RP-SMA Male Input to 2 RP-SMA Female Output T-Type RF Connector Splitter

SMA (SubMiniature Version A) and RP-SMA (Reverse Polarity SMA) connectors are two common types of coaxial connectors used in radio frequency (RF) communications. Here’s an overview of both:

1. SMA (SubMiniature Version A) Connector

• Definition: SMA connectors are small coaxial connectors designed for high-performance over a wide frequency range, typically from 0 to 18 GHz.
• Applications: SMA connectors are commonly used in radio systems, Wi-Fi antennas, microwave applications, radio transmitters, GPS systems, RF circuits, and high-frequency test equipment.
• Design: SMA connectors come in male and female versions. In standard SMA connectors:
  • The male connector has an outer threaded coupling and an inner pin as the center conductor.
  • The female connector has an inner socket for the center conductor and an outer threaded portion to engage the male.
• Advantages: They provide low signal loss at high frequencies, have a durable mechanical design, are compact, and are widely applicable.

2. RP-SMA (Reverse Polarity SMA) Connector

• Definition: RP-SMA is a variation of the SMA connector with reverse polarity. The mechanical design is altered, reversing the gender of the inner conductor while retaining the outer shell’s standard threading.
• Difference: The main difference between SMA and RP-SMA connectors is in the gender of the inner conductor:
  • SMA Male: Has outer threads and an inner pin.
  • RP-SMA Male: Has outer threads but an inner socket (instead of a pin).
  • SMA Female: Has no outer threads and an inner socket.
  • RP-SMA Female: Has no outer threads but an inner pin (instead of a socket).
• Applications: RP-SMA connectors are widely used in Wi-Fi antennas, wireless routers, Bluetooth devices, and various RF applications. They are often used by manufacturers to prevent users from connecting non-compliant antennas.
• Regulation: Reverse polarity is often used to ensure devices remain compliant with regulatory standards, such as those imposed by the FCC, by preventing incompatible antennas from being used.

Summary:

• SMA Connector: Standard polarity with the male having a pin and the female having a socket. It is used across a broad range of RF applications.
• RP-SMA Connector: Reverse polarity, with the male having a socket and the female having a pin, often found in Wi-Fi applications and designed to prevent the use of incorrect antennas.

Both connectors offer reliable, low-loss connections at high frequencies, but RP-SMA adds a layer of compatibility control by reversing the inner conductor's gender.