RF coaxial connectors

Precision signal transmission | Rugged · Low loss · 50Ω / 75Ω

since WWII The “N” in N-type stands for Navy — born from naval radar needs. First gen RF coaxial connectors evolved into today’s global standard (MIL-C-39012). Reliable, tested, and built for telecom, aerospace, medical, and industrial systems.

Polarity · standard & reverse

Standard polarity

Male (plug) · Female (jack)
J / K, or M / F worldwide.

Reverse polarity (RP)

Opposite interface → prevents unauthorised device connection.
Common in Wi-Fi & OEM.

Key electrical ratings

�� Impedance50Ω (standard RF/microwave)  |  75Ω (video/broadband)

⚡ Frequency rangeDC to 110 GHz max. Smaller body + low εr = higher freq. Lower cut-off: DC

Popular interfaces

N-type · up to 18GHzBNC · bayonet · 4GHzSMA · subminiature · 18GHzTNC · threaded · 11GHzF-type · 75Ω · TV/satellite

N-type threaded, weatherproof, high power, outdoor base stations.

BNC quick bayonet lock, lab & video (DC~4GHz).

SMA small form, 18GHz, WiFi, microwave & IoT.

Quick-lock · QLF alliance

QMA & QN by Quick Lock Formula (Huber+Suhner, Radiall, Rosenberger, Amphenol RF)

· QMA: connects in 2 seconds (10x faster than SMA). Space saving: 12.4mm pitch vs SMA 14mm.

· QN: quick lock N-type alternative. Panel spacing 20mm (N-type needs 29mm). Robust & vibration resistant.

· Pull-to-disconnect sleeve: fully locked until outer sleeve is pulled.

Mating & torque guide

Connection types

· Threaded — SMA, N, TNC, 3.5mm

· Bayonet — BNC, quick lock/unlock

· Push-pull / fast-lock — QMA, QN, some MCX variants

· Slide-on / snap-on — SMB, MCX, MMCX

Recommended torque (reference)

· SMA: 0.45–0.56 Nm (4–5 in-lbs)

· N-type: 1.0–1.7 Nm (9–15 in-lbs)

· BNC: hand-tight + 1/8 turn

· QMA/QN: hand-tight + click feel

⚙️ Proper torque = stable impedance & low passive intermodulation. Over-torque damages dielectric. Use calibrated torque wrench for precision assemblies.

Milestones & standards

1964 – MIL-C-39012 first unified spec for RF coaxial connectors. Later evolved into IEC 61169 series. Our products follow strict 50/75 ohm compliance, high repeatability and low VSWR up to 40 GHz (2.92mm, 2.4mm families). Rugged materials: brass, stainless steel, beryllium copper, PTFE insulation.

�� Inner conductor principle

Most designs: pin (male) into socket (female). Outer conductor defines coupling mechanism.

�� Reverse polarity & security

RP-SMA, RP-TNC — used in WLAN, 802.11 devices to avoid consumer misuse.

Selection in 3 steps

· 1. Match impedance — 50Ω for RF / 75Ω for video & CATV.

· 2. Frequency & power — check upper operating limit & insertion loss.

· 3. Environment & mating cycles — IP ratings, corrosion resistance, quick-lock or threaded.

�� Did you know? ��

The "N" in N-type connector stands for "Navy" — developed during WWII for shipboard radar systems. That innovation defined modern RF interfaces. Now we offer SMA, N, BNC, QMA, 4.3-10, and miniaturized high-density series.

Precision RF coaxial connectors | Low VSWR, high shielding effectiveness | Customized lengths & semi-rigid cables available.
Contact our engineers for sample kits and application notes. Reliable interconnect for defense, 5G infrastructure, test & measurement.