SMA Coaxial connectors are one of the most common coaxial connector types used in almost every application coaxial connectors are used. SMA connectors can be made to a precision grade which extends the frequency range of operation to 18 GHz, or even 26.5 GHz. Hence, SMA connectors can cover frequency bands from HF, VHF, UHF, L, S, C, X, Ku, and K. Given the ubiquity of SMA coaxial connectors in test and measurement, automated test equipment (ATE), handheld/portable RF/microwave equipment, etc., there are often situations where it is necessary to repeatedly connect/disconnect SMA connectors. As opposed to wearing out the ports of critical equipment, adapters are often used at the ports of equipment and on specialized coaxial cable assembly connections. A step up from a standard coaxial adapter is a quick-connect coaxial adapter, such as an SMA Quick-connect Coaxial Adapter.
Where a typical adapter presents low VSWR, insertion loss, and allows for interconnect between two coaxial connections while minimizing wear and tear, a quick-connect provides all of these benefits as well as rapid connect/disconnect capability. The quick-connect eliminates the requirement to fully thread the SMA connector onto the interface and properly torque the SMA connector to specified torque. SMA quick-connect adapters are typically push-turn thread on, somewhat similar to bayonet style connectors, but also only require a simple pull-off instead of unthreading. No tooling is needed to ensure a quality connection with SMA quick-connect adapters, which saves the need to have a torque wrench accessible to ensure repeatable connections. These quick-connect adapters offer the same precision performance as typical SMA adapters with the added convenience of quick-connect features.
This type of quick-connect adapter is ideal for use in test and measurement equipment, be it in the laboratory or with field use of portable test equipment, where there may be repeated cycling. An example application is where a field technician may need to have several adapters available to mate with various coaxial connector types connected to different equipment and ports. Using SMA quick-connect adapters with portable test equipment could allow for rapid changing of the adapters without the need to constantly thread and un-thread coaxial adapters. Another example would be during prototyping or engineer volume testing of PCB interconnects where it may be necessary to connect/disconnect from several ports over the length of a full diagnostic or quality control check.