Connectors - BNC

BNC Connectors

BNC (Bayonet Neill-Concelman) connectors are quick-connect coaxial RF connectors named for Paul Neill and Carl Concelman. The familiar bayonet coupling uses two lugs on the female connector and two locking slots on the male connector, allowing the connection to be made or removed with a short twist rather than threading the connectors together.

BNC connectors are widely used for RF, radio, test equipment, instrumentation, video, and other coaxial applications. They are available in numerous configurations, including male and female cable connectors, bulkhead connectors, right-angle connectors, tees, adapters, and panel-mount styles.

50 Ohm and 75 Ohm BNC Connectors

BNC connectors are commonly manufactured in both 50-ohm and 75-ohm versions. The correct impedance should be selected for the system and application. 50-ohm BNC connectors are commonly associated with RF and communications equipment, while 75-ohm versions are frequently encountered in video and other 75-ohm systems. Other impedance variations have also existed for specialized applications such as older ARCNET and Ethernet networks.

BNC vs. MHV — Important Safety Note

BNC and MHV connectors can appear very similar. In some cases, incompatible connectors may appear capable of being forced together, but they should not be treated as interchangeable. MHV connectors may be used in high-voltage applications, and incorrect mating can defeat the intended high-voltage protection and create a serious electrical safety hazard. Always identify the connector type before attempting to mate an unfamiliar BNC- or MHV-style connection.

BNC and TNC Connectors

The TNC connector is closely related to the BNC but uses a threaded coupling rather than the BNC bayonet connection. The threaded interface provides a more secure connection and generally better performance at higher frequencies and in environments where vibration or movement could be a concern.

Selecting a BNC Connector for Your Coax

A BNC connector must also match the coaxial cable on which it will be installed. Cable diameter, center conductor size, dielectric dimensions, braid or shield construction, and the connector's attachment method all affect compatibility. A connector described simply as "BNC" is therefore not necessarily suitable for every type of coax.

Common RF Cable Ferrule HEX Crimp Die Sizes*

.429" — LMR-400, RG-8, RG-11, RG-213, RG-214, Belden 8214/9913
.255" — LMR-240, RG-6, RG-8X, RG-59, RG-62, RG-223
.213" — LMR-195/200, RG-58, RG-142, RG-400
.178" — LMR-100/110, RG-174, RG-178, RG-188, RG-196

*The hex crimp sizes shown are nominal sizes. Always verify the required crimp dimensions with the connector manufacturer when the correct size is not known. Connector dimensions can vary between manufacturers and individual connector designs.

The majority of our brand center RF pins are designed to be soldered rather than crimped.