Radio Frequency (RF) & Wireless Design

Created by Steven Minichiello on 27 April, 2018

Poll : What RF connectors and antennas would you like designed ?

I am taking a poll to see what types types of RF connectors and types of antennas that others would like designed. I would like to make a group of them similar to what i did with the 65 GHz connectors, but i am unsure of what is popular or in demand right now.

Recently I made models of the 2.92 mm connectors which are 40 MHz capable which would be good for the up and coming 5G cellular, UWB, drones and self driving cars using RADAR and LIDAR.

I also made the popular N-type connectors that are used on the mini1300 antenna analyzer as well much of the antennas and other test equipment. I would like to make a few more types like the solder cup variety and the bulkhead types. I would also like to create a couple of solder cup and tab versions.

I was thinking after that I would consider the Threaded BNC type called the TNC connector. Perhaps everyone would like more SMA style connectors, since they are so popular ?

So are there any thoughts for your RF connectors ?

9 Answers

I have added (2) more N-Type coax connectors with solder tabs of each mounting hole pattern flange. This will now cover most N-types that are not coaxial cable attached.

I just added (3) different PCB size 2.92mm 40 GHz coaxial edge launch connectors to my model list in addition to a clamping edge launch connector and a flange connector as well.

All of the 2.92mm connectors are rated to 40 GHz which is great for the forthcoming 5G cellular network designs !

If there are any other 2.92mm or other connectors, please let me know and I will try to accommodate.

I have added (2) more extruded insulation TNC connectors, each with different size flanges and mounting holes. I intend to add (2) more TNC type coax connectors with solder tabs of each type. This will cover most types that are not coaxial cable attached. There are at least (20) types of coax that can be attached and that is why I haven't attempted to create those (yet).

I just added a couple of TNC flange connectors today - one round and one square, but both having a solder post. Anything else anyone might want ?

Henri ; an antenna that covers more than one band is called a multi-band antenna. Most of the multi-band antennas are the smaller types that you mention. Antenna size is in relation to the 1/4 wavelength since voltage peaks as 1/4 and 3/4 wavelength and 1/4 is smaller than 3/4 for sizing. So for a 2m (150 MHz) antenna the physical size is really just 0.5 meters. As the frequency goes up the wavelength goes down, so making smaller antennas for cellular, GPS, and WiFi become easier. But small and cheap GPS antennas are typically 'patch' types on ceramic materials for low loss. GPS has frequencies in the L-Band (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Positioning_System#Satellite_frequencies) with the center about the L3 frequency at 1,381 MHz (0.217 m) and with a 1/4 wavelength antenna being physically 0.05m. But combining this with a UHF (300 ~ 1,000 MHz) antenna may make sense if they divide evenly both in frequency and physically. So for a 434 MHz (0.69m or 69cm) UHF antenna that is 1/4 meter long at 0.173m there is about three 1/4 wavelength L3 GPS antenna sizes or one 3/4 wavelength antenna wavelength within one 1/4 wavelength 434 MHz antenna. So yes this can be done and is done. However since each is roughly not exactly the correct antenna, there is a compromise on performance compared to two single exactly matched antennas. This trade off needs to be reviewed for product or project impact and determine whether or not this can be tolerated. However, bear in mind for an RF system there is nothing more significant in performance than a good antenna, even more than a good amplifier or receiver.

Are there designs that are unique to the millimeter-wave, i.e. ones that are more than just scaled down versions of lower frequency parts?

And are there cases where 3D antennas are better than 2D planar parts that can be more easily printed on PCB's?

I am adding an additional (2) PCB TNC type connectors tomorrow that are vertical and horizontal edge-mount / bulkhead types, so I will be moving onto other styles of coaxial connectors. Any other interests ?

I just added (2) right angle PCB TNC coaxial cable connectors. One is for a bulkhead and the other could be used that has higher performance.

I have added (2) more solder cup N-type connectors, each with different size flanges and mounting holes. I intend to add (2) more with solder tabs of each type. This will cover most types that are not coaxial cable attached. There are at least (20) types of coax that can be attached and that is why I haven't attempted to create those (yet).