TNC Male to Female 90 Degree RF Coaxial Connector

TNC Male to Female 90 Degree RF Coaxial Connector is a specialized adapter used in radio frequency (RF) applications to change the orientation of a connection while maintaining signal integrity. “TNC” stands for “Threaded Neill-Concelman,” referring to its secure threaded coupling mechanism, which offers superior performance in high-vibration environments compared to bayonet-style connectors like BNC.

This specific type of connector features a TNC male plug on one end, characterized by an inner-threaded body and a center pin, and a TNC female jack on the other, which has an outer-threaded body and a center receptacle. The “90-degree” or “right-angle” orientation means the connector body bends at a 90-degree angle, allowing for connections in tight spaces or where specific cable routing is required.

Typically, these connectors maintain a 50 Ohm impedance, crucial for matching the impedance of the coaxial cable to prevent signal reflections and loss. They are designed to operate across a broad frequency range, often from DC up to 6 GHz or even 11 GHz for higher-performance versions. Constructed from durable materials like brass with nickel or gold plating, they are robust and resistant to corrosion, ensuring reliable performance in various environmental conditions. Common applications include Wi-Fi antennas, wireless routers, security cameras, telecommunications equipment, and other RF and microwave systems where space constraints or cable management necessitate a right-angle connection.

Technical Specification

1. Electrical Characteristics:

Impedance: Primarily 50 Ω (Ohms), which is standard for most RF and wireless communication applications. Some specialized 75 Ω versions exist for video applications, but 50 Ω is dominant for TNC.
Frequency Range: Typically DC to 6 GHz, with many high-performance versions extending to 11 GHz or even 18 GHz (e.g., TNC 18 series). The “90-degree” bend can sometimes introduce a slight degradation in higher frequency performance compared to a straight connector.
VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio): A measure of impedance matching, indicating how much signal is reflected. For a 90-degree TNC connector, typical VSWR is ≤ 1.3:1 or 1.35:1 max within its specified frequency range. Lower VSWR is better.
Working Voltage: Often 500 V RMS (Root Mean Square) at sea level.
Dielectric Withstanding Voltage: Typically 1500 V RMS at sea level.
Insulation Resistance: Usually ≥ 5000 MΩ (Megohms) min.
Contact Resistance:
- Center Contact: ≤ 1.5 mΩ (Milliohms) max
- Outer Contact: ≤ 0.2 mΩ to 3.0 mΩ max (can vary)
Insertion Loss: A measure of signal loss through the connector. For 90-degree connectors, typically around 0.2 dB max at 3 GHz or 0.21 dB max at 9 GHz.

2. Mechanical Characteristics:

Coupling Mechanism: Threaded (7/16-28 UNEF thread). This provides a secure, vibration-resistant connection.
Mating Cycles (Durability): Typically ≥ 500 cycles (number of times the connector can be mated and unmated without significant degradation).
Coupling Nut Retention: Often 100 lbs (444.8 N) min, ensuring the connection remains secure under stress.
Cable Retention: Varies depending on the cable type it’s designed for (e.g., RG-58, RG-174, semi-rigid cables). Typically 40 lbs min for common cables like RG-58.
Body Style: 90-degree (right-angle) adapter.
Connector Interface: TNC Male (inner-threaded body, center pin) to TNC Female (outer-threaded body, center receptacle).

3. Material Specifications:

Body/Shell: Brass, often with nickel or silver plating for corrosion resistance and good conductivity. Stainless steel is also used for ruggedized versions.
Center Contact:
- Male: Brass, often with gold plating.
- Female: Brass, Phosphor Bronze, or Beryllium Copper, often with gold plating. Gold plating ensures low contact resistance and corrosion resistance.
Insulator/Dielectric: PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene, commonly known as Teflon) is widely used due to its excellent dielectric properties and temperature stability. Delrin or Polypropylene may be used in commercial versions.
Gasket: Silicone rubber for environmental sealing.

4. Environmental Characteristics:

Operating Temperature Range: Typically wide, ranging from -55°C to +85°C, or often -65°C to +165°C for military-grade or high-performance types.
Vibration: Designed to withstand significant vibration, often meeting standards like MIL-STD-202 Method 204, Condition B.
Corrosion Resistance: Often meets standards like MIL-STD-202 Method 101 (e.g., salt spray testing) to ensure performance in harsh environments.
Thermal Shock: Resistant to rapid temperature changes, often meeting MIL-STD-202 Method 107.