What is an RF Coaxial Connector?

The RF coaxial connector is an electromechanical component that connects electrical lines and plays a role in electrically connecting or disconnecting transmission lines, and is a mechatronic product with a complex failure mechanism. RF coaxial connectors are also known as RF connectors. "R" is the first letter of RADIO (radio), "F" is the first letter of FREQUENCY (frequency).

We call the frequency band within 300GHz RF, according to the mechanical structure of the product, the axis in the same axis called coaxial, while meeting the above two characteristics of the product for RF coaxial connectors. Generally speaking, the RF signal from the base station to the mobile phone receiver, through the communication equipment and devices to achieve, connecting the equipment and devices between the RF coaxial connector.

RF coaxial connector (hereinafter referred to as RF connector) is usually considered to be a component mounted on a cable or installed on an instrument, as a transmission line electrical connection or separation of components. It is a mechatronic product. Simply put, it mainly plays a bridging role.

Compared with other electronic components, RF connectors have a relatively short history of development. 1930 UHF connectors are the earliest RF connectors.

To the Second World War, due to the urgent need for war, with the development of radar, radio and microwave communications, produced N, C, BNC, TNC, such as medium-sized series, 1958, after the emergence of SMA, SMB, SMC and other miniaturized products, 1964, the development of the U.S. military standard MIL-C-39012 "RF coaxial connector general specifications," from then on, RF connectors began to standardization, serialization, general direction.

In more than eighty years, through the joint efforts of experts and engineers from all countries, so that RF connectors have formed an independent and complete professional system, becoming an important part of the connector family, is an indispensable key component of the coaxial transmission system.

The United States, Britain, France and other countries in the development of RF connector technology is in the lead, its design, production, testing, use of technology has become a complete package, tends to be perfect, not only the formation of a complete system of standards, and raw materials, infusion of materials, testing systems, assembly tools have been standardized, and professional scale of production, automation is also very high.

How is a great RF connector designed? 

Step 1: Engineers in the 3D mechanical software to build the connector model, mechanical simulation to simulate mechanical forces, such as stress, plugging forces, etc.; Step 2: the use of electrical simulation software for electrical performance simulation, such as standing waves, impedance, etc.. As the above two steps to complete the basic performance simulation of the product, but can not reach the expected indicators, the design can be adjusted until satisfied. Step 3: The 3D model is converted into a flat drawing using 2D software for the production of parts/assembly of the finished product. At this point, the design process for a connector is complete.