N-type connector
- details and information about the N-type connector, - N-type socket and
plug with links to suppliers.
The N-type connector is a high performance RF coaxial
connector. The N-type connector is used in many applications, particularly where
RF performance is of paramount importance.
N-type development
This coax connector was designed by Paul Neill of Bell
Laboratories, and it gained its name from the first letter of his surname. Its
development arose out of the need for a high performance RF connector with a
constant impedance.
N-type connector performance
The connector has a threaded coupling interface to ensure
that it mates correctly to provide the optimum performance. Two versions are
available:
The two versions of the N-type connector have subtle
mechanical differences that do not allow the two types to mate. This can be an
advantage in preventing the wrong standard connectors being used by mistake.
The connector able to withstand relatively high powers when
compared to the BNC or TNC connectors. The standard versions are specified for
operation up to 11 GHz, although precision versions are available for operation
to 18GHz.
The N-type coaxial connector is used for many radio frequency
applications including broadcast and communications equipment where its power
handling capability enables it to be used for medium power transmitters, however
it is also used for many receivers and general RF applications.
Connector formats
N-type connectors come in a variety of formats. Not only are
there plugs and sockets but there are also adapters and also other items such as
attenuators.
N-type plugs are designed not only for the required
impedance, but also to accept a particular coax cable format. In this way all
the internal piece parts are compatible with the coaxial cable used. It is
therefore necessary to specify the N-type plug for use the cable to be used.
Although there is some latitude, it is naturally best to select the correct
cable format.
N-type connectors are often used where performance is of
paramount importance, and under these circumstances large cables are often
needed to ensure the levels of loss are minimised. In view of the fact that
N-type connectors are slightly larger than either BNC or TNC connectors this
makes them ideal for these applications. Accordingly a variety of N-type
connector versions capable of accommodating larger types of coax cable are
available.
In addition to this there are straight and right angled
variants. Of these the straight connectors are the most widely used, although
right angled connectors where the cable leaves the plug at right angles to the
centre of the connector centre line are also available. These are ideal in many
applications where the cables need to leave the connector in this manner to
ensure cables are in a tidy fashion, or where space is at a premium.
Unfortunately right-angled connectors have a marginally higher level of loss
than their straight through counterparts. This may not be significant for most
applications, but at frequencies near the operational limit of the connector
there may be a small difference.
The sockets or female N-type connectors also come in a number
of flavours. In view of the fact that TNC connectors are normally used for RF
applications, bulkhead mounting connectors where coaxial cable entry is provided
are normally used. Again these are available for a variety of cable dimensions
and the correct type should be used.
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