RF and Microwave Connectors

RF and microwave connectors are used to connect the ends of cables in systems that operate in the radio frequency (RF) or microwave spectrum. They include threaded or bayonet-style couplings that snap, screw, or push into place. There are many types of RF and microwave connectors. Basic types include BMA, BNC, FME, MCX, QMA, QWS, SC, SMA, SMB, SMP, TNC, UHF, and ZMA connectors. Smaller versions of full-scale devices include BMMA, MMCX, SSMA, SSMB and Mini-UHF connectors. Numbered devices include 1.6 / 5.6 connectors and 7-16 connectors. 1.85 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.92 mm, 3.5 mm, and 7 mm devices derive their names from the inside diameter of their outer conductor. Other commonly used RF and microwave connectors include Type C, Type F, Type G, and Type N devices. Specialized RF and microwave connectors are moisture or oil resistant, hermetically sealed, hospital grade, or environmentally resistant. 

RF and microwave connectors vary in terms of gender, geometry, and cable type. Male connectors or plugs are often called header or free connectors. In coaxial RF connections, the plug is normally movable and usually attached to a cable. In shell-type, multiple-contact connectors, the plug contains the socket contacts and mounts on the rack or “hot” side of the system. Female connectors or jacks are connecting devices into which plugs are inserted to make circuit connections. In terms of device geometry, RF and microwave connectors are either straight or right-angled. Some connectors are designed for use with semi-rigid cables. Others are suitable for flexible or conformable cables. 

There are several mounting styles for RF and microwave connectors. Flange mounted devices attach to panels by bolting the flange or riveting it in place through holes in the flange surface. Solder and weld receptacles are intended for higher-pressure systems and permanent mounting. Jam nut receptacles are designed for D-shaped holes. Surface mount technology (SMT) adds components to a printed circuit board (PCB) by soldering component leads or terminals to the top surface of the board. By contrast, through hole technology (THT) mounts components by inserting leads through holes in the PCB and then soldering the leads in place on the opposite side of the board. Some RF and microwave connectors fit the ends of electrical cables or mount on plates or bulkheads. Others fit panel cutouts or backshells. 

Performance specifications for RF and microwave connectors include impedance, frequency range, working voltage, operating temperature, insertion loss, and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR). Most RF and microwave connectors provide a nominal resistance of 50 or 75 ohms. Frequency range, working voltage, and operating temperature vary among devices. Insertion loss is the total RF power transmission loss resulting from the insertion of a device in a transmission line. Voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) is a unitless ratio that ranges from one to infinity and expresses the amount of reflected energy at the input of the device. A value of one indicates that all of the energy passes through. Any other value indicates that a portion of the energy is deflected.

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