A BNC connector, or Bayonet-Neill-Concelman connector, is a miniature coaxial cable connector used to connect devices used in radio frequency applications with cable having a square outer conductor and a cylindrical center conductor. BNC connectors provide a robust and reliable connection with low signal loss, which is why they are commonly used in professional video, audio, and radio frequency applications.
What Does a BNC Connector Look Like?
A BNC connector has a threaded connector and 2 opposing tabs on the outer surface of the connector body. The tabs fit into slots on the BNC jack or panel mount connector, securing the connection in place. The inner conductor of the coaxial cable protrudes from the center of the connector and attaches to the center pin inside the BNC jack.
How Does a BNC Connector Work?
BNC connectors use a bayonet coupling to engage and lock the connectors together. As you push the connectors together, the tabs on the plug connector slide into the slots on the jack connector. You then twist the plug to lock the connectors together, ensuring a secure connection.
The coaxial lines carry high-frequency signals between devices with minimal signal loss. When the BNC connectors are engaged properly, the conductive surfaces of the outer conductor and center conductor create a continuous path, allowing the signal to pass through unimpeded. Any air gaps or imperfections in the connection can cause signal loss, so BNC connectors are designed to clamp the coaxial cable in place when locked together.
Applications for BNC Connectors
- Professional video and audio equipment: BNC connectors are commonly used to connect video cameras, monitors, cable TV equipment, audio mixers, and loudspeakers.
- RF and microwave equipment: BNC connectors can handle high-frequency signals up to 3 GHz, so they are used in equipment like radio transmitters, receivers, antenna equipment.
- Laboratory equipment: BNC connectors are frequently used to connect equipment like oscilloscopes, function generators, power meters, and spectrum analyzers.
- Testing equipment: BNC connectors facilitate connecting adapters, attenuators, amplifiers and other devices used for testing signals.
- Coaxial cables: BNC connectors are used to connect and join sections of coaxial cable together or connect a coaxial cable to a device.
In summary, BNC connectors provide a durable, low-loss connection for high-frequency signals used in professional video, audio, and radio frequency equipment. When used properly, BNC connectors deliver signal clarity and help equipment perform as intended, making them an essential component for many applications.
