What are BNC Connectors?

BNC coax connector components are one of the most popularly implemented RF connectors for varying electronic equipment, offering high performance and an ease of use that makes them extremely beneficial. RF connectors, or radio frequency connectors, are types that are designed for the means of functioning at radio frequencies for signal transmission. With the BNC connector specifically, such components serve as a miniature quick connect and disconnect RF connector that serves coaxial cables and coax connector components.

The BNC connector was first developed during the 1940s, fulfilling the need for a high quality connector that would be capable of accommodating a wide range of applications. As a miniature version of N-type and C-type connectors, the BNC connector also can cater to more compact installation requirements. For a typical BNC connector, two bayonet lugs are situated on the female component, permitting attachment with the quarter turn of the connector’s coupling nut. The female connector is often affixed to the panel mounting assembly of equipment or a device while the male connector may be attached to a cable. In order to design and fit such components, various methods and equipment such as crimping, power tools, or wire strippers may be used.

When the BNC connector was first invented, it initially was intended for military use. Soon after, many early computer networks began to take advantage of such connectors before leading into the wide implementation of such components for video and RF applications. As of the present, BNC connectors commonly serve for various signal connections such as analog and serial digital interface video signals, radio antennas, aerospace electronics, nuclear instrumentation, and test equipment.

For their types, such connectors commonly are constructed in 50 and 75 ohm versions, allowing them to accommodate cables offering the same characteristic impedance. While not a standard by any means, there are some 75 ohm BNC connectors that may have a reduced or absent dielectric within the mating ends. While the 50 ohm connector is most suitable for frequencies ranging upwards of 4 GHz, the 75 ohm version is most suitable for up to 2 GHz frequencies. When procuring such connectors for video applications, the 75 ohm connector is typically the most common choice. Meanwhile, the 50 ohm connector type can often be found for data and RF applications.

Reverse polarity BNC connectors are also a choice, such components being capable of reversing the polarity of the interface. With such types, the female contact will typically come in the form of a plug while the male component is the jack. With this alternative design, the mating of standard interface connectors is prevented to ensure proper connections. Beyond such types, there are also smaller BNC connectors known as Mini BNC or High Density BNC connectors. With such BNC connector variants, smaller footprints and higher packing density is achievable without sacrificing the electrical characteristics of the standard component.