Reference Guide
RF Connector Types: Reference Guide for Procurement Engineers
This reference covers commonly published specifications for major RF connector families based on industry standards (MIL-STD-348, IEC 60169). Use it as a starting point when preparing your RFQ — specific parameters vary by manufacturer and configuration.
Major RF Connector Families
| Type | Frequency Range | Impedance | Coupling | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMA | DC – 18 GHz (up to 26.5 GHz in some configurations) | 50 Ω | Threaded (5/16″-32 UNEF) | Test equipment, telecommunications, microwave modules, antenna feeds |
| N-Type | DC – 11 GHz (up to 18 GHz in precision versions) | 50 Ω / 75 Ω | Threaded (5/8″-24 UNEF) | Base stations, test instruments, antenna systems, industrial equipment |
| BNC | DC – 4 GHz | 50 Ω / 75 Ω | Bayonet (quick-connect) | Video surveillance, oscilloscopes, lab instruments, avionics |
| TNC | DC – 11 GHz | 50 Ω | Threaded (7/16″-28 UNEF) | Cellular infrastructure, antenna feeds, industrial radio systems (improved shielding vs BNC) |
| MCX | DC – 6 GHz | 50 Ω | Snap-on | GPS receivers, IoT modules, embedded boards, compact devices |
| MMCX | DC – 6 GHz | 50 Ω | Micro snap-on | Wi-Fi/Bluetooth modules, wearable electronics, compact radio cards |
| 7/16 DIN | DC – 7.5 GHz | 50 Ω | Threaded (7/16″-20 UNEF) | High-power base stations, broadcast antennas, low-PIM feeder systems |
Note: frequency ranges shown are typical values from published standards. Actual performance depends on the specific product and manufacturer.
What to Verify Before Requesting a Quote
Having the following information ready will help you get an accurate quote faster:
- Connector type and gender (male/female)
- Required impedance (50Ω or 75Ω)
- Operating frequency range
- Mounting style (cable, panel, PCB)
- Cable type (if ordering a cable assembly)
- Environmental requirements (temperature, moisture sealing, vibration)
- Required quantity and target timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SMA and RP-SMA?
Standard SMA has a male center pin on the plug side and a female socket on the jack side. RP-SMA (Reverse Polarity SMA) swaps the center contact: the pin is on the jack side and the socket is on the plug side. The threaded coupling interface remains identical. RP-SMA is commonly used in Wi-Fi equipment for regulatory compliance. They are not interchangeable with standard SMA without an adapter.
Which connector type handles the highest frequencies?
Connector selection for high-frequency applications depends on many factors including loss, size, cost, and mounting requirements. Among the types listed in this guide, SMA is typically rated up to 18 GHz (up to 26.5 GHz in some configurations) per MIL-STD-348. For frequencies above this range, specialized interfaces (2.92 mm, 2.4 mm, 1.85 mm, etc.) are used. We recommend specifying your exact requirements in your RFQ.
Can I use 75Ω connectors in a 50Ω system?
Impedance mismatch causes signal reflections, increases VSWR, and can result in power loss and signal distortion. Using a 75Ω connector in a 50Ω system will produce a VSWR of approximately 1.5:1 from the impedance mismatch alone, before accounting for other factors. For performance-critical systems, matching the connector impedance to the system impedance is recommended. See our impedance selection guide for more detail.
How do I choose between BNC and TNC?
BNC and TNC have similar dimensions but differ in their coupling mechanism. BNC uses a bayonet (quick-connect) coupling, convenient for frequent connect/disconnect cycles in laboratory settings. TNC uses a threaded coupling that provides better shielding and more consistent performance, especially at frequencies above 4 GHz. For industrial applications with vibration, TNC is generally preferred.