Basic knowledge of RF connector technology
2023-03-17
To understand the basics of RF connectors, you must first understand what the concept of RF connectors is. In the authoritative academic field, a radio frequency connector is generally considered to be a component that is attached to a cable or installed on an instrument, as a component that is electrically connected or separated by a transmission line. It belongs to the mechatronics product and plays the role of a bridge.
There are roughly six characteristics of radio frequency products, 1. Many varieties and specifications: more than 20 international general series, more varieties and specifications. 2. Relying on the mechanical structure to ensure the electrical characteristics, it is a mechatronic product, which is essentially different from other low-frequency connectors. 3. Parts processing is mainly turning machine processing, and there are many manual operations for assembly, so it is difficult to carry out automatic assembly. 4 Product replacement is slow. 5. It is an important part of the electrical connector and is a labor-intensive product with certain technical content. 6. Product reliability, failure mode and failure mechanism are complex.
RF connectors are mainly divided into three categories: RF coaxial connectors, RF triaxial connectors and dual-core symmetrical RF connectors. The main uses are as follows:
RF coaxial connector: mainly used to transmit transverse electromagnetic waves (TEM waves);
Triaxial connector: mainly used in occasions with higher requirements for shielding efficiency, transmitting transverse electromagnetic waves (TEM waves) or transmitting pulse waves;
Dual-core symmetrical RF connector: mainly used to transmit digital signals with a low rate.
Including characteristic impedance, frequency of use, return loss, insertion loss, isolation, radio frequency leakage, phase consistency, third-order intermodulation, etc.
RF connectors are mainly composed of outer conductors, inner conductors, and insulating support media. The commonly used materials are as follows:
Outer conductor: stainless steel passivation, copper alloy gold plating, copper alloy nickel plating, copper alloy plating ternary alloy, etc.;
Inner conductor: gold-plated copper alloy, silver-plated copper alloy, etc.;
Insulation support medium: PTFE, PEI, LCP, etc.
SLK produces more than 30 series of RF connector products, such as SMA, SSMA, BMA, SBMA, SMP, SMPM, N, TNC, 2.92, 2.4, 1.85, 1.0, 3.5, UHF...etc.
The highest operating frequency of the product is 65GHz. The 1.0mm series millimeter wave connector with a working frequency of 110GHz has been successfully developed. . Products are widely used in communications, rail transit and medical fields.
