| N SERIES
This was the first matched RF connector. It was done during
WWII for high frequency applications. The N connector is characterized
by a 5/8-24 mating thread and an air dielectric interface . It is best
suited for use with cables having a jacket diameter from .250 to .450 inches.
Connectors have been made for smaller as well as larger cables. The N series
has good RF performance parameters. The air dielectric limits its voltage
handling capacities. The N series is the most popular of the medium size
connectors. The N connectors are covered by Mil-C--39012 slash sheets 1
through 5, and 129 through 132.
C SERIES
This is similar in size to type N connectors, however,
they are bayonet locking. The C series uses a teflon dielectric for its
interface. The dielectric overlap enables better voltage handling capabilities.
The bayonet coupling does not perform well electrically during vibration.
C connectors are covered by Mil-C-39012 slash sheets 6 through 15.
HN SERIES
These are slightly larger than type N connectors, but
use basically the same cables. They have a 3/4-20 mating thread and have
a teflon interface. They are designed to have increased voltage capabilities
without realizing the loss of its RF parameters. The Navy is using HN's
in their submarine sonobuoy program. HN connectors are covered by Mil-C-3643.
SC SERIES
This often is referred to as the Screwed C. It was developed
to overcome the shortcoming of the C and HN connectors. Its has a 11/16-24
mating thread. The SC is popular in Military aircraft and areas which have
high vibration. The SC connectors are not more widely used because of their
price. They are covered by Mil-C-39012 slash sheets 35 through 43.
BNC SERIES
This is the most popular RF connector. It features a bayonet
coupling. It is recommended for use with cables ranging from .150 to .250
inches. Since it is such a popular connector, it has been made for a much
wider range of cables. They are very widely used in the instrumentation
field. They are limited in frequency because of their bayonet coupling.
The BNC connector can be used where quick connect/disconnect is desired
yet positive locking is needed. BNC connectors are covered by Mil-C-39012
slash sheets 16 through 24. |
SHV and
MHV SERIES
These are high voltage versions of the BNC. The SHV was
designed to replace the MHV. It was felt the MHV was an unsafe connector
since the ground connection was broken before power connection. The SHV
was developed by NBS for high energy physics applications. Both series
were recently incorporated into Mil-C-39012, however, the MHV series was
immediately inactivated and replaced by the SHV. MHV connectors were covered
by Mil-C-39012 slash sheets 100 through 104. SHV connectors are covered
by Mil-C-39012 slash sheets 105 through 111. Both MHV and SHV were not
designed with the intentions of meeting RF performance parameters.
TNC SERIES
This is a threaded version of the BNC. It has a 7/16-28
mating thread. The TNC's have high frequency capabilities because of their
more stable mating. They are popular where the larger SC and N connectors
are too big but a threaded coupling is needed. TNC are covered by Mil-C-39012
slash sheets 26 through 34, and 112 through 116.
SMA SERIES
This high performance subminiature connector. They are
characterized by a 1/4-36 mating thread and a butt outer contact. They
usually have passivated or gold-plated stainless steel bodies. They were
designed originally for use with .141 semi-rigid cable. When used with
this cable, the optimum performance can be obtained. It is not always desirable
to use semi-rigid cable since it is awkward to work with, but when the
more popular flexible cables are used, it is not recommended to use the
SMA connector above 12.4 GHz because the cables are not rated that high.
The drawback with the SMA series is the butt outer contact, if the connector
is not properly mated, the RF parameters will be degraded. The SMA is commonly
used with cables ranging from .085 to .220 dia. The SMA is a very widely
used connector in high performance military systems and state-of-the-art
test equipment, as well as where miniaturization is desired. The SMA connector
for flexible cables and receptacles are covered by Mil-C-39012 slash sheets
55 through 63; connectors for semi-rigid are covered by slash sheets 79
through 83, and slash 92 through 94.
|
SMC SERIES
This is another subminiature threaded connector. It is
characterized by a #10-32 mating thread and brass, gold-plated body. It
does not have the performance capabilities of the SMA. It is used where
miniaturization is needed but high performance is not. It issued with cables
ranging from .045 to .140 dia. SMC connectors are covered by Mil-C-39012
slash sheets 73 through 78
SMB SERIES
This is a snap-on version of the SMC. It is more limited
in performance due to its coupling means. It is used where room for threading
and unthreading is unavailable. SMB's are covered by Mil-C-39012 slash
sheets 67 through 72 and 95 through 96.
75 Ohm SMB/SMC - Both the SMB and SMC have 75 ohm
versions available. They are very popular in the Telecommunications industry
where it is designed to keep attenuation to a minimum. These interfaces
are not coordinated through a military or industry standard. The larger
corporations such as Rockwell/Collins have their own interface requirements
which guarantees interchangeability. These 75 ohm versions are slightly
larger than their 50 ohm counterparts.
PMA SERIES
This is a proprietary series developed by Automatic Connector.
Its performance is comparable to the SMA. The PMA has a wiping outer contact
and is designed for use with cables from .110 to .220 dia. It features
a float mounting achieved through a coil spring.
PMMA SERIES
This is another proprietary series developed at Automatic
Connector. It is a miniaturized version of the PMA, with improved electrical
performance through 18 GHz. It is designed for use with cables ranging
from .085 to .140 dia.
BSM and TSM SERIES
These are low performance subminiature connectors. They
are very popular in land mobile radios. The Automatic BSM connectors are
interchangeable with the Amphenol MB series and Kings KM series. These
are commonly used with cables ranging from .110 to .250 dia.
ADM SERIES
This is a family of coaxial contacts which can be used
in D-subminiature type blocks. These are interchangeable with Cannon, Cinch
and Palco contacts. |
