonet lugs for a twisting interface on the female connector and are best suited for frequencies below 4GHz, as connectors lose mechanical stability as they get closer to 10 GHz.
TNC
The Threaded Neil-Concelman is the threaded version of the BNC connector but performs better microwave frequencies than BNC connectors. TNC Connectors are weatherproof, miniature units that operate up to 12 GHz and are commonly used in cellular phone and RF/antenna connections to resolve leakage and stability issues.
SMB
Subminiature version B connectors are smaller versions of SMA connectors, can provide superior electrical performance from DC to 3 GHz. SMB connectors are one of the most popular RF/microwave connector variations for industrial and telecommunications equipment, offer a simple snap-on coupling design for semi-rigid cables with infrequent connections.
MCX
Micro coaxial connectors are small-form-factor connectors which are ideal for applications with space, size, or weight restrictions. MCX connectors are featuring a 30% smaller outer diameter than SMB connectors, operate between DC and 6 GHz in wireless, GPS, TV tuner cards, RF hardware, and digital cellular applications. MCX connectors also have a snap-on coupling design for simple, tool-free installation.
RCA
The Radio Corporation of America connector was originally designed for audio signal transmission and is now widely used in the video, as well. Sometimes called A/V jacks, these cables are commonly recognized as the red, white, and yellow cords that plug into the back of televisions. Each of these cables features a male connector surrounded by a ring.
QMA
QMA connectors are the quick-lock and quick-disconnect variation of SMA connectors and feature the same internal construction. QMA connectors offer faster and safer coupling and excellent performance in RF connections, they are ideal for industrial and communications applications, as well as cable wiring, assembly, and repair.
7/16 DIN
The 7/16 DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) connector is a threaded RF connector for high-wattage transmissions in cellular networks, antenna systems with multiple transmitters, and defense applications. It can be used up to 7.5 GHz and requires a wrench for tightening. The name 7/16 refers to the 7-mm inner diameter of the female inner contact and the 16-mm inner diameter of the overall outer contact.
There are many other types of RF coaxial connectors, please refer to the detailed connector category in our website:
https://www.rfsupplier.com/c/rf-connector_0002