RF Adapters

RF adapters are used to connect different waveguides and/or coaxial types. They are passive devices that direct radio frequency (RF) signals with minimal return loss. There are three main types of RF adapters: coaxial, waveguide, and coaxial/waveguide. Coaxial RF adapters connect two different types of coaxial cable, or terminate a coaxial port. Waveguide RF adapters connect two different types of waveguides, or terminate a waveguide port. Coaxial / waveguide adapters connect a coaxial cable to a waveguide, or vice-versa. 

Product specifications to consider when selecting RF adapters include frequency range, maximum input power, voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), return loss, and adapter style. VSWR is a measure of the amount of RF power reflected back to the signal source because of impedance mismatches. Styles for RF adapters include straight jack-jack, straight jack-plug, straight plug-plug, angled jack-jack, angled jack-plug, angled plug-plug, jack-jack-jack tee, plug-plug-plug tee, plug-jack-plug tee, jack-jack-plug tee, and plug-plug-jack tee.  

Connector types for RF adapters include BNC, BMMA, BNC, FME, Type C, Type F, and FME. BMA connectors feature a push-on interface and a thread-less outer ground connection. They can withstand both radial and axial misalignment. BMMA connectors are miniature BMA connectors. Bayonet Neil-Concelman (BNC) connectors were designed for military applications, but are used widely in video and RF applications to 2 GHz. Type C connectors are medium-size, weatherproof devices with a two-stud bayonet coupling. Type F connectors have a screw-type coupling and frequency range up to 1.5 GHz.   FME connectors are used in mobile antenna applications. With RF adapters, they can also be used in place of many other RF connector types. 

RF adapters may use connector types such as Type G, MCX, MHV, MMCX, Type N, and QMA. Type G connectors are 75-ohm impedance devices with snap-on coupling. Miniature coaxial (MCX) connectors provide broadband capability through 6 GHz and are used in applications where weight and physical space are limited. MHV connectors are compact, high-voltage devices with 50-ohm impedance and a two-stud bayonet coupling. Micro-miniature coaxial (MMCX) connectors for RF adapters are smaller than MCX connectors and feature a more robust interface for greater durability. Type N connectors include an integrated gasket to protect against environmental ingress and create an air gap between the center and the outer conductor. QMA connectors for RF adapters are quick-disconnecting devices that have the same internal construction as SMA connectors.  

Other connector types for RF adapters include subscription channel (SC), subminiature-A (SMA), subminiature-B (SMB), subminiature-C (SMC); sub-SMA (SSMA); sub-SMB (SSMB), and subminiature P (SMP); Threaded Neil-Concelman (TNC) connectors; and Triax and Twinax connectors. RF adapters also use connectors such as UHF, mini-UHF, ZMA, 1.6 / 5.6, 7 – 16, and 1.0 / 2.3. Metric connectors for RF adapters include 1.85 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.92 mm, 3.5 mm, and 7 mm.

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Part Numbers for RF Adapters