Ever wondered where the numbers you tune in to listen to your favorite radio station come from? I have! Check out the article below to get some more details on RF connections.
What is Radio Frequency?
Radio frequency, also known as RF, describes the rate of oscillation of electromagnetic waves. It’s how communication gets transmitted and broadcasted. When you think of oscillating, think of a pendulum – it swings back and forth.
Well, with radio frequency, current swings back and forth until it radiates off a conductor into empty space as electromagnetic waves. The conductors send and receive the signals so that the radiofrequency current flows through the conductors.
Measured in units called Hertz or Hz, it tells you how many cycles per second it takes to transmit radio waves. Per second, 1 Hz equals one cycle. If you look at the frequency of speed, the frequency increases from kilohertz or kHz to gigahertz or GHz.
These same waves are not visible to the human eye and take on many forms that are utilized by devices from cellphones to Wi-Fi to two-way radios to the mouse you use with your computer.
What is an RF Connection?
Used in antennas, radios, surge protectors, and even with TVs, radio frequency connectors come in several types. Identifying these types is critical with use based on what you need. A single component is needed to connect two pieces of equipment.
This is where the coaxial connection comes in. Used with different types of equipment like coaxial cables, antennas, and even radios, RF connection can be used for many different applications in professional, domestic, industrial, and military applications.
For communication to work, a connection must be used. In comes the RF connection. An RF connection is a type of electrical connector that is designed to work at different radio frequencies.
Because it uses coaxial cables, the connection and/or signals are shielded to minimize issues during the transmission. Based on the connection used, it reduces signal reflection, power loss, disruption, and interference.
I remember my parents watching TV years ago; the connection was either UHF or VHF. When the UHF connector hit the scene in the 1930s, their radio experiments allowed them to expand into FM radio and television, and the UHF connector was born.
Why Use an RF Connection
RF technology and RF connection have to be used on what’s called the radio frequency spectrum. Ranged between 3kHZ to 300GHz, this spectrum has a frequency band divided into different parts assigned to support multiple industries.
To identify the different ranges or bands, it’s divided into eight bands ranging from very low frequency to extremely high frequency. The bands represent an increase in frequency corresponding to magnitude, as seen in the chart below.
Designation | Abbreviation | Frequencies |
Very low frequency | VLF | 9 kHz to 30 kHz |
Low frequency | LF | 30 kHz to 300 kHz |
Medium frequency | MF | 300 kHz to 3 MHz |
High frequency | HF | 3 MHz to 30 MHz |
Very high frequency | VHF | 30 MHz to 300 MHz |
Ultra-High frequency | UHF | 300 MHz to 3 GHz |
Super high frequency | SHF | 3 GHz to 30 GHz |
Extremely high frequency | EHF | 30 GHz to 300 GHz |
Does RF have a Gender?
Did you know that RF adapters can be classified according to gender? Yep, they can be male or female based on their features and the type of application you want to use the adapter.
If using a female RF connector, RF signals are easily transferred through cables, typically coaxial. Pin connectors are considered male, and socket connectors are considered female.
When using RF plugs, look for threads inside the shell. If using RF jacks, threads are on the outside. Standard plugs like an SMA have a center pin in the middle with shell threads on the inside.
When using a cellular gateway or GPS receiver, you typically see these connected to coaxial cables. Now, if you see a standard SMA jack, it has a socket in the middle to receive the pin with the shell threads on the outside when needed for the radio.
Watch this video to learn What is a RF Connection:
Types of RF Connection
There are quite a few different types of RF adapters and connectors, but some are more common because of the applications they are used with and for ease of use. RF connectors come in five sizes: microminiature, subminiature, miniature, standard, and large.
The BNC coax connection is typically used with RF test equipment and transmitters. The connector has a bayonet fixing that prevents accidental disconnection and allows for constant impedance. If using a TNC connector, be prepared for low noise and reliability.
When you need high performance, you can use the N-type because it’s larger than the BNC connector. SMA and SMB connectors are small but also provide fast and reliable connection methods as sub-miniatures.
If you want more precision and the ability to operate at very high frequencies, precision or PC series connectors may have to be used. The UHF connector is a threaded coupling option that prevents them from being accidentally removed with a very stable connection.
MCX connectors are micro-miniature options that are used with cellular telecommunications and even GPS because of their size, weight, and ability to operate at certain frequencies.
Here are some typical, common types and their frequencies:
1. BNC -ideal for low-frequency – 4GHz, used for video signals and radio
2. SMB -easy to use, better performance – 4GHz, used for radio and medical equipment
3. SMA -small and reliable – can be used for ultra high frequencies – 18GHz, used in Wi-Fi antennas and power amplifiers
4. N – larger, robust, and stable, 11GHz, used in satellite and radar systems
Conclusion
In conclusion, the required frequency range is the ultimate goal in selecting the best type of RF connection. There are plenty of different connections to choose from to make sure your connection is stable, secure, and able to support the application of your choosing.
Use your equipment with the RF connection information above to provide you with the best solution and performance needed to your satisfaction.