Why Use High Temperature Coaxial Adapters & How Are They Different?

There are several applications and environments where it is critical to have functioning communications equipment for safety and operational purposes, but these environments expose communications equipment to extremes that are beyond the normal operating range for most common components, devices, and systems. Examples include mining, arid environment, oil and gas processing, industrial manufacturing, metal working, etc. The dangers these environments pose to workers and operators as well and the cost of running these facilities necessitates streamlined and reliable communications. This is why there are versions of coaxial cables, cable assemblies, connectors, and adapters, such as a high temperature 2.92mm Male to 2.4mm female adapter and high temperature 4-hole flange mount 2.4mm female to 2.4mm female adapter.

Key High Temperature Coaxial Connector Adapter Electric Specifications & Performance Parameters

• • Connector Type
• • Connector Angle (straight or right angle)
• • Impedance [Ohms]
• • Frequency Range [Hz]
• • Insertion Loss [dB]
• • Operating Voltage (AC) [VAC]
• • Dielectric Withstanding Voltage (AC) [VAC]
• vInsulation Resistance [Ohms]
• • RF Leakage [dB]
• • Operating temperature range [degrees C]
• • Coaxial cable compatibility (various RG types)
• • Dielectric Type [often PTFE, Teflon, or PEI]
• • Contact Attachment Type (crimp, clamp, solder, field replacement, or crimp/solder)
• • Connector Body Conductor Type (typically brass with plating)

High temperature coaxial connector adapters are also known as extended operating temperature range coaxial connector adapters. As coaxial connectors and adapters are composed mostly of metallic conductors, the major temperature limitation is the dielectric material. Polyetherimide is a common dielectric for high temperature applications as it has an upper working temperature between 170°C and 200°C. There are some important design features associated with the conductors for high temperature coaxial components, as thermal expansion and contraction can lead to connection degradation and failure if improperly designed with thermal expansion in mind. Passivated stainless steel is commonly used for the body and coupling nut for high temperature coaxial connectors, while the contact material is often beryllium copper with gold over nickel plating. This configuration is also common for many coaxial connector applications.

As high temperature coaxial components are often used in military and aerospace applications, they are often made to hold to certain military standards for operating temperature range and other environmental specifications. These include humidity, thermal shock, salt spray, vibration, shock, etc.