The SMA connector, whose full name is Sub-Miniature-A, is a component installed on cables or instruments for the electrical connection or separation of transmission lines. The SMA connector is a kind of electromechanical product. It has many varieties and specifications, relying on the mechanical structure to ensure the electrical characteristics, and has essential differences from other low-frequency connectors. SMA connectors are mostly machined by turning and mostly assembled by hand.
The SMA connector is an ultra-small coaxial cable connector, whose name comes from the ultra-small connector. It is commonly used to transmit RF signals. SMA connectors transmit over a wide frequency range and provide RF connections between circuit boards. A large number of microwave components use SMA connectors, including filters, attenuators, mixers, and oscillators.
Application range of SMA connectors
SMA connectors are mainly used in the microwave field in the frequency range of up to 26.5 GHz, including telecommunications communications, networking, wireless communications, and measurement instrumentation. Different SMA connectors have different applications. For example, SMA connector RG174 is used for the base station. The SMA panel mount jack is for the antenna. RP-SMA connector jack is used for telecommunication. The 4-hole-flange SMA connector is for instrumentation. And RP-SMA RG174 is used for PC/LAN ROUTER.
Termination methods of SMA connectors
SMA connectors can be terminated in a variety of ways. For example, snap-in or solder under static contact, press-in, press-in or solder, as well as field replacement and solder under non-contact conditions. The body material of SMA connectors is brass or stainless steel. Some SMA connector interfaces are also available in quick-disconnect or standard versions.
Power Ratings of SMA connectors
1、SMA connectors have a constant impedance of 50 ohms. SMA connectors are originally designed and specified to operate at frequencies up to 18 GHz. but some versions of SMA connectors have a maximum frequency of 12.4 GHz, while some versions of SMA connectors have a maximum frequency of 24 or 26.5 GHz. Higher frequency limits may require operation at higher return losses.
2、In some cases, the power rating of the SMA connector may be important. The key parameter that determines the average power handling capability of the SMA connector is its ability to deliver high currents and maintain thermal ramping to moderate temperatures.
3、The heating effect is primarily caused by the contact resistance, which is a function of the contact surface area and the way the contact pads are bonded. A critical area is the center contact, and these contacts must be properly formed and well bonded together. It should also be noted that the average power rating of the SMA connector decreases with increasing frequency, as the resistance loss increases with frequency.
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Our company, Zhejiang LenoRF Industry co. LTD, occupies an area of 30 hectares and is equipped with world class equipment to make millimeter wave connectors and phase stable cables. We specialize in coaxial connectors, cable assembly, and passive devices. Our current products are the latest millimeter wave connector and phase stable cable on the market.
