Coaxial cable terminals are critical connectors that terminate the end of a coaxial cable, ensuring efficient signal transmission, impedance matching, and protection against environmental interference. These terminals come in various types, each designed for specific applications, cable sizes, and frequency ranges, with distinct mechanical and electrical characteristics.

BNC (Bayonet Neill-Concelman) terminals are widely used in low-power RF applications, such as video surveillance and test equipment. They feature a bayonet locking mechanism that allows quick connection and disconnection with a quarter-turn twist, making them ideal for field installations. BNC terminals support frequencies up to 4 GHz and are compatible with RG-58 or RG-59 cables, commonly used in analog and SDI video systems.

N-type terminals are rugged, high-performance connectors designed for medium to high-power RF systems, operating up to 18 GHz (or 60 GHz for precision models). They use a threaded coupling mechanism, ensuring a secure, weatherproof connection—essential for outdoor applications like cellular base stations and radar systems. N-type terminals match 50-ohm or 75-ohm impedances, with 50-ohm versions prevalent in industrial and military systems due to their higher power handling (up to 500 watts).

SMA (SubMiniature version A) terminals are compact, precision connectors used in high-frequency applications up to 26.5 GHz. Their small size (typically 0.141-inch cable diameter) makes them suitable for miniaturized devices like 5G transceivers, GPS modules, and microwave components. SMA terminals use a threaded coupling and are available in straight or right-angle configurations, with gold plating to minimize signal loss and corrosion.

F-type terminals are ubiquitous in consumer electronics, particularly cable TV, satellite, and broadband systems. They operate up to 3 GHz, with a threaded design that connects RG-6 or RG-11 cables. F-type terminals are cost-effective and easy to install, often crimped or screwed onto the cable, making them ideal for home entertainment setups.

Other types include TNC (Threaded Neill-Concelman) terminals, which combine BNC’s bayonet speed with N-type’s ruggedness for 11 GHz applications, and UHF terminals (also called PL-259), used in amateur radio and legacy systems up to 300 MHz. The choice of terminal type depends on factors like frequency range, power handling, environmental conditions, and cable size, ensuring optimal signal integrity in diverse RF systems.

Read recommendations:

coax splitter terminators

Drop in circulator

omnidirectional mimo antenna

8 way power divider

RF Dividers