What are the N-type connector specifications?

Impedance: 50 ohms (75 ohm version exists but is rare). Frequency range: DC to 11 GHz (standard) or DC to 18 GHz (precision). VSWR: less than 1.07 to 11 GHz (precision). Insertion loss: less than 0.15 dB at 10 GHz. Power handling: 300 W at 1 GHz, 100 W at 10 GHz (derated with frequency due to voltage breakdown at air gaps). Mating cycles: 5000 minimum. Operating temperature: minus 65 to plus 165 degrees C. Interface diameter: 16.0 mm. Thread: 5/8-24 UNEF. Materials: brass body with gold or nickel plating, PTFE dielectric, beryllium copper center contact.

When should I use N-type vs other connectors?

Use N-type when: frequency is below 11 GHz and you need weatherproof outdoor connections, moderate power handling (up to 300 W), and reliable threaded coupling. Common in base station antenna jumpers, test equipment, and military. Use SMA when: you need smaller size and frequency to 18 GHz, but lower power (100 W at 1 GHz) and less robust connections. Use 7/16 DIN when: you need higher power handling (500 W continuous), lower PIM, and frequency below 7.5 GHz (common in macro cell sites). Use 4.3-10 when: you need push-pull quick-connect with low PIM for small cells and DAS (distributed antenna systems). Use 2.92 mm (K) or 2.4 mm when: you need operation to 40 or 50 GHz.

What about PIM performance?

Passive intermodulation (PIM) in connectors is caused by nonlinear metal-to-metal contacts, dissimilar metals, ferromagnetic materials, and contamination. Standard N-type connectors have PIM levels of approximately minus 110 to minus 120 dBc, adequate for most applications but not sufficient for multi-carrier base station environments where minus 150 to minus 160 dBc is required. For low-PIM applications, use 7/16 DIN (minus 150 to minus 160 dBc) or 4.3-10 (minus 155 to minus 165 dBc) connectors. These feature silver-plated contacts, non-ferromagnetic materials (white bronze bodies), and controlled contact geometry. N-type can achieve minus 140 dBc with special low-PIM versions using silver plating and careful material selection.

RF Interconnect

N-Type Connector

/en-typ/ — Named after Paul Neill

Medium-size threaded coaxial connector. 50Ω, DC to 11 GHz (standard) or 18 GHz (precision). VSWR <1.07, IL <0.15 dB @ 10 GHz. Power: 300 W @ 1 GHz. Weatherproof threaded coupling (5/8-24 UNEF), 5000+ mating cycles. Applications: base stations, test equipment, antennas, military. Competes with SMA (smaller), 7/16 DIN (higher power/lower PIM), 4.3-10 (push-pull).

Z₀: 50Ω

Freq: DC-18 GHz

Power: 300 W

Understanding N-Type Connectors

The N-type connector, invented in the 1940s by Paul Neill at Bell Labs, remains one of the most widely used RF connectors. Its threaded coupling mechanism provides a secure, weatherproof connection that resists vibration and environmental stress, making it the standard for outdoor RF installations including base station antenna connections, test equipment interfaces, and military communications systems.

The connector's enduring popularity comes from its balance of performance, durability, and cost. It handles moderate power levels (up to 300 W), operates to respectable frequencies (11-18 GHz), and its threaded interface ensures consistent electrical contact over thousands of mating cycles. The precision variant tightens mechanical tolerances to achieve guaranteed VSWR below 1.07 through 18 GHz.

N-Type Specifications

Electrical:
Z₀ = 50Ω (75Ω version exists)
VSWR: <1.07 (precision, to 18 GHz)
IL: <0.03 dB @ 1 GHz, <0.15 @ 10 GHz

Power handling:
P_max = V_breakdown²/(2Z₀)
300 W @ 1 GHz, 100 W @ 10 GHz
Derate: P ∝ 1/√f (voltage limit)

Mechanical:
Thread: 5/8-24 UNEF
Torque: 12-15 in-lb
Mating cycles: 5000+
Temp: −65 to +165°C

RF Connector Comparison

Connector	Freq Max	Power	PIM	Coupling	Application
N-Type	11-18 GHz	300 W	−120 dBc	Threaded	BTS, test, mil
SMA	18 GHz	100 W	−110 dBc	Threaded	Lab, PCB, small
7/16 DIN	7.5 GHz	500 W	−160 dBc	Threaded	Macro BTS
4.3-10	12 GHz	200 W	−165 dBc	Push-pull	Small cell, DAS
2.92mm (K)	40 GHz	20 W	N/A	Threaded	mmWave test

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

N-type specs?

50Ω, DC-11 GHz (standard)/-18 GHz (precision). VSWR <1.07. IL <0.15 dB @ 10 GHz. Power: 300 W @ 1 GHz, 100 W @ 10 GHz. 5/8-24 UNEF thread, 12-15 in-lb torque. 5000+ cycles. Brass/gold-nickel plated, PTFE dielectric, BeCu center contact. −65 to +165°C.

N-type vs. others?

N: weatherproof outdoor, moderate power, <11 GHz. SMA: smaller, <18 GHz, lower power (100 W). 7/16 DIN: higher power (500 W), low PIM (−160 dBc), macro cell. 4.3-10: push-pull quick connect, lowest PIM (−165 dBc), small cell/DAS. 2.92mm/2.4mm: 40-50 GHz, precision test.

PIM performance?

Standard N: −110 to −120 dBc. Not sufficient for multi-carrier BTS (−150 needed). Low-PIM N: −140 dBc with silver plating, controlled materials. 7/16 DIN: −150 to −160 dBc. 4.3-10: −155 to −165 dBc. PIM caused by nonlinear contacts, dissimilar/ferromagnetic metals, contamination.

Related Terms

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RF Interconnects

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