TNC jack limits

I suppose that depends on your definition of 'problem'. What are the requirements? Give us some numbers!

(The simple observation that you compared TNC to APC7 is funny in itself. These aren't at all in the same league!)

Jeroen Belleman

I dimly recall the TNC being "good" to above 3GHz.

See if you can find manufacturer's data sheets for specific connectors -- sometimes there'll be Smith charts of all the various reflection and transmission components, which is what you want to see. Then, if you want to be sure use that specific connector with their specific recommended cable and connection method...

BNC is OK at 3 GHz. SMB is better, 6 or so. SMA is good to 30+.

TNCs are rare and probably expensive. The others that I mentioned are cheap and come in all sorts of versions, like PCB edge launch.

Yes I know that, but I was in the shopping around mood..

There will be no transmission line between connector and device, in other words, there will be a jack on the panel and a hand held device that will have the other mating plug. This device is light weight.

The problem arises with the frequency that is passing through the connector.

I have a set of APC 7's and I know those will work fine, however, I am at home and doing this for one of my own little R&D projects and all I have here is a 2GHZ source, which seems to work fine with a TNC connector, but I am interested in 3Ghz.

I also have some sma connectors with PTFE, but ideally I want a male panel mount with a knurled fitting. A quick look does not reveal much in that line, all nuts. Maybe they are concerned with the seating of these things. Which is one reason why I was dropping back a bit.

Jamie

BNC are OK for test leads with frequent connect/disconnect cycles at frequencies below 1 GHz, however, after several connect/disconnect cycles, the shield connection tends to be quite reliable.

The TNCs have a reliable shield connection even after several connect/disconnect cycles.

The question of N vs. BNC/TNC vs. SMA/SMB also has to do with power levels (mW/kW) and how thick coaxial cables you intend to use.

Well you see that is the problem, anything over 2 Ghz, it depends on the dielectric material, the one's I have use PTFE.

But the short of it is, there will be no transmission line, it'll be a miniature device with a male panel mount connector hanging off the female connector on the main panel. There will be a small amount of DC in there to power the external device.

Jamie

I agree: BNCs are very reliable.

RP-TNC is used for wifi antennas, so TNC should work ok.

Thanks, I put a TNC Male and female together today and did a test on the equipment at work, it looked good at 3ghz, but just as I got to ~ 3.4Ghz I started to see changes.. So it's borderline but seems to be ok for what I have in mind..

Thanks.

Jamie