SMA Male To N Type Male with RG141 RF Coaxial Cable

This is a specific type of RF (Radio Frequency) adapter cable assembly designed to connect devices using two different common coaxial connector standards while utilizing a high-quality, stable cable. This assembly is frequently used in professional and military applications where low loss, high frequency performance, and mechanical stability are critical.

The assembly is defined by its three key components: the SMA Male connector, the N Type Male connector, and the interconnecting RG-141 coaxial cable.

Component Breakdown and Technical Features

1. SMA Male Connector

The SMA (SubMiniature version A) connector is a common, small-format, precision coaxial connector.

• Gender and Polarity: It is a Male connector, featuring a central pin and internal threads. It connects to an SMA Female jack (which has a center sleeve/hole and external threads).

• Application: SMA is widely used on devices like RF test equipment, cellular modems, GPS receivers, and small communication modules due to its excellent performance up to 18 GHz or more.

2. N Type Male Connector

The N (Type N) connector is a larger, medium-sized coaxial connector known for its robust construction and reliability in demanding outdoor environments.

• Gender and Polarity: It is a Male connector, featuring a central pin and internal threads. It connects to an N Type Female jack.

• Application: N-Type connectors are typically used on base stations, external high-gain antennas, military equipment, and high-power laboratory equipment. They are favored for their excellent handling of higher power and frequencies (up to 11 GHz or higher) and superior weatherproofing capabilities.

3. RG-141 Coaxial Cable: The High-Stability Choice

The RG-141 is a specific type of high-performance coaxial cable known for its solid PTFE dielectric and silver-plated conductors.

• Low-Loss and Stability: RG-141 offers excellent electrical performance, particularly at high frequencies, due to its construction. The PTFE dielectric provides superior temperature stability compared to polyethylene-based cables (like RG-58).

• Semi-Flexible Construction: It is mechanically sturdier than highly flexible cables (like RG-174) but is still flexible enough for most routing needs. It often features a single solid silver-plated copper center conductor and a double shield (silver-plated copper braid and/or foil) for maximum signal isolation.

• Impedance: RG-141 has the standard characteristic impedance of 50 (Ohms), matching virtually all professional and commercial communication systems.

• Benefit over Standard Cables: RG-141 is chosen when phase stability across temperature changes or superior signal integrity under demanding conditions is more important than achieving the absolute lowest possible signal loss per foot (a category dominated by thicker cables like LMR-400).

Common Usage Scenarios

This specific cable assembly is used as an adapter, jumper, or pigtail cable in professional environments where high frequency and reliability are primary concerns.

1. High-Frequency Test Bench Applications:

• Scenario: Connecting smaller, precision RF components with SMA ports (e.g., filters, amplifiers) to larger laboratory test equipment (e.g., spectrum analyzers) that use N-Type connectors.

• Function: The RG-141 cable provides a high-quality, stable jumper suitable for precise measurements up into the gigahertz range.

2. Connecting Radios to Outdoor Antennas:

• Scenario: Linking a cellular modem or radio module (SMA Female port) to a rugged, outdoor antenna (N Type Female port).

• Function: The assembly transitions the signal from the small SMA port to the weather-resistant N-Type connection, using the stable RG-141 cable for the interconnect.

3. Aerospace and Military Applications:

• Scenario: Used in specialized embedded systems where PTFE and silver-plated materials are required for high temperature tolerance and long-term durability, ensuring consistent performance in harsh environments.