Technical Specification

1. Impedance:

• 50 Ohm: This is the most prevalent impedance for BNC T-splitters. It’s commonly used in applications like 10BASE2 (Thin Ethernet) networking, general radio frequency (RF) signal routing, and various test and measurement setups. Maintaining 50-ohm impedance throughout the system is crucial for minimizing signal reflections and maximizing power transfer.
• 75 Ohm: Less common but available for specific video distribution applications, such as CCTV systems, where matching the 75-ohm impedance of video coaxial cables (e.g., RG-59, RG-6) is essential for signal integrity, especially for higher resolution or longer cable runs.

2. Frequency Range:

• For 50 Ohm versions: Typically operates from DC (Direct Current) up to 4 GHz. While the BNC connector itself can handle up to 4 GHz or higher, the “T” configuration can introduce some performance degradation at the very highest frequencies, making the effective usable range slightly less than a straight adapter.
• For 75 Ohm versions: Generally, from DC up to 1 GHz or 2 GHz. High-quality versions designed for professional video (e.g., HD-SDI, 3G-SDI) might support frequencies up to 3 GHz or 6 GHz, but this is less common for simple T-splitters due to potential signal reflections.

3. Electrical Performance:

• Voltage Rating (Working Voltage): Typically around 500 V RMS (Root Mean Square) maximum.
• Dielectric Withstanding Voltage: Approximately 1500 V RMS (at sea level).
• VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio): This is a critical parameter for splitters as it indicates signal reflections. Lower values are better.
  • For 50 Ohm: Typically 1.3:1 maximum up to 4 GHz.
  • For 75 Ohm: Can be around 1.2:1 to 1.5:1 maximum up to 1-2 GHz.
  • Note: In a T-splitter, the VSWR can be more sensitive to the load conditions on the two female ports. Proper termination (e.g., with 50-ohm or 75-ohm terminators on unused ports) is crucial to maintain good VSWR.
• Insertion Loss: Measures signal power lost as it passes through the splitter. Because it’s a passive splitter, there will inherently be some loss as the power is divided.
  • Typically < 0.5 dB at lower frequencies (e.g., 1 GHz), increasing with frequency. This loss is in addition to the theoretical -3dB (50%) loss for splitting power equally between two paths.
• Insulation Resistance: Minimum 5000 Megohms.
• Contact Resistance:
  • Center contact: Typically ≤ 1.5 milliohm.
  • Outer contact: Typically ≤ 1.0 milliohm.
• RF Leakage: Measures how much RF energy leaks from the connector. Typically -55 dB minimum at 3 GHz.

4. Mechanical Specifications:

• Mating Cycles (Durability): Designed for a minimum of 500 insertion/extraction cycles.
• Coupling Mechanism: BNC’s characteristic bayonet lock provides a quick and secure connection.
• Interface Specification: Compliant with standards like MIL-STD-348A for physical dimensions and mating interface.
• Dimensions: Compact, T-shaped form factor with dimensions typically around 32mm (Length) x 27mm (Width) x 14mm (Height), though this can vary slightly between manufacturers.

5. Material Specifications:

• Body/Outer Shell: Most commonly made of brass with nickel plating for good conductivity, durability, and corrosion resistance. Some variations might use zinc alloy.
• Center Contact (Pin): Usually brass or beryllium copper, with gold or silver plating (e.g., 30 µ-in minimum gold plating) for optimal conductivity and resistance to oxidation.
• Insulator/Dielectric: Often PTFE (Teflon) for excellent high-frequency performance and temperature stability, or Delrin (Acetal resin) for more cost-effective options.

6. Environmental Specifications:

• Operating Temperature Range: Typically -40°C to +85°C (for Delrin insulators) or -55°C to +165°C (for PTFE insulators).
• Moisture Resistance: Designed to withstand standard levels of humidity and splash exposure.
• Corrosion Resistance: Often tested for resistance to salt spray.
• Shock and Vibration: Engineered to withstand typical levels of mechanical shock and vibration as per relevant industry standards.