Intermateability of SMA, 3.5 mm and 2.92 mm Connectors

Definitely. SMA, 3.5mm, and 2.92mm (K) connectors can all be mated to each other due to their shared mechanical properties. However, the connection is not perfect and does lead to decreased electrical performance because the dimensions of each connector are slightly different.

Basic Information of SMA,3.5 mm, 2.92mm Connectors:

SMA Connector

It was given the "SMA" (Sub-miniature A) classification that we are all familiar with in 1968.Instead than using an air dielectric, the SMA connector utilizes a solid dielectric contact. An air interface connector cannot, by definition, be called "SMA." The maximum performance is 18 GHz, however higher frequency variations are also offered.

The SMA connector was created as a cost-effective, miniature connector for system use. It was never meant to be a lab-grade precision connector. It was created for usage in semi-rigid cable assemblies and components that didn't need frequent connect/disconnect because it is only rated for 500 mate/de-mate operations.

2.92 mm Connector

To enable coaxial connector performance to 40 GHz, the 2.92 mm profile with a SMA mateable interface was created. Wiltron (now Anritsu Corp.) introduced the connector and instruments in 1983; Wiltron trademarked the word "K-connector" to refer to the connector's operating frequency band, the K-band. The 2.92 mm connector's intermateability with the SMA was not a primary design goal. Convenience led to the development of these two connector types' ability to inter-mate; the 2.92 mm connector was built on verified SMA profile.

3.5 mm Connector

The 3.5 mm connector was created as a consequence of a partnership by Hewlett Packard (now Aglient Technologies) and Amphenol in the early 1970s. The majority of the development work was done by Hewlett Packard, while Amphenol produced the connector under the name "APC3.5" (Amphenol Precision Connector 3.5 mm). Hewlett Packard wanted to create a robust interface that would enable its products to operate at frequencies up to 26.5 GHz, allow for thousands of repeatable connections, and fit with conventional SMA dimensions.

Dimension Characteristic

A SMA Connector's outer conductor has an inner diameter of approximately 4.13 mm (0.163 inch), A 3.5 mm Connector's outer conductor has an inner diameter of 3.5 mm.A 2.92 mm Connector's outer conductor has an inner diameter of 2.92 mm (0.163 inch), which is where the series name comes from.In many situations and applications, the diminished electrical performance is practically insignificant and can be disregarded. However, you should use matching connector interfaces for connections if you're working on a very sensitive system.

Use Tips

One thing to keep in mind is that when mating a SMA connector with a 3.5 mm or 2.92 mm connector, the pin of the SMA engages first and the threads come in second. As a result, the connection must be made carefully to prevent harming the connectors. The threads and pin join first when mating the 3.5 mm and 2.92 mm connectors with SMA connectors, creating a more stable connection that reduces the risk of damaging the connectors.

Furthermore, 2.4 mm and 1.85 mm connectors can be compatible with one other, but they cannot be used with SMA, 3.5 mm, and 2.92 mm.