What is an SMA connector?

SMA connector and cable

SMA connector is a widely used coaxial connector with small threaded connection. It has the characteristics of wide frequency bandwidth, excellent performance, high reliability and long life. SMA connectors are suitable for connecting radio frequency cables or microstrip lines in the radio frequency loops of microwave equipment and digital communication systems. They are often used for GPS clock interfaces on single boards and test ports of base station radio frequency modules on wireless equipment. The full name of SMA is SubMiniature version A, which was invented in the 1960s. The signal frequency range supported by SMA connectors is from DC to 18GHz, and some types can support up to 26.5GHz. The characteristic impedance is 50 ohms.

SMA connector principle

The SMA connector is a subminiature coaxial cable connector whose name comes from the Sub-M iniature A connector. It has found many applications to provide connections for RF components in devices that require coaxial connections. It is commonly used to provide RF connections between circuit boards. Many microwave components include filters, attenuators, mixers and oscillators, using SMA connectors.

The connector has a threaded external connection interface, which has a hexagonal shape and allows tightening with a wrench. They can be tightened to the correct tightness with a special torque wrench, so that a good connection can be achieved without over-tightening. The required torque is usually 8 inch pounds.

SMA connector and cable
SMA connector and cable

SMA connector function

SMA connector is a widely used semi-precision ultra-small RF and microwave connector, especially suitable for RF connections in electronic systems with frequencies up to 18 GHz or higher. SMA connectors come in many forms, male, female, straight, right-angle, partition fittings, etc., so that they can meet most requirements. Its ultra-small size also allows it to be used, even in relatively small electronic devices. Although it is very mature now, the use of SMA connectors may expand because many new RF systems see their operating frequencies extend well into the microwave region.

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