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What are SMA cables used for?
SMA and RP-SMA are standard threaded antenna connectors for high frequency applications from 1 GHz to approx. 16 Ghz. They are most commonly used in microwave systems, such as portable radio and mobile phone antennas, but also with WiFi antenna systems.
How does an SMA cable work?
The female connector has a barrel without outside threads that mate with the hexagonal nut on the male SMA. For the central connection, the male connector uses a pin, and the female has a sleeve arrangement that mates with this.
What is RPSMA female connector?
Reverse-polarity SMA (RP-SMA or RPSMA) is a variation of the SMA connector specification which reverses the gender of the interface. This non-standard type SMA connector finds common applications in WiFi and WLAN systems and is the most popular reverse polarity RF connector.
Do you need a Gage kit to make a SMA cable?
Always use a gage kit after making a cable to ensure the pin and the dielectric of the SMA connector are in spec. Maury Microwave #A027A gage kit \lden #1673A 0.141” o.d. conformal cable AmphenolRF #901-9808 captivated contact SMA connectors Making Our Own High-Quality SMA Test Cables Materials (pricing as of October 2013)
How can I Check my SMA cable specs?
First, zero the MP (male pin) and MD (male dielectric) gages with the gage master: Then attach the male 901-9808 connector to each of the male pin and male dielectric gages to check that your connectors are within spec.
Can a SMA cable be plugged into an ECAL?
ECals and mechanical calibration standards are very expensive, so always check your SMA cables (visually under a microscope and with a pin-depth gage) before plugging an ECal. Here’s an example of how an E\l port connector has been destroyed:
What happens if you break a SMA cable?
Crushed fingers:If your SMA cables are out of spec (the male pin protrudes in the positive direction), then if you connect your SMA cable to a female 3.5 mm ECal port or mechanical calibration standard, you can ruin the ECal or the standard, by breaking the fingers inside the center conductor which are designed to accept the male pin.