RF connectors are a fundamental component in all radiofrequency systems. Within an RF Interface Series, several body shapes are commonly designed to allow the connector to attach in different situations, often based on physical constraints.
Terminology of these connector body types is industry standardised, each of which are defined below.
A straight-bodied RF connector or adapter refers to the standard design configuration in RF technology, where the connector or adapter body is aligned parallel to the radio frequency (RF) cable. This design allows for a direct, linear connection between the devices, minimising signal degradation and ensuring reliable transmission. As a fundamental piece of telecommunications hardware, these connectors or adapters maintain the same axis as the RF cable, enabling efficient signal propagation without unnecessary direction changes which maintains the lowest VSWR. The straight-bodied form factor is universally utilised in most RF connectors and adapters, signifying its role as the industry standard due to its performance consistency and straightforward installation.
A right-angle RF connector or adapter refers to a less common design configuration in RF technology, where the connector or adapter body forms a 90-degree angle with the RF cable. This right-angle design facilitates connections in space-constrained environments or situations where a direct, straight alignment is impractical or undesired. Despite the change in physical orientation, right-angle connectors and adapters are engineered to maintain high-quality signal propagation, minimising potential signal loss at the bend, although VSWR is marginally higher than Straight bodied connectors.
A Radius Right Angle RF connector or adapter represents an advanced design variant in RF technology, where the connector or adapter body exhibits a gentle, sweeping curve rather than a traditional abrupt right angle with the RF cable. This curving radius, characteristic of the Radius Right Angle design, offers a more graceful directional change, minimising signal reflections and losses often associated with sharp bends. Predominantly found in precision RF adapters, these connectors deliver superior signal integrity in demanding telecommunications environments.
A 45 Degree RF connector or adapter embodies a unique design configuration in RF technology, where the connector or adapter body creates a sharp 45-degree angle with the RF cable. This 45-degree angle, as the name indicates, provides a half-way solution between the standard straight-bodied and right-angle designs. It caters to specific spatial requirements where a right angle might be too severe, but a straight-bodied connector is impractical or undesired. Despite the angular bend, these connectors and adapters are meticulously engineered to maintain high-quality signal propagation, mitigating potential signal loss often associated with angular changes. This body shape is mostly found in specialised laboratory settings.