Hi - I want to replace the antenna connectors on my HAC-UM96 modules. I want to use the same connector type, but I want to switch from a right angle to a vertical mount connector.
I’ve been looking at this connector: http://www.molex.com/customer.html?supplierPN=733910060 Mouser has em for $3 and their footprint matches that of the connector used on the HAC-UM96 boards. The connector type (sma) is the same as the hac-um96 board as well, I believe. The thing that worries me is that it says it has an impedance of 50 ohms. Is that normal? I’m used to connectors having no impedance - but I’m not a big RF guy. Do I want a connector with a 50 ohm impedance?
As far as I know there are only two variations of SMA…
normal
and
reverse polarity or “RP” suffix on some part numbers. The RP parts have male and female opposite what normal plug and socket have. Same for TNC and others used on WiFi, and I suppose, 802.15.4 and so on.
the RP is used in WiFi and some other FCC Part 15 devices to meet a regulation requiring so-called non-standard connectors. This is to discourage joe-blow-user from connecting antennas that were not included when the device was tested for FCC certification purposes. You are supposed to re-test and re-submit if you alter the antenna. ($$$ for the test labs).
50 ohm is the most common impedance for RF/antenna systems.