Backshells

Amphenol RF backshells are engineered to safeguard cable-to-connector terminations, providing mechanical support, shielding, and optional environmental sealing across a wide variety of RF connector interfaces. Our backshells are available in both in-series and between-series designs to match industry-standard connector types.

Whether deployed in harsh field environments, dense RF racks, or compact embedded modules, backshells help maintain signal integrity and long-term reliability by managing cable burn, shielding transition, and mechanical stress at the mating interface.

Features and Benefits

• Strain relief and mechanical protection — backshells secure cable bundles, control bend radius, and prevent fatigue at connector junctions
• EMI / RFI shielding continuity — conductive backshell designs help maintain shield continuity and reduce stray radiation
• Compact and rugged designs — backshells support deployment in tight spaces or high-vibration systems
• Customizable configurations — for nonstandard geometries or extreme environments, our engineering team can tailor a solution

Key Technical Details

• Impedance
  Typically 50 Ω (some variants designed for 75 Ω applications)
• Frequency range
  Connector-dependent; typical backshells support the same RF frequency range as the mating connector (note: actual usable bandwidth is cable-limited)
• Mating cycles
  Roughly 500 cycles or more (varies by connector series and connector-to-cable assembly configuration)
• Temperature range
  Common range: –65 °C to +165 °C (actual range depends on connector materials, plating, and cable construction)

Applications

Backshells are integral wherever RF connectors meet real-world mechanical and environmental stresses. Typical use cases include:

• Telecommunications base stations and backhaul infrastructure
• Broadcast and video production equipment
• Test and measurement systems
• Military, aerospace, and defense platforms
• Ruggedized instrumentation and sensor systems
• Any cable assembly demanding reliable shielding transitions and strain control

To explore available standard backshell parts, browse our product listings below. If your application requires a custom layout, sealing option, or mechanical adaptation, contact our engineering team to define a backshell solution tailored to your requirements.