In the world of Radio Frequency (RF) and microwave engineering, the weakest link in your system is often where two components meet. Choosing the wrong coaxial connector can lead to severe impedance mismatches, high Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR), and unacceptable insertion loss.
With dozens of connector standards available, selecting the right one for your specific frequency range and power requirement can be daunting. To help procurement managers and test engineers make quick, accurate decisions, we have compiled the ultimate coaxial connector types chart and buyer’s guide.
Tailored to your specific performance requirements.
The Coaxial Connector Types Chart (Quick Reference)
Use this quick-reference chart to identify the best connector for your frequency band and application. (Note: Maximum frequency and power handling can vary based on the specific manufacturer’s dielectric and manufacturing tolerances).
| Connector Type | Max Frequency (Typical) | Coupling Mechanism | Primary Applications |
| BNC | 4 GHz | Bayonet (Quick Disconnect) | Oscilloscopes, Audio/Video, Low-freq Lab Testing |
| SMA | 18 GHz | Threaded | Microwave systems, Wi-Fi antennas, PCB modules |
| N-Type | 11 GHz (up to 18 GHz) | Threaded | Cellular base stations, High-power transmitters |
| TNC | 11 GHz | Threaded | Vibration-heavy environments, Commercial Aviation, Industrial Telemetry |
| 2.92mm (K) | 40 GHz | Threaded | Millimeter-wave, 5G testing, High-end metrology |
| SMP | 40 GHz | Push-on / Snap-on | High-density PCB stacking, Commercial weather radar |
Detailed Breakdown of Common RF Connectors
To understand why a specific connector is chosen over another, we need to look beyond the chart and examine their mechanical properties.
1. SMA (SubMiniature Version A)
The SMA connector is the undisputed workhorse of modern RF engineering. Operating reliably up to 18 GHz, it is compact, highly reliable, and relatively inexpensive. You will find SMA connectors on almost every modern RF module, low-noise amplifier, and Wi-Fi router. However, they are rated for a limited number of mating cycles (often around 500), meaning they shouldn’t be used in test environments where they are constantly connected and disconnected.
2. BNC (Bayonet Neill–Concelman)
Known for its slotted outer conductor and two bayonet lugs, the BNC connector is designed for rapid connection and disconnection without tools. It is heavily utilized in video surveillance, amateur radio, and standard laboratory test equipment (like oscilloscopes). Because it is not a threaded connection, its RF shielding degrades significantly above 4 GHz.
3. N-Type (Navy Type)
If you need to transmit high power outdoors, the N-Type is your go-to connector. It is rugged, weatherproof (when properly mated), and can handle high wattage. It was one of the first connectors capable of carrying microwave-frequency signals and is standard on cellular base station antennas and high-power RF test benches.
4. TNC (Threaded Neill–Concelman)
The TNC is essentially a BNC connector with a threaded coupling nut instead of the bayonet design. This simple modification solves the BNC’s weakness in high-vibration environments and extends its usable frequency range up to 11 GHz. It is heavily used in aerospace and commercial automotive applications.
3 Rules for Choosing the Right RF Connector
When consulting a coaxial connector types chart for your next project, keep these three rules in mind:
Rule 1: Match the Frequency
Never use a connector above its rated cut-off frequency. Pushing a BNC connector to 10 GHz will result in massive reflections and radiation leakage. Always select a connector whose maximum frequency comfortably exceeds your system’s operating frequency.
Rule 2: Verify the Impedance
Most RF commercial and industrial systems operate at 50 Ohms. However, video and broadcast systems typically operate at 75 Ohms. Mating a 50 Ohm connector with a 75 Ohm system will create an impedance bump, causing signal reflection and data corruption.
Rule 3: Consider the Mating Cycles
For a permanent installation inside a chassis, an SMA is perfect. For a laboratory Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) test cable that is mated fifty times a day, you need rugged, precision-metrology connectors (like 3.5mm or APC-7) designed to withstand thousands of mating cycles without degrading.
Powering Your RF Infrastructure
Selecting the right coaxial connector minimizes return loss at your physical interfaces, but driving a clean, powerful signal through those cables requires a robust active stage.
Whether you are building an EMC test bench, a communication relay, or an industrial sensor network, pair your high-quality connectors with our ultra-linear broadband amplifiers. By ensuring your connections are lossless and your amplification is stable, you guarantee signal integrity from end to end.
FAQ
Q: Can I connect a 50 Ohm connector to a 75 Ohm cable?
A: While they sometimes physically fit (like in the case of BNC), doing so is highly discouraged. The mismatched center pin sizes can physically damage the connector, and the impedance mismatch will cause significant signal reflection (high VSWR).
Q: What is the difference between an SMA and an RP-SMA connector?
A: Reverse Polarity SMA (RP-SMA) changes the gender of the inner pin. A standard SMA male has a center pin and internal threads, while an RP-SMA male has a center receptacle and internal threads. This was originally designed to prevent consumers from easily attaching high-gain professional antennas to consumer Wi-Fi equipment.