There is a wide variety of coaxial connectors; major series include BNC, N, SMA, TNC, and Type F.
The BNC (Bayonet Neill–Concelman) connector is a miniature connector featuring a bayonet-style quick-locking mechanism, invented in the 1950s by Paul Neill and Carl Concelman of Amphenol. It is available with characteristic impedances of 50Ω and 75Ω and typically operates in the 0–4 GHz range. Known for reliable connections, vibration resistance, and ease of mating/unmating, it is widely used in video surveillance, test instrumentation, early computer networks, and communication equipment.
The Type N connector features a threaded coupling mechanism and was invented in the 1940s by Paul Neill of Bell Labs. It primarily offers characteristic impedances of 50Ω and 75Ω, with an operating frequency range of 0–11 GHz (extending to 18 GHz for enhanced versions). It boasts high mechanical strength and excellent water and dust resistance, making it suitable for outdoor and high-power applications, such as base station antenna feeder systems.
The SMA (SubMiniature version A) connector is a small, threaded connector invented in the 1960s. It has a characteristic impedance of 50Ω and an operating frequency range from DC to 18 GHz (with some precision models supporting up to 26.5 GHz). Characterized by compact size, superior performance, and high reliability, it is widely used in high-frequency applications such as internal microwave equipment connections, test instrument interfaces, and GPS modules.
The TNC (Threaded Neill–Concelman) connector is a threaded-locking version of the BNC connector, created by the same inventors. It features a characteristic impedance of 50Ω and an optimal operating frequency range of 0–11 GHz. Its threaded coupling provides better vibration resistance and a more secure connection than the BNC type. With excellent mechanical and electrical performance, it is frequently used in high-frequency microwave and mobile communication equipment where higher reliability is required.
The Type F connector, invented by Eric Winston in the early 1950s, utilizes a threaded connection method. It has a characteristic impedance of 75Ω, with a maximum operating frequency typically reaching 1 GHz or 2.4 GHz. Simple in construction and low in cost, it is the most common connector type used in cable television, satellite TV reception, and modems. Other common types include 7/16 DIN (L29), UHF, MCX, SMB, SMC, and RCA. The 7/16 DIN connector is a large, 50Ω threaded connector characterized by low loss, high power handling, and robust waterproofing; it is primarily used in outdoor high-power applications such as base station antenna feeder systems and microwave transmission. The UHF connector is a long-established type; while its name derives from early definitions of "Ultra-High Frequency," it is now predominantly used in the VHF band. It features a threaded connection, lacks waterproofing capabilities, and has a relatively thick center conductor. Invented in the 1980s, the MCX connector utilizes a push-on locking mechanism and is approximately 30% smaller than the SMB connector; with an operating frequency of up to 6 GHz, it is well-suited for high-density installations in portable devices.