TABLE OF CONTENTS This appendix provides a descriptive overview of commonly used connectors in RF testing (production, rack-and-stack, and bench). Only a few of these, such as SMA and SMP, are practical for production test load boards.
RF coaxial connectors are the most important element in the cable system. High-quality coaxial cables have the potential to deliver all of the performance a system requires, but they are often limited by the performance of the connectors. Impairments such as power loss, electrical noise, and intermodulation distortion a major concern in today's communications systems are minimized by the design and manufacturing techniques of these connectors.
Connectors generally come in both "male" and "female" sections. Higher quality RF connectors are even sometimes designed and manufactured in male female pairs to obtain optimal performance.
To minimize potential problems, it is necessary to keep the connectors in a test system clean (using a lint-free swab and rubbing alcohol, for example) and to ensure that any nuts on the connectors are tightened to the proper torque specification provided by the manufacturer [1].
The Bayonet Neill Concelman (BNC) connector is a relatively low-frequency (dc to 4 GHz), general-purpose RF connector designed for use in 50- ? and 75- ? systems. Developed in the late 1940s as a miniature version of the Type C connector, the BNC connector is named after Amphenol engineer Carl Concelman. The BNC is a miniature quick connect/disconnect RF connector. It features two bayonet lugs on the female connector; mating...
