This document has been composed to provide a industry reference for radio frequency connectors. The table below has been compiled against applicable ISO/IEC/MIL standards, with the generous assistance from industry leading manufacturers who have been listed below. While comprehensive, this list is not to be considered exhaustive and does not include manufacturer-specific designs.
Gender Designation
RF connector genders are designated either Male (Plug) or Female (Jack) based on the physical characteristics of the connector body and centre contact. IEEE Std 315-1975 provides limited insight stating only that the female/receptacle/jack is usually stationary, and the male/plug is usually movable. IEC 61169 suggests gender is designated on the basis of whether the centre contact consists of a pin or socket. In the absence of any restrictive standard, the accepted practice is to designate on the basis of the following:
- Male or Plug Connector: Centre contact consists of a pin. Body typically features the active part of the coupling mechanism (e.g. coupling nut).
- Female or Jack Connector: Centre contact consists of a receptacle/socket. Body features a coupling mechanism complementary to the plug.
- Genderless Connector: Coupling mechanism does not utilise standard pin-socket contacts. Connector has both male and female (hermaphrodic) elements or surfaces.
Certain connector series, such as SMB, complicate the above ruling whereby the Male connector (i.e., connector with the pin) has a Jack body (i.e., body has no active coupling mechanism), and Female (i.e., connector with the socket) has a Plug body featuring the active coupling mechanism.
Reverse Polarisation
Several connector series also offer a reverse-polarised sub-series in which the connector gender is reversed by swapping the pin and receptacle into the opposing gender's body. For example, a Reverse Polarity Male connector will consist of the Male body with a female socket/receptacle. Reverse Polarity series are named by conjoining the prefix "RP-" to the connector series name, for example, Reverse Polarity SMA connectors are named RP-SMA.
Browse RF Connector Series
| Series | Description | Max. Freq. Sort descending | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
1.85 mm (V) |
The 1.85 mm connector is a pin and socket type connector that uses an air dielectric filled interface that assures mode free operation up to 65 GHz. It is also known as the Type V connector. Some manufacturers have demonstrated performance up to 67 GHz. The design has been introduced as an open standard under the IEEE 287 Precision Connector Standards Committee. Also known as V |
65 GHz | 
|
Mini-SMP |
Mini-SMP series are a sub-miniature microwave-band connector with its interfacing system featuring an inner female-to-female component, called a bullet or blindmate, and two outer panel, circuit or cable-mounted receptacles called shrouds. The design is identical to the standard SMP series, however approximately 70% smaller in dimension. The design of the Mini-SMP bullet and shroud system allows ... Also known as SMPM |
65 GHz | 
|
1.0 mm (W) |
Specialised scientific grade connector. There are two subtypes of 1.0 mm coaxial connectors in use; Laboratory Precision Connectors (LPC), and General Precision connectors (GPC). Laboratory Precision Connectors and General Precision Connectors differ only by permitted tolerances - clearance, flatness, and pin depth. The interface for both LPC and GPC subtypes is air dielectric with the contact ... Also known as W |
110 GHz | 
|
RF Series by Frequency
The chart below depicts the maximum operating frequency range of RF Connector Series. The maximum value of a series may include precision variations and as such does not apply for all manufacturer variations.