Amphenol RF Announces New SlimLine BNC Connector Series

Amphenol RF introduces the new generation of quality BNC connectors for the telecommunication and broadband applications for higher connector densities while preserving the positive characteristics of the Amphenol full-size BNC’s for 75 ohm systems. This allows 40% more interconnects in the same area.

The SlimLine BNC series provides a positive locking bayonet system where SMB and SMZ system have no locking feature. The SMB and SMZ were not designed to be field installed or repaired, while the SlimLine BNC is specifically designed to be a drop-in replacement and used with the Telco DS3 application and is compatible with the present field installer tooling and strip dimensions.

Key Design Features:

• Crimp/Crimp Design – Compatible with Trompeter tooling.
• Same Standard Installation Tooling – The current tooling of the Telco DSC cable terminations assignment is the best in class and is accepted world-wide for Telco installers.
• Same Foot Print on the Jack Side – Mostly all high-density applications use SMB or SMZ jacks. The SlimLine BNC is a drop-in replacement to the foot print, allowing easy implementation of Amphenol RF products.
• 75 ohm – Amphenol RF manufactures to stay at this impedance over the frequencies of choice. This allows room for movement up the frequency chain and presents matched impedance.
• Bayonet Locking Coupling Mechanism – The key advantage of the SlimLine BNC connector over a threaded alternative is the quick connect and disconnect. This mechanism is positive and can be felt when mated.

1. Electrical Requirements:

1.1. Dielectric Withstanding Voltage – There shall be no evidence of breakdown or flashover between the center contact and the outer body when connectors are tested in accordance with MIL-STD-1344, method 3001, test condition I, with a voltage of 1000 VAC at a duration of 5 seconds minimum.

1.2. Insulation Resistance – The insulation resistance between the center contact and the outer body shall be greater than 1000 Mega-ohms at 500 volts when tested in accordance with MIL-STD-1344, method 3003.

1.3. Working Voltage – 400 VAC, peak

1.4. Impedance – 75 Ohms with acceptable return loss up through 1 GHz

1.5. Initial Contact Resistance – The contact resistance of the center contact shall not exceed 12 milli-ohms at a current of 5 milli-amps maximum with a maximum open circuit of 20 milli-volts when tested in accordance with MIL-STD-202, method 307.

1.6. Contact Resistance After Environment – The contact resistance of the center contact shall not exceed 12 milli-ohms at a current of 5 milli-amps maximum with a maximum open circuit of 20 milli-volts when tested in accordance with MIL-STD-202, method 307.

1.7. Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) – The VSWR shall not exceed 1.10, up to 750 MHz and 1.16 up to 1 GHz, when tested in accordance with MIL-STD-1344, method 3005. This is equal to return loss values of -26.44 dB and -22.61 dB, respectively.

1.8. Insertion Loss – 0.1 dB maximum, up to 1 GHz when tested in accordance with MIL-C-39012.

2. Mechanical Requirements:

2.1. Visual and Mechanical – Connectors shall be visually examined to verify they have been processed in such a manner as to be uniform in quality and free from defects that would affect appearance, serviceability, and reliability.


2.2. Materials and Finishes

2.2.1. Body – Brass per ASTM-B16, nickel-plated per QQ-N-290, class 1, 0.0001 inches thick minimum. Zinc-alloy die cast per ASTM-B86, nickel-plated per QQ-N-290, class 2, 0.0001 inches thick minimum is allowed as an alternative.

2.2.2. Bayonet Sleeve - Brass per ASTM-B16, nickel-plated per MIL-C-26074, class 1, 0.0001 inches thick minimum. Zinc-alloy die cast per ASTM-B86, nickel-plated per MIL-C-26074, class 1, 0.00050 minimum over copper per MIL-C-14550, 0.000080 inches thick minimum.

2.2.3. Dielectric – Solid PTFE per ASTM-D1710, type II or FEP per ASTM-D2116, type II.

2.2.4. Spring Finger – Beryllium copper per ASTM-B194, age-hardened to Rc 36-44 or phosphorous bronze per ASTM-B139; nickel-plated per QQ-N-290, class 1, 0.0001 inches thick minimum.

2.2.5. Gasket – Silicone per ZZ-R-765, class 2B.

2.2.6. Spring Washer – Beryllium copper per ASTM-B194, age-hardened to Rc 36-44, nickel-plated per MIL-P-27418, 0.0002 inches thick minimum.

2.2.7. Washer – Brass per ASTM-B36, nickel-plated per QQ-N-290, class 1, 0.0001 inches thick minimum. Plastic is allowed as an alternative for this component.

2.2.8. Crimp Sleeve – Brass per ASTM-B16, sulfamate nickel-plated per MIL-P-27418, 0.0002 inches thick minimum.

2.2.9. Center Contact Retention – The center contact shall not dislocate when an axial load of 6 pounds is applied per MIL-STD-1344, method 2007. This is a measurement of contact retention within the dielectric and is tested prior to cable crimping.

2.2.10. Crimp Strength – The crimp strength (cable retention) for the overall terminated connector shall be as follows: 50 pounds minimum average for 735 type cables and 70 pounds minimum average for 734 type cables. Note that this may vary due to cable manufacturer, braid stand count, and cable stripping practices.

2.2.11. Spring Finger Engagement/Withdrawal Force – The engagement force shall be 1.5 pounds minimum, 5 pounds maximum and the withdrawal force shall be 12 ounces minimum using a 0.246 +0.000/-0.001 I.D. 16 micro-inch finish steel test ring gage.


2.3. Environmental Requirements:

2.3.1. Temperature Cycling – Initial contact resistance shall be measured, followed by 50 12-hour cycles of minus 40 degrees Celsius to plus 85 degrees Celsius with contact resistance per paragraph 1.6

2.3.2. Temperature Life – Initial contact resistance per paragraph 1.5 shall be measured, followed by 1000 hours of exposure at 105 degrees +/- 2 degrees Celsius per MIL-STD-202, method 108, condition D with contact resistance and ground finger continuity testing per 2.3.5 at conclusion of test.

2.3.3. Corrosion Resistance – Connectors shall be exposed to salt spray testing per MIL-STD-1344, method 1001, condition B.

2.3.4. Durability – Connectors shall be mated and unmated for 500 cycles, not exceeding 10 cycles per minute, with no evidence of damage detrimental to normal operation.

2.3.5. Ground Finger Continuity Test – The connector spring finger shall retain a 260 gram minimum load and shall comply with contact resistance per paragraph 1.5 after applying a 40-pound force in 4 axes at the rear of a semi-mated plug.

2.3.6. Vibration – There shall be no physical damage, loosening of parts, or DS3 bit loss when connectors are subjected to testing per MIL-STD-1344, method 1001 at 20 G’s/10 Hz to 2 kHz.

2.3.7. Mechanical Shock – There shall be no physical damage, loosening of parts, or DS3 bit loss when connectors are subjected to testing per MIL-STD-1344, method 2004, condition D.

2.3.8. Humidity – Connectors shall meet DWV requirements per paragraph 1.2, I.R per paragraph 1.3, and contact resistance per paragraph 1.6 after exposure to 504 hours at 40 degrees Celsius with a relative humidity of 90% to 95% per MIL-STD-1344, method 1002, condition C.