Radio frequency connector is a type of electronic connector specifically used to transmit radio frequency signals. In terms of communication connectors, due to the cooperation of software protocols, the types of RF connectors are relatively stable and can be effectively distinguished. The demand for this type of connectors is gradually increasing as the internal structure of automobiles becomes increasingly complex. For example, with the increase in electronic products inside cars, such as car audio, GPS navigation, etc., the role of RF connectors has become particularly important. Choosing a suitable RF connector requires considering factors such as its impedance matching, overall size, and installation method to ensure the stability and efficiency of signal transmission.
Circular connector is a connector widely used in industry, military, aerospace and other fields. It has waterproof and dustproof properties. Its plugs and sockets are threaded and have the characteristics of small size and high reliability. There are two main types of circular connectors: plug-in and screw-on. Plug-in type is usually used for circuit connections with frequent plugging and unplugging, few connection points, and current less than 1A. The screw type has a standard rotating locking mechanism and is suitable for high-current circuit connections that do not require frequent plugging and unplugging.
Rectangular connectors are widely used in communication and computer equipment and are characterized by compact structure and easy installation. This connector mainly consists of a different number of contact pairs, located in a rectangular plastic housing with good insulation properties. The number of contact pairs can be as many as dozens, arranged in two rows, three rows, four rows, etc. In order to ensure good contact, each contact pair undergoes elastic deformation to generate positive pressure and friction. To improve performance, some contact pairs are also plated with gold or silver plating. In addition, rectangular connectors mainly include pin type and hyperbolic spring type, as well as various types such as shelled and unshelled, locking and non-locking.
ST type fiber optic connector is a type of fiber optic connector that is commonly used for 10Base-F connections. Unlike the SC connector, the core of the ST connector is exposed, while the core of the SC connector is inside the connector. This connector features an exposed core, giving it specific applications in fiber optic communications. Compared with other types of connectors, ST-type fiber optic connectors have unique features in structure and application.
The SMB connector is a small push-lock RF coaxial connector that is small in size, light in weight, easy to use and has excellent electrical performance. It is suitable for connecting coaxial cables in high-frequency loops of radio equipment and electronic instruments. On wireless devices, SMB connectors are often used to connect the base station side E1 transmission cable to the base station DDF small transmission box. Invented in the 1960s, this connector is smaller than the SMA connector. SMB connectors have two characteristic impedances: 50 ohms and 75 ohms, and have excellent electrical characteristics in the frequency range from DC to 4GHz.
Cable connectors are components used to connect cables, with coaxial cable connectors being particularly suitable for high-speed data and CATV applications. This type of connector typically consists of an insulated center conductor wrapped within another cylindrical conductor (shield) and may include T-connectors, BNC connectors, and terminating resistors. When selecting a cable connector, factors such as its carrying capacity, structural size, impedance matching, etc. need to be considered. Ampacity is particularly important for power signals, while structural dimensions need to accommodate space constraints in the product. Impedance matching is particularly critical for RF signals, and mismatching may cause signal problems.
The BNC connector is a common RF connector with a bayonet design that allows for quick connection and removal. The full name of this connector is Bayonet Nut Connector, and its name vividly describes the shape of its connector. BNC was originally named by two inventors, Paul Neill and Carl Concelman. Paul Neill was also the inventor of the N-type connector. BNC connectors are widely used in wireless communication systems, televisions, test equipment and other radio frequency electronic equipment, and were also used in early computer networks. The signal frequency range it supports is 0 to 4GHz, and the characteristic impedances are mainly 50 ohms and 75 ohms.
The TNC connector is a threaded radio frequency coaxial connector that has the characteristics of wide operating frequency band, reliable connection, and good shock resistance. It is a variant of the BNC connector, abbreviated from Threaded Neill–Concelman, and has the same inventor as BNC. The characteristic impedance of TNC is 50 ohms, and the optimal operating frequency range is 0-11GHz. In the microwave frequency band, the performance of TNC connectors is better than that of BNC connectors. Because of its excellent mechanical and electrical properties, TNC connectors are widely used in radio equipment and electronic instruments, and are especially suitable for mobile communication equipment under vibration conditions.
The SMA connector is a small threaded coaxial connector that is widely used in radio frequency loops of microwave equipment and digital communication systems for connecting radio frequency cables or microstrip lines. It has the characteristics of wide bandwidth, excellent performance, high reliability and long life. It is commonly used in wireless equipment for the GPS clock interface on the single board and the test port of the base station RF module. The full name of SMA is SubMiniature version A, which was invented in the 1960s. The signal frequency range it supports is from DC to 18GHz, and some types can support up to 26.5GHz. Characteristic impedance is 50 ohms.
A ribbon cable connector is a connector used for connections between instruments and instrument circuits. Its characteristic is that the socket can be soldered directly to the printed circuit board, while the plug and ribbon cable are connected by piercing and crimping. This design ensures contact reliability and is very convenient to use. Due to these advantages, ribbon cable connectors are widely used in electronic products.
Low-frequency electrical connectors are mainly used in situations where the signal frequency is less than 100mHz. It has a large transmission current range and multi-wire structure. Such connectors include printed circuit connectors, low-frequency circular connectors, jumper connectors and high-current connectors. In terms of naming, connector model naming methods vary due to technological development and structural diversification, but they are usually concise and easy to identify. In addition, according to the use occasions, low-frequency electrical connectors are divided into universal types and specific occasion types, such as universal circular electrical connectors and universal rectangular electrical connectors.
Power connectors are components used to provide power to electronic devices, through A/C or D/C power. In addition to power contacts, it also contains signaling contacts for system control and communication. In the interconnection hierarchy of electronic equipment, power connectors play a key role in ensuring stable transmission of power and signals.
A board-to-board connector is a component used to connect two circuit boards. There are various types of this connector such as pin connectors and female connectors. In the computer field, board-to-board connectors are often embedded into computer boards and can be customized according to user needs. Especially in the field of mobile phones, the development trend of this kind of connector is that the pin spacing and height are gradually reduced to adapt to more compact design needs. Currently, the mainstream pin pitch is 0.4mm pitch, which is expected to be further reduced to 0.35mm or even smaller in the future. At the same time, connector heights are gradually being reduced to achieve more efficient circuit board layouts.
The UHF connector is a connector with a long history, and its name comes from the early definition of UHF frequency, that is, frequencies above 30MHz. Modern tests show that this connector is mainly suitable for frequencies of 100MHz and below, which is the VHF band. Its distinctive feature is that there is a center conductor about 4mm thick in the middle of the plug. The connection and fixation method is through the internal threads on the connector and the external threads on the socket engaging with each other. It should be noted that this plug has poor waterproofing capabilities, so when using it outdoors, special attention must be paid to preventing the influence of rain and other natural conditions.
The N-type connector is a threaded rotation locking connector mainly used to transmit microwave frequency signals. This connector was invented by Paul Neill of Bell Labs in the 1940s and named after Neill’s initials. The signal frequency range it supports is 0 to 11GHz, and the enhanced type can reach 18GHz. In addition, N-type connectors have two characteristic impedances: 50 ohms and 75 ohms, which are widely used in mobile communications, wireless data, paging systems and cable TV systems respectively.
Filtered connectors are key components for signal transmission in electronic equipment. Unlike power supply electrical connectors and printed circuit board electrical connectors, filter connectors are mainly used for signal filtering and purification to reduce or eliminate electromagnetic interference (EMI). In the interconnection hierarchy of electronic devices, filtered connectors are often located in the critical path of signal transmission to ensure signal integrity and accuracy. Its design and application are crucial to ensure the stable operation of electronic equipment in complex electromagnetic environments.
Threaded connections are a common connection method used in large connectors and high vibration environments. This connection method has high stability, and a fuse is usually installed after the connection to prevent loosening. However, its main drawbacks are difficult offloading and slower connection speeds.
Body-to-door series connectors are mainly used for wiring harness connections between the body and front/rear doors. With the development of modern automobile technology, there are more and more function buttons on car doors, such as door locking, window lifting, rearview mirror adjustment, etc. Some models also integrate functions such as seat adjustment, rearview mirror defogging, volume adjustment, and central control screen control. Therefore, the requirements for connectors are becoming increasingly stringent. They not only need to be smaller in size, but also need to meet data transmission needs, especially the transmission of screen analog signals. Tyco Electronics (TE) has developed a new generation of connectors for this purpose, which have a modular structure and reserve a variety of connector hole positions, providing more possibilities for future functional development.
High-frequency electrical connectors are electrical connectors used in circuits with operating frequencies greater than 100MHz. The design of such connectors needs to consider leakage and reflection of high-frequency electric fields. Because coaxial cables are often used for connections, high-frequency electrical connectors are also often called coaxial electrical connectors. In addition, high-frequency electrical connectors are mainly suitable for high-frequency signal transmission occasions such as antennas and transmitters, such as high-frequency coaxial electrical connectors and high-frequency coaxial transfer switches.
The LC type connector was jointly developed by Lucent Technologies and Bell Research Institute to increase the installation density of fiber optic connectors. This connector uses a 1.25mm sleeve diameter, which is only half that of ST-compatible connectors and SC-type connectors, thus greatly increasing the density of fiber optic connectors in optical distribution frames. LC type connector has the structural characteristics of positioning key, contact type, medium loss, tensile resistance and torsion resistance. It is a simplex SFF connector, but can be converted into a duplex connector with a clip. Its optoelectronic equipment has a transmission speed of up to 10 Gbps and is widely used in single-mode and multi-mode optical fibers.