An encyclopedia about TNC connector
July 6,2025
1. Full name and origin
TNC stands for Threaded Neill–Concelman, a radio frequency connector invented by Paul Neill of Bell Labs and Carl Concelman of Amphenol in the late 1950s. TNC connector is a threaded version of BNC connector, with better mechanical properties and vibration resistance, suitable for high-frequency applications, with a maximum operating frequency of up to 11 GHz. The “Threaded” in its name means that it uses a threaded connection, and “Neill” and “Concelman” are the surnames of the two inventors.
2. Development Background and History
Background: To solve the problem of BNC connectors being easy to loosen and causing large signal loss at microwave frequencies, TNC uses threaded coupling to improve high-frequency stability.
History: With the rise of microwave communication demand in the 1950s, TNC was rapidly applied to high-vibration scenarios such as military radar and aerospace because of its superior vibration resistance compared to BNC.
3. Basic structure and working principle
construction of TNC connector
Plug: A metal shell with external threads and a gold-plated inner conductor needle in the center.
Jack: An interface with internal threads, containing an insulating medium (such as PTFE) and a contact groove.
principles of TNC connectors
The inner and outer conductors are in close contact by screwing, and the impedance matching (50Ω/75Ω) ensures low-loss transmission of RF signals. The thread design reduces poor contact caused by vibration and improves stability.
4. Main features of TNC connector
4.1 . Operating frequency range
50Ω type: DC-11GHz (standard version), precision version up to 18GHz.
75Ω type: DC-1GHz (recommended upper limit 1GHz).
| Electrical Data | 50Ω TNC | 75Ω TNC |
|---|---|---|
| Dielectric Withstanding Voltage (at sea level, in V rms, 50Hz) | 1500 | |
| Working Voltage (at sea level, in V rms, 50Hz) | ≤500 | |
| Impedance | 50 Ω | 75 Ω |
| Frequency Range | DC up to 11 GHz | DC up to 1 GHz |
| Insulation Resistance | ≥5000M Ω | |
| Contact Resistance Inner Conductor | ≤2m Ω | |
| Contact Resistance Outer Conductor | ≤1m Ω | |
4.2 . Impedance type
50Ω: Mainstream type, used in communication equipment and radar.
75Ω: Less common, used in low-frequency scenarios such as broadcasting and television.
4.3. Vibration resistance
The thread design provides strong mechanical locking, and the contact stability in a vibration environment far exceeds that of snap-on connectors (such as BNC), making it suitable for aircraft and vehicle-mounted equipment.
4.4. Materials and corrosion protection
Shell: Nickel-plated copper alloy, resistant to salt spray corrosion (in accordance with MIL-STD-202 standard).
Inner conductor: Gold-plated brass, anti-oxidation and low contact resistance.
Insulator: PTFE (Teflon), high temperature resistant (-65°C to +165°C).
4.5. Application areas
Communications: Cellular base station antennas, satellite communications, Wi-Fi routers.
Military: radar systems, tactical radios.
Aerospace: aircraft navigation, satellite signal transmission.
Industrial: Test instruments (such as spectrum analyzers).
4.6 . Advantages and limitations
| advantage | limitation |
|---|---|
| High vibration resistance (threaded design) | Upper frequency limit is lower than SMA (11GHz vs 18GHz) |
| Environmental adaptability (waterproof and dustproof) | Large size, not suitable for scenarios with limited space |
| Durability (plug and unplug ≥ 500 times) | 75Ω type has narrow frequency range (DC-1GHz only) |
| High withstand voltage (500V) |
5. Comparison between TN C connector and other connectors
Differences between TNC connector and BNC connector
| characteristic | TNC Connectors | BNC Connectors |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | Thread tightening | Bayonet |
| Vibration resistance | Excellent (thread locking) | Poor (easy to loosen) |
| Operating frequency | Up to 11GHz | up to 4GHz |
| Applicable scenarios | High vibration environments (aircraft, radar) | Test equipment, TV signal |
Summary: TNC is suitable for high frequency and vibration-resistant scenes with rigid requirements (such as military/5G) , while BNC is suitable for medium and low frequency and fast plug-in fields (such as video/testing)
5.1 . The difference between TNC connector and SMA connector
| characteristic | TNC Connectors | SMA Connectors |
|---|---|---|
| Interface size | 9.7mm outer diameter, larger inner diameter | Outer diameter 6.1mm, more compact |
| Frequency range | DC-11GHz | DC-18GHz (higher accuracy) |
| Vibration resistance | Excellent (thread) | Medium (threaded but miniaturized and vulnerable) |
| Typical Applications | Outdoor base stations, high vibration environments | Precision instruments, high frequency testing |
Summary: SMA is suitable for high-frequency and precision scenarios , while TNC is suitable for outdoor vibration resistance needs.
5.2 . Differences between TNC connector and SMB connector
| characteristic | TNC Connectors | SMB Connector |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | Thread | Snap-on (quick plug and unplug) |
| Frequency range | DC-11GHz | DC-4GHz |
| Mechanical strength | High (metal housing) | Lower (mostly plastic shell) |
| cost | Higher | Low (economical solution) |
Summary: SMB is used in low-cost, low-frequency scenarios , while TNC is suitable for high reliability requirements.
5.3 . Differences between TNC connector and SMC connector
| characteristic | TNC Connectors | SMC Connectors |
|---|---|---|
| size | Larger | Ultra-compact (miniaturized design) |
| Ease of installation | Tools required for tightening | Push-pull type (quick installation) |
| High frequency performance | Excellent (11GHz) | Poor (up to 10GHz) |
Summary: SMC is used in scenarios with extremely limited space , while TNC has more stable performance.
5.4 . Differences between TNC connector and N-type connector
| characteristic | TNC | N-type |
|---|---|---|
| size | Smaller | Larger (thicker outer conductor) |
| Power handling | Medium (1000W@1GHz) | High (suitable for high-power base stations) |
| Outdoor adaptability | Excellent (dustproof and waterproof) | Better (but bulkier) |
| Similarity | Compatible with mini-N connector |
Summary: N-type is suitable for high-power scenarios (such as broadcast towers) while TNC is lighter and has similar vibration resistance.
5.5 . Differences between TNC connectors and fiber optic connectors
| characteristic | TNC connector (electrical signal) | Fiber Optic Connectors (Optical Signals) |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Media | Electrical signal (coaxial cable) | Optical signal (fiber optic) |
| Bandwidth/interference immunity | Low (susceptible to electromagnetic interference) | Very high (anti-electromagnetic interference) |
| Hybrid System | Can be used for RF over Fiber | As a light transmission subject |
Summary: Fiber optics are suitable for high-speed data communications while TNCs take on the role of RF interface in hybrid systems.
6. Summary and other
Key factors: frequency requirements (choose SMA for high frequency), environment (choose TNC for vibration), space (choose SMC for compactness), and cost (choose SMB for economy).
TNC is applicable for scenarios requiring vibration resistance (such as in vehicles and airplanes), outdoor environments (dustproof and waterproof), and medium and high frequency communications (≤11GHz).
6.2 . Future development trends
Waterproof and dustproof upgrade: Enhanced sealing technology to adapt to extreme environments (such as 5G base stations).
Miniaturization: Development of Mini-TNC (reduced size but maintained performance).
High-frequency extension: Optimized design supports higher frequencies (above 18GHz).
6.3. Advantages of TNC Connectors
TNC connectors are irreplaceable in the fields of communications, military, and aerospace due to the vibration resistance and environmental adaptability of their threaded design. In the future, they will further improve high-frequency performance and compactness through material innovation and structural optimization.
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