The RPTNC connector (Reverse Polarity TNC) is a variant of the threaded TNC connector in which the center contact position is reversed compared to the standard TNC connector, while the outer threaded coupling nut remains unchanged. A micro-strip connector refers to a mounting style in which the connector is attached directly onto a printed circuit board and its center contact is aligned with a microstrip transmission line on the board surface. As a manufacturer of RF coaxial connectors since 1999, Yangzhou Jingcheng Electronics Co., Ltd (JC Company) produces RPTNC connectors in micro-strip mounting configurations for board-level RF interfacing.
Reverse Polarity Design Principle
In a standard TNC connector, the plug carries the center pin and the jack carries the center socket. In an RPTNC connector, this arrangement is reversed: the RPTNC plug contains a center socket, and the RPTNC jack contains a center pin. The threaded coupling nut interface is unchanged, so an RPTNC connector can be threaded onto a standard TNC connector, but the center contacts will not engage and no signal path will be formed. This principle applies equally to micro-strip mounted versions.
What Is a Micro-strip Mounting
A micro-strip mounting connector is designed for placement at the edge of a printed circuit board, where its center contact is soldered directly to a microstrip trace on the board. The connector body typically includes a mounting flange with holes for screw or solder attachment to the board or an adjacent chassis surface, providing mechanical support in addition to the electrical connection. This mounting style is intended for a controlled transition between the coaxial connector and the planar transmission line on the board.
RPTNC vs RPSMA: General Comparison
| Attribute |
RPTNC |
RPSMA |
| Coupling mechanism |
Threaded coupling nut, generally larger thread size |
Threaded coupling nut, smaller hex nut size |
| Overall connector size |
Larger body and mounting footprint |
Smaller body and mounting footprint |
| Environmental sealing options |
Commonly available with weatherproof or sealed variants for outdoor use |
Primarily intended for indoor or enclosed equipment use |
Common Configurations
- RPTNC plug micro-strip mount (female contact, male thread) for board-edge attachment
- RPTNC jack micro-strip mount (male contact, female thread) for board-edge attachment
- Straight and right-angle body styles, depending on board orientation and enclosure layout
- Flange-mount variants with two or four mounting holes for screw attachment to the board or chassis
Typical Applications
RPTNC micro-strip connectors are used on circuit boards within RF and wireless systems that require both a reverse polarity interface and a threaded, mechanically robust coupling, including:
- Wireless local area network (WLAN) access points and outdoor bridges
- Base station and repeater boards requiring a secure threaded antenna connection
- Machine-to-machine (M2M) and industrial wireless communication boards
- Board-to-antenna interfaces in outdoor or vibration-exposed equipment
Key Technical Parameters
| Parameter |
General Reference Range |
| Impedance |
50 ohm |
| Frequency range |
DC to several GHz, depending on connector series and board transition design |
| Mating cycles |
Rated according to threaded coupling design, generally supporting repeated mating |
| Mounting process |
Hand solder or wave solder for the center contact, with screw attachment for the mounting flange |
| Contact materials |
Brass or beryllium copper body with gold or other plating on contact areas |
Selection Considerations
When selecting an RPTNC micro-strip connector, the following factors are typically reviewed:
- Board thickness and microstrip trace width, to align the connector center contact with the trace
- Required plug or jack polarity based on the mating antenna or cable interface
- Mounting flange hole pattern, to match the intended board or chassis fixing points
- Operating frequency range and impedance matching requirement of the RF trace
- Environmental exposure, including whether a sealed or weatherproof variant is needed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between RPTNC and standard TNC connectors?
The threaded coupling nut interface is the same, but the center contact position is reversed. This prevents an RPTNC connector from electrically mating with a standard TNC connector, even though the threads can engage.
What distinguishes a micro-strip mount from other PCB mounting styles?
A micro-strip mount is specifically aligned to a microstrip transmission line on the board surface and typically includes a mounting flange for mechanical fixing, whereas other PCB mounting styles, such as through-hole or surface mount, may not include this flange feature.
Why choose RPTNC over RPSMA for a board design?
The choice depends on the mechanical and environmental requirements of the application. RPTNC connectors generally offer a larger threaded coupling and are more commonly available in sealed variants, while RPSMA connectors offer a smaller footprint suited to compact board layouts.
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