{"id":5091,"date":"2023-04-07T14:42:34","date_gmt":"2023-04-07T14:42:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wiretroop.com\/?p=5091"},"modified":"2023-04-10T03:23:41","modified_gmt":"2023-04-10T03:23:41","slug":"sma-vs-tnc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wiretroop.com\/sma-vs-tnc\/","title":{"rendered":"SMA vs. TNC: Two most common antenna interfaces"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

About SMA vs. TNC, Have you ever observed the external antennas? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The newly purchased antennas must match the radio interface; otherwise, they will not work correctly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may think they are all the same, but you will see different antenna interfaces if you notice them closely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article will introduce two commonly used antenna interfaces; SMA and TNC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Commonly used RF connectors for antenna:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

RF connectors play an important role in any antenna system, functioning as a connection between the antenna and related RF systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The antenna market deploys SMA and TNC RF connectors for a rugged connection with several variants, including reverse polarity, non-rotating, rotating, and male\/female options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People use RF connectors for several reasons, but the common ones are their inexpensive nature, capacity to handle different operating frequencies, RF power levels, and large mating cycles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SMA Vs TNC: Pros and Cons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
SMA (m) RF connector<\/strong><\/td>TNC (m) RF connector<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Advantages:Can handle 18GHz max frequencyWeatherproof on proper matingSmall size, ideal for specific applications requiring less size and less weightMore than 500 mating cycles<\/td>Advantages:Can handle 11 GHz max frequencySuitable for rugged applicationsWeatherproof on proper matingMore than 500 mating cycles<\/td><\/tr>
Disadvantages:Not very robust in comparison to large RF connectors.<\/td>Disadvantages:Larger and heavier than SMA connectors<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

SMA antenna interface:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

SMA stands for subminiature version A, and you will find them in two versions, SMA and Reverse Polarity SMA, based on the difference in the polarity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basic difference between SMA and RP-SMA is that SMA has an outer helix with a hole and an inner helix with a needle, while RP-SMA has an outer helix with a needle and an inner spiral with a hole design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"SMA<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

SMA connectors<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TNC antenna interface:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Standing for Threaded Neill-Concelman, TNC is thicker than SMA. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further, a metal shield is present between the antenna connector\u2019s outer and inner contact points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remedial measures:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Suppose you forgot to check the antenna interface type while purchasing. What will you do? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can use an interface adapter to convert SMA to TNC and vice versa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SMA Vs. TNC: Importance of RF connector quality to Antenna Performance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Due to its functionality, a high-quality radio frequency connector is critical for the antenna design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n