Before using coaxial connectors, it is essential to understand their applicable frequency ranges. This article reviews seven commonly used coaxial connector types and outlines their typical operating frequency characteristics.
1. Type N Connector
The 50 Ω Type N connector was originally developed in the 1940s for military systems operating below 4 GHz. Design improvements in the 1960s extended its performance to 12 GHz, and subsequent refinements increased its usable frequency range to 18 GHz.
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2. SMA Connector
Due to the difficulty of precisely fixing the dielectric support, when operating up to 24 GHz, most SMA connectors exhibit higher reflection coefficients compared with other connector types.
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3. 3.5 mm Connector
The design philosophy of the 3.5 mm connector is to achieve a highly reliable physical interface using standard SMA dimensions. It supports thousands of mating cycles and provides performance up to 34 GHz.
4. 2.92 mm Connector
Also known as the K connector, the 2.92 mm connector is mechanically compatible with both SMA and 3.5 mm connectors. It offers excellent performance up to 46 GHz and is more cost-effective than 3.5 mm connectors. Below 18 GHz, its performance is superior to that of SMA connectors.
5. 2.4 mm Connector
The 2.4 mm connector is typically used for applications requiring operation up to 50 GHz.
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6. 1.85 mm Connector
The operating frequency of the 1.85 mm connector can reach 65 GHz. In recent years, optimized designs have extended its performance to 67 GHz.
7. 1.0 mm Connector
The 1.0 mm connector is designed to support signal transmission up to 110 GHz, covering the full range of millimeter-wave applications.
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Conclusion
For measurement and testing of circuits operating below 18 GHz, SMA connectors, Type N connectors, and APC-7 connectors are suitable choices. For millimeter-wave frequency applications, K connectors (2.92 mm) or 2.4 mm connectors are recommended.
