RF Connectors
RF Connectors
RF connectors are precision electromechanical components that provide reliable, repeatable electrical connections in RF and microwave test systems. They are designed to maintain controlled impedance (typically 50 Ω) and minimize reflections and insertion loss across a defined frequency range. The choice of connector type — SMA, Type-N, APC-7, 3.5 mm, 2.92 mm (K), 2.4 mm, 1.85 mm, or waveguide interfaces — is determined by the frequency range, power level, and mechanical requirements of the application.
In test and measurement environments, precision connectors from instrument manufacturers like Keysight are used both as panel-mounted instrument ports and as components in calibration kits and fixture adapters. High-voltage (HV) panel-mount connectors are used in power electronics and semiconductor test applications where elevated potentials are present. Waveguide-based interfaces and frequency multiplier connectors extend measurement capability into millimeter-wave frequency bands used in 5G, radar, and satellite communications testing.
Typical Applications
- Instrument front-panel connectors for spectrum analyzers, VNAs, and signal generators
- Panel-mount connectors in test fixtures for semiconductor and power electronics characterization
- Waveguide and multiplier interfaces for millimeter-wave frequency extension modules
- Calibration kit connectors for VNA reference plane definition and system error correction
- High-voltage connections in semiconductor parametric test and power device characterization
Popular Brands
Keysight Technologies manufactures precision coaxial and waveguide connectors integrated into its test instruments and accessories, including HV interfaces and millimeter-wave multiplier modules. Specialty connector manufacturers such as Huber+Suhner, Rosenberger, and Amphenol RF provide a broad catalog of RF connectors for test and measurement applications.
