The Bayonet Neill Concelman (BNC) connector is a miniature quick connect/disconnect radio frequency (RF) connector for coaxial cable and video and RF applications in 10Base-2 Ethernet systems. These connectors are some of the most widely used RF connectors because of their ease of use and high performance.
BNC connector performance
BNCs are constant impedance connectors - they have the same characteristic impedance throughout the connection, the same as coaxial cable. This makes the BNC connector ideal for RF applications, as the RF signal traveling along the coaxial cable does not experience any impedance change as it passes through the BNC connector, reducing reflections and losses.
BNCs are male connectors with pins on each end for connecting the main leads. They have a swivel ring on the outside of the tube to lock the cable to any female connector. This locking mechanism prevents accidental disconnection if the cable is pulled. There are two different types of locking mechanisms that enable this secure connection:
1. Twist and snap: This design with interlocking studs and slots is designed for quick mating. An audible "pop" indicates proper connection.
2. TNC (Threaded Nut Coupling): This is the threaded version of BNC, which uses threads instead of locking pins and slots for a secure connection.
BNC connectors typically use voltages below 500 volts and frequencies below 3 GHz, but can handle frequencies up to 4 GHz. Their specifications may vary by manufacturer, but the following specifications are generally uniform across all BNC connectors:
Frequency Range: Up to 11 GHz (0 – 4 GHz, low reflection)
Impedance: 50 ohms, 75 ohms
Dielectric withstand voltage: 1500 VRMS
Mating cycle: 500
Temperature Rating: -65°C to +165°C
Diameter (Male): 14.0 mm / 0.570 in
Diameter (female): 11.1 mm / 0.436 in
Coupling mechanism: bayonet coupling
Interface Standards: CECC 22121, IEC 61169-8, MIL-STD-348B
Application of BNC Connector
The most common applications for BNC connectors are related to video and RF functions such as test equipment, nuclear instrumentation, avionics (avionics), radio antennas, and analog and serial digital interface video signals.
BNC connectors can be used as an alternative to RCA connectors for the transmission of composite video signals on commercial video equipment. Consumer electronics built with RCA jacks can often also be used with BNC commercial video equipment by using an adapter.
Recording studios also use BNC connectors to synchronize the various components of digital recording equipment through the transmission of wordclock timing signals.
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