TNC Female Connector For RG58 / RG142 / RG223 / RG400 / LMR195 / RFC195 cables

TNC Female Connector designed for crimp termination onto various 50 Ohm coaxial cables, specifically listed as RG58, RG142, RG223, RG400, LMR195, and RFC195. As a TNC (Threaded Neill-Concelman) connector, it utilizes a robust threaded coupling mechanism, which ensures a secure and stable connection that resists vibration and provides superior performance at higher frequencies compared to its bayonet-style counterpart, the BNC. Being a “Female” connector, it features an outer barrel with internal threading and a central receptacle designed to receive the pin of a male TNC plug. The “crimp” termination method indicates that the connector attaches to the cable by compressing a metal ferrule around the cable’s outer braid and jacket, along with typically crimping or soldering the center conductor, creating a reliable and durable electrical and mechanical bond. The specified cable compatibility (RG58, RG142, RG223, RG400, LMR195, RFC195) confirms its versatility for a range of 50 Ohm coaxial cables, from common flexible types like RG58 and LMR195/RFC195 to high-performance, double-shielded, and high-temperature cables such as RG142, RG223, and RG400, making it suitable for diverse radio frequency applications requiring a robust, electrically efficient, and physically secure connection.

Technical Specification

1. Electrical Specifications:

Impedance: $50Ω$ (Ohms). This is the standard impedance for TNC connectors and all the listed compatible cables.
Frequency Range: Typically 0 to 6 GHz for standard commercial-grade connectors. High-performance or precision TNC connectors can operate reliably up to 11 GHz or even 15 GHz.
Voltage Rating:
- Working Voltage: Often around $500 V_{RMS}$ (Volts Root Mean Square) at sea level.
- Dielectric Withstanding Voltage (DWV): Typically $1500 V_{RMS}$ (at sea level) for one minute without breakdown.
VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio):
- Generally excellent at lower frequencies, often $< 1.3 : 1$ to $1.2 : 1$ up to 3 GHz.
- May increase slightly at higher frequencies within its operating range.
Contact Resistance:
- Center Contact: Typically $\leq 1.5$ m$\Omega$ (milliohms).
- Outer Contact: Typically $\leq 1.0$ m$\Omega$.
Insulation Resistance: Typically $\geq 5000$ M$\Omega$ (Megaohms).
Insertion Loss: Very low, typically $< 0.1$ dB at lower frequencies, increasing marginally with frequency.

2. Mechanical Specifications:

Connector Type: TNC Female Jack/Receptacle.
Coupling Mechanism: $7/16 - 28 U NS - 2 B$ internal threading (designed to mate with the male plug’s external threading).
Termination Style: Crimp (for the outer ferrule/braid). The center contact is typically crimp, but some designs might use solder for the center pin, especially for certain cable types.
Cable Compatibility: Designed for coaxial cables with specific dimensions for:
- Inner Conductor: (Crimp or Solder attachment).
- Dielectric Diameter: Must match the connector’s internal design.
- Outer Braid/Shield: Crimped by the ferrule.
- Outer Jacket Diameter: Must fit within the ferrule/body.
- Compatible Cables: RG58, RG142, RG223, RG400, LMR195, RFC195 (or equivalent low-loss 195-series cables).
Durability (Mating Cycles): Typically $\geq 500$ cycles, ensuring long-term reliability.
Cable Retention Force: Varies depending on cable type and crimp quality, but designed to hold the cable securely.

3. Material & Plating:

Body: Commonly Brass, known for its machinability and strength.
Body Plating: Often Nickel or sometimes Tin-Nickel for excellent corrosion resistance and durability.
Center Contact: Typically Beryllium Copper or Phosphor Bronze for the female receptacle, chosen for its springiness, conductivity, and resistance to fatigue.
Center Contact Plating: Usually Gold (often 50 µin over nickel) for superior conductivity, minimal contact resistance, and long-term corrosion prevention, especially crucial for repeated mating cycles.
Insulator: PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene, e.g., Teflon) is the most common dielectric material due to its excellent RF properties, low loss, and wide temperature range.
Gasket/Seal (if waterproof): Silicone rubber or similar elastomer for environmental sealing.

4. Environmental Specifications:

Temperature Range (Operating): Typically $- 6 5^{\circ} C$ to $+ 16 5^{\circ} C$ (the range can vary slightly depending on the specific plastic and plating materials used).
Corrosion Resistance: High resistance to salt spray, humidity, and other environmental factors, especially important in marine or outdoor applications.
Vibration: Designed to maintain connection integrity under typical vibration conditions (due to the threaded coupling).
Shock: Engineered to withstand reasonable mechanical shock.

5. Tooling:

Crimp Tool: Requires a specific crimping tool with the correct die set that matches the ferrule size and, if applicable, the center pin crimp size for the specified cable types.
Stripping Tool: A precision cable stripping tool is essential to prepare the cable ends with accurate dimensions for proper assembly.