24小时咨询热线：+86 13951873509
全国咨询热线：+86 025-87708280
Here, we are going to explore the different sizes, types, and uses of RF connectors and RF adapters.
Radiofrequency (RF) adapters and connectors refer to those passive electrical components that are designed for operating radio frequencies, particularly in the multi-megahertz range. They have various uses, including industrial, professional, domestic, and even military applications. Additionally, they can also be used in combination with antennas, test and measurement equipment, coaxial cable, radios, surge protectors, and many more.
There are several types of RF adapters and connectors. That is why they have been classified in various ways. Usually, they are classified by size, termination, type, and impedance. But most often, they can also be classified by their polarity and gender.
There are two ways in which RF coaxial connectors can be installed. The first method is crimping the connector onto the cable. Another option is to screw the connector into the end of the cable. Both of these installation methods are very easy to do and are mostly used.
Another obvious difference would be its center pin. Depending on how you choose to install this, this can either be crimped or soldered. Commonly, the standard method is soldering the center pin, however, crimping is also a great alternative.
The following describes the connection between a coaxial cable and RF adapter. Keep in mind that you should always ensure that you understand the manufacturer’s instructions before you start the task.
1. Choose which method of connection you like to use, which is either soldering or crimping.
2. Based on the manufacturer’s instructions, strip the cable.
3. Solder or crimp the center pin, considering the connection type you want.
4. To finish the process, attach the outer part.
Although it does not seem to be complicated, it is still important that you have to perform this task properly so as to prevent any damage to the components. Once you understand the process and are confident that you can do this, following the steps above can help you in accomplishing the task easily and quickly.
Bayonet Coupling – This connection method is essential for sturdy mechanism and faster mounting.
Screwed Coupling – This includes the coupling nut and thread with the highest torque setting for effective coupling nut captivation.
Snap-On Coupling – This is a fast snap-in connection and disengagement method commonly used for most small connectors.
There are various types of RF connectors and RF adapters that are available in the market right now. Each of these is suitable for different applications and uses. Since there are a lot of types, it is also worth considering that some of these are more common than the others. The following are some of the principal types:
One of the most popular types of RF connector is BNC connectors. With a 4 GHz operating frequency, this is perfect for low-frequency RF applications, at the same type, it is also easy to use. BNC connectors are commonly used for timing, video signals, and amateur radio applications. You can select 75 Ω or 50 Ω.
This type of connector is not difficult to use and its design is not complicated. SMB connectors are ideal at lower frequencies. It has a typical 4 GHz operating frequency. SMB connectors are popularly used for several radio applications, unique base stations, as well as a wide variety of medical equipment and devices.
Although SMA connectors are not large, yet they are dependable. These are popularly used by professionals. They are also perfect for ultra-high frequencies since they have an operating frequency of 18 GHz. Generally, SMA connectors are used for certain radio communication boards, power amplifiers, RF isolators, Wi-Fi antennas, as well as any other type of ultra-high frequency systems.
Compared to the previous types that are mentioned above, N-type connectors are much larger. It also provides a sturdy, stable connection. These are perfect for more heavy-duty environments with an operating frequency of 11 GHz. N-type connectors are generally used for radar systems, communication, satellite, and in perfectly matched impedance applications.
RF connector kits include a variety of RF connectors, with a wide range of types and sizes. These kits are very helpful since they include a wide variety of connectors for various applications. For instance, a typical RF connector kit features N, SMA, BNC, TNC, as well as UHF connectors.
Just like most adapters, connectors, and plugs/sockets, RF adapters are also identified by its gender. You can find both female and male RF connectors that are sold in the market right now. Hence, it would be great if you can choose the best type for your application.
So, how do you identify the female RF connector from the male RF connector? Female RF connectors are typically identified by its pin, commonly known as the plug. On the other hand, male RF connectors include a hole for attaching the pin on female connectors so these two individual components can be joined together.
Male RF connectors are also called jacks. Although it might seem a bit confusing since plugs are generally male and jacks are commonly female. Nevertheless, it is worthy to note that in the case of RF connectors, the male housing typically sits on the interior of the female housing once the two are banded together. For instance, if the BNC connector includes a pin, hence, it is considered as a plug. On the other hand, if the mating half fits on the inside part, then it can be considered as female. As a result, you are going to have a male jack or socket and a female plug.
When it comes to reverse polarity connectors, there will be a swapping between the center pin of the male connector and the receptacle of the female connector. In other words, rather than having a center pin, the reverse polarity male connector is now going to have a receptacle. On the other hand, rather than having an interface, the reverse polarity female connector is now going to have a center point.
RF adapters come in a variety of sizes, making them suitable for various applications and connector sizes. Generally, they are categorized by type, however, these types can also be referred to as the size of the device.
Basically, RF adapter sizes can either be in metric or imperial measurements. However, it is also worthy to know that the physical sizes of RF connectors are commonly indicated in imperial sizes. The reason behind this is because most of the leading manufacturers and brands of these components are based in the United States.
Hence, these connectors were developed and designed based on imperial sizes. Nevertheless, if you want to know the size of a component using the metric measurements, then you can easily do a conversion from standard imperial to metric measurements. This can guarantee that you have chosen the accurate size of the connector for your application.
You can use RF adapters in various applications such as professional, commercial, domestic, as well as industrial environments. In other words, RF adapters can be used for connections that are using coaxial cable.
Additionally, you can also convert adapters, so it can be used from one type of connector to another. For instance, when there is a need for using it with legacy machinery. This means that these adapters are extremely versatile and can be used in a wide variety of applications.
Also, keep in mind that there is no universal connector. The reason behind this is that specialized connectors are needed for certain high-frequency applications. This means that RF adapters can also be used on test equipment that features BNC connectors.
Sometimes, the terms coaxial and RF are used interchangeably, however, it is essential to know the distinction between these two.
Simply put, RF are the signals which are transmitted via shielded cables. While coaxial are the cable itself. Most often, RF signals are transmitted through coaxial cable. In addition, it is also possible that coaxial cables include transmitters and RF receivers at the ends. Oftentimes, coaxial cables are also referred to as RF cables. This is why it has become a common misconception that coaxial, and RF are the same.
Most RF connectors can be utilized with coaxial cable to support highly screened connections. In other words, they are more suitable for particular test and measurement equipment, RF applications usage, as well as in situations wherein both screening applications and RF are needed.
Shinewave offers affordable RF and microwave products. We provide rf power amplifiers, antennas, connectors,cable assemblies, isolators/circulators, and many more.
For more information, you can contact us immediately.
扫一扫咨询微信客服服务热线