Types of RF and Microwave Connectors

Name

Description

Size

Frequency Range

Impedance

Application

Sub-Miniature

1.0 / 2.3
 

1.0 / 2.3 coaxial connectors require sub-miniature 50Ω slide-on or screw-on connectors.

50 Ω and 75Ω

Designed telecommunications systems

MCX
 

Miniature coaxial (MCX) provide good electrical performance and are used to address the rapid implementation of the U.S. digital cellular PCN infrastructure.
 

Miniature

Provide broadband capability through 6 GHz

50 Ω and 75Ω

Used in applications where weight and physical space are limited. MCX connectors are also used in global positioning systems (GPS) and wireless LAN (WLAN) applications.

SSMB
 

Sub-SMB (SSMB) connectors are 30% smaller than SMB connectors. 

30% smaller than SMB connectors

35GHz

50Ω

Well-suited for board-to-board applications and are designed for use with semi-rigid cables.

SMA
 

Subminiature-A (SMA) directly interface the cable dielectric without air gaps. They are not intended for permanent connections.
 

DC to 18GHz

50Ω

SMA connectors are intended for use on semi-rigid cables in components.

SMC
 

Subminiature C (SMC) connectors accept flexible cables with diameters as large as 3.17 mm or 0.125". 

Smaller than SMA connectors

7 to 10 GHz.

50Ω or 75Ω devices

Base stations, telecom, GPS, radios, WLAN, automotive

SMB
 

Subminiature-N (SMB) connectors are snap-mount connectors.

DC to 4GHz.

Either in 50Ω or 75Ω impedances.  

Base stations, telecom, GPS, radios, WLAN, automotive

SSMA
 

Sub-SMA (SSMA) connectors are 30% smaller than standard SMA connectors. 

Miniaturized SMA

50Ω

Military radio

BMA / BMMA 

BMA connectors feature a push-on interface and a threadless outer ground connection. They can withstand both radial and axial misalignment. 

Miniature BMA connectors.

 0 – 22GHz

50Ω 

Equipment racks and modular instrumentation

QMA
 

QMA connectors are quick-disconnecting devices that have the same internal construction as SMA connectors. 

Up to 6GHz

Wireless applications

Type F
 

Type F connectors have a screw-type coupling. 
 

Up to 1.5 GHz.

75Ω

Applications include CATV, TV, and antennas.

Type G
 

Type G connectors are 75Ω impedance devices with snap-on coupling. 

75Ω

Well-suited for CATV applications

Name

Description

Size

Frequency Range

Impedance

Application

Miniature

BNC
 

Bayonet Neil-Councilman (BNC) BNC connectors have a slotted outer conductor and a plastic dielectric that causes increasing losses at higher frequencies. Both 50Ω and 75Ω BNC connectors are available. BNC connectors are also known as bayonet navy connectors or baby Neil connectors. 

Usable above 4 GHz as long as the slots radiate signals; however, these devices may not be mechanically stable to 10 GHz.

50Ω and 75Ω 

Designed for military applications, but are used widely in video and RF applications up to 2 GHz.

MHV
 

MHV connectors are compact, high-voltage devices with a two-stud bayonet coupling. 

Similar in size to, but not interchangeable with, BNC connectors.

NM

Mini-UHF
 

Mini-UHF connectors feature a threaded coupling mechanism for reliable mating. With crimp cable termination for low installation costs, these connectors provide excellent RF performance in applications through 2.5 GHz. 

Miniature version of the original UHF connector.

Through 2.5 GHz

Designed for use in cellular mobile telephone systems where size, weight and cost are critical. 

TNC
 

Threaded Neil-Concelman (TNC) connectors feature a threaded coupling nut for applications that require performance to 11 GHz. TNC connectors are durable, reliable devices.  

Similar in size to BNC connectors

11 GHz

50Ω and 75Ω

Widely used in the cellular and mobile communication industry for equipment cabling and antenna interfaces.