Coaxial connectors, also referred to as tip or barrel connectors, are single-piece components designed to connect two pieces of equipment or cables together for an efficient power supply. These connectors maintain the outer interference shielding by joining the devices that are unable to join directly. Furthermore, they are available in various dimensions for various cable sizes for smooth and efficient signal transmission. In addition, they also come in various mounting styles, gender types, and body orientations to suit a great range of applications.
Types of Coaxial Connectors
These connectors have a multitude of types, each carefully designed to fit their respective cables. Some of them are delicate and prone to damage. Moreover, each type also differs in its function, which is typically ideal for harsh conditions such as pressure, impact, high vibration, and temperatures. For instance, RF (radio frequency) coaxial cables require connectors that allow a highly stable electric resistance at the connection point with connected cables.
Despite the wide range of their types, they are classified into two main categories of adapters and include:
- In series coaxial adapters: In series, also called inline couplers or barrel adapters, are coaxial adapters that feature two-port interconnect equipment and conveniently transform one in series gender type to another. They are also ideal for joining dual cable lengths of the same series to extend their run.
- Between series coaxial adapters: Unlike In series, Between series adapters with two-port interconnection are designed to convert two different RF coaxial cable connector types, such as SMA to TNC or BNC to N.
Available Mounting Type Coaxial Connectors
The following mounting types of coaxial adapters are available.
- Cable mount
- Edge mount
- Flange mount
- Panel mount
- Surface mount
- Through hole
- Twist-on
- PCB mount
- Bulkhead mount
Factors for the Selection of Coaxial Connectors
It is crucial to consider various key parameters, such as the environment, before choosing a coaxial connector that includes:
Connector Series (Connector Group)
Body Orientation
- Straight
- Angled
- Vertical
- Right angle
- Tee
Gender Type
- Male to Male, Male to Female, Female to Female,
Impedance (Frequency)
What are the Typical Uses of Coaxial Connectors?
Typically, these connectors are designed to offer a convenient way of connecting RF equipment, they are widely employed in other environments, such as:
- Test and Measurement
- Telecom
- Consumer Electronic
- Automotives
- Indoor and Outdoor Applications
- Laboratory
- Base Stations
- Communications
- LAN
- GPS Systems & Antennas
