High-frequency Connector Selection Guide

Renhotec Common high-frequency connector types and characteristics

SMA: Universal within 18GHz, plug-in life of about 500 times, low cost, widely used in consumer electronics.

N type: 11GHz, high power resistance (100W), strong mechanical stability, suitable for base stations and industrial equipment.

TNC: A threaded version of BNC with better shock resistance, suitable for vehicle-mounted or vibration environments.

SMP series:

• SMP: frequency to 40GHz, push-in connection, plug-in life of 500 times, suitable for high-density PCB interconnection.
• SSMP: Miniaturized design, frequency to 40GHz, plug-in life of 300 times, volume reduced by 30% compared to SMP.
• SMPM (super-micro): frequency to 65GHz, plug-in life of 200 times, used for millimeter wave micro modules (such as 5G mobile phone antennas).

3.5mm: frequency up to 33GHz, compatible with 2.92mm interface, moderate cost, mostly used in 5G mid-frequency band.

2.92mm (K type): 40GHz, threaded connection, insertion loss <0.15dB@40GHz, commonly used in laboratories.

2.4mm: 50GHz, commonly used in laboratory millimeter wave testing, high cost.

1.85mm: 67GHz, precision testing and terahertz research, dust and damage protection required, high unit price.

1.0mm: 110GHz, dedicated to extreme high-frequency scientific research equipment.

Key factors for selection

Frequency matching: >40GHz, choose SMP-PRO or 1.85mm to avoid overclocking.

Interface compatibility: SMP is compatible with the same series but cannot be mixed with SMA/N type.

Connection method: For frequent plugging and unplugging, choose the SMP push-in type, and use the threaded type (such as TNC) for high-vibration scenarios.

Power and insertion loss: SMP power <5W, high-frequency band insertion loss needs to be <0.5dB.

Optimization of selection steps

Fixed frequency band: select SMP or 2.92mm within 40GHz, and select 1.85mm for >60GHz.

Fixed scenario: SMP is preferred for high-density PCB interconnection, and 7/16 DIN is selected for outdoor base stations.

Verification test: VNA measured standing wave ratio (VSWR <1.3) and phase consistency.

Precautions

Restrictions on the use of SMP: plugging and unplugging must be vertically aligned, and tilting can easily damage the inner core; it is recommended to upgrade to SMP-PRO (with locking structure) in high-vibration environments.

Risk of mixed use: SMP and SMA have similar appearances but different impedances, and mixed insertion will cause signal reflection.

Cost balance: The unit price of SMP is 3-5 times that of SMA, and it can be downgraded for non-high-frequency and high-density scenarios.

Renhotec High-frequency connectors need to be screened according to the three dimensions of “frequency-scenario-cost”. The SMP series is the core solution for millimeter-wave miniaturization design. After selection, actual measurements are required to ensure that the RF performance meets the standards.