TNC Connectors for Semi-Rigid & Semi-Flexible Cable Custom

Home / Products / Coaxial Connectors / TNC RF Coaxial Connectors / TNC Connectors for Semi-Rigid & Semi-Flexible Cable

TNC Connectors for Semi-Rigid & Semi-Flexible Cable Manufacturer

Product Overview
TNC (Threaded Neill–Concelman) connectors for semi-rigid and semi-flexible cable bring the vibration resistance and broader frequency performance of the TNC threaded coupling interface to precision cable assemblies where a fixed, formed cable path is required. Operating from DC to 11 GHz—nearly three times the upper limit of BNC—this product is the preferred choice for microwave-frequency sub-assemblies inside radar systems, base station feeder networks, and aerospace instrument packages where signal integrity must be maintained under sustained mechanical stress.

Semi-rigid cable with its solid outer conductor provides exceptional shielding effectiveness (typically >100 dB), making it indispensable in sensitive receiver front-ends where any leakage path would degrade noise figure. Semi-flexible cable offers a controlled-flexibility alternative for bench-top and field-deployable assemblies that require occasional repositioning.

Key Features
Threaded coupling mechanism delivers secure, torque-controlled mating that withstands high-amplitude vibration profiles far beyond what bayonet-lock connectors can reliably sustain—critical for airborne, shipborne, and vehicle-mounted radar assemblies.
Frequency performance extends to 11 GHz, enabling use in S-band, C-band, and lower X-band microwave systems without connector substitution as system bandwidth expands.
50Ω characteristic impedance maintained throughout the connector–cable interface through precision-controlled center pin diameter, dielectric length, and outer conductor bore.
Compatible with standard semi-rigid cable sizes including 0.047", 0.085", and 0.141" OD; semi-flexible variants for common equivalent cable families also supported.
Available in straight and right-angle configurations; right-angle versions incorporate a precision-formed 90° transition that preserves VSWR ≤ 1.30 at 3 GHz.
Silver and gold contact plating options; passivated stainless steel or nickel-plated brass body materials for corrosion resistance in harsh deployment environments.

Competitive Advantages
Jingcheng's in-house engineering R&D center specializes in impedance-critical connector design. For semi-rigid cable assemblies, the team can review customer cable routing drawings and recommend connector configurations that minimize transmission line discontinuities at every bend and termination point.
GJB9001A military quality system certification means manufacturing discipline equivalent to defense-procurement standards is applied to every commercial production run—giving OEM buyers confidence that connector-to-connector consistency will not degrade as order volumes scale.
Reference to MIL-C-39012 and IEC 169 international standards in the design and test process allows customers to reference Jingcheng's TNC connectors in technical documentation targeting both domestic and international regulatory frameworks without re-qualification.
With nearly 200 advanced production and inspection machines and an Agilent network analyzer fleet for electrical validation, Jingcheng can provide per-batch insertion loss and VSWR test data.

Typical Applications
Radar signal processing front-end cable assemblies (early warning, surveillance, fire-control radar)
Microwave backhaul and base station internal feeder assemblies
Aerospace avionics bay RF cable routing and LRU interconnects
Shipborne communication system and electronic warfare equipment internal wiring
Test and measurement VNA and spectrum analyzer port extensions

FAQ
Q: Why choose TNC over BNC for semi-rigid cable assemblies?
A: The threaded coupling of TNC provides significantly greater resistance to vibration-induced loosening compared to BNC's quarter-turn bayonet lock. TNC also supports operation to 11 GHz versus BNC's 4 GHz ceiling, making it the required choice for microwave applications above 4 GHz and any application where mechanical security under sustained vibration is a design requirement.
Q: Can custom cable-to-connector combinations outside the standard catalogue be quoted?
A: Yes. Jingcheng's engineering team can configure connectors for non-standard semi-rigid ODs or specialized cable jacket materials. Submit your cable drawing and required connector interface type; feasibility and lead time are typically confirmed within 3–5 business days.
Q: What torque specification is recommended for TNC mating?
A: Standard TNC mating torque is typically 1.0–1.36 N·m (9–12 in-lb) for brass/stainless interfaces. Over-torquing damages the thread and center contact; under-torquing increases contact resistance and VSWR. We recommend providing customers with a torque-controlled wrench specification in the assembly instruction for their end product.
Q: Are reverse-polarity (RP-TNC) versions available?
A: Yes. Reverse-polarity TNC connectors with inverted center contact gender are available for applications such as WiFi antenna connections where RP interfaces are specified. Please indicate RP-TNC in your order or inquiry.

Temperature Range

-55~+155℃

Impedance

50Ω

Frequency Range

DC~11GHz

Insulation resistance

≥5000MΩ

Insertion loss

≤0.20 dB/1GHz

VSWR

Straight ≤1.22/3GHz

Right angle

≤1.30/3GHz

Durability(mating)

≥500 (cycles)

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

Yangzhou Jingcheng Electronics Co., Ltd., a premier China TNC Connectors for Semi-Rigid & Semi-Flexible Cable Manufacturer and TNC Connectors for Semi-Rigid & Semi-Flexible Cable 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.

TNC Connectors for Semi-Rigid & Semi-Flexible Cable Industry knowledge

TNC Connectors for Semi-Rigid & Semi-Flexible Cable are designed to terminate directly onto solid-jacket semi-rigid cable or corrugated semi-flexible cable, forming a fixed cable assembly used in microwave and high-frequency RF systems. Because semi-rigid and semi-flexible cables hold a bent shape after forming rather than flexing repeatedly like standard flexible coax, TNC Connectors for Semi-Rigid & Semi-Flexible Cable are constructed with a solder or clamp interface matched to the specific outer conductor type, wall thickness, and cable diameter of these cable forms. This connector category is typically specified in applications where phase stability and low-loss performance at higher frequencies are functional requirements of the signal path.

Core Performance Characteristics

  • Direct solder termination: The connector body is soldered directly onto the semi-rigid cable's solid outer conductor, forming a continuous, low-loss electrical joint without a separate crimp ferrule.
  • Phase and amplitude stability: The fixed, non-flexing cable form combined with a matched connector interface supports consistent phase and amplitude behavior across repeated use, relevant to test and calibration applications.
  • Outer conductor compatibility: Available for solid-tube semi-rigid cable and corrugated semi-flexible cable, each requiring a different termination collar or solder cup geometry.
  • Frequency performance: Semi-rigid cable assemblies with a matched TNC connector are commonly used up to several GHz, with actual upper frequency depending on cable diameter and connector design.
  • Straightness and bend retention: Since semi-rigid cable retains its bent shape, the connector-to-cable joint is designed to remain stable through the cable forming process without loosening at the termination point.

Common Types and Characteristics

TNC Connectors for Semi-Rigid & Semi-Flexible Cable are generally organized by cable outer conductor type and connector gender configuration.

Common types of TNC connectors for semi-rigid and semi-flexible cable
Type Cable Compatibility Termination Method Typical Use
Semi-Rigid Solder Type Solid-tube semi-rigid cable Direct solder to outer conductor Microwave test fixtures, fixed RF routing
Semi-Flexible Corrugated Type Corrugated outer conductor cable Solder or clamp collar matched to corrugation pitch Equipment requiring occasional cable repositioning
Straight Male/Female Semi-rigid or semi-flexible In-line solder termination Standard cable assembly configurations
Right-Angle Male/Female Semi-rigid or semi-flexible 90-degree body, solder termination Space-constrained module interconnections

Application Scenarios

  • Microwave and RF test fixture assemblies requiring stable phase performance;
  • Fixed internal RF routing within radar, satellite, and communication equipment;
  • Module-to-module interconnections in compact electronic enclosures where cable shape must hold a formed bend;
  • Calibration and reference cable assemblies used in laboratory measurement setups;
  • Aerospace and defense RF systems requiring a fixed, low-loss cable path between components.

Selection Guidelines

  1. Cable type match: Confirm whether the connector is designed for solid-tube semi-rigid cable or corrugated semi-flexible cable, since the termination geometry differs between the two.
  2. Cable diameter and wall thickness: Verify the connector's solder cup or collar dimensions match the specific cable diameter and outer conductor wall thickness being used.
  3. Frequency and phase requirements: For applications sensitive to phase or amplitude variation, select a connector-cable combination validated for the required frequency range.
  4. Mounting orientation: Choose straight or right-angle connector bodies depending on the routing path and available space within the enclosure.
  5. Assembly process: Confirm whether soldering equipment and cable-forming tools required for semi-rigid cable assembly are compatible with the intended production or field-assembly process.

Semi-Rigid vs Semi-Flexible Comparison

Comparison between semi-rigid and semi-flexible cable assemblies terminated with TNC connectors
Comparison Item Semi-Rigid Cable Semi-Flexible Cable
Outer conductor Solid metal tube Corrugated metal tube
Bend handling Formed once, holds shape precisely Can be reshaped a limited number of times
Termination approach Direct solder to solid conductor Solder or clamp matched to corrugation pitch
Typical application Fixed internal routing, test fixtures Routing requiring occasional repositioning

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the difference between semi-rigid and semi-flexible cable in terms of connector termination?

Semi-rigid cable has a solid outer conductor that is typically soldered directly to the connector body, while semi-flexible cable has a corrugated outer conductor that may use a solder or clamp collar matched to the corrugation pitch, allowing limited reshaping after initial forming.

Q2: Can semi-rigid cable be bent multiple times after the connector is installed?

Semi-rigid cable is generally intended to be formed once into its final shape. Repeated bending at the same location can affect the outer conductor integrity and the stability of the connector joint.

Q3: Why is phase stability relevant for semi-rigid cable assemblies?

In test, calibration, and measurement systems, consistent phase behavior across the cable assembly is a functional requirement. The fixed shape of semi-rigid cable combined with a matched TNC connector supports repeatable phase performance compared with cable types that flex during use.

Q4: What should be checked before soldering a TNC connector onto semi-rigid cable?

The cable's outer diameter, wall thickness, and dielectric type should be confirmed against the connector's solder cup dimensions, and the cable should be prepared to the correct strip length before soldering to maintain proper contact alignment.

Manufacturing Note

Yangzhou Jingcheng Electronics Co., Ltd was founded in 1999 and specializes in the design, development, production, and sales of RF coaxial connectors and 0~50GHz high-frequency cable and cable assemblies, covering BNC, TNC, N, SMA, 2.92, 2.4, 1.85, and other connector series. For TNC Connectors for Semi-Rigid & Semi-Flexible Cable, dimensional matching between the solder cup and the cable's outer conductor is a relevant factor in assembly consistency, and the company's high precision testing equipment supports verification of finished cable assemblies.