Electrical wires known as coaxial or coax are designed to transmit high-frequency, multi-megahertz signals. Their unique look comes from an inner conducting wire, usually made of copper, that is encased in a double insulating layer for protection and then covered in an outer plastic sheath.

Coaxial cables are multipurpose, long-lasting, and simple to install. Because of their architecture, signals may be sent quickly—roughly 10 megabits per second—while experiencing little signal loss or electromagnetic interference. The standard choice for cabling in many low voltage consumer gadgets is coaxial cables.

These include

> Phones and televisions
> Mobile phones
> Satellite television
> Routers for broadband
> Antennas Radio apparatus
There are several varieties of coaxial cables that can be identified by their gauge and impedance.Higher numbers denote smaller conducting cores. Gauge, which describes the thickness of the cable, is assigned a Radio Guide, or RG, number. The term "impedance" describes a wire's degree of electrical resistance. The impedance of the majority of coaxial cables is either 50 or 75 Ohm. Video signals are generally used with the former, and data with the latter.

What is a Coaxial Connector?

Coaxial connectors , also known as barrel or tip connectors, are used to top and tail the cables and connect devices to external power supplies, or to connect cables to each other, while maintaining the outer interference shielding.

They are available in a multitude of different sizes to suit different cable dimensions, each of which works in combination to ensure smooth transmission of the signal.Some include switches that allow internal batteries to be disconnected when an external power supply is connected. Browse All Coaxial Connectors

Types of Coaxial Connectors

Coaxial cables are used for many different purposes and so the connectors are equally varied. Each type and size is carefully designed to mesh seamlessly with the host cable and function in different, sometimes quite tough conditions. They must resist stressors such as impact, pressure, high temperature and vibration.

Coaxial cables made for radio frequency (RF) transmission require special connectors that provide consistent electrical resistance at the point of connection with connected cables. This means that they are somewhat delicate and can be damaged easily.
The following are the main varieties of coaxial connectors:

How to Choose Your Connector

Ascertain the important characteristics of the cable you intend to connect, such as: The voltage; the environment; the necessary frequency.

Whether a male or female connection is needed (male connectors have metal pins that protrude, while female connectors have a recess that is intended to hold the pins).

Coaxial connectors are commonly used components in wireless communication equipment to connect signal sources and loads, or to connect different signal sources and loads. When selecting coaxial connectors, the following factors need to be considered:

1. Product structure

Coaxial connectors typically consist of inner conductors, outer conductors, and insulators. The inner conductor is connected to the signal source or load, the outer conductor serves as the grounding terminal, and the insulator separates the inner and outer conductors to prevent electromagnetic interference. When selecting coaxial connectors, attention should be paid to the material, size, accuracy, and fit clearance parameters of these components.

2. How to choose products

When choosing a coaxial connector, the following factors need to be considered:

a. Frequency range: The wider the frequency range of a coaxial connector, the wider its applicability. It is necessary to choose an appropriate frequency range according to actual needs.

b. Voltage range: The voltage range that coaxial connectors can withstand is also a factor that needs to be considered, and an appropriate voltage range needs to be selected according to actual needs.

c. Mechanical performance: The mechanical performance of coaxial connectors includes insertion and extraction force, contact resistance, etc., which can affect the performance and service life of the equipment. When selecting, attention should be paid to the stability of insertion and extraction force and the reliability of contact resistance.

d. Environmental adaptability: Coaxial connectors need to adapt to different environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, vibration, and impact. It is necessary to select connectors with corresponding environmental adaptability according to actual needs.

e. Brand and price: When choosing coaxial connectors, factors such as brand and price need to be considered. Famous brand connectors have better quality and after-sales service guarantees, but their prices are relatively high. We need to weigh these factors according to actual needs.

3. Product advantages

Coaxial connectors have the following advantages:

a. Has good electrical performance, can transmit signals while preventing electromagnetic interference;

b. Has a wide frequency range, suitable for various signal transmissions;

c. Has relatively stable mechanical performance and insertion and extraction force, convenient for maintenance and replacement;

d. Has good environmental adaptability and can work stably in various environments;

e. There is a lot of room for choice in terms of brand and price.

4. Usage scenarios

Coaxial connectors are widely used in various wireless communication devices, such as base stations, satellite communication equipment, radar, electronic countermeasures, etc. Among these devices, coaxial connectors, as important components of signal transmission, need to meet the requirements of high-speed data transmission, high reliability, low noise, and low insertion loss. When selecting coaxial connectors, it is necessary to choose the appropriate model and specification based on the specific needs and usage scenarios of the equipment.

Coaxial Connector Gender Types

In electrical engineering, coaxial and other electrical cables are typically categorized as either male or female. Male connectors usually have a pin or protrusion that fits into the indentation or slot of a female connector. Examples of these pairings include plugs and sockets. Connecting a male to a female connector is referred to as "mating" them.

Coaxial cable genders are designed not only for physical connections but also to ensure that power or signal data flows correctly, from male to female connectors, matching their electrical polarity and preventing interference and unsafe installations. Female connectors are generally more resistant to damage than male connectors, so they are often placed in crucial areas, while male connectors are used for connecting cables, which can be more easily replaced.

It's important to note that the terms "male" and "female" are not universally used, especially for lower voltage domestic appliances. For instance, the widely used electrical standard IEC 60320 does not specify gender types for these appliances.

Male Coaxial Connectors

Male coaxial connectors typically have a central pin that fits into the corresponding plug on the female connector, along with a spring-loaded electrical contact point located on the side.

Female Coaxial Connectors

Female coaxial connectors usually feature a metallic tube designed to receive the male pin, commonly called the tip. This tube is surrounded by an insulating layer and an outer cylinder, often referred to as the barrel or sleeve, which acts as an electrical contact point along with the inner tube.

Genderless Coaxial Connectors

Genderless coaxial connectors combine male protrusion points and female slots within the same connection point, allowing them to connect to either male or female connectors of the same size and type. This feature enables quick repurposing or reconnection of cabling within complex installations without the need for awkward removal and repositioning. Genderless connectors have a reverse electrical polarity, with a pin protruding from the female socket and a slot in the male plug designed for that pin.

Also known as combination connectors, genderless connectors are not suitable for installations where a controlled flow of current in a single direction is required for safety or functionality.

How Do You Connect or Change a Coaxial Connector?

Coaxial cables and their corresponding connectors have different uses but the fundamentals of connecting or replacing them remain much the same. Here is how to conduct this procedure:

Ensure that the cable is removed from any power sources. Electrical shocks and injuries could result from adjusting a live coaxial cable.

If there is already a connector in place, remove it. It may respond to a simple twist or you may need to make use of a tool such as a construction knife or wire strippers.

Prepare the coaxial cable, using a wire stripper or similar device. Make a small incision towards the end of the cable, deep enough to expose the underlying copper, and then a second cut in the outer jacket of the cable – in both cases being careful not to cut into the underlying layers. Use these cuts as leverage to peel back the jacket and then the wire braiding beneath, going back the same length as the connector.

Place the connector onto the exposed length of wire

Attach the connector to the wire by applying pressure. Use a compression tool – for example, a pair of pliers – or a more specialist crimping tool. Crimping is only a modified form of compression, so the two methods are very similar. In both cases, insert the connector which has been placed over the cable into the tool and apply firm pressure. Finally, spray liquid electrical tape to any remaining exposed areas and allow this to dry.

What are Micro Connectors?

Micro-coaxial connectors are made for the smallest cables – typically not exceeding 1.5cm in diameter and less than 6 GHz. Their small size makes them well suited for use in complex but physically small electronics such as mobile phones, GPS receivers, Wi-Fi routers, and PC equipment.