SMA-Type RF Coaxial Connectors — The Timeless Standard of RF Precision

The Origin of a Classic Design

In the vast world of RF engineering, few components have achieved the legendary status of the SMA connector. Developed in the 1960s to meet the growing demand for microwave communication and high-frequency measurement, the SMA-type RF coaxial connector quickly became the foundation of precision RF interconnect systems worldwide.

It was designed for versatility — compact enough for modern devices, yet strong enough to handle repeated connections without performance loss. Over half a century later, the SMA standard remains indispensable in test laboratories, communication networks, and aerospace electronics.

Built for Performance and Longevity

The SMA connector series supports frequencies up to 18 GHz, with precision variants extending to 26.5 GHz. Its 50 Ω impedance, low VSWR, and threaded coupling interface ensure stable, repeatable performance under vibration, temperature fluctuation, and mechanical stress.

Constructed from stainless steel or brass with gold-plated beryllium copper contacts, SMA connectors provide low insertion loss and excellent return loss across wide bandwidths. The result is consistent electrical performance for both DC-coupled and microwave-frequency circuits.

Each SMA connector is engineered with exact mechanical tolerances, ensuring secure mating and minimal signal reflection — a detail that has made it the universal benchmark in RF coaxial connector design.

The Connector That Defined Compatibility

One of the SMA series’ greatest strengths lies in its compatibility. The SMA interface serves as the mechanical and electrical foundation for many next-generation connector families — including 3.5 mm, 2.92 mm (K), and SSMA connectors.

This cross-compatibility has made SMA connectors the universal reference in microwave labs, telecom systems, and RF test benches. They bridge the gap between low-frequency systems and millimeter-wave applications, offering unmatched flexibility for engineers.

From radar modules to 5G RF front ends, SMA connectors remain a cornerstone of reliable high-frequency connectivity.

Technical Specifications

These specifications ensure SMA connectors deliver dependable results across thousands of mating cycles.

Real-World Applications

SMA-type RF connectors are everywhere high-frequency signals flow:

   5G and LTE Modules: Compact and stable RF interfaces for transmit/receive chains

   Radar and Defense Systems: High-frequency, vibration-resistant connections

   Microwave Communication Equipment: Reliable interconnects for high-speed data transmission

   Test and Measurement Devices: Precision connectors for calibration-grade accuracy

   IoT and Industrial Control: Space-saving, low-loss RF signal paths

Every application relies on the SMA connector’s unique balance of mechanical strength and RF precision — qualities that keep it relevant even as wireless technology moves toward 40 GHz and beyond.

Engineering Beyond the Basics

The continued success of SMA connectors lies in their simplicity. Their threaded design guarantees consistent torque and alignment, maintaining tight impedance control. At the same time, modern variations — such as reverse-polarity (RP-SMA) and waterproof IP67/IP68 SMA connectors — extend their usability to outdoor base stations, antennas, and IoT devices.

This adaptability makes the SMA connector a bridge between legacy and emerging technologies — from analog microwave test setups to digital mmWave systems.

Supply, Customization & Global Support

We provide a complete portfolio of SMA-type RF coaxial connectors, including standard, precision, RP-SMA, and waterproof variants for board, cable, and bulkhead mounting.

All products are RoHS/REACH compliant and tested for VSWR, insertion loss, and mechanical durability. We also support stock sourcing, BOM kitting, custom configurations, and short lead times for OEM and ODM customers.

Our connectors are trusted by global engineers in telecommunication, aerospace, test, and industrial markets, offering a balance of precision performance and supply reliability that few components can match.

The Legacy That Continues

Even as RF technology moves toward miniaturization and higher bandwidth, the SMA connector continues to serve as the backbone of modern connectivity.

It’s more than a connector — it’s a standard, a reference, and a guarantee that your system will perform as designed. From the laboratory to the field, from 1 GHz to 26 GHz, the SMA-type connector series remains the engineer’s most trusted connection.