Screw-on Coupling

This coupling mechanism consists of a basic thread and nut design. Screw-on connections are the most commonly found amongst RF connector series due to their mechanical durability, however close attention must be paid to ensure coupling is not over-torqued.

Connector series featuring this mechanism include: 7/16 DIN, FME, HN, LC, LT, N, SC, SMA, SMC, TNC, and more.

RF Connector Series

RF connector series featuring this mating mechanism are shown below.

Series Name Description Male Body Female Body
1.0 mm (W)

There are two subtypes of 1.0 mm coaxial connectors in use; Laboratory Precision Connectors (LPC), and General Precision connectors (GPC). Laboratory Precision Connectors and General Precision Connectors differ only by permitted tolerances - clearance, flatness, and pin depth. The interface for both LPC and GPC subtypes is air dielectric with the contact supported by a short dielectric bead.

1.0mm W male plug RF connector 1.0mm W female socket RF connector
1.0/2.3

1.0/2.3 series (often called DIN 1.0/2.3) are either a 50 Ω connector with a 10 GHz cutoff, or a 75 Ω connector with a 4 GHz cutoff featuring a smaller centre conductor, both variations are covered by the DIN 47297 standard.

1.0/2.3 Male plug RF connector 1.0/2.3 Female socket RF connector
1.6/5.6

1.6/5.6 series (often called DIN 1.6/5.6) are a 75 Ω connector with a 1 GHz cutoff, covered by the DIN 47295 standard. 1.6/5.6 RF connectors are characterised by high mechanical and electrical stability. There are several subtypes featuring different coupling mechanisms, listed below. It should be noted however that not all manufacturers produce all subtypes.

1.6/5.6 male plug RF connector 1.6/5.6 female socket RF connector
1.85 mm (V)

The 1.85 mm connector is a pin and socket type connector that uses an air dielectric filled interface that assures mode free operation up to 65 GHz. It is also known as the Type V connector. Some manufacturers have demonstrated performance up to 67 GHz. The design has been introduced as an open standard under the IEEE 287 Precision Connector Standards Committee.

1.85 mm male plug RF connector 1.85 mm female socket RF connector
Microdot S-50

Microdot S-50 is a proprietary coaxial connector interface developed by Microdot (now Tyco Electronics). While Microdot manufactured a range of connectors, the screw-on S-50 design was the only to gain relative popularity. The connector features a compact form factor using a 10-32 (0.190-32 UNF2B) thread, and performance up to 2 GHz.

10-32 microdot male plug RF connector 10-32 microdot female socket RF connector
2.4 mm (Q)

The 2.4 mm connector is a pin and socket type connector that uses an air dielectric filled interface that assures mode free operation up to 50 GHz. It is also known as the Type Q, or OS-50 connector. Some manufacturers have demonstrated performance up to 60 GHz. The design has been introduced as an open standard under the IEEE 287 Precision Connector Standards Committee.

2.4mm male plug RF connector 2.4mm female socket RF connector
2.92 mm (K)

The 2.92 mm connector is a pin and socket type connector that uses an air dielectric filled interface that assures mode free operation up to 40 GHz. It is also known as the Type K connector. The connector interfaces mechanically with 3.5 mm and SMA connectors, however the junction introduces a discontinuity which must be accounted for.

2.92mm male plug RF connector 2.92mm female plug RF connector
3.5 mm

The 3.5 mm connector is a pin and socket type connector that uses an air dielectric filled interface and closely controlled centre conductor support bead providing mechanical interface tolerances similar to hermaphroditic connectors.

3.5mm male plug RF connector 3.5mm female socket RF connector
4.1/9.5

The 4.1/9.5 "Mini-DIN" RF connector has been designed as a compact and low PIM replacement to traditional 7/16 DIN connectors. The 4.1/9.5 connector features a screw on, low torque coupling system, which allows for a secure mate between connectors. As a matter of correctness the 4.1/9.5 connector is often, incorrectly, written as "4.1-9.5".

4.1/9.5 DIN male plug RF connector 4.1/9.5 DIN female socket RF connector
4.3-10

The 4.3-10 RF connector has been designed as a compact and low PIM replacement to traditional 7/16 DIN connectors, and an iterative improvement over even the more recently developed 4.1/9.5 "Mini-DIN" connector. The 4.3-10 connector features a screw-on, low torque coupling system, with a separation of the electrical from the mechanical plane ensuring performance does not vary with torquing.

4.3-10 male plug RF connector 4.3-10 female socket RF connector