SMA connectors are coaxial RF connectors developed in the 1960s, with SMA standing for SubMiniature version A. These connectors have a 50-ohm impedance and use a 1/4-36 thread type coupling mechanism. SMA connectors offer excellent electrical performance from 0 to 18 GHz.
SMA connectors are available in various quality classes and material options for different applications. They are widely used in Vehicle Tracking Systems, Wireless LANs, WiMax, Telecommunications, Aerospace, and precise testing instrumentation.
Mechanical Feature:
- 1/4-36 thread coupling.
- SMA Male is equipped with 8mm hex nut to allow torque with a wretch. SMA connector’s hex nut normally is made by brass, but stainless steel also is available for better corrosion resistance.
- A silicon rubber O-ring is embedded between the main body and coupling nut of SMA male for dust resistance.
- SMA Female connectors feature a 4.32mm thread length for coupling purposes, with a thread diameter of around 6.24mm.
How to judge SMA connectors’ feature from outline
SMA connector – Male/Plug
SMA Male connectors are equipped with an 8mm hex nut to allow torque adjustment using a wrench. The SMA coupling nut features inner threading and a male pin.
SMA connector – Female/Jack
SMA Female connectors have an outer thread length of 4.32mm for coupling purposes, with a thread area diameter of 6.24mm.
SMA male/female right angle
SMA Right Angle connectors have the cable entry oriented at a 90-degree angle relative to the coupling direction.
SMA male/female straight
SMA Straight connectors have the cable entry oriented at a 180-degree angle relative to the coupling direction.
SMA female bulkhead type
When thread length is much longer than 4.5mm like 10mm or 11.4mm, and it is equipped with a washer and a nut, the SMA connector can be defined as a bulkhead mount type. A bulkhead mount means the connector can be securely mounted on a wall or panel using a washer and nut.
Rear mount type bulkhead
SMA rear mount bulkhead connectors are inserted through a panel mounting hole from the inside of the device towards the external side. They are then secured using a washer and nut from the outside.
Front mount type bulkhead
SMA front mount bulkhead connectors are inserted through a panel hole from the external side towards the inside of the device. They are secured using a washer and nut from the inside.
SMA female bulkhead w/O-ring
A sealing O-ring is embedded inside the hex flange. After mounting onto a panel sheet with a washer and nut, the O-ring helps resist dust and moisture.
SMA male/female 2holes flange mount
2 thru holes on connector flange.
There are two through-holes on the connector flange. The flange is exposed externally. Two screws are inserted through these holes and secured with nuts from inside the enclosure.
SMA male/female 4holes flange mount
4 thru holes on connector flange.
There are four through-holes on the connector flange. The flange is exposed externally. Four screws are inserted through these holes and secured with nuts from inside the enclosure.
SMA male/female PCB type
PCB type SMA connectors normally have leg lengths of 2.9mm or 3.9mm. Four legs and one conductor go through the PCB vertically and are soldered on the rear side of the PCB.
SMA male/female edge mount
An SMA edge mount type connector will be mounted on the PCB from the board's edge.
SMA male/female SMT type
SMT (Surface Mount Technology) type SMA connectors have very short legs ranging from 0.5mm to 1.6mm. These legs and the conductor will be mounted directly on the surface of the PCB.