INTERCONNECTION
RF coaxial connectors: a guide to their uses and benefits
Northern Connectors explains why RF coaxial connectors are so effective, exploring their industrial uses and benefits, and discussing how to ensure you get exactly what you need from this style of connector, no matter your application
R
adiofrequency (RF) coaxial connectors are a key component of almost any setup
that includes Wi-Fi antennas, audiovisual equipment or telephony capabilities. The design of coaxial (or coax) cables and connectors makes them ideal for many industrial applications, as they provide high- fidelity and high-speed transmission of radio frequency signals with minimal leakage or signal loss. In some industries, RF coaxial connectors
and cables are vital to the operation of critical instrumentation, so an understanding of how they work and the applications they are suited to can be of great benefit.
What are RF coaxial connectors? Coaxial cables consist of an inner conductor (usually copper), a dielectric or insulating material, and an outer conducting shield. This enables them to carry high frequency, multi- megahertz electrical signals between devices, with minimal losses due to electromagnetic interference or signal loss. These coax cables are designed to deliver rapid signal transmission speeds of around
12 NOVEMBER 2021 | ELECTRONICS TODAY
10Mbps consistently, which makes them ideal for broadband Internet connections, cable television signals and a host of other similar applications. A significant advantage of coax cables is
that the electromagnetic field that transports the signal is concentrated between the inner and outer conductors. Thanks to the outer shield, there is very little in the way of leakage and these cables can be installed next to metal objects without experiencing the signal interference that other types of radio frequency transmission lines do in similar situations. RF coaxial connectors maintain the
shielding that coaxial cables provide, and thereby prove to be the perfect connectors to use in conjunction with coax cables by delivering the same advantages. The quality of a transmission line is only as high as the quality of the connectors upon which it relies and choosing the right connectors for your line is vital to ensuring you achieve reliable performance. Connectors can fasten coaxial cables to each other or to external power sources and
thanks to their design they prevent external signals from entering the circuit through electromagnetic interference or capacitive pickup. To add security and stability, many RF coaxial connectors will incorporate secure fastening mechanisms like bayonet locking or screw thread locking systems, to prevent disconnection and network downtime.
What are RF coaxial connectors used for? RF coaxial connectors are suitable for a wide variety of industrial applications but are best suited for broadband signals, audiovisual equipment and other radiofrequency applications. Some of the most common uses of these connectors include:
• Antennas • Broadcasting equipment • Data routers
• Industrial and scientific measuring equipment
• Television receivers • Two-way radios •Wi-Fi devices with removable antennas •Wireless communication systems
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