Shorting Caps

Amphenol RF’s shorting caps are engineered to protect idle RF connector interfaces by providing a controlled short circuit at the open end, preserving system integrity and safeguarding against electrostatic or stray interference. We offer shorting caps in both in-series and between-series styles for all industry standard connector interfaces.

These caps serve as essential accessories in RF systems—preventing damage, isolating ports, and maintaining electrical continuity when connectors are not mated. Whether used in laboratory setups, field instrumentation, or telecom infrastructure, shorting caps provide a passive solution that enhances reliability and reduces risks of connector contamination or disruption.

Features and Benefits

• Connector-compatible across major RF types — available for SMA, BNC, N-Type, and APC-3.5.
• Enhanced port protection — helps prevent ingress of dust, moisture, or debris into unmated connectors
• Electrical isolation control — provides a controlled short to ground when a port is idle
• Robust mechanical design — manufactured from corrosion-resistant metals with durable finishes
• Retention options — many models include chains, tethering, or captive mounting to reduce risk of loss in field environments
• Compact and low-profile — minimal footprint, allowing easy integration into dense connector panels

Key Technical Details

• Impedance
   Shorting caps are passive protective devices and do not carry a nominal signal impedance, but are designed to not adversely impact the impedance environment of the surrounding network.
• Frequency range
   Since they are for protective use, frequency is not typically a limiting factor—but their physical geometry is designed to minimize interference within the operational RF band of the mating connector.
• Mating cycles
   Although not a “mating” device in the classic sense, shorting caps with threaded, snap, or push-fit retention features are designed for many cycles of installation and removal under proper conditions.
• Temperature range
   Typical material and construction support –65 °C to +165 °C (subject to specific plating, insulator, or gasket materials).
• Special features
   Metallic construction for EMI continuity, chains or tethers, corrosion-resistant plating, captive retention, protective cover geometry

Applications

Shorting caps are used across a variety of RF systems and environments where unused connector ports present risk. Typical applications include:

• Redundant or modular systems where ports may be temporarily unused
• Test benches and lab setups requiring safe termination of open ports
• Field-ready instrumentation and telecom gear in transit or standby
• Ensuring connector cleanliness and integrity during storage or installation
• Enabling safe maintenance modes in RF front-end systems
• As part of protective accessory kits for high-value RF installations

Explore our lineup of shorting caps within the RF Accessories section on our website. If your system requires a custom shorting geometry, special tethering, or unusual interfacing, contact our engineering team to develop a tailored shorting cap solution.