How to select and install TNC female connectors? (Advantages, Comparison and Applications, etc.)

Overview of TNC Female Connectors

TNC female connectors are small coaxial connectors and belong to the threaded connector type of radio frequency coaxial connectors. They feature a wide operating frequency band, high connection reliability, good anti-vibration performance, and excellent mechanical and electrical properties. The conventional characteristic impedance of TNC connectors is 50 ohms, and the optimal operating frequency range is from 0 to 11 GHz. In the microwave frequency band, TNC connectors have better performance than BNC connectors.

Applications of TNC Female Connectors

TNC female connectors are commonly used as radio frequency coaxial connectors for connecting in radio equipment and electronic instruments. The following are their specific applications:

1. Communication Field

• Wireless Base Stations: TNC female connectors are used for connecting radio frequency coaxial cables in wireless base stations to ensure the stable transmission of signals. For example, in the construction of 5G base stations, TNC connectors can connect base station equipment with antennas to guarantee the efficient transmission of wireless signals.
• Mobile Phones: Some radio frequency circuit connections inside mobile phones will use TNC female connectors, such as the connection between the antenna and the radio frequency module on the mainboard, which helps to realize the wireless communication function of mobile phones.

2. Positioning and Monitoring Field

• Satellite Navigation Survey Antennas: The radio frequency connectors in satellite navigation survey antennas are mostly TNC connectors. They can achieve centimeter-level precision measurement and positioning in complex outdoor environments. For example, in scenarios like geodetic surveying, ocean surveying, waterway surveying, dredging surveying, earthquake monitoring, bridge deformation monitoring, landslide monitoring, and automatic wharf operations, TNC connectors connect satellite navigation survey antennas with external devices (such as wireless routers, mobile phones, etc.), transmitting wireless signals and providing power.

3. Aerospace Field

• Air Traffic Control: In the air traffic control system, TNC female connectors are used for connecting relevant radio equipment to ensure the accuracy and reliability of aviation communications.

4. Other Fields

• Bluetooth and GPS Components: TNC female connectors are used for transmitting radio frequency signals in Bluetooth devices and GPS devices to ensure the normal operation of Bluetooth communication and GPS positioning functions.
• Network Equipment: Some radio frequency interfaces in network equipment will use TNC female connectors, such as the connections related to the wireless communication parts in routers, switches and other equipment.
• Antenna Mounts: The connection between antenna mounts and antennas sometimes adopts TNC female connectors to achieve stable signal transmission and mechanical fixation.
• Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Communication: In M2M communication scenarios, TNC female connectors are used to connect relevant wireless communication modules to realize data transmission between devices.
• Security and Protection Equipment: The wireless transmission part in security monitoring systems may use TNC female connectors to ensure the wireless transmission of monitoring data.
• Testing Equipment: The radio frequency signal transmission interfaces in some testing equipment adopt TNC female connectors, such as certain specific wireless testing equipment.

Purchase and Installation of TNC Female Connectors

Purchase of TNC Female Connectors

When purchasing TNC female connectors, the following aspects need to be considered:

1. Performance Parameters

• Frequency Range: The frequency range of TNC connectors is generally between DC - 11 GHz, and some high-quality connectors can reach 18 GHz.

• Impedance Matching: The impedance of TNC connectors is generally 50 ohms or 75 ohms and needs to match the impedance of radio frequency equipment.

• Insertion and Withdrawal Cycles: The insertion and withdrawal cycles of TNC connectors are generally more than 500 times to ensure the reliability of long-term use.

• Withstand Voltage and Current: TNC connectors need to have high withstand voltage and current capabilities to ensure stability and reliability during high-power transmission.

• Heat and Cold Resistance: TNC connectors have a wide temperature tolerance range and can generally be used within the temperature range of -65 °C to +165 °C.

2. Types and Styles

• Male or Female: TNC connectors are divided into two basic types, male and female, which need to be selected according to application requirements.

• Polarity: TNC connectors have standard polarity and reverse polarity designs to ensure the correct transmission of signals.

• Shape: The shapes of TNC connectors include straight type, 90-degree right-angle type, as well as partition type, 4-hole panel type and installation-free type, providing flexible choices for different environments and installation scenarios.

• Termination Methods: The termination methods of TNC connectors include crimping/soldering, press-fitting/soldering and so on. Meanwhile, they are distinguished into standard performance and precision performance levels.

3. Material Quality

• The materials of TNC connectors are usually brass or stainless steel, which can ensure stable and durable connections.

4. Application Scenarios

• TNC connectors are widely used in fields such as telecommunications, military, aviation, and aerospace, such as satellite communications, radar, navigation, radio frequency measurement, etc. Appropriate TNC connectors should be selected according to specific application scenarios.

Installation Steps of TNC Female Connectors

The installation steps of TNC connectors are as follows:

• Preparation Work: Determine the required tools and materials, including TNC connectors, coaxial cables, wire strippers, cutting tools and crimping tools.

• Ensure that the TNC connectors and coaxial cables used are of matching specifications.

• Strip the Outer Sheath of the Coaxial Cable: Use wire strippers or cutting tools to carefully strip the outer sheath of the coaxial cable. The length of the stripped part should be determined according to the connector specifications, generally 15 - 20 millimeters.

• Strip the Inner Insulation Layer: After stripping the outer sheath, the inner insulation layer will be exposed. Use wire strippers or cutting tools to carefully strip the inner insulation layer to expose the inner conductor.

• Position the Connector: ｉｎｓｅｒｔ the TNC connector into the end of the coaxial cable. Ensure that the center lead of the connector is aligned with the inner conductor.

• Crimp the Connector: Use crimping tools to crimp the shell and the inner insulation layer of the connector onto the coaxial cable respectively. Ensure that the connector is in close contact with the cable and firmly fixed.

• Check the Connection Quality: Check whether the installation of the connector is firm, ensure that the connector is not loose or distorted, and ensure that the center lead is in good contact with the inner conductor, and the shell and the inner insulation layer are tightly connected with the coaxial cable.

• Use a Wrench to Fix: If the connector has a threaded structure, use a wrench to properly tighten the connector to ensure the stability and reliability of the connection.

• Test the Connection: Use test instruments or equipment to check whether the connection is normal. Ensure that the signal transmission is correct and evaluate the performance and quality of the connection.

During the wiring process of TNC connectors, the following points need to be noted:

• Handle the coaxial cable carefully to avoid damaging the inner conductor and the inner insulation layer.

• Ensure that the connector is closely attached to the coaxial cable without looseness or gaps.

• Pay attention to using the correct tools and techniques and follow the guidelines and suggestions of the connector and cable manufacturers.

• After connection, ensure that the connector is in a proper position to prevent distortion or being affected by external forces.

Main Technical Parameters of TNC Female Connectors

TNC (Thread Neill Concelman) female connectors are commonly used connectors for radio frequency transmission and have good anti-vibration and waterproof properties. The following are some main technical parameters of TNC female connectors:

• Frequency Range: The frequency range of TNC connectors is usually from DC to 6 GHz, and some models can reach 11 GHz.

• Rated Voltage: The rated voltage is usually 500 V rms.

• Impedance: The impedance standard is 50 ohms.

• Orientation: TNC connectors are usually straight.

• Withstand Voltage: The withstand voltage is 1500 V rms (minimum at sea level).

• Insulation Resistance: The insulation resistance is at least 5000 megaohms.

• Temperature Range: The operating temperature range is usually from -65 °C to +165 °C.

• Materials: The connectors are usually made of beryllium copper, and the shells may be made of beryllium copper or brass.

• O-ring Seals: They are usually made of silicone rubber, such as GR50-60.

• Locking Rings: They are usually made of phosphor bronze with spring tempering characteristics.

• Crimp Sleeves: They are usually made of DHP copper, such as CDA-122, and have undergone soft tempering treatment.

• Center Contacts: The center contacts are usually plated with gold or silver to reduce contact resistance.

• Metal Parts: They may include nickel, silver, aluminum alloys, etc.

These parameters ensure that TNC female connectors can work stably and reliably in various environments, and are especially suitable for application scenarios such as cellular mobile communication systems, testing and inspection equipment, aircraft, aerospace, and radar detection.

Advantages and Characteristics of TNC Connectors

TNC connectors are high-quality RF connectors with the following advantages and characteristics:

1. Easy to Install: TNC connectors adopt threaded joints. During installation, the connection can be completed by simply rotating, which is convenient and fast.

2. Anti-loosening: The threaded joints of TNC connectors have a self-locking function, which can effectively prevent the connectors from loosening and improve the connection reliability.

3. Good Waterproof Performance: The joint parts of TNC connectors adopt a sealing structure and have good waterproof performance.

4. Good High-frequency Performance: TNC connectors have a wide frequency range (DC ~ 11 GHz) and stable impedance (50 Ω), which can meet the needs of high-frequency applications.

5. Wide Range of Applications: TNC connectors are widely used in fields such as communication, broadcasting, military, and aerospace.

6. Strong Anti-vibration Performance: TNC connectors have the characteristic of strong anti-vibration performance and are suitable for use in mobile communication equipment under vibration conditions.

7. Excellent Mechanical and Electrical Properties: TNC connectors have excellent mechanical and electrical properties and are widely used in radio equipment and electronic instruments to connect radio frequency coaxial cables.

8. Corrosion-resistant, Durable and Dust-proof: TNC connectors have the properties of corrosion resistance, durability and dust prevention and are suitable for outdoor applications.

9. Compatible with Multiple Cable Types: TNC connectors are compatible with multiple cable types, including coaxial cables and semi-rigid cables.

10. Low Loss: The loss of TNC connectors is relatively small, usually less than 0.1 dB.

11. High Voltage Withstanding Capacity: Depending on the manufacturing, some connectors can handle peak voltages as high as 500 volts.

Comparison between TNC Female Connectors and BNC Connectors

TNC (Threaded Neill-Concelman) connectors and BNC (Bayonet Nut Connector) connectors are both radio frequency connectors, and they are different in some aspects, especially in connection methods and application environments.

1. Connection Methods

TNC connectors adopt a threaded connection method, which is usually more solid than the bayonet connection of BNC connectors. Therefore, TNC connectors can work at higher frequencies. In contrast, BNC connectors adopt a bayonet connection method. Although the connection and disconnection are convenient and fast, they may not be as stable as TNC connectors in a vibrating environment.

2. Application Environments

TNC connectors are widely used in environments that require high reliability and anti-vibration performance, such as military and avionics equipment, as well as telecommunications infrastructure. They can withstand large vibrations and impacts and maintain stable connections. On the other hand, BNC connectors are more often used in video surveillance, audio equipment and test and measurement equipment. These applications usually require the convenience of quick connection and disconnection.

3. Frequency Ranges

The optimal working frequency range of TNC connectors is DC - 11 GHz, while the working frequency of BNC connectors is generally DC - 4 GHz. This means that TNC connectors are suitable for higher frequency applications. Especially in the microwave frequency band, their performance is better than that of BNC connectors.

4. Durability and Stability

Due to the threaded design of TNC connectors, they are usually more durable and suitable for industrial environments. While BNC connectors may easily become loose in vibrating environments. Therefore, TNC connectors are a better choice for applications that require long-term and stable connections.

To sum up, compared with BNC connectors, TNC female connectors have a higher frequency range, better anti-vibration performance and more stable connection performance, and are especially suitable for application environments that require high frequencies and stable connections.

Summary

TNC female connectors are small coaxial connectors with many excellent characteristics. They are widely used and involve multiple fields such as communication, positioning and monitoring. The key points for purchase and installation steps have been introduced, and the main technical parameters and advantageous features have also been mentioned. Compared with BNC connectors, they have more stable connections and a higher frequency range, and are applicable to specific environments.