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N Micro-strip RF Connectors Custom

Home / Products / Coaxial Connectors / N RF Coaxial Connectors / N Micro-strip RF Connectors

Yangzhou Jingcheng Electronics Co., Ltd.
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Yangzhou Jingcheng Electronics Co., Ltd.
Yangzhou Jingcheng Electronics Co., Ltd.

N Micro-strip RF Connectors Manufacturer

Product Overview
N-type Micro-strip RF Connectors are a specialized sub-family within the N series, designed specifically for direct electrical connection to microstrip transmission lines on PCBs and microwave substrate assemblies. Rather than terminating to a coaxial cable, the micro-strip connector interfaces directly with a planar transmission line structure—the center contact makes direct electrical contact with the microstrip signal trace, while the body grounds to the PCB ground plane through multiple grounding contacts or soldered feet.

This direct PCB-to-connector transition is used in microwave module assemblies, filter and amplifier test fixtures, phased-array antenna element feeds, and calibration standards where the traditional approach of using a separate PCB connector plus a cable pigtail to reach the N-type interface would add unacceptable insertion loss and calibration uncertainty. The micro-strip connector collapses the transition to a single, well-characterized interface that can be modeled in electromagnetic simulation and characterized by a single S-parameter measurement.

Key Features
Edge-launch (horizontal) and top-launch (vertical) contact configurations enable adaptation to both edge-mounted and center-board PCB integration scenarios.
Center contact geometry optimized for specific PCB substrate dielectric constants and microstrip line widths (commonly 50Ω characteristic impedance lines on Rogers, PTFE-glass, or FR4 substrates); custom contact profiles available for non-standard substrates.
Multiple ground contact feet or solder tabs provide low-inductance, symmetric grounding to the PCB ground plane—critical for suppressing connector-launch ground plane currents that cause resonances and spurious responses in microwave circuits.
Precision-machined PTFE or air-gap dielectric interface maintains insertion loss and return loss performance through the PCB transition zone at frequencies approaching the N-type series limit.
Operating frequency to 11 GHz; the micro-strip launch geometry limits the practical upper frequency more than the connector body itself, and Jingcheng's engineering team can advise on PCB layout optimization to extend usable frequency range.
Solder-down and press-fit (compression) mounting options; press-fit versions allow non-permanent installation for test fixtures that are frequently reconfigured.

Competitive Advantages
Jingcheng's in-house engineering R&D center has the electromagnetic simulation capability to model the micro-strip connector launch on customer PCB stackups and recommend geometry optimizations before physical prototypes are produced—a service level that smaller connector suppliers and trading companies cannot offer.
Custom center contact profiles for non-standard substrate widths are manufactured in-house on CNC turning centers without outsourcing, enabling rapid NPI turnaround when a customer's PCB design uses a non-standard trace impedance or substrate material.
Press-fit (contactless-solder) mounting versions provide a reusable connector installation for test fixture PCBs that must be re-used across multiple device-under-test generations without a new PCB being fabricated for each connector update.

Typical Applications
Microwave module and MMIC test fixture PCBs requiring direct N-type interface access
Phased-array antenna element feed network boards (space and defense applications)
Microwave filter, coupler, and power divider characterization test fixtures
Calibration standard assemblies for N-type VNA calibration kits
RF PCB development boards for wideband transceiver prototype characterization

FAQ
Q: What PCB substrate materials are supported for the micro-strip connector center contact geometry?
A: Standard contact profiles are available for the most common microwave substrate materials, including Rogers RO4003C, RO4350B, RT/duroid 5880, and standard FR4 (for applications below 3 GHz). For other materials (e.g., alumina, LTCC, or high-dielectric Rogers substrates), the center contact width must be custom-profiled to match the 50Ω trace width for that dielectric.
Q: How is the micro-strip connector grounded to the PCB?
A: Multiple solder-down grounding tabs on the connector body contact the PCB top-layer ground plane, which must be connected to the PCB back-side ground plane through a dense grid of through-hole vias immediately surrounding the connector footprint. The via fence design is critical: insufficient via density or incorrect spacing creates ground plane inductance that degrades connector return loss above 3 GHz. Jingcheng's application note on micro-strip connector PCB layout is available on request.
Q: Can press-fit micro-strip connectors be used on PCBs with conformal coating?
A: Press-fit connector mounting relies on contact pressure between the connector ground tabs and the PCB surface. Conformal coating on the landing area will electrically isolate the ground contacts, degrading RF performance. The connector landing area must be masked during conformal coating application. Please consult the conformal coating masking guidelines in the product application note.

Temperature Range

-55～+155℃(PE Cable   -40～+85℃)

Impedance

50Ω, 75Ω

Frequency Range

DC～11GHz

Insulation resistance

≥5000MΩ

Insertion loss

≤0.2dB(6GHz)

VSWR

Straight ≤1.15/6GHz

Right angle

≤1.25/6GHz

Durability(mating)

≥500 (cycles)

About
Yangzhou Jingcheng Electronics Co., Ltd.
Yangzhou Jingcheng Electronics Co., Ltd.

Yangzhou Jingcheng Electronics Co., Ltd., a premier China N Micro-strip RF Connectors Manufacturer and N Micro-strip RF Connectors Supplier, was founded in 1999. It is a high-tech enterprise specializing in the R&D and manufacturing of RF coaxial connectors, cable assemblies, and passive microwave components.
Equipped with a comprehensive R&D and production system, the company has obtained international certifications including ISO9001. Adhering strictly to standards such as MIL, IEC and GB, we offer over 30 product series with more than 2,000 specifications, covering SMA, BNC, N-type and other mainstream models. Our products are widely applied in the fields of communications, aerospace, automotive electronics and beyond, and exported to many countries and regions across Europe, America and Asia.
We uphold the tenet of "Quality as the Foundation, Customers as the Core", committed to providing reliable interconnection solutions and professional services for global clients.

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News & Updates
N Micro-strip RF Connectors Industry knowledge

N Micro-strip RF Connectors provide a controlled transition between a coaxial N interface and a microstrip transmission line on a printed circuit board, allowing microwave test fixtures, amplifier boards, and filter circuits to be connected to standard coaxial test equipment. Unlike general-purpose board-mount connectors intended primarily for mechanical fixation, N Micro-strip RF Connectors are designed around the launch geometry at the coax-to-microstrip junction, aiming to keep the transition's impedance profile consistent with the surrounding transmission line. This category of N Micro-strip RF Connectors is commonly specified in RF and microwave circuit development where the connector-to-board transition itself is a functional part of the signal path rather than a purely mechanical interface.

Launch Geometry and Core Performance

  • Edge-launch configuration: The connector's center pin extends horizontally from the board edge to meet the microstrip trace, commonly used where the circuit trace runs to the board perimeter.
  • End-launch configuration: The connector mounts at the very end of the board with the pin aligned directly in line with the trace, often selected for the lowest possible transition discontinuity.
  • Board thickness matching: The launch pin length and ground contact geometry are matched to a specific PCB thickness to maintain the intended impedance at the transition.
  • Frequency performance: Because the launch geometry is engineered to minimize reflection at the coax-to-microstrip junction, these connectors are commonly used at frequencies extending into the tens of GHz, depending on the specific design.
  • Mounting method: Available in solder-mount versions for permanent board attachment and solderless clamp-mount versions for repeated use across multiple test boards.

Common Types and Characteristics

N Micro-strip RF Connectors are generally grouped by launch orientation and mounting method.

Common types of N micro-strip connectors and their characteristics
Type Launch Orientation Mounting Method Typical Use
Solder Edge-Launch Horizontal from board edge Soldered to trace and ground plane Permanent circuit board assemblies
Solderless Clamp Edge-Launch Horizontal from board edge Spring contact, clamped to board Reusable across multiple test boards
End-Launch In-line with board end Soldered or clamped High-frequency test fixtures requiring minimal discontinuity
Vertical Launch Perpendicular to board surface Soldered through-board via Boards where edge access is limited

Application Scenarios

  • RF and microwave amplifier board development and characterization;
  • Filter and matching network test fixtures requiring a repeatable coax-to-board connection;
  • Antenna feed network prototyping on microstrip-based circuit boards;
  • Laboratory measurement setups connecting network analyzers to circuit boards under test;
  • Production test fixtures for microwave modules requiring consistent, repeatable board connections.

Selection Guidelines

  1. Launch orientation: Choose edge-launch, end-launch, or vertical launch based on the trace layout and available board edge access in the design.
  2. Board thickness and dielectric: Confirm the connector's launch geometry matches the specific PCB thickness and dielectric constant used in the circuit, since these affect the transition's impedance profile.
  3. Mounting method: Select a solder-mount connector for permanent board assemblies or a solderless clamp-mount version for test setups requiring repeated connection across multiple boards.
  4. Frequency range: Verify the connector's specified frequency range aligns with the operating band of the circuit under test.
  5. Trace width and ground clearance: Check that the connector's launch pad footprint corresponds to the microstrip trace width and surrounding ground clearance on the board layout.

Solder-Mount vs Solderless Clamp-Mount Comparison

Comparison between solder-mount and solderless clamp-mount N micro-strip connectors
Comparison Item Solder-Mount Solderless Clamp-Mount
Board reusability Fixed to one board Movable across multiple boards
Installation process Requires soldering equipment Mechanical clamping, no soldering
Contact consistency over reuse Not applicable, fixed joint Dependent on spring contact condition
Typical application Production board assemblies Test fixtures used across multiple prototypes

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What distinguishes a micro-strip launch connector from a general BNC or TNC PCB connector?

A micro-strip launch connector is engineered around the impedance profile of the coax-to-trace transition itself, with the pin geometry matched to a specific board thickness and dielectric, whereas general PCB connectors are primarily designed for mechanical mounting without the same emphasis on transition impedance.

Q2: When is a solderless clamp-mount connector preferred over a solder-mount version?

A solderless clamp-mount connector is generally preferred in test and development settings where the same connector needs to be moved between multiple prototype boards, avoiding repeated soldering and desoldering.

Q3: Why does board thickness matter for a micro-strip launch connector?

The launch pin length and ground contact position are designed for a specific PCB thickness so that the transition maintains the intended impedance; using a board thickness outside this range can introduce a discontinuity at the connector-to-trace junction.

Q4: Is edge-launch or end-launch better for high-frequency applications?

End-launch designs are often selected where the lowest possible transition discontinuity is required at higher frequencies, while edge-launch designs are commonly used in general-purpose test and development boards where the trace does not terminate exactly at the board end.

Manufacturing Note

Yangzhou Jingcheng Electronics Co., Ltd was founded in 1999 and specializes in the design, development, production, and sales of RF coaxial connectors, covering N, BNC, TNC, SMA, 2.92, 2.4, 1.85, and other series, supported by advanced manufacturing equipment and high precision testing equipment. For N Micro-strip RF Connectors, launch pin dimensional accuracy and ground contact consistency are relevant factors in maintaining transition performance, and the company's production capability supports configurations suited to different board thicknesses and launch orientations.