000-91100 Connectors, Interconnects

Coaxial Connectors (RF) - Adapters

Coaxial (coax) connectors are a type of electrical connector commonly used in a variety of applications, including radio frequency (RF) and coaxial cable television (CATV). Coax connectors are also used to connect two or more pieces of coaxial cable in data and voice applications. The most common type of coax connector is the bayonet style, which is relied upon to provide a secure, reliable connection, while also offering a compact design.

The most commonly used coaxial connectors have center pins of varying diameter that mate with a ground contact sleeve surrounding the center pin. Each connector has a receptacle and a plug, which contain the contacts that connect the two points together. The two mating parts feature slots and bumps that help the two pieces to align correctly in the direction of insertion. The inside of the receptacle features the contact elements including a groove that the center contact rests in and also the center pin with the conductive rim.

Coaxial adapters, also known as barrel connectors, join two connectors that otherwise might not be compatible. Coax adapters allow different types of coaxial connectors to be connected, including coupling different types of coaxial connectors together, such as a N (male) to SMA (female) adapter. A coaxial adapter also enables two segments of cabling to be extended. With a multitude of different applications, coaxial adapters can enable a wide range of connectors to be used.

Coax adapters can have various styles, shapes, and components. Most coax adapters will have a threaded end, making them easier to assemble and attach firmly. Their most basic construction consists of a tapered piece of metal or plastic, known as an “adapter sleeve”, with a threaded end for insertion into a male and female coaxial connector. The center contact pin on the adapter sleeve fits snugly into the center of the center contact pin on the mating coax connector.

All coaxial connectors and coax adapters are required to meet certain technical specifications, including temperature range, maximum voltage, interference performance, and frequency range. Signal loss is also important, because as the signal has to go through more connectors on its journey, power is taken away from the signal, causing its overall strength to drop. This is known as “insertion loss”, and is an important factor to consider when purchasing coax adapter connectors.

The various types of coaxial connectors, and their associated coax adapters, signify the many applications of coaxial cable today, across an array of different industries. Coaxial connectors are relied upon to provide a secure, reliable connection, while also offering a compact design. When two connectors need to be joined together but standard cable length is insufficient, coax adapters also often provide an ideal solution.