Interconnect Standards

1. Coaxial Connectors

| Type | Max Frequency (Mode Free) | Thread | Comments | |------|---------------------------|--------|----------| | BNC | ~4 GHz | Bayonet | Lab grade only, leaks RF | | N-Type | ~11-18 GHz | 5/8-24 | Rugged, high power, weather proof | | SMA | 18 GHz (typ) / 26.5 GHz (prec) | 1/4-36 | The golden standard. Don't over-torque! | | 3.5 mm | 26.5 GHz (34 GHz) | 1/4-36 | Mateable with SMA. Air dielectric. | | 2.92 mm (K) | 40 GHz | 1/4-36 | Mateable with SMA (carefully). | | 2.4 mm | 50 GHz | M7 | NOT mateable with SMA. | | 1.85 mm (V) | 67 GHz | M7 | Mateable with 2.4mm. | | 1.0 mm | 110 GHz | M4 | Extremely fragile. |

2. Common Coax Cables (Attenuation)

| Cable Type | Diameter | Loss @ 1 GHz (dB/100ft) | Note | |------------|----------|-------------------------|------| | RG-58 | 0.195" | ~20 dB | General lab use | | RG-316 | 0.100" | ~35 dB | Internal jumpers, lossy | | LMR-400 | 0.405" | ~3.9 dB | Low loss, base stations | | 0.086 Semi-Rigid | 0.086" | ~30 dB | Formable, shielding |