RF Coaxial Connector Selection Guide: 2.92mm vs. SMA RF Coaxial Connector

        1. Frequency Requirements (Primary Selection Principle)

        Frequency is the fundamental criterion for choosing between the two connectors:

1) Choose 2.92mm Connector:

 For working frequencies >18GHz, supporting up to 40GHz. Ideal for millimeter-wave testing, RF links in satellite communications above 30GHz, ultra-high frequency radar RF modules, etc.

2) Choose SMA Connector:

For working frequencies ≤18GHz. Suitable for 2.4G/5G WiFi, sub-6G cellular communications, RF testing below 10GHz, civilian wireless data transmission devices, etc.

        2. Within the Same Frequency Range (≤18GHz)

        When the frequency is 18GHz or below, both connectors can meet basic performance requirements. Further selection should be based on specific fields, usage requirements, and             cost considerations:

1) Choose SMA Connector:

• • General Civil/Commercial RF Scenarios: WiFi antennas, router RF interfaces, Bluetooth modules, sub-6G mobile testing fixtures, regular wireless monitoring equipment, etc. Moderate signal precision requirements with a focus on cost-effectiveness.
  • Mass Production Scenarios: Consumer electronics RF accessories, general industrial RF modules, small to medium batch RF equipment manufacturing, etc. Mature supply chain and low unit cost of SMA connectors significantly reduce mass production costs.
  • Frequent Plugging/Unplugging Scenarios: RF test cables for field debugging, portable detection equipment interfaces, RF link connectors requiring regular maintenance, etc. SMA connectors exhibit superior durability in frequent operations.
  • Standard Industrial Environments: Ordinary factories, indoor communication rooms, non-harsh outdoor environments (with basic protection), where extreme interference/damage resistance is not required. SMA connectors' basic performance is fully adequate.

2) Choose 2.92mm Connector:

• • • Precision Testing/High-End Instruments: RF laboratory high-precision testing, vector network analyzer (VNA) test ports, high-end signal source RF interfaces, etc. High requirements for signal integrity and impedance matching precision. 2.92mm connectors effectively reduce signal distortion and crosstalk.
    • High Integration and Miniaturization: Millimeter-wave modules, micro RF sensors, high-end UAV flight control RF modules, etc., where internal space is compact and component density is high. The high-frequency transmission advantages of 2.92mm connectors can mitigate signal interference caused by high integration.
    • Performance Reserve Requirements: Even if the current frequency is ≤18GHz, but there are future frequency upgrade plans (e.g., upgrading from 12GHz to 18GHz) or the need for long-term stable transmission without attenuation. The precision and performance redundancy of 2.92mm connectors can accommodate future needs, avoiding repeated re-selection.
    • High-Spec Industrial/Military Scenarios: Harsh outdoor environments (high temperature, high humidity, strong vibration), precision RF equipment, aerospace RF links, etc. High-grade 2.92mm connectors are designed for severe environments, offering better damage resistance and stability compared to standard SMA connectors.

       3. High-Frequency Fileds (>18GHz):  Only Choose 2.92mm Connector

          SMA connectors suffer from significant high-frequency loss and signal distortion, making them unsuitable for high-performance requirements. 2.92mm connectors are the                            only suitable choice for scenarios including:

           1) Satellite Communications / Phased Array Radar: 18-40GHz RF transmission links, high-frequency interfaces for satellite ground stations.

           2) Millimeter-Wave Devices: Millimeter-wave imaging devices, millimeter-wave communication modules, 5G millimeter-wave base station RF accessories.

           3) High-End RF Testing: High-frequency testing within 40GHz for vector network analyzers, millimeter-wave device R&D validation.

           4) Aerospace RF Systems: Onboard high-frequency RF modules, RF interfaces for spaceborne equipment.

      4. Selection Summary

     1) Choose 2.92mm Connector:

          For high frequencies >18GHz;

          For precision testing, high integration, performance reserve, and harsh environments;

          If the equipment has high-frequency upgrade requirements, even if the current frequency is ≤18GHz, prefer 2.92mm to reduce future modification costs.         

     2) Choose 2.92mm Connector: 

         For low frequencies ≤18GHz, general mass production, cost-sensitive, and frequent plugging/unplugging scenarios, choose SMA