What are RF Connectors?

An RF connector is a component that connects to a coaxial cable, microstrip line, or other form of RF transmission line to establish the electrical connection and separation of a transmission line, or to transfer different types of transmission lines. In general, RF connectors belong to the electromechanical integration product umbrella and act as a bridge. More specifically, RF connectors are considered detachable components that are usually attached to cables or equipment for the electrical connection of transmission line systems.

From the above definition, RF connectors can be described as detachable elements, while the transmission line system refers to the microwave transmission system. For instance, in a coaxial line, the main mode is the TEM wave. Meanwhile, the electromagnetic wave transmitted by the RF connector is typically the oscillating particle wave derived from the in-phase and mutually perpendicular electric field and magnetic field in space. Moreover, the RF connectors are an electromagnetic field that manifests itself in the form of waves and has the duality of both a wave and a particle.

Electromagnetic waves are caused by in-phase oscillating and perpendicular electric and magnetic fields moving in space in the form of waves. The electric field direction of the electromagnetic waves, the direction of magnetic fields, and the direction of propagation are perpendicular to each other. It is worth noting that electromagnetic waves lack a longitudinal component and are transverse in nature.

Types of RF Connectors

RF connectors can be subdivided into three categories: RF coaxial connectors, RF triaxial connectors, and dual-core symmetric RF connectors.

RF coaxial connectors are used to transmit transverse electromagnetic waves (TEM waves).

RF triaxial connectors are used for applications with higher requirements on shielding efficiency; thus, they transmit TEM waves or pulsing waves.

Dual-core symmetrical RF connectors are used to transmit digital signals with a low transmission rate.

Selection of RF Coaxial Connectors

Generally, selecting an RF connector necessitates the careful consideration of performance parameters like characteristic impedance, frequency of use, return loss, insertion loss, isolation, RF leakage, phase consistency, third-order intermodulation, and many others. Moreover, one must consider what an RF connector consists of and the materials it is composed of. To begin, RF connectors are made up of outer conductors, inner conductors, and insulation support media, in addition to other components.

Outer conductors benefit from stainless steel passivation, copper alloy gold plating, copper alloy nickel plating, copper alloy plating, and ternary alloy plating. Inner conductors, on the other hand, typically take advantage of copper alloy gold plating and copper alloy silver plating. Finally, the insulation support media are made of PTFE, PEI, and LCP. Apart from material considerations and performance parameters, there are four other aspects that should be taken into consideration when selecting a RF connector. For example, connector interface requirements, electrical performance, termination form, and mechanical structure and plating.

The Future Development of RF Coaxial Connectors

With continued advancements in production technology, RF coaxial connectors are also seeing improvements with new varieties emerging every day. More specifically, we are seeing changes with regard to performance and power metrics.

Conclusion

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