There are different types of coaxial connectors, both for baseband and broadband. Today we talk to you about the most common RF coaxial connectors we work with and tell you about their main use.

Most common RF coaxial connectors for broadband

IEC 169-2 connector

This will probably be the most common connector, or at least the most well-known – and also the oldest – one for the most part. This is the antenna cable for European TVs and FM/DAB radio, which we all have at home plugged into the TV.

F-connector

The F connector has a common use in television, both by cable, satellite and terrestrial aerial.

It was invented in the 1950s to develop cable TV but it wasn’t until the 1970s that it became a common connector for the VHF antenna and later for the UHF.

BNC Connector

It is a male connector that is installed on both sides of a cable for use in Ethernet and video network connections. Physically, it consists of a core that connects the conductor and a metal tube that goes to the outside of the cable.

It is complemented by a ring that enables connections to the female BNC connectors.

Most common RF coaxial connectors for baseband

XLR-3 connector

It is used for professional audio applications and is the most common in spectacular lighting equipment, capable of transmitting the DMX digital control signal.

Although this is the most standardized, there are 4 to 8 pins (the number of the end).

RCA

It is possibly the most common RF connector in both video and non-professional audio audiovisuals.

The male has a positive pole in the center surrounded by a metal ring with an intermediate part that isolates.

JACK

It’s the audio connector we enjoy today for our headphones on a laptop, for example. It transmits sound analogically.

At present we have more than standardized in 3.5 mm but there are also 2.5 mm and 6.35 mm. The latter is widely used in musical instruments and professionally.

RF coaxial connectors for special applications

UHF

Although its applications were for radar in the war, this UHF connector has been the most common for amateur radio applications up to 150 MHz.

Mini UHF

This is the mini version of the previous one and was created to be used in mobile telephony and other applications where size was a very important factor.

FME

The FME connector,”For Mobile Equipment” we deduce that this type of common coaxial RF connector is used -now much less now- in all types of installations and mobile applications, offering a great performance at 2.0 Ghz.

SMA

It is a threaded connector that is used in microwaves, with a great utility for frequencies up to 33 Ghz.

These are the most common RF coaxial connectors. Which ones did you know?