SSMA Micro-strip RF Connectors Overview
SSMA Micro-strip RF Connectors are subminiature threaded coaxial connectors designed for direct mounting onto microwave printed circuit boards (PCB) using micro-strip transmission line technology. This connector series maintains a 50 ohm characteristic impedance and covers a frequency range typically up to 26.5 GHz, making SSMA Micro-strip RF Connectors suitable for compact, high-density RF and microwave assemblies. The threaded coupling mechanism (1/4-inch-36 UNS thread) provides a mechanical connection between board-mounted components and coaxial cable assemblies, supporting repeated mating cycles in test, measurement, and production environments.
Common Types and Characteristics
| Type |
Description |
| Straight micro-strip jack/plug |
Mounted flush on PCB edge, center pin aligned with microstrip trace |
| Right angle micro-strip jack/plug |
90° orientation for space-constrained board layouts |
| Field-replaceable / solder-in versions |
Two-piece or solder-mount configurations for rework flexibility |
| Limited detent / non-detent coupling |
Controls torque and mating retention for board-level stress |
Typical construction includes brass or beryllium copper bodies with gold or nickel plating, PTFE dielectric insulation, and gold-plated center contacts. These material choices support stable insertion loss and return loss performance across the rated frequency band.
Application Scenarios and Selection Points
SSMA Micro-strip RF Connectors are used in RF front-end modules, microwave amplifiers, satellite communication equipment, test and measurement instruments, and base station subsystems where board space is limited and multiple RF paths must be routed on a single PCB. Selection considerations include:
- Operating frequency and required VSWR/insertion loss performance
- PCB trace width and dielectric thickness matched to connector footprint
- Gender (plug/jack) and orientation (straight or right angle)
- Coupling torque limits to avoid solder joint or trace damage
- Mating cycle requirements and environmental sealing needs
Connector Comparison
| Series |
Frequency Range |
Coupling |
Typical Mounting |
| SSMA |
DC–26.5 GHz |
Threaded (1/4-36 UNS) |
Micro-strip / PCB edge mount |
| SMA |
DC–18 GHz |
Threaded (1/4-36 UNS) |
Cable, panel, bulkhead |
| SMP |
DC–40 GHz |
Push-on (non-threaded) |
Board-to-board, blind-mate |
FAQ
What distinguishes SSMA connectors from standard SMA connectors?
SSMA connectors use the same 1/4-36 UNS thread interface as SMA but are designed with a smaller body profile for direct micro-strip PCB mounting, extending usable frequency coverage up to 26.5 GHz.
Can SSMA connectors mate with SMA connectors?
SSMA connectors share the same coupling thread and interface dimensions as SMA connectors, allowing mechanical mating between the two series under compatible gender and torque conditions.
What frequency range applies to SSMA Micro-strip RF Connectors?
Standard SSMA Micro-strip RF Connectors operate from DC up to 26.5 GHz, depending on specific design and dielectric configuration.
Are custom footprints or plating options available?
Micro-strip footprint, plating (gold or nickel), and body dimensions can be configured according to PCB layout and application requirements.
Manufacturing and Supply
SSMA Micro-strip RF Connectors are manufactured by Yangzhou Jingcheng Electronics Co., Ltd (JC Company), established in 1999 and specializing in RF coaxial connector design, production, and testing. Production is supported by CNC machining equipment and network analyzer testing instruments, with processes aligned to ISO9001, ISO14001, and RoHS requirements, and design/inspection referencing standards including MIL-C and IEC. JC Company supplies both standard and customized micro-strip connector configurations as part of its broader RF connector and cable assembly product range.