What is an RP SMA Connector?

RP (Reverse Polarity) SMA Connector is a non-standard version of the SMA Connector, and the RP SMA connector was developed based on FCC regulations for the limited purpose of connecting Wi-Fi and WLAN systems.

In WLAN systems, the RP SMA Connector is designed with 50-ohm and operates at frequency up to 6GHz, and up to 8GHz for the latest Wi-Fi 7. The RP SMA male connector has a female center contact, and the RP SMA female connector has a male center contact.

Many RP SMA Connectors, RP SMA Adaptors, various RP SMA Cables and RP SMA Antennas are used in various WLAN devices, making the RP SMA Connector the most popular among various RP RF connectors.

Mechanical Feature:

RP SMA male

  1. Inner thread of 1/4-36UNS-2B inside the coupling nut.
  2. Equipped with an 8mm hex coupling nut, allowing torque with a wretch.
  3. A silicon rubber O-ring is embedded between the outer contact and the coupling nut.
  4. An air gap exists between the center contact and the coupling nut.
  5. Female center contact

RP SMA female

  1. A 4.32mm length thread for mating purpose, with an outer thread OD around 6.25mm.
  2. Insulator completely surrounds the center contact.
  3. Male center contact

How to judge RP SMA connectors’ feature from outline:

RP SMA Connector – Male/Plug

The RP SMA male connector has a female pin and is equipped with an 8mm hex coupling nut that has an inner thread. A silicon rubber O-ring is embedded between the outer contact and the coupling nut.

RP SMA Connector – Female/Jack

The RP SMA female connector has a male center contact and an outer thread with a diameter of 6.25mm and a length of 4.32mm for coupling purposes.

RP SMA Connector right angle type

RP SMA Right Angle connectors have the cable entry oriented at a 90-degree angle relative to the coupling direction.

RP SMA Connector straight type

RP SMA Straight connectors have the cable entry oriented at a 180-degree angle relative to the coupling direction.

RP SMA Connector 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 RP 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
RP 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
RP 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.

RP SMA Connector female Bulkhead w/O-ring

A sealing O-ring is embedded inside the hex flange. After mounting onto the panel sheet with a washer and nut, the O-ring can resist dust and moisture.

RP SMA male/female 2holes flange mount

2 thru holes on connector flange.  

The flange is exposed outside. Two screws are inserted through the holes and secured with nuts from inside the enclosure.

RP SMA male/female 4holes flange mount

4 thru holes on connector flange.

The flange is exposed outside. Four screws are inserted through the holes and secured with nuts from inside the enclosure.

RP SMA Connector male/female PCB type

PCB type RP 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.

RP SMA Connector male/female edge mount

An RP SMA edge mount type connector will be mounted on the PCB from the board's edge.

RP SMA Connector male/female SMT type

SMT (Surface Mount Technology) type RP 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.