Quick visual reference
RF Connector Identification at a Glance
Use the silhouettes to narrow the family, then confirm the mating interface, center contact, impedance, and exact part before connecting equipment.
Identification note: These are simplified original schematics for visual orientation, not dimensional drawings. Similar-looking RF interfaces can be mechanically or electrically incompatible.
Interactive reference
RF Connector Types Comparison Chart
Search or filter common RF connector families by impedance, coupling style, application, and documented family-level frequency capability.
Start with impedance and required frequency. The frequency filter uses the highest documented capability represented by each row; those values are family/configuration references, not guaranteed ratings for every connector, cable, termination, or assembly.
No connector families in this reference match all selected criteria. Reduce the frequency requirement or clear one or more filters.
Scroll horizontally to view additional columns and vertically to view additional rows. Column headers and the connector-family column remain visible while scrolling.
| Common alias / variant | Form factor | Typical application | Reference note | Copy | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNC (50 Ω) | 50 Ω BNC | 50 Ω | Bayonet | DC–4 GHz typical standard family reference | Standard | Test & measurement, general RF | Higher-frequency BNC configurations exist; verify the exact 50 Ω part and cable. | |
| BNC (75 Ω) | 75 Ω / broadcast BNC | 75 Ω | Bayonet | DC–4 GHz standard; selected 12G broadcast designs to 12 GHz | Standard | Broadcast, video, 12G-SDI | 12 GHz capability requires compatible video-grade assemblies. | |
| TNC | Standard TNC | 50 Ω | Threaded | 11 GHz standard; up to 18 GHz extended | Standard | Wireless, antennas, outdoor RF | Secure threaded alternative in the BNC-size class. | |
| Type N | N-Type | 50 Ω | Threaded | 11 GHz standard; up to 18 GHz extended | Standard / larger | Antennas, base stations, rugged RF | Extended-range designs reach higher frequencies than standard versions. | |
| SMA | Standard SMA | 50 Ω | Threaded | 18 GHz standard; select extended designs higher | Subminiature | Microwave, test, antennas | 18 GHz is the common standard reference; higher-frequency SMA products are configuration- and series-specific. | |
| RP-SMA | Reverse-polarity SMA | 50 Ω | Threaded | 18 GHz standard; select extended designs higher | Subminiature | Wi-Fi, IoT, antenna leads | Reverse-polarity changes the center-contact arrangement; extended frequency capability is series-specific. | |
| SMB (50 Ω) | 50 Ω SMB | 50 Ω | Snap-on | 4 GHz standard; up to 10 GHz extended | Subminiature | Compact board/cable RF | Extended frequency is connector/cable dependent. | |
| SMB (75 Ω) | 75 Ω SMB | 75 Ω | Snap-on | DC–4 GHz typical standard family reference | Subminiature | Compact video / RF assemblies | 75 Ω variants exist; verify exact 75 Ω part frequency before specifying. | |
| MCX (50 Ω) | 50 Ω MCX | 50 Ω | Push-on / snap-on | DC–6 GHz typical reference | Miniature | GPS, cellular, compact RF | 50 Ω MCX family reference; verify the exact cable and connector configuration. | |
| MCX (75 Ω) | 75 Ω MCX | 75 Ω | Push-on / snap-on | DC–6 GHz standard; selected 12G broadcast products to 12 GHz | Miniature | Compact video / RF | Higher-frequency capability applies to compatible 75 Ω broadcast products. | |
| MMCX | Standard MMCX | 50 Ω | Push-on / snap-on | Up to 6 GHz | Micro-miniature | Dense embedded wireless | Cable-dependent family reference. | |
| F-Type | F connector | 75 Ω | Threaded | 1 GHz standard; select extended designs to 3 GHz | Standard broadband | CATV, broadband, satellite | Amphenol lists ANSI/SCTE interface specification. | |
| 4.3-10 | 4.3/10 | 50 Ω | Wrench / hand-tight / push-pull | Up to 6 GHz | Infrastructure | Low-PIM cellular infrastructure | Coupling option varies by product configuration. | |
| 7-16 | 7/16 DIN | 50 Ω | Threaded | Up to 7.5 GHz | Large infrastructure | High-power cellular / low PIM | Rugged interface commonly used where power and PIM performance matter. | |
| SMP | Standard SMP | 50 Ω | Push-on / blind-mate | 26.5 GHz standard; up to 40 GHz extended | Micro-miniature | Board-to-board microwave | Extended performance depends on cable/PCB implementation. | |
| SMPM | Standard SMPM | 50 Ω | Push-on / blind-mate | 26.5 GHz standard; up to 65 GHz extended | Micro-miniature | Dense microwave / mmWave modules | Connector and cable/PCB trace dependent. | |
| 2.92 mm | 2.92 mm precision interface | 50 Ω | Threaded | Up to 40 GHz | Precision miniature | Precision microwave test | Use exact interface compatibility and torque requirements for precision work. | |
| SSMA | Standard SSMA | 50 Ω | Threaded / screw-on | Up to 40 GHz | Subminiature | Instrumentation, aerospace, microwave | High-frequency capability is cable/configuration dependent. | |
| U.FL | Hirose U.FL | 50 Ω | Push-on / tactile lock | Series includes products to 18 GHz | Ultra-low-profile micro | Wi-Fi, GPS, cellular modules, embedded radios | Frequency and mating-cycle ratings vary by exact U.FL product; do not assume similarly named micro-coax interfaces are interchangeable. | |
| APC 3.5 mm | 3.5 mm precision interface | 50 Ω | Threaded | Up to 26.5 GHz | Precision miniature | VNA, calibration, RF test & measurement | Precision interface; verify mating compatibility, connector condition, and specified torque before use. | |
| 2.4 mm | 2.4 mm precision interface | 50 Ω | Threaded | Up to 50 GHz | Precision miniature | High-frequency test, microwave / mmWave | Use exact interface-compatibility and torque requirements; visually similar precision connectors are not automatically interchangeable. |
Important: A connector family passing the frequency filter does not mean every part in that family is qualified at that frequency. Always verify the exact part number, cable, impedance, VSWR/return loss, power, mating interface, and environmental requirements.
More filters and actions
Use coupling and application only when they narrow a real design choice. Bulk CSV is intentionally unavailable for this curated, source-derived reference.
How to Identify Common RF Connector Types
Start with the coupling mechanism and overall size, then inspect the mating face. The visual guide below is designed to narrow the family—not replace an interface specification or exact part drawing.
BNC
Recognizable by its quarter-turn bayonet coupling. Common in test equipment, general RF, and 75 Ω video systems.
TNC
Similar general size class to BNC, but uses threaded coupling for more secure retention and higher-frequency implementations.
Type N
Larger threaded interface used for antennas, outdoor RF, base stations, and rugged coaxial systems.
SMA
Small threaded connector widely used in microwave equipment, antennas, modules, and test setups.
MCX
Miniature push-on/snap-on interface used in compact embedded RF, GPS, cellular, and video assemblies.
MMCX
Smaller micro-miniature snap-on family commonly used where packaging density matters.
U.FL
Ultra-low-profile micro-coax interface used inside compact wireless devices. Confirm the exact series before mating similarly sized micro-coax parts.
UHF / PL-259
Large coarse-thread legacy RF interface. It is non-constant impedance and is best treated separately from the 50 Ω / 75 Ω filtered table.
SMA vs RP-SMA: Male, Female, and Reverse Polarity
Do not identify SMA polarity by the outer shell alone. Reverse-polarity SMA changes the center-contact relationship while retaining the broader SMA interface family.
SMA plug
Standard center pin.
SMA jack
Standard center socket.
RP-SMA plug
Plug shell with center socket.
RP-SMA jack
Jack shell with center pin.
Confirm the exact interface
Check shell gender, center pin/socket, polarity variant, impedance, and the equipment manufacturer’s connector specification before mating parts.
RF Connector Frequency Capability Comparison
These bars show representative family/configuration reference capability from the dataset. A longer bar does not make a connector “better,” and extended-range products can differ from standard versions.
*Extended/configuration-specific capability. Always verify the exact connector and cable/PCB implementation.
RF Connector Relative Size Comparison
The silhouettes below are conceptual size classes for orientation, not dimensional drawings or a guarantee that every connector in a family has the same body dimensions.
How to Use the RF Connector Types Chart
The fastest workflow is to start with the electrical constraints, then check the mechanical interface. Choose the system impedance, enter the highest operating frequency the interconnect must pass, and use coupling or application filters only if they narrow a real design choice.
- Match impedance first. A 50 Ω RF path and a 75 Ω video path are different design systems even when connector shells look similar.
- Enter the required frequency. The filter keeps rows whose cited family/configuration reference value reaches that threshold.
- Check cable or PCB compatibility. Confirm the connector is designed for the intended coax geometry, launch, termination, or board interface.
- Check coupling and size. Threaded interfaces favor retention; bayonet and push-on/snap-on styles favor faster mating; blind-mate families support dense modular assemblies.
- Check power, PIM, and environment. High-power, outdoor, and cellular installations can require low-PIM performance, sealing, torque control, and ruggedized construction.
- Verify the exact part. The family row is a screening reference, not a procurement specification.
Example
For a 50 Ω, 10 GHz bench interconnect, a standard 4 GHz BNC row is not enough by itself. The chart will retain families with documented configurations at or above 10 GHz, but the final connector and cable assembly still need a part-specific 10 GHz rating.
50 Ohm vs 75 Ohm RF Connectors
Most RF, wireless, antenna, and laboratory systems use 50 Ω interconnects. Broadcast and video systems commonly use 75 Ω interfaces because the complete signal chain is designed around that impedance. BNC, SMB, and MCX families can appear in more than one impedance, so the family name alone does not determine the electrical match.
- 50 Ω
- Common in RF communications, antennas, instrumentation, microwave systems, and higher-power coaxial paths.
- 75 Ω
- Common in broadcast, video, CATV, and other signal-distribution systems designed around 75 Ω coax.
- Why mismatch matters
- An impedance discontinuity increases reflection and can degrade return loss, insertion loss, and signal integrity.
Do not assume that two connectors are electrically interchangeable just because they can be forced or adapted to mate. Match both the mechanical interface and the system impedance.
Threaded, Bayonet, Snap-On, and Push-On Couplings
Threaded
SMA, TNC, Type N, 7-16, 2.92 mm, and SSMA use threaded coupling in the cited series. Threaded mating is useful where retention, vibration resistance, and repeatability matter.
Bayonet
BNC uses a quick quarter-turn bayonet interface. It is convenient for equipment that is connected and disconnected frequently.
Push-on / snap-on
SMB, MCX, and MMCX use compact push-on/snap-on-style mating approaches. They are common in dense equipment and embedded RF assemblies.
Push-on / blind-mate
SMP and SMPM support dense board-to-board or modular RF connections where axial mating is more practical than turning a coupling nut.
SMA vs BNC vs TNC vs Type N
| Family | Coupling | Reference frequency | Where it often fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMA | Threaded | 18 GHz standard; extended designs higher | Compact microwave, test, antennas |
| BNC | Bayonet | 4 GHz standard; selected broadcast designs higher | Bench equipment, video, general RF |
| TNC | Threaded | 11 GHz standard; extended designs higher | Wireless, vibration-prone and outdoor RF |
| Type N | Threaded | 11 GHz standard; extended designs higher | Antennas, base stations, rugged coax |
Standard vs Reverse-Polarity RF Connectors
Reverse-polarity interfaces such as RP-SMA change the center-contact gender relationship while retaining the broader connector-family form. That is why shell appearance or the words “male” and “female” are not enough for positive identification.
Do not select by appearance alone
Confirm the outer interface, center pin or socket, polarity variant, impedance, and exact mating standard before connecting equipment. A physically similar RF connector can be electrically or mechanically incompatible.
How Frequency Rating Really Works
A family-level frequency figure is a screening value. The usable upper frequency of an actual interconnect can change with straight versus right-angle geometry, cable type, launch design, dielectric geometry, adapter stack-up, assembly quality, and manufacturer-specific extended-range construction.
For example, the cited Amphenol series pages distinguish standard and extended-range ratings for SMA, TNC, Type N, BNC, SMP, and SMPM. The table therefore preserves those distinctions instead of presenting one universal “maximum GHz” as though it applied to every part.
Common RF Connector Selection Mistakes
- Matching the shell but not the impedance: 50 Ω and 75 Ω versions may share a family name.
- Confusing SMA and RP-SMA: reverse polarity concerns the center-contact arrangement, not simply the outer body.
- Treating a family maximum as a part-number rating: cable and connector configuration can lower the usable frequency.
- Ignoring the cable interface: a connector must be compatible with the coax geometry, dielectric, shield, and termination method.
- Assuming adapters are transparent: every added interface can affect return loss, insertion loss, phase, PIM, and power handling.
- Assuming similar precision interfaces are interchangeable: SMA, 3.5 mm, 2.92 mm, and smaller precision interfaces can look similar; verify compatibility, pin condition, and torque requirements before mating.
Engineering References and Dataset Scope
Dataset: Turn2Engineering Common RF Coaxial Connector Family Reference v1.0 · Source checked September 27, 2026 · Publisher: Turn2Engineering
This page is a deliberately limited, transformed comparison of common connector families. It does not reproduce IEC interface-control drawings, standards tables, or a manufacturer product database. The IEC generic specification provides the standards framework; family-level impedance, coupling, and frequency reference values are drawn primarily from current official Amphenol RF series pages, with Hirose used for U.FL.
- IEC 61169-1:2013 — Radio-frequency connectors, Part 1: Generic specificationUsed for generic RF connector terminology and standards context; copyrighted standard content is summarized, not reproduced.
- Amphenol RF — RF Connectors portfolioUsed to verify the available family categories, impedance scope, frequency scope, coupling styles, and official series pages.
- Amphenol RF — SMA ConnectorsSupports the 50 Ω threaded SMA reference and the distinction between standard and extended-range frequency capability.
- Amphenol RF — RP-SMA ConnectorsSupports reverse-polarity SMA scope, 50 Ω impedance, and the cited family frequency range.
- Amphenol RF — SMB ConnectorsSupports 50 Ω/75 Ω family availability, snap-on coupling, and standard/extended family frequency scope.
- Amphenol RF — BNC ConnectorsSupports 50 Ω/75 Ω BNC variants, bayonet coupling, standard RF capability, and higher-frequency broadcast configurations.
- Amphenol RF — TNC ConnectorsSupports the 50 Ω threaded TNC reference and standard/extended frequency ranges.
- Amphenol RF — N-Type ConnectorsSupports the Type N 50 Ω reference and standard/extended frequency ranges.
- Amphenol RF — MCX ConnectorsSupports 50 Ω and 75 Ω MCX variants and their configuration-dependent frequency capabilities.
- Amphenol RF — MMCX ConnectorsSupports the 50 Ω snap-on MMCX reference through 6 GHz.
- Amphenol RF — F-Type ConnectorsSupports the 75 Ω threaded F-Type reference and standard/extended frequency ranges.
- Amphenol RF — 4.3-10 ConnectorsSupports 50 Ω impedance, 6 GHz frequency scope, and threaded/push-pull/hand-screw coupling options.
- Amphenol RF — 7-16 ConnectorsSupports the 50 Ω threaded infrastructure-family reference and frequency range.
- Amphenol RF — SMP ConnectorsSupports the 50 Ω push-on/blind-mate family and standard/extended frequency range.
- Amphenol RF — SMPM ConnectorsSupports the 50 Ω push-on family and extended designs through 65 GHz.
- Amphenol RF — 2.92 mm ConnectorsSupports the 50 Ω threaded precision interface through 40 GHz.
- Amphenol RF — SSMA ConnectorsSupports the 50 Ω screw-on subminiature family and high-frequency reference through 40 GHz.
- Amphenol RF — UHF ConnectorsSupports the non-constant-impedance UHF / PL-259 identification note, threaded coupling, and low-frequency reference.
- Hirose — U.FL SeriesSupports 50 Ω U.FL family scope, low-profile micro-coax use, and current series products extending to 18 GHz.
- Amphenol RF — APC 3.5 AdaptersSupports the 50 Ω precision 3.5 mm interface reference through 26.5 GHz.
- Amphenol RF — Product Frequency Range FAQCross-checks BNC, SMA, 2.92 mm, and 2.4 mm family-level frequency references, including 2.4 mm through 50 GHz.
Dataset and Source-Check Details
- Reference conditions
- Family/configuration-level published values; DC-to-upper-frequency ranges where cited
- Canonical frequency unit
- GHz
- Missing values
- Never inferred from another connector family or manufacturer
- Rights status
- Transformed factual comparison with attribution; standards/catalog tables and drawings not reproduced
- Bulk CSV
- Disabled pending explicit redistribution review
- Maintenance trigger
- Recheck official series specifications and IEC publication status during major page revisions
RF Connector Types FAQ
Common families include BNC, TNC, Type N, SMA, SMB, MCX, MMCX, F-Type, and higher-frequency families such as SMP, SMPM, 2.92 mm, and SSMA; the right choice depends on impedance, frequency, size, environment, and coupling.
Check the center-contact pin/socket arrangement together with the outer interface; reverse polarity changes the contact relationship, so shell appearance alone is not enough.
Both 50 Ω and 75 Ω BNC versions exist, so match the connector to the impedance of the cable and system rather than selecting by shell shape alone.
SMA is common through conventional microwave ranges, while precision interfaces such as APC 3.5, 2.92 mm, and 2.4 mm are used as frequency requirements increase. SMP and SMPM are useful for compact blind-mate modular connections. The exact part must still satisfy impedance, frequency, return loss, power, cable or PCB interface, and mechanical requirements.
Yes; physical mating does not prove impedance, frequency, return loss, power, or environmental compatibility, so the exact interface and part specifications still govern.
BNC uses a quarter-turn bayonet coupling, while TNC uses threaded coupling. TNC is often selected where retention, vibration resistance, or higher-frequency implementations are important.
Both are compact push-on/snap-on RF families, but MMCX is the smaller micro-miniature interface. They are different mating standards and should not be treated as interchangeable.
Some precision interfaces have controlled mechanical compatibility with related interfaces, but that does not make every combination appropriate. Verify the exact interface specification, center-contact condition, mating depth, torque, and frequency requirement before connecting precision hardware.
Use the Chart as a Screening Tool, Then Verify the Part
For RF connector selection, start with impedance and required frequency, then narrow by coupling style, physical size, cable compatibility, environment, and application. The family comparison above is designed to eliminate obvious mismatches quickly; the exact manufacturer part number and cable assembly remain the governing specification for final design.