RP-SMA Terminators

When designing wireless modules, IoT gateways, test instrumentation, or other RF systems with reversed-polarity SMA (RP-SMA) connectors, ensuring that unused or spare ports are properly terminated is key to preserving signal performance and minimizing reflections. RP-SMA terminators are engineered to mate seamlessly with the RP-SMA interface, delivering reliable impedance matching and helping maintain system stability even when ports are idle.

These terminations carry the mechanical and electrical legacy of the RP-SMA connector family—threaded coupling, compact form-factor and excellent durability across frequency and environmental demands. With the RP-SMA connector series offering up to ~18 GHz performance in many configurations, the termination line supports a wide range of RF usage in wireless and instrumentation spaces.

Features and Benefits

• Matched 50 Ω impedance termination for RP-SMA systems—ensures consistent RF performance and minimizes unwanted reflections.
• Thread-coupled RP-SMA interface provides secure mechanical connection, making the terminations rugged enough for lab, field or industrial applications.
• Broad frequency compatibility, aligning with RP-SMA connector capabilities (up to ~18 GHz in many variants) to support modern wireless and instrumentation systems.
• Compact footprint and familiar form-factor, enabling easy integration into RF modules, patch panels, antenna systems and cable assemblies without significant redesign.
• Part of a trusted interconnect ecosystem, giving procurement, engineering and maintenance teams confidence in availability, documentation and lifecycle support.

Key Technical Details

• Impedance: 50 Ω nominal—the standard for RP-SMA connectors and terminators.
• Frequency Range: RP-SMA connector family is rated from DC to ~18 GHz (and up to 34 GHz in extended designs). Actual termination performance is dependent on cable type, assembly and configuration.
• Mating Cycles: The RP-SMA connector series is rated for a minimum of ~500 mating cycles. Termination durability may vary based on environmental conditions and mounting.
• Temperature Range: RP-SMA connectors from Amphenol RF list a typical range of –65 °C to +165 °C. Individual terminator offerings should be verified for exact rating.
• Special Features: Threaded coupling for vibration resistance, compact form factor suited for dense layouts and broad impedance matching. Note: standard RP-SMA terminators are not documented as hermetically sealed or IP67 rated unless explicitly stated in the part datasheet.

Applications

• Wireless infrastructure, IoT and embedded RF systems employing RP-SMA connectors—terminators used to close off unused ports, ensuring system RF stability.
• Test and measurement equipment where RP-SMA interfaces are used and calibration or idle ports require stable termination to prevent measurement errors.
• Antenna systems, distribution and patch-panel assemblies where RP-SMA ports must be terminated to maintain signal integrity and reduce leakage.
• Cable-assembly builds and modular system designs leveraging RP-SMA connectors where inventory of matched terminations simplifies integration and maintenance.
• Industrial, commercial and telecommunications platforms where the RP-SMA threaded interface is standard and reliable 50 Ω terminations are required.

Browse the full RP-SMA terminator catalogue from Amphenol RF. If your system requires custom power-rating, alternate termination configuration, special finish or environmental sealing, contact our engineering team to discuss a tailored solution.