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SMA Coax Cable
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SMA Coax Cable

SMA Coax Cable

An SMA (Sub Miniature version A) coaxial cable is a precision 50-ohm RF interconnect used for high-frequency signals in applications such as Wi-Fi antennas, GPS modules, cellular modems, SDR (software defined radio), and test equipment. Its threaded coupling provides a vibration-resistant connection, far more secure than snap-on connectors like MCX or U.FL . The cable assembly consists of a center conductor (typically copper-clad steel or solid copper), a dielectric (PTFE or polyethylene), a braided shield, and a durable outer jacket. SMA cables are available in various configurations: SMA male to SMA male, SMA male to SMA female (extension), or RP-SMA (reverse polarity) variants commonly used on Wi-Fi routers and access points to comply with FCC regulations . The 50-ohm impedance is critical for minimal signal reflection at frequencies from DC to 18 GHz (or up to 26.5 GHz for precision versions).

Key Features

 

  • Threaded Coupling: Secure, vibration-proof connection (won't loosen from movement)
  • 50-Ohm Impedance: Standard for RF/microwave systems, matches most antennas and radios
  • Frequency Range: DC to 18 GHz (standard), up to 26.5 GHz (precision)
  • Low VSWR: ≤ 1.2:1 (up to 12.4 GHz) for minimal signal reflection
  • Weather-Resistant Options: Gold-plated brass or stainless steel + dielectric sealing (IP67 variant)
  • Durable Materials: PTFE dielectric (high temperature, low loss)
  • Shield Effectiveness: ≥ 90 dB (braided shield + foil)
  • Reverse Polarity (RP-SMA) Available: Required for many off-the-shelf Wi-Fi/ISM band antennas

 

Parameters

 

Parameter

Specification

Connector Type

SMA (male) / SMA (female) / RP-SMA

Impedance

50 Ω ± 2%

Insertion Loss

<0.5 dB per meter at 6 GHz (depends on cable type)

Dielectric

PTFE (Teflon) or PE (polyethylene)

Center Contact

Brass (gold plated) or beryllium copper

Body Material

Brass (nickel or gold plated) or stainless steel

Shielding

Braid + foil (≥90 dB effectiveness)

Cable Type

RG174 , RG316, etc

Outer Jacket

PVC, FEP , LSZH or custom

Temperature Range

-65°C to +165°C (PTFE dielectric)

Mating Cycles

≥500 cycles (gold plated)

RoHS

Compliant

 

Product Selling Points

 

1. Threaded Lock = No Accidental Disconnection
Push-on connectors (SMB, MCX) loosen over time from cable movement or vibration. The SMA's threaded nut secures the connection with 3–5 in-lbs of torque. Benefit: Ideal for drone video transmitters (constant vibration), outdoor antennas (wind), and test equipment (frequent plug cycles).

2. 50-Ohm Impedance Matching - Minimize VSWR Damage
Transmitting into a mismatched load creates reflected power, which heats the final amplifier transistor. SMA cables are held to 50±2Ω tolerance. Benefit: No transmit power wasted as heat; longer range and cooler operation.

3. Wide Operating Temperature (-65°C to +165°C)
PTFE dielectric SMA cables survive extreme conditions: avionics cold-soak, engine compartment heat, or outdoor rooftop sun exposure. Benefit: One cable spec works across industrial, military, and automotive environments.

4. Low Loss at 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6 / 5.8 GHz FPV)
Cheap RG174 loses 1.5 dB per meter at 5.8 GHz. LMR-100 or RG316 with low-density PTFE loses only 0.7 dB/m. Benefit: More power to the antenna, better range for drone video links or long Wi-Fi bridges.

5. Reverse Polarity (RP-SMA) for Legal Compliance
Many consumer Wi-Fi routers (TP-Link, ASUS, Ubiquiti) use RP-SMA so that high-gain aftermarket antennas cannot be attached directly to standard SMA (which would violate EIRP limits). This cable provides the correct pin/socket arrangement. Benefit: Works with your existing access point or client adapter without adapters.

 

Customization Options

 

  • Connector Gender: SMA male, SMA female, RP-SMA male (socket pin), RP-SMA female (pin)
  • Cable Type: RG174 (flexible, low cost), RG316 (PTFE, high temp), LMR-100 (low loss), semi-rigid (phase stable)
  • Cable Length: 0.1m to 10m (custom lengths)
  • Orientation: Straight or right-angle (90°) SMA plug
  • Body Material: Brass (nickel plated – standard), brass (gold plated – low PIM), stainless steel (marine)
  • Jacket Material: PVC (general), FEP (high temp), LSZH (plenum)
  • Weatherproofing: Heat-shrink boot over the nut joint (outdoor use)
  • Packaging: Bulk bag, individual poly bag, anti-static shielded bag

 

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Applications

 

  • Drone / FPV video transmitter to antenna: 5.8 GHz analog or DJI O3 Air Unit
  • Wi-Fi router external antenna: RP-SMA to RP-SMA (e.g., Ubiquiti or MikroTik)
  • GPS active antenna extension: From GPS receiver inside enclosure to outside roof-top antenna
  • Software Defined Radio (SDR): Connect RTL-SDR dongle to external antenna (SMA male to SMA male)
  • Cellular 4G/5G modem: M2M router to external puck antenna
  • Test & measurement: Connect spectrum analyzer to device under test (vibration-proof)

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Star Reviews From Customers

 

1.Carlos M., Automotive EE in California
"GPS receiver inside dashboard, antenna on roof. 3m SMA male to SMA female extension routed through firewall. The FEP jacket withstood engine heat. GPS signal strength unchanged – low insertion loss."


2.Sarah K., Ham Radio in NY
"Portable SDR setup (HackRF). Used 1m RG316 SMA male to SMA male. The PTFE dielectric made the cable flexible enough to stuff into a go-bag. Threaded connectors survive repeated field assembly without wearing out."


3.Dave P., Lab Test Tech in Florida
"Spectrum analyzer to device under test. We use 0.5m semi-rigid SMA cables. They hold their shape once bent, giving a consistent phase length for comparison measurements. VSWR <1.1:1 up to 12 GHz."


4.Priya K., IOT Hardware Engineer IN
"LoRa gateway with external SMA antenna on a metal pole. Bought 10m LMR-200 to SMA male to N-female adapter to reach the radio. The cable loss at 868 MHz is negligible ( <0.2dB ). Threaded connector never loosened from wind vibration."

 

FAQ

 

Q1: DO YOU HAVE A CATALOGUE? CAN YOU SEND ME YOUR PRODUCT CATA-LOGUE SO THAT I CAN CHOOSE SOME PRODUCTS WHICH I NEED?

A1: Yes,you contact us online or send an Email and let us know what kinds of products such as type C connectors, DVI connectors, box header, RJ45etc you need so that we can send them to you respectively.

Q2: CAN YOU BUILD THEM FOR ME IF I CAN'T FIND THE PRODUCT ON YOUR CAT-ALOGUE OR STORE ON WEBSTE?

A2: Our catalogue shows most of our products but not all, please let us know what you want or provide your drawing or product information to us no matter what customization for product, packing or logo, we can offer ODM service.

Q3: CAN YOU PROVIDE SAMPLES FOR FREE?

A3: Usually we can provide a few of samples to you for free if we have some in stock but you need to pay express fee.

Q4: WHAT ABOUT YOUR DELIVERY TIME?

A4: 1-3day for products in stock, 3-20 days for connectors, 7-30 days for cable assembly,large quantity and customized products need to be negotiated.

 

Company Profile

 

 

Production Lines And Inspection Equipments

 

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Our Certificates

 

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Payment Method

 

  • Payment method: Credit card or T/T (optional for large amounts). Western Union PayPal
  • T/T payment generally supports 100% advance payment.
  • Lead time: Normally in 5-10 working days after payment received.
  • Sample policy: Samples are always available for each model for standard products.
  • Samples can be ready in 3-5 working days once payment received.
  • Shipping port: Shenzhen, China.

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Logistics/packaging

 

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