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 Sort ascending | Description | Max. Freq. | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
UHF |
The UHF series is a low cost, low frequency connector with a screw coupling. The maximum usable frequency is limited to 200 MHz, as the impedance of the connector is not controlled. Flexible cables up to 11 mm in diameter can be used. Soldering and crimping techniques are used for terminating these connectors. Applications for the UHF connectors are for low-frequency communication equipment. Also known as |
0 GHz | 
|
U.FL |
U.FL RF connectors, also known as Ultra Miniature Coaxial connectors, are PCB/board-mount miniature RF connectors designed by Hirose Electric. These connectors are characterised by their small size, lightweight, and high-frequency performance, making them ideal for applications in space-constrained environments. Physically, U.FL connectors are compact, with a nominal impedance of 50 ohms. They ... Also known as IPEX MHF, LTI IPX, AMC, UMCC |
6 GHz | 
|
TS-9 |
TS-9 (or TS9) is an uncommon RF coaxial connector found in cellular devices such as 3G and 4G mobile broadband modems to support connection of an external antenna. The connector passes frequencies up to around 3 GHz. The TS-9 Female connector comprises a very simple circular brass housing with an outer diameter of 3.5 mm. The connector is typically attached to the PCB by a Surface Mount or End ... Also known as |
3 GHz | 
|
TNC |
"Threaded Neill-Concelman". Designed as a screw-on version of BNC connector, TNC connectors have a 7/16 - 28 UNEF threaded coupling providing excellent vibration handling. Widely used due to electrical performance and mechanical durability. TNC series has a characteristic impedance of 50 Ω, however it is important to note that 75 Ω variations while uncommon do exist and are identifiable by the ... Also known as Threaded Neill-Concelman |
11 GHz | 
|
SSMB |
The SSMB series of connectors utilise a snap coupling and is suitable for applications up to a frequency of 3 GHz. The impedance is controlled at 50 Ω. Connector designs are available for flexible cables like RG-316 and RG-178. Styles are available for mounting to printed circuit boards using thru-hole soldered assembly. Solder and crimp techniques are used to terminate this series to the cables ... Also known as |
3 GHz | 
|
SMP |
SMP series are a high frequency push-on 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 of the SMP bullet and shroud system allows for both axial and radial misalignment. SMP connector design is standardised by MIL-STD-348B, and can operate up to ... Also known as |
40 GHz | 
|
SMC |
The SMC "SubMiniature C" connector series was designed as a smaller screw-on coupling replacement for the SMA connector. Gender designation can be confusing, with the smaller 'jack' body containing the male pin and as such the smaller connector is male, and larger connector having the female receptacle. SMC has a threaded coupling for vibration proof installation, and is usable up to 10 GHz. The ... Also known as SubMiniature C |
10 GHz | 
|
SMB |
The SMB "SubMiniature B" connector series was designed as a smaller snap-on coupling replacement for the SMA connector. Gender designation can be confusing, with the smaller 'jack' body containing the male pin and as such the smaller connector is male, and larger connector having the female receptacle. Built in accordance with MIL-C-39012, IEC 60169-10, and CECC 22130, SMB connectors can be mated ... Also known as SubMiniature B |
4 GHz | 
|
SMA |
The SMA "SubMiniature A" connector series is one of the most commonly used RF connector due to its durability and performance. SMA series has a 1/4 - 36 UNS threaded coupling and can operate up to 18 GHz when using semi-flex or semi-rigid cable types. Also known as Sub-Miniature A |
18 GHz | 
|
QMA |
The QMA connector series was developed as a quick mating replacement for the standard SMA connector. With identical internal construction, the connector exhibits the same RF performance characteristics and mechanical durability with the added benefit of a 360º rotating snap-on locking interface. This snap-locking design improves packing density as no torque wrench clearance is necessary. While ... Also known as |
18 GHz | 
|
NEX10 |
Ever-increasing amounts of data have made further developments of global mobile networks essential. Above all, the development of 5G – the next generation of mobile communications – created new and more diverse tasks for the mobile communications industry. The NEX10® connector system was developed to meet the existing and future demands of small cell mobile networks. The NEX10® interface offers ... Also known as |
20 GHz | 
|
N |
The N connector remains one of the most commonly used RF connector in circulation. N connectors can be found in any telecommunications application from VHF to Sub-6 GHz microwave. Most manufacturers specify an upper operating limit of 3 to 6 GHz, with high quality variants up to 11 GHz Also known as N-Type |
11 GHz | 
|
MMCX |
The Micro-Miniature CoaXial (MMCX) is a miniaturised version of the MCX RF connector and features snap-on coupling. The series is only 2.4 mm in diameter, ideal for lightweight and space-limited applications. MMCX has the same inner and outer contact interface dimensions as SMB but 45% smaller. The connector utilises a slot-less design to minimise RF leakage, and has been standardised under IEC ... Also known as Micro-Miniature CoaXial |
6 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 | 
|
MHF4 |
The MHF4 (or IPEX4) RF connector is characterized by its small physical size and high-frequency electrical performance. With a mated height of 1.2 mm and a maximum width of 2.0 mm, it is designed for applications where space is at a premium. Despite its small size, it is robust, with a mating durability of up to 30 cycles. Electrically, the MHF4 RF connector can handle frequencies up to 6 GHz ... Also known as IPEX4 |
6 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.