Are you looking for an antenna connector? Do you need help deciding which one to get? You’re not alone. Many different types of connectors for antennas exist, and knowing the right one can become a burden. While shopping around, you may have noticed many connector types to choose from, each designed for specific applications and use conditions. Some of the most common types of antenna connectors available today include the SMA, N-Type, TNC, FME, U.FL, and MMCX. We’ll review each one in detail, reviewing what they do and their best use.
What Are Antenna Connectors?
Antenna connectors are components. People typically use these components to connect antennas to different types of devices. Antenna connectors come in numerous sizes and shapes. However, antenna connectors match the specific requirements of whatever device you’re connecting to.
Connectors play a critical role in ensuring that signals are transmitted effectively between the antenna and the device, enabling it to receive and transmit signals with high accuracy and reliability. Finally, every connector comes in male and female versions.
Antenna Connector Facts
- While mating two antenna connectors, keep in mind that both should have the same polarity.
- Male connectors generally have a pin and threads inside.
- Female connectors typically have a socket and threads on the outside.
- Male antenna connectors cover the female connectors.
SMA Connectors
- For use in Networks and Wi-Fi
- Material: Gold-plated brass
- Warranty: 12 months
- Includes 4 styles of SMA to MCX connectors
SMA, or SubMinarture Version A, connectors are popular for many high-performing wireless applications, including WiFi and Bluetooth. SMAs have a secure connection due to a threaded, interwoven body and a screw-like coupling that prevents accidental disconnection. They’re also small and lightweight, their small size making them an excellent choice for use in portable devices. In addition, SMA connectors provide great performance at high frequencies. The voltage rating for SMA connectors is up to 500 volts, and it can support broadband performance from DC up to 18GHz.
SMA connectors also come in reverse polarity, referred to as RP-SMA. RP-SMA connectors appear the same but with a reversed pin. However, there are no changes to their polarity. Therefore, the RP connectors won’t mate with the SMA connectors.
RP-SMA connectors have a wide range of uses and include routers, wireless devices, and access points. In addition, RP-SMA connectors provide a top-notch choice for reverse-polarity assembled antenna connection. Also, they’re beneficial when installing antennas in reverse orientation.
N-Type Connectors
- Package includes two dual-band omnidirectional antennas for outdoor use
- N-Type male connectors
- Supports 2.4GHz and 5 GHz
- Compatible with routers and access points with N-Type female connectors
N-type connectors are popular for high-power applications, such as broadcast and military communications. They provide good performance at high frequencies and can handle high power levels. They are also weather-resistant, making them ideal for use in outdoor use.
The N-Type antenna connector is ideal in almost any temperature, and its highest power rating of 300W and a frequency range from DC to 11GHz. Additionally, they have an approximate hindrance of 50 Ohms.
Finally, N-Type connectors have a withstanding voltage of 1,500 VRMS. Like SMA connectors, N-Type connectors have variations in reverse polarity. These reverse polarity connectors are known as RP-N Type.
TNC Connectors
- 50 ohm impedance
- 3GHz frequency range
- For use in communication systems, mobile antennas, etc...
- Anti-oxidation design
Commonly used in wireless technologies such as WiFi, TNC antenna connectors are made of brass, copper, or steel. This type of connector also has a threaded coupling nut. The coupling nut gives the TNC connector a connection that is secure while being designed to connect and disconnect quickly, making them an ideal choice for mobile or temporary installations.
The TNC connector, also known as the Threaded Neill Concelman connector, is usually rated at 50 Ohms and 75 Ohms, with 50 being the most common. The TNC can support radio frequencies up to 11GHz. Due to its impedance-matched design, the TNC antenna connector maintains a higher signal-to-noise ratio and reduced reflecting signals.
FME Connectors
- Pure brass with nickel-plated surface treatment
- 50ohm impedance
- Includes two SMA female to FME female connectors
- Use to connect an FME male to SMA male connector or wifi cable
People commonly use FME connectors in telecommunications. FME, or For Mobile Equipment connectors, feature a secure design and reliable connections between devices, making them an excellent choice for cell phones or wireless routers. FME connectors are generally small but easy to install. People use them because they’re durable and resistant to vibrations, moisture, and other factors.
FME antenna connections are also commonly used for business solutions because they allow you to merge or combine data from various origins into FME. In addition, FME connectors handle real-time synchronization of data replication, migration, and mapping. FME connectors have a frequency range of DC to 3GHz and have an impedance of 50 Ohms.
MMCX Connectors
- RG316 coaxial cable
- Includes MMCX female right angle and MMCX male straight
- Impedance is 50ohms
- 300mm length cable
MMCX antenna connectors are small, snap-on connectors commonly used in wireless communication devices. People often use this type of connector when working with limited space. As a result, you’ll find them in such places as small electronic devices or environments with a lot of wind or vibration.
MMCX, also known as Micro Minature Coaxial connectors, are easy to use and perform well, making them a popular choice for many wireless devices. Also, people love their durability and reliability. Therefore, you can find MMCX antenna connectors in industrial and military applications.
U.FL Connectors
- Impedance is 50ohms
- Frequency DC up to 6GHz
- Rated voltage 60V
- Indoor or outdoor use
U.FL antenna connectors are small, which makes sense as the U in U.FL stands for ultra-small. These miniature connectors, which people frequently use in wireless communication devices, are found in routers, modems, and antennas. People use U.FL connectors for their durability, easy installation, and low profile, making them ideal for compact devices. Another name for U.FL connectors is miniature coaxial connectors. They are aptly named, as they feature a small size and coaxial design. People typically use U.FL connectors in tightly-spaced applications, but a reliable connection is still crucial.
U.FL male and U.FL female connectors are lightweight, require a small mounting area, and feature a minimal mated height. The noticeable “click” tells you that there is a complete electrical and mechanical connection when mating.
Using Antenna Connectors
Any communication system will need antenna connectors. People typically use them to connect an antenna to the transmitter or receiver. They are available in various types, and people often use them in a wide range of applications. For example, you’ll find antenna connectors in everything from radio and television broadcasting to wireless communications and satellite systems. People also commonly use antenna connectors in amateur radio to match the antenna’s impedance to the receiver or transmitter.
Installing a suitable antenna connector to your devices is crucial. We hope this has cleared up any confusion when it comes to knowing which antenna connector to use.
- TUOLNK SMA to MCX Connectors Kit Coaxial Adapter, 4 Pack
- For use in Networks and Wi-Fi
- Material: Gold-plated brass
- Warranty: 12 months
- Includes 4 styles of SMA to MCX connectors
- TRENDnet 5/7 dBi Outdoor Dual Band Omni Antenna Kit, N-Type Male Connectors, Supports 2.4 And 5 GHz, Omni-Directional Antennas, Use With 802.11ac/n/g/b/a Routers And Access Points, White, TEW-AO57
- Package includes two dual-band omnidirectional antennas for outdoor use
- N-Type male connectors
- Supports 2.4GHz and 5 GHz
- Compatible with routers and access points with N-Type female connectors
- onelinkmore TNC Crimp Connectors Kit, Pack of 10
- 50 ohm impedance
- 3GHz frequency range
- For use in communication systems, mobile antennas, etc...
- Anti-oxidation design
- BOOBRIE SMA Coaxial Connector FME Female to SMA Female Coax Adapter WiFi Antenna Adapter for Antennas Wireless LAN Devices Coaxial Cable WiFi Radios External Antenna Cell Booster Pack of 2
- Pure brass with nickel-plated surface treatment
- 50ohm impedance
- Includes two SMA female to FME female connectors
- Use to connect an FME male to SMA male connector or wifi cable
- Aoje-Link RF Coaxial Cable MMCX Female to MMCX Male RG316 Coax Cable
- RG316 coaxial cable
- Includes MMCX female right angle and MMCX male straight
- Impedance is 50ohms
- 300mm length cable
- E-outstanding 4PCS IPEX/IPX U.FL SMD SMT Solder for PCB Mount Socket Jack Female RF Coaxial Connector Antenna Block
- Impedance is 50ohms
- Frequency DC up to 6GHz
- Rated voltage 60V
- Indoor or outdoor use
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We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
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