Coaxial cable connector Basics
Coaxial cable connector Basics
Many standard connector formats, such as type D connectors and many other multi-channel connectors, consist of a series of pins with parallel connections to each other. Coaxial cable connectors are usually very different and have some quite different characteristics.
1. Shielding
Since RF signals can be radiated, on the contrary, it is usually necessary to prevent foreign objects from being picked up. Therefore, the RF connector continues to shield the coaxial cable as part of its nature.
2. Circle:
RF coaxial connectors need to maintain the coaxial characteristics of the cables used with them, so they are circular. Therefore, they include a center pin for the inside of the coaxial cable, and then an external connection for the inside of the external conductor on the cable.
3. Characteristic impedance
The characteristic impedance of feeder or coaxial cable is very important. Any mismatch will cause the power to be reflected back to the source. It is also important that the characteristic impedance of RF coaxial cable connector matches the characteristic impedance of cable. If not, it will introduce discontinuities and cause losses, but in practice, this may not affect most installations with frequencies up to about 250 MHz. Most RF connectors are 50 Ω, but for some domestic applications, other impedances such as 75 Ω are available, as well as other impedances for applications such as data transmission.
4. It is usually used for fixing the male and female ends of coaxial cables
Different from other forms of connectors, the connector providing signal or power supply is a female connector because it is more protected and less likely to be short circuited. The same is not necessarily applicable to RF connectors. The connectors on the leads here are often convex, while the connectors installed on the equipment are often concave, although standard connector practices can be used in a few cases.
5. Cable type
Since different types of coaxial cables have different sizes, different types of coaxial cable connectors can be used to suit a given cable type. It is important to ensure that the correct RF connector variant is used with the associated coaxial cable, otherwise the connector will be difficult to install. If reasonable work can be done, even if it can connect the coaxial cable and RF connector, it may not be satisfactory.
There are a variety of coaxial cable connectors for RF applications. Impedance, frequency range, power handling, physical size, and many other parameters (including cost) will determine the best type of application for a given application.
