Which RF Connectors and Cable Types Are Available at OnlineCables?

Updated

OnlineCables (operated by Applied Interconnect) offers custom RF coaxial cable assemblies built around a broad connector and cable selection. According to the site, connector options include SMA, SSMA, BNC, SMP, TNC, N, MMCX, MCX, SMB, SSMB, F, UHF, SMC, and SSMC, while cable categories cover semi-rigid, flexible coax, conformable coax, VNA cables, Heliax, circular, and military assemblies. The catalog spans DC to 40 GHz, and the company also builds custom connectors and specialty assemblies beyond the standard list. If your design uses one of these interfaces and a coax style in this range, you can likely configure it as a custom assembly; anything outside the listed options requires a special request by phone.

Connector Options

The site lists the following RF connector types for custom cable assemblies:

Connector Typical Role
SMA / SSMA Small threaded interfaces common in microwave and instrumentation work
BNC Bayonet-lock connectors for general RF and test use
TNC Threaded version of BNC for higher-vibration environments
N Larger threaded connector for higher-power or outdoor RF
SMP / SMC / SSMC Sub-miniature and push-on or threaded interfaces for dense packaging
MCX / MMCX Micro-miniature snap-on connectors for compact assemblies
SMB / SSMB Sub-miniature snap-on connectors
F Common video and broadband RF interface
UHF Rugged, older-style connector for lower-frequency RF

Custom connectors are also available, including versions made from stainless steel or other materials. That matters if your assembly needs a non-standard body material or a connector that isn't in the standard list.

Cable and Assembly Categories

OnlineCables organizes its RF cable offerings into these categories:

  • Semi-rigid coax — formed coaxial cable for fixed, precision runs
  • Flexible coax — bendable cable for routing where semi-rigid won't work
  • Conformable coax — hand-formable cable that holds its shape
  • VNA cables — assemblies intended for vector network analyzer test setups
  • Heliax — corrugated coaxial cable, typically for lower-loss runs
  • Circular and military assemblies — including MIL-STD-38999 harnesses
  • Custom military harnesses — built to military program requirements

Beyond cables, the company lists related custom assemblies: waveguide adapters, filters, and power distribution assemblies. It also produces RF delay lines and phase-matched assemblies, which are relevant if timing or phase consistency across a run is part of your requirement.

Jacket and Material Choices

Custom cable assemblies can be built with Silicone, PTFE, ETFE, FEP, and Estane jackets. These choices affect flexibility, temperature behavior, and abrasion resistance, so the right pick depends on where the cable will be installed. The site does not publish a per-material specification table, so confirm the exact jacket for your environment when you order.

What This Means for Your Design

Use the list above as a first filter:

  1. Check the connector. If your interface is SMA, BNC, N, TNC, SMP, MMCX, or another listed type, it fits the standard custom-assembly flow.
  2. Check the cable style. Semi-rigid, flexible, conformable, VNA, Heliax, and military categories are all offered.
  3. Check the frequency. The published range is DC to 40 GHz; confirm your operating frequency against the specific cable and connector combination.
  4. Check the extras. Delay lines, phase matching, custom connector materials, waveguide adapters, filters, and power distribution assemblies are available as specials.

If your part isn't on the site, the company explicitly invites special requests by phone at 408-749-9900. Assemblies are RoHS compliant, and the quality program is ISO-9001:2015 certified with J-STD-001 certification; commercial workmanship follows IPC/WHMA-A-620.

Practical Notes Before Ordering

  • Minimum order: $150.
  • Standard delivery: typically 2–4 working days ARO, though custom or special items may differ.
  • Design online: the site lets you configure assemblies in seconds using your part numbers and logos and save the drawings.
  • Lead-free options: available on request by phone.

The connector and cable lists above come directly from the site's published capabilities, but the site does not detail every cable's electrical specs (loss, impedance tolerance, temperature rating). For a design where those numbers are critical, request the datasheet for the specific cable-connector pairing before committing to an order.