RF connectors are essential components in modern communication and electronic systems, providing reliable interfaces for signal transmission across a wide range of frequencies and applications. A Comprehensive Guide to RF Connectors Worldwide serves as a detailed reference, covering the most widely used connector families along with their electrical performance, mechanical coupling methods, and industry applications.
The guide begins with standard connectors such as BNC, TNC, N-Type, and 7/16 DIN, which remain popular in test equipment, broadcast, and wireless infrastructure. It then explores miniature and subminiature series like SMA, SMB, and FAKRA, designed for compact devices, automotive systems, and mobile communication. For even smaller devices, microminiature connectors such as MMCX, U.FL, and SMP provide solutions where space and weight are critical.
Precision connectors, including 3.5 mm, 2.92 mm, and 1.0 mm, support high-frequency and millimeter-wave testing up to 110 GHz, ensuring accuracy in advanced research and measurement. High-voltage and high-power connectors, such as LC, SHV, and EIA flange types, meet the demands of nuclear instrumentation, industrial RF, and broadcasting.
Additionally, the guide highlights cluster connectors, triax solutions, RF adapters, and automotive interfaces like FAKRA, reflecting the diversity of today’s RF connector ecosystem.
Standard Connectors
This category includes some of the most widely used and recognized medium to large size RF connectors.
Connector
Impedance (Ohms)
Frequency Range
Coupling Mechanism
Typical Applications
BNC
50 or 75
DC - 4 GHz
Bayonet
Test equipment, avionics, amateur radio, video signals
High-power applications, base stations, radar, satellite communications
QN
50
DC - 11 GHz
Push-Pull
a quick disconnect version of the N-Type connector with similar internal construction, which enables fast and easy matings with minimum space requirements.
Wi-Fi antennas, GPS, RF power amplifiers, microwave systems
QMA
50
DC - 18 GHz
Push-Pull
quick disconnect version of the SMA connector and shares the same internal construction, which allows the connector to have excellent performance up to 18 GHz.
SMB
50 or 75
DC - 4 GHz
Snap-on
Internal equipment connections, base stations, radio applications
European telecommunications market in the 1990s. The compact design allows for denser connector packing which makes this interface an ideal solution for applications where space constraints exist.
1.6/5.6
75
DC - 1 GHz
Threaded
miniature European design that permits dense connector packing, making them ideal solutions for applications where space limitation is a factor.
SMZ
75
DC - 2 GHz
Snap-on
75 ohm impedance and are ideal for instrumentation applications.
FME
50
DC - 200 MHz
Threaded
miniature 50 ohm series offering performance from DC to 200 MHz.
G-Type
75
DC - 1 GHz
Snap-on
75 ohm interface ideal for cable television (CATV), set top boxes and cable modems.
HD-BNC
50/75
DC - 6 GHz
Bayonet
enhance electrical and mechanical performance, the HD-BNC connector line
BMA
50
DC - 22 GHz
Snap-on
BMA was designed for high frequency rack and panel RF applications. It is standardized under IEC 60169-33.
SBMA
50
DC - 28 GHz
Snap-on
SBMA offers the performance of BMA in a 30% smaller version.The outer diameter of the interface is approx 3.50mm
SSMA
50
DC - 34 GHz
Threaded
a small version of the standard SMA connector.
SSMB
50
DC - 12.4 GHz
Snap-on
a small version of the standard SMB connector.
SSMC
50
DC - 12.4 GHz
Threaded
SSMC connectors are ideal for limited-space applications that require the security of a threaded coupling mechanism..
Microminiature Connectors
These are among the smallest RF connectors, used in compact and portable devices.
Connector
Impedance (Ohms)
Frequency Range
Coupling Mechanism
Typical Applications
MCX
50 or 75
DC - 6 GHz
Snap-on
GPS, PCMCIA cards, wireless communications
MMCX
50
DC - 6 GHz
Snap-on
Wi-Fi cards, GPS, portable devices
U.FL (IPEX)
50
DC - 6 GHz
Snap-on
Laptops, embedded systems, Wi-Fi modules,mating height 2.4mm,mounting area is only 7.7mm, and weighs in at 15.7 mg
W.FL (IPEX MHF4L)
50
DC - 6 GHz
Snap-on
Smaller devices than U.FL, such as smartphones,mating height 1.4mm,mounting area is only 3.4mm square and a weight of 2.6 mg
Smaller than GPO, for even higher density applications
G3PO (SMPS)
50
DC - 100 GHz
Push-on/Blind-mate
Blind-mate / push-on design ,45% smaller than the SMP, 30% smaller than the SMPM,100GHz capability
G4PO
50
DC - 60 GHz
Push-on/Blind-mate
The G4PO interconnect series offers a blind mate interconnect that has a center-to-center spacing of 0.070 inch and weighs just 5.0 mg.
PSMP
50
DC - 10 GHz
Push-on/Blind-mate
board-to-board applications requiring high power. With a minimum board spacing of 12.6 mm,
SMP-MAX
50
DC - 6 GHz
Push-on/Blind-mate
Microminiature coaxial connectors, Power up to 300 Watts,Board to board distance misalignment
Precision Connectors
These connectors are designed for high-frequency test and measurement applications where accuracy and repeatability are critical.
Connector
Impedance (Ohms)
Frequency Range
Coupling Mechanism
Typical Applications
APC-7
50
DC - 18 GHz
Threaded
APC-7 are genderless, design for VNA testing
3.5mm
50
DC - 34 GHz
Threaded
Microwave test and measurement, compatible with SMA
2.92mm (K)
50
DC - 40 GHz
Threaded
High-frequency test and measurement, compatible with 3.5mm and SMA
2.4mm
50
DC - 50 GHz
Threaded
Millimeter-wave applications, test equipment
1.85mm (V)
50
DC - 67 GHz
Threaded
High-frequency test and measurement, compatible with 2.4mm IEC 61169-32
1.35mm
50
DC up to 90 GHz, E-Band
Threaded
1.35 mm interface by IEC (IEC 61169-65) and IEEE (IEEE STD 287)
1.0mm (W)
50
DC - 110 GHz
Threaded
State-of-the-art test equipment, research and development IEC 61169-31
0.8mm
50
DC - 145 GHz D-Band
Threaded
mate with IEEE 287 & IEC 61169-64 standards
NMD 3.5
50
DC - 34 GHz
Threaded
NMD connectors are usually available as 3.5mm, 2.9mm, 2.4mm, and 1.85mm connectors. They are ruggedized test-port connectors used on test sets and network analyzers. NMD connectors have a large threaded body that has been specially designed to stabalize the test port cable when attached to the front of the test set or VNA.
NMD 2.92
50
DC - 40 GHz
Threaded
Same as before, the connector is 2.92 mm
NMD 2.4
50
DC - 50 GHz
Threaded
Same as before, the connector is 2.4 mm
NMD 1.85
50
DC - 67 GHz
Threaded
Same as before, the connector is 1.85 mm
High-Voltage Connectors
Designed for applications requiring high voltage ratings.
Connector
Impedance (Ohms)
Frequency Range
Coupling Mechanism
Typical Applications
LC
50
DC - 1 GHz
Threaded
The LC coaxial connectors are typically used in high power or high voltage applications. LC can typically handle up to 5,000 Vrms.
SHV
50
DC - 300 MHz
Bayonet
Photomultiplier tubes, nuclear instrumentation, high-voltage power supplies
MHV
50
DC - 100 MHz
Bayonet
Older high-voltage applications, less safe than SHV
HN
50
DC - 4 GHz
Threaded
High-voltage and moderate power applications
EIA
50
DC - 6 GHz
Flange
High-voltage and moderate power applications
Reverse Polarity Connectors
These connectors have the gender of the center pin and the outer conductor reversed to prevent incorrect connections, often used in consumer-grade Wi-Fi equipment to comply with regulations. Common types include :
RP-BNC
RP-MCX
RP-N-TYPE
RP-SMA
RP-SMB
RP-TNC
RP-Triax
High-Power EIA Flange Connectors
These are primarily used in broadcast (FM, TV), high-power industrial RF, and scientific applications. Their names correspond to the flange size;
EIA Size (Inches)
Impedance (Ohms)
Max Frequency (Approx.)
Typical Average Power Handling
Typical Applications
7/8"
50
~ 5.2 GHz
> 2.2 kW @ 900 MHz
Low to medium power broadcast (FM/TV), cellular base stations, industrial heating
1-5/8"
50
~ 3.0 GHz
> 4.9 kW @ 900 MHz
Medium to high-power broadcast transmitters (FM/TV), particle accelerators
3-1/8"
50
~ 1.0 GHz
> 10.9 kW @ 960 MHz
Very high-power TV and FM broadcast transmitters, industrial RF power systems
4-1/2"
50
~ 960 MHz
> 17.5 kW @ 960 MHz
Extremely high-power broadcast applications, research facilities
6-1/8"
50
~ 860 MHz
> 25.5 kW @ 860 MHz
The largest standard size, for the most powerful broadcast transmitters in the world
Triax Connector
Design for triax cable for maximum RF shielding and minimum noise radiation
Connector
Impedance (Ohms)
Frequency Range
Triax-C
Non-Constant
DC - 300 MHz
Triax BNC
Non-Constant
DC - 500 MHz
Triax TNC
Non-Constant
DC - 500 MHz
Cluster Connector
A cluster connector is multi-port RF connector assembly that integrates several RF connectors into one compact housing.
Connector
Impedance (Ohms)
Frequency Range
Coupling Mechanism
Typical Applications
MQ4
50
DC - 6 GHz
Threaded
Mechanical coding avoids any mismating,Rugged and watertight design (IP68),Four or five PIM-stable connections,Reduced installation time,IEC 63138-2
MQ5
50
DC - 6 GHz
Threaded
Mechanical coding avoids any mismating,Rugged and watertight design (IP68),Four or five PIM-stable connections,Reduced installation time,IEC 63138-3
RF Adapter
An RF Adapter is a passive component used to connect two RF connectors that have different types, genders, or orientations. They allow systems to be flexible when testing, prototyping, or integrating RF equipment.
An Automobile RF Connector is a specialized RF interface designed for use in vehicles, where reliability, safety, and compact size are critical. These connectors support communication, navigation, infotainment, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
FAKRA
MINI-FAKRA
H-MTD
Inserts
RF Inserts are specialized coaxial contact elements designed to be integrated into multi-pin connector systems such as D-Sub, DIN, or custom housings. Instead of using a standalone RF connector (like SMA or BNC), RF inserts allow high-frequency signals to be transmitted within a larger mixed-signal connector assembly that may also carry power, control, or data lines.
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