There are various types of antenna interfaces, and different application scenarios (such as communications, radio and television, wireless equipment, etc.) will adopt different interface standards. The following are common antenna interface types and their characteristics:

There are various types of antenna interfaces, and different application scenarios (such as communications, radio and television, wireless equipment, etc.) will adopt different interface standards. The following are common antenna interface types and their characteristics:

Ⅰ. Radio frequency (RF) interface

1. SMA（SubMiniature version A）
Features: Threaded connection, diameter approx. 3.5mm, frequency up to 18GHz.
Applications: Wi-Fi routers, walkie-talkies, small cell stations, drones, etc.
Variant: Reverse Polarity SMA (RP-SMA), note compatibility.
2. N-Type
Features: Thread locking, diameter approx. 7mm, impedance 50Ω, high voltage/high power resistance, frequency up to 11GHz.
Applications: Base stations, radars, radio and television transmitting equipment.
3. BNC（Bayonet Neill-Concelman）
Features: Snap-on quick connection, impedance 50Ω or 75Ω, frequency generally ≤ 4GHz.
Applications: Test instruments, surveillance cameras, old communication equipment.
4. TNC（Threaded Neill-Concelman）
Features: Threaded version of BNC, better shock resistance, frequency up to 12GHz.
Application: Mobile communication, aerospace equipment.
5. UHF（PL-259/SO-239）
Features: Threaded connection, impedance 50Ω, but high frequency loss is large, suitable for ≤ 300MHz.
Application: Amateur radio, car antenna.

Ⅱ. TV/satellite interface

1. F-Type
Features: threaded or push-in, impedance 75Ω, low cost, frequency generally ≤ 2GHz.
Applications: Cable TV, satellite receivers (e.g., Dish TV), digital set-top boxes.
2. IEC 61169-24 (Satellite Type F)
Variant: Optimized for satellite signals, anti-corrosion design.

Ⅲ. High-frequency/microwave interface

1. SMB（SubMiniature version B）
Features: Snap-on small interface, frequency ≤ 4GHz.
Applications: GPS module, in-vehicle communication.
2. MCX（Micro Coaxial）
Features: Smaller than SMA, frequency ≤ 6GHz.
Application: Miniaturized devices (e.g. 4G LTE modules).
3. MMCX（Micro-Miniature Coaxial）
Features: Ultra-small, rotatable, frequency ≤ 6GHz.
Applications: embedded devices, IoT terminals.
4. QMA
Features: Quick-swap version of SMA, used in scenarios that require frequent replacement.
5. 7/16 DIN
Features: High power (up to kilowatt level), waterproof design, used for base station antennas.

Ⅳ. Other special interfaces

Lightning connector (for Apple): Some Apple devices have integrated antennas.
PCB interface: such as IPEX (MHF series) for notebook built-in Wi-Fi antenna.

Considerations for selection

1. Impedance matching: 50 Ω (communication) or 75 Ω (video) is required.
2. Frequency range: For high-frequency applications (such as 5GHz Wi-Fi), SMA/N type should be selected to avoid UHF.
3. Durability: Waterproof interface (e.g., TNC) is preferred for outdoor equipment.
4. Compatibility: Pay attention to the correspondence between male and female.

Expand knowledge

5G base station: N-type or 4.3-10 interface is commonly used (smaller, lower loss).
Military grade: SSMA (reduced SMA) or OSX interface may be selected.

Choose the appropriate interface type according to your specific needs (frequency, power, environment).