The cables themselves don’t do much unless they end with a connector, or a more special coaxial connector. A coaxial connector allows one cable to be connected to another cable or to a device. So, there are two different types of connectors: those that go to the cable and those that go to the device. Without these two connectors, it is impossible to connect the cable to the device. The differences between cable connectors and device connectors are shown below. The device connector is a rim with four holes.

1. Cable centralized connector

In a cable, the connector is mechanically tightly attached to the end of the cable. Once a connector is attached to a cable, it becomes a cable assembly. RF engineers sometimes buy cable assemblies, sometimes buy common (standard) cables and separate cable connectors, and then connect each part according to their own needs. When only a few cable assemblies are needed, it is more affordable and convenient to assemble them yourself. Faster; but it is better to buy cable assemblies when a lot of cable assemblies are required.

2. Connector

Just like cables, the goal of each connector is the same, minimal insertion loss. Although the insertion loss of the connector is small compared with the cable, the connector does have an insertion loss, and there are many different types of connectors. Almost all connector families have connectors for cables and devices. As a general rule, connectors from one group do not match connectors from another group.

Why are there so many different connector families? There are two reasons: First, some connector families are physically large, while others are small. If an inexpensive cable assembly is required, choose a small diameter cable that limits the connector selection to the small connector family available. If the cable needs to carry high power RF signals, a large diameter cable is required, so a large connector is required.

The second reason is evolution. Manufacturers of connectors often improve the connection according to the actual needs, or reduce the insertion loss, or facilitate the use of the connection as the times change. Every time a significant change is made to an existing connector type, a new connector family is created.

3. Adapter

As a result of these different connector families, an interesting phenomenon emerges, sometimes RF engineers are forced to connect a cable with one connector to another cable or device with a different connector family, which cannot be done. The adapter is that they are in step. Adapters, also known as coaxial adapters, are short, double-sided connectors. One type of connector on one side and another type of connector on the other. The adapter facilitates the connection of two RF objects with different types of connectors, as shown in the image below.