For high-frequency applications demanding superior shielding, minimal signal loss, and the ability to maintain shape after installation, our SMA Male Connector Cable Assemblies featuring RG402 Semi-Flexible Coaxial Cable provide an exceptional solution. This combination marries the secure, miniature interface of the SMA connector with the performance characteristics of semi-rigid cable, but with the added convenience of manual formability. It is the perfect assembly for microwave systems requiring precision signal routing and high-integrity signal transmission up to 18GHz and beyond.
Key Product Features and Technical Superiority
These assemblies are engineered for the demanding world of microwave and millimeter-wave technologies, offering a distinct advantage over standard flexible cable assemblies.
SMA Male Connector: High-Frequency Standard
The SMA Male connector (plug) is a cornerstone of miniature RF and microwave connections. It is a semi-precision, 50-ohm impedance connector known for its excellent performance up to 18GHz, and often higher depending on the specific model and termination quality. Its threaded coupling mechanism ensures a highly stable and secure connection that resists vibration and minimizes signal leakage.
Our connectors feature precision-machined bodies, typically stainless steel or brass with nickel plating, and a gold-plated center contact. This construction is vital for maintaining low contact resistance, reducing insertion loss, and achieving a favorable Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) across the wide operating bandwidth. The robust design guarantees mechanical durability under repeated matings, a necessity in test and integration environments.
RG402 Semi-Flexible Cable: The Performance Edge
The RG402 cable, often referred to as 141 Semi-Flexible or Hand-Formable, offers a significant leap in performance over standard flexible cables like RG174 or RG58, approaching the performance of true semi-rigid cable (which requires specialized tools for bending).
Key attributes of the RG402 construction include:
Tubular Outer Conductor: Unlike braided shields, RG402 features a solid metal tube (usually tin-plated copper or copper alloy) that can be bent and retains its shape. This construction provides exceptionally high shielding effectiveness, virtually eliminating radiation leakage and external interference.
Low Attenuation: The solid outer conductor, along with a PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) dielectric, ensures very low signal attenuation (signal loss), particularly at higher microwave frequencies, making it ideal for maintaining power efficiency and signal integrity over short-to-medium runs.
Manual Formability: The term "semi-flexible" means the cable can be bent by hand (or with simple hand tools) to conform to complex, compact enclosure shapes. Once bent, it holds its shape permanently, eliminating the need for expensive, time-consuming custom bending services required for true semi-rigid cables.
This unique combination of low loss, excellent shielding, and manual bendability makes the RG402 cable the go-to choice for prototyping and small-scale production runs where precision routing is necessary.
Optimized Termination for Microwave Frequencies
The performance of an SMA/RG402 assembly is highly dependent on the termination quality. Our assemblies are crafted through precise stripping and soldering techniques, ensuring the SMA connector's center pin is perfectly aligned and soldered to the cable's center conductor, and the connector body is securely attached to the outer tube. This meticulous process ensures a consistent $\text{50-ohm}$ impedance transition, preserving the cable's low-loss characteristics and maintaining exceptional return loss performance across the entire frequency range.
Practical Applications and Usage Scenarios
The high-frequency capability and formable nature of these SMA Male/RG402 assemblies make them essential components in advanced electronic systems.
Microwave Circuit Interconnections
These cables are widely used for interconnecting high-frequency modules and sub-assemblies within equipment enclosures, such as connecting a low-noise amplifier (LNA) to a filter or a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) to an isolator. In RF and Microwave module integration, the ability to bend the cable by hand to the exact required length and angle allows for clean, repeatable, and space-saving routing, optimizing the overall circuit performance by minimizing cable length.
Prototyping and R&D Testing
In engineering research and development labs, the semi-flexible nature of the RG402 is invaluable. Engineers can quickly build custom interconnects for rapid prototyping and testing of new circuits. It bridges the gap between bulky test cables and permanent semi-rigid designs, allowing for iterative testing and adjustment of cable paths before finalizing the mechanical layout.
High-Frequency Antenna Feeds
The assemblies are perfect for connecting high-frequency antennas, such as those used in satellite communication (SatCom), point-to-point radio links, and radar systems, to the transceiver units. The superior shielding of the RG402 is critical in these systems to prevent leakage and interference, ensuring maximum effective radiated power (ERP) and signal reception sensitivity.
Automated Test Equipment (ATE)
In Automated Test Equipment (ATE) racks, space is at a premium. The SMA Male/RG402 assemblies are used as internal jumpers and patch cords. Their ability to hold a precise bend radius ensures a tidy, repeatable layout that aids in troubleshooting and maintains consistent performance across multiple test systems.
Why Choose Our SMA Male / RG402 Assemblies? (SEO Focus)
Microwave Grade Performance: Exceptional electrical performance up to 18GHz for demanding applications.
Semi-Flexible Advantage: Bend by hand to exact specifications; holds its shape for precise, repeatable routing.
Maximum Shielding: Solid outer conductor provides superior EMI/RFI shielding and ultra-low leakage.
Low Attenuation: Preserve signal power and integrity across high-frequency cable runs.
Precision Connectors: Gold-plated SMA Male connectors ensure reliable, low-loss 50-ohm mating.
