| BNC | 50 Ω or 75 Ω | DC to approximately 4 GHz, depending on design | Bayonet coupling | Fast connection and disconnection; reliable cable termination; convenient test-port access | Test equipment Video systems Instrumentation Radio systems | Choose the correct impedance and gender; avoid mixing 50 Ω and 75 Ω versions in precision RF paths. |
| SMA | 50 Ω | DC to approximately 18 GHz for common designs | Threaded coupling | Provides a compact, mechanically secure connection for microwave and RF signals | Antennas RF modules Wireless equipment Laboratory instruments | Suitable for high-frequency applications; torque control and connector cleanliness are important. |
| SMB | 50 Ω or 75 Ω | DC to approximately 4 GHz, depending on design | Snap-on coupling | Enables quick installation where space is limited; supports compact RF interconnections | Automotive electronics Telecommunications GPS equipment Instrumentation | Offers faster mating than threaded designs but generally has lower mechanical retention. |
| SMC | 50 Ω | DC to approximately 10 GHz, depending on design | Threaded coupling | Combines a small form factor with improved vibration resistance and secure retention | Avionics Industrial controls Mobile communications Test systems | Useful when a compact connector must withstand vibration or repeated handling. |
| N-Type | 50 Ω or 75 Ω | DC to approximately 11 GHz for common 50 Ω designs | Threaded coupling | Provides robust outdoor RF transmission, environmental sealing options, and good power-handling capability | Base stations Wireless networks Broadcast systems Outdoor antennas | Check weatherproofing, cable size, power rating, and frequency rating for outdoor installations. |
| TNC | 50 Ω | DC to approximately 11 GHz for common designs | Threaded coupling | Improves vibration resistance compared with bayonet-style connections while maintaining a compact interface | Mobile radios Aerospace systems Antennas Outdoor electronics | Appropriate for equipment exposed to vibration; verify sealing and cable compatibility. |
| UHF | Nominally 50 Ω; not constant impedance across its full range | Commonly used from DC to approximately 300 MHz | Threaded coupling | Supports economical, relatively large-diameter RF cable connections and moderate-power transmission | Amateur radio Legacy radio systems Audio-frequency links Low-frequency RF | Not recommended for precision microwave applications because impedance is not constant. |
| F-Type | 75 Ω | Usually DC to approximately 1 GHz; higher-rated versions are available | Threaded coupling | Provides low-cost 75 Ω transmission for coaxial cable carrying RF and broadband signals | Cable television Satellite receivers Broadband modems Home networking | Match the connector to the cable size and ensure the center conductor is correctly prepared. |
| 7/16 DIN | 50 Ω | DC to approximately 7.5 GHz, depending on design | Threaded coupling | Offers high power handling, low intermodulation performance, and strong outdoor durability | Cellular infrastructure Distributed antenna systems High-power transmitters Base-station feeders | Consider intermodulation performance, cable diameter, weather sealing, and installation torque. |
| 2.92 mm | 50 Ω | DC to approximately 40 GHz | Precision threaded coupling | Supports high-frequency test, measurement, and signal integrity characterization | Vector network analyzers Microwave test fixtures Radar development High-speed interconnect testing | Requires precision manufacturing, careful mating, and protection from mechanical damage. |
| 2.4 mm | 50 Ω | DC to approximately 50 GHz | Precision threaded coupling | Provides stable microwave performance and repeatable measurements at millimeter-wave frequencies | Millimeter-wave test Radar research Satellite communications Calibration systems | Use compatible precision adapters and inspect the interface before every critical measurement. |
| 1.85 mm | 50 Ω | DC to approximately 67 GHz | Precision threaded coupling | Enables very-high-frequency signal transmission with controlled impedance and low reflection | Advanced radar Sub-THz research High-frequency metrology Semiconductor testing | Designed for precision laboratory environments; connector interfaces must be handled carefully. |
| MCX | 50 Ω | DC to approximately 6 GHz, depending on design | Snap-on coupling | Provides compact RF connectivity for densely packaged electronic assemblies | GNSS devices Wireless modules Automotive electronics Portable equipment | Check board footprint, cable exit direction, retention force, and available installation space. |
| MMCX | 50 Ω | DC to approximately 6 GHz, depending on design | Snap-on coupling with rotational capability | Supports miniature RF assemblies where cable routing flexibility and low profile are required | Wearable devices Embedded antennas GNSS receivers Compact wireless products | Best suited to space-constrained designs; verify mating cycles and mechanical strain relief. |