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RF & Microwave Connectors, Adapters and Cables

TCF cable assembly and KPC adapter

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Coaxial RF Adapters

Flexible RF Cables

Semi-rigid RF Cables

Semi-flexible RF Cables

Coaxial RF Launchers

Coaxial RF Panel Adapters

Support

Coaxial RF Adapters

For several years, we collaborate with our Japanese partner, KMCO. Our clients can leverage KMCO’s exceptional proficiency in crafting RF connectors when utilizing our RF adapters. The broad product selection encompasses all coaxial connector interfaces ranging from 18 GHz to 145 GHz of bandwidth.

KMCO Adapter

All in- and between series adapters with 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.35 mm, 1.85 mm (V), 2.40 mm, 2.92 mm (K), 3.50 mm as well as SMPM (Mini-SMP or GPPO™) can be configured at the link below.

Product Configurator

Flexible RF Cables

Totoku’s coaxial TCF cable assembly series demonstrates outstanding flexibility while retaining phase stability across varying temperatures and bending conditions. The remarkably low attenuation is achieved through the utilization of silver-plated copper and E-PTFE with a low dielectric constant. A wide array of options, including precise phase matching (< 1 ps), right-angle connectors, and armoring, are at your disposal.

TCF Cable Assemblies up to 145 GHZ

These cables support all coaxial connector interfaces up to 145 GHz. Custom lengths are available for all cables, catering to the specific requirements of each customer.

Product Configurator

Semi-rigid RF Cables

Engineered for frequencies up to 110 GHz our semi-rigid cables are a manually bendable and retain the pre-bent shape until intentionally reshaped. The assemblies listed in the product configurator offer customizable lengths and shapes, making them the optimal solution for large-scale applications and system prototyping. Each cable assembly undergoes precise manufacturing, ensuring excellent physical length accuracy (phase-matched cables are available upon request).

Product Configurator

Semi-flexible RF Cables

Compared to other types of coaxial cables (refer to the sections above), the semi-flexible types exhibit the ability to accommodate the smallest bending radius. They require less force for bending compared to its semi-rigid counterparts, making them easily installable in confined spaces through hand shaping at customer’s site. KMCO’s semi-flexible cable assemblies are engineered for frequencies up to 110 GHz, specifically designed for broad-spectrum measurements and system applications. Customization options, including precision phase matching, are also available for all cables, which can be tailored to any customer-specified length.

Product Configurator

Coaxial RF Flange & Sparkplug Launchers

KMCOs coaxial launchers are designed to establish a connection between the PCB within an RF module and the external environment. The RF signal transmission through the housing can be achieved using either a glass bead or a dedicated pin. Our range includes Sparkplug or Falange type launchers, supporting frequencies of up to 110 GHz. These launchers are available with various coaxial interfaces, including 2.92mm (K), 1.85mm (V), or 1.00mm interfaces, providing flexibility to meet different connectivity requirements.

wdt_ID P/N & Data Sheet Type Connector Gender Connection to Circuitry via Bandwidth
1 KPC100M311 Flange Launcher 1.0 mm male Connector Pin (included) 110
2 KPC100F311 Flange Launcher 1.0 mm female Connector Pin (included) 110
3 KPC185M302 Flange Launcher 1.85 mm / V male Glass Bead GB185 65
4 KPC185F302 Flange Launcher 1.85 mm / V female Glass Bead GB185 65
5 KPC292M302 Flange Launcher 2.92 mm / K male Glass Bead GB292 40
6 KPC292F302 Flange Launcher 2.92 mm / K female Glass Bead GB292 40
7 KPC185M301 Sparkplug Launcher 1.85 mm / V male Glass Bead GB185 65
8 KPC185F301 Sparkplug Launcher 1.85 mm / V female Glass Bead GB185 65
9 KPC292M301 Sparkplug Launcher 2.92 mm / K male Glass Bead GB292 40
10 KPC292F301 Sparkplug Launcher 2.92 mm / K female Glass Bead GB292 40

Coaxial RF Panel (Bulkhead) Adapters

“Panel Adapters” are coaxial adapters designed for attachment to a panel, facilitating the connection of coaxial interfaces from the inner components of a module or instrument to the external environment. The “Front Panel Adapter” provides a coupling nut on the outside which allows hand tightening without the need for a torque wrench while the “Hermetically Sealed Panel Adapter” is specifically engineered for bulkhead connections in vacuum or cryogenic environments, ensuring a sealed and secure connection for electric circuitry to the external components.

All components are available with either 2.92mm (K) or 1.85mm (V) coaxial interfaces, providing flexibility to suit various connectivity needs. Comprehensive data sheets for each part can be accessed by clicking on the respective part number, enabling users to gather detailed information for their specific requirements.

wdt_ID P/N & Data Sheet Type Outer Conductor Gender Inner Connector Gender Bandwidth
1 KPC185MF PA Panel Adapter 1.85 mm / V male 1.85 mm / V female 65
2 KPC185MM PA Panel Adapter 1.85 mm / V male 1.85 mm / V male 65
3 KPC185FM PA Panel Adapter 1.85 mm / V female 1.85 mm / V male 65
4 KPC185FF PA Panel Adapter 1.85 mm / V female 1.85 mm / V female 65
5 KPC292MF PA Panel Adapter 2.92 mm / K male 2.92 mm / K female 40
6 KPC292MM PA Panel Adapter 2.92 mm / K male 2.92 mm / K male 40
7 KPC292FM PA Panel Adapter 2.92 mm / K female 2.92 mm / K male 40
8 KPC292FF PA Panel Adapter 2.92 mm / K female 2.92 mm / K female 40
9 KPC185FSMPMFDPA Panel Adapter 1.85 mm / V female SMPM male (fd) 65
10 KPC292FSMPMFDPA Panel Adapter 2.92 mm / K female SMPM male (fd) 40
11 SMAFF PA Panel Adapter SMA female SMA female 20
12 KPC185MF FPA Front Panel Adapter 1.85 mm / V male 1.85 mm / V female 65
13 KPC292MF FPA Front Panel Adapter 2.92 mm / K male 2.92 mm / K female 40
14 KPC185FF HA Hermetically Sealed Panel Adapter 1.85 mm / V female 1.85 mm / V female 65
15 KPC292FF HA Hermetically Sealed Panel Adapter 2.92 mm / K female 2.92 mm / K female 40

Support – RF Connectors & Cables

Literature

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General Info

All interfaces you need (1.00 mm, 1.85 mm (V), 2.40 mm, 2.92 mm (K), 3.5 mm, SMA and SMPM (Mini-SMP, GPPO™)
RF adapters, microwave cable assemblies and high frequency connectors up to 110 GHz can be supplied by SHF. Our partners KMCO and Totoku are located in Japan and provide excellent product quality, competitive pricing and fast delivery.

 

Tailored to Your Needs
All parts will be manufactured on customer request. This enables us to provide all cables exactly tailored to the customers demand (any user specified length and bend is available) while keeping the delivery time at 3 weeks.

 

Phase & Lengths Matching
Optionally we offer phase or delay matched versions of any cable. These extremely accurate manufactured cables are the ideal tool for transmitting complementary data streams or achieving a well defined bit delay, e.g. for decorrelation of data streams in DQPSK applications. The phase matching is possible to any reference value (e.g. bit delay, reference cable or transmission time).

Cryogenic Applications
Some of our coaxial components are designed and approved for cryogenic and vacuum environments. An example for custom designed semi-rigid cables for cryogenic applications can be found here.

Brochures

Application and Tutorial Notes

Cables for Cryogenic Applications

An example for custom designed semi-rigid cables for cryogenic applications can be found here.

FAQ

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Which connectors are compatible?

Below you will find the interface mating dimensions of different KMCO RF connectors. Whether a high quality male and female connector can mate together without any mechanical harm depends on the dimensions  c, d, e, f, g  and the thread type.

 

 

The table below shows IEEE-std-287 RF connector standards and the combinations which share the same specifications for the dimensions  c, d, e, f, g  and the thread type. Thus, these are mechanically compatible.

wdt_ID Connector Compatible to
1 SMA SMA, 3.50 mm & 2.92 mm
2 3.50 mm SMA, 3.50 mm & 2.92 mm
3 2.29 mm SMA, 3.50 mm & 2.92 mm
4 2.40 mm 2.40 mm & 1.85 mm
5 1.85 mm 2.40 mm & 1.85 mm
6 1.00 mm 1.00 mm

 

Although mechanically compatible, the different interfaces still have different dimensions of the inner and outer connector (the dimensions a and b). Mechanically, this means that a conductor with a larger diameter connects with a smaller diameter conductor. The junction is not as smooth as if two connectors of the same type would mate. This “impurity” does influence the electrical performance. However, practically this influence is very small. In particular for data signals it is not noticeable.

IEEE-std-287 defines the interface names according to the inner diameter of the outer conductor  (dimension b). Some manufactures, however, designate parts with their own names. These are not different connector standards; just different names. Thus they mate perfectly. The list below shows which designations are essentially referring to the same interface.

2.92 mm = K

1.85 mm = V

1.00 mm = W1

SMPM = Mini-SMP = GPPO™ = SSMP

Can I work beyond the specified bandwidth or even cut-off frequency?

The term cut-off frequency originally comes from wave guides.  A wave guide structure has a low frequency cut-off, guiding the wave at frequencies above the cut-off with minimal loss. The waveguide doesn’t need an inner conductor.

The basic performance of an RF and microwave coaxial cable is determined by the connector diameters.

At low frequencies, electrical signals propagate in coaxial lines in the TEM (Transversal Electro Magnetic) mode. If the frequency of a signal into a coaxial line is chosen too high waveguide modes of the electromagnetic field (such as the H11) may exist.  To ensure that only the TEM mode propagates, thus keeping the signal clean, the frequency needs to stay below the cut-off frequency fc.

The cut-off frequency is not exactly the same as the specified upper frequency limit. In fact, the standards leave some margin as shown below.

 

3.50 mm:
Upper Frequency Specification: 26.5 GHz
Cut-Off Frequency fc: 34 GHz

2.92 mm:
Upper Frequency Specification: 40 GHz
Cut-Off Frequency fc: 45 GHz

2.40 mm:
Upper Frequency Specification:50 GHz
Cut-Off Frequency fc: 55 GHz

1.85 mm:
Upper Frequency Specification: 65 GHz
Cut-Off Frequency fc: 71 GHz

1.00 mm:
Upper Frequency Specification: 110 GHz
Cut-Off Frequency fc: 133 GHz

 

The characteristic for the onset of the 1st moding frequency is the occurrence of a null (a drop in signal) in the frequency transfer characteristic. If the application is for broadband communication signals (i.e. PRBS or similar type of data) the impact of this first frequency null might be negligible. In fact, in case a cable with a lower cut-off frequency is chosen, one may not suffer from the potential moding, but benefit from less attenuation due to the bigger diameter.

However, the first mode is potentially damaging the signal if the system is supposed to transmit narrowband RF signals at or around the moding regime.

Is it always the best to use the cable with the highest cut-off frequency?

At first sight, one may think the “additional bandwidth can do no harm”.  However, higher the cut-off, smaller is the diameter of the conductors. In practical applications, there are two important reasons that do not encourage smaller connector and cable geometries:

  • Cost: very small connectors are difficult to manufacture and therefore tended to be more costly
  • Loss: smaller the connector geometry, higher the over-all cable loss caused by  skin effect

 

Attenuation of the TCF flexible cable assemblies series (click/touch to enlarge)

 

So, in particular for longer cables one might consider sacrificing bandwidth to minimize over-all loss of the transmission path. For example, SHF delivers its 64 Gbps Bit Pattern Generators with 2.40 mm cable assemblies although a cable with 1.85 mm connectors might provide more bandwidths.

Some connectors are available with different cables. Which cable shall I choose?

In a nutshell, if there are different cables which can be equipped with the same connector: always choose the cable with the bigger diameter (simply because the bigger diameter results in less attenuation).

The Totoku cable line up below shows that some connectors can be attached to different cables. If above rule always applies, why would one do that?

1.
Because a cable can be equipped with two different connectors (like an adapter). The TCF280, for example, can be equipped with a 2.92 mm on one end and a 2.40 mm on the other end. Bearing in mind that such a combination results in the attenuation of a 2.40 mm cable while providing only the bandwidth of a 2.92 mm connector, such a cable can perfectly be used to omit an adapter.

2.
Because mechanical restrictions in the setup restrict the use of a bigger diameter cable.

Other than that, there is no reason to choose the thinner cable.

 

Totoku cable line up (click/touch to enlarge)