SMA Connector on antenna

[dmanderks]

Is there a way of figuring out what SMA-RF adapter is in a specific antenna? Does it even matter?
antenna: PA90-6-SMA-F
When I google the antenna I find this:

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Amphenol/2990-6005?qs=sGAEpiMZZMu2MsBvHNoAnJDE%252BPITTBNC%2FoLcVoQoQ4A%3D

 

[dick_freebird]

SMA is "standard" like BNC, multiple vendors. There's
also a SMB which I have no real idea about.

What you show is a SMA bulkhead pass-through connector.
I see on rare occasions, RF blocks with a male SMA but the
norm is male cable, and female "box" fittings.

 

[D.A.(Tony)Stewart]

There are many types of SMA-F connectors for PCBs , bulkheads etc used by antenna. Usually 50 Ohms, not always.

what did you need to know?

You show this. RF Adapters - In Series SMA F to F Bulkhead Adapter

there are more than these below

https://www.mouser.com/c/connectors/rf-interconnects/rf-connectors-coaxial-connectors/?gender=Female%7C~Jack%20%28Socket%29%7C~Socket%20%28Female%29&impedance=50%20Ohms&product=Connectors&rf%20series=SMA

 

[G4BCH]

As dick_freebird says you have linked to an SMA bulk head connector, first this is not the antenna. and will not help you at all, and second, according to https://aerobasegroup.com/part-number/pa90-6-sma-f_01-523-7002 the antenna has a precision N female connector.

This may of course be incorrect, the SMA part of the part number here may be a bit confusing. I would not have used SMA as part of the number if it uses an N type.

If it is the case that it has an N connector then connect to it using a precision N male. If it is not a critical application you can get away with a standard N, but you do run the risk of damagiing the better connector. I would recommend you use a precision connector, at 8 - 12GHz it does matter for best performance.
If you are not experienced at assembling microwave cables and connectors buy a ready made cable assembly. Connectors and cables for that frequency are expensive, it does not take many failures to cover the cost of a decent assembly.

 

[D.A.(Tony)Stewart]

The input to the assembly is N type -F but the antenna port is SMA. hence it has an internal adapter that depends on path length, geometry, frequency losses at 12 GHz and thus cost.

 

[dick_freebird]

The input to the assembly is N type -F but the antenna port is SMA. hence it has an internal adapter that depends on path length, geometry, frequency losses at 12 GHz and thus cost.

There are (and I have some) N-to-SMA adaptors. Believe
I also have seen N to SMA cables on other peoples' racks
but I stick to all SMA cabling, and adapt.

For long hauls I believe fatter cables (as would likely be
found on N - N cables) are less lossy than skinny SMA
cables tend to be? But I'm no RF test expert, just muddled
through a few episodes.

 

[D.A.(Tony)Stewart]

There are (and I have some) N-to-SMA adaptors. Believe
I also have seen N to SMA cables on other peoples' racks
but I stick to all SMA cabling, and adapt.

For long hauls I believe fatter cables (as would likely be
found on N - N cables) are less lossy than skinny SMA
cables tend to be? But I'm no RF test expert, just muddled
through a few episodes.

If one can make them, use semi-rigid only on SMA. Not hard to make and very reliable, low loss. Just like skinny copper tubing. tin-plated for long life.