![]() ![]() Later, a smaller-than-OSM/SMA series was developed, termed OSSM and standardized as SSMA. Omni Spectra had copyrighted the term OSM, and therefore the OSM connector was designated by DSCC as SMA (for Subminiature Type A). MIL-spec documentation first occurred in 1965. This SMA earned the title of SuperSMA it was one of the first field-replaceable types and prompted industry usage of field-replaceable connectors for better performance and reliability, especially for hi-rel, medical, and aerospace applications. In 1996, the three engineers were honored by the IEEE MTT-S with the prestigious Microwave Pioneer Award, saying that this was “an entirely new approach to microwave construction for broadband, compact assemblies to use in missiles and spacecraft, as well as for replacement of waveguide and bulky coax in conventional applications at all microwave frequencies.” The OSM (future SMA) established the foundation for the miniature microwave connectors that are used today.Ĭheal and McHenry, joined by Jim Kubota, who had been engineering manager at Omni Spectra, founded Southwest Microwave (SMI) in 1981, and developed an exceptional thick-walled SMA with uniquely stabilized Teflon that limited expansion at 165˚C to only about 0.001 inch at the interface. A significant step in the microwave industry occurred in 1962, when they left Bendix and formed Omni Spectra Inc., where an equivalent to the BRM was pursued as the OSM (for Omni Spectra Miniature), which they designed to have low VSWR (voltage standing wave ratio) through 26.5 GHz. John Bryant, James (Jim) Cheal and Vincent (Vince) McHenry in 1958 and began life as the BRM connector, an acronym for Bendix Research Miniature connector. The SMA was originally designed at Bendix Research Laboratories by Dr. Adding in the value for cable assemblies, adapters, and housings that use SMAs could multiply that amount by several times. Worldwide, SMAs have the highest dollar sales of all coax connector types, with current annual connector sales estimated to exceed $300 million. ![]() This early, innovative design continues to serve microwave technologies into the 5G era and beyond.Īre you familiar with the SMA connector? Bet you don’t know all the hundreds of variations in use. ![]() ![]() Updated: July 12th, 2022 SMAs represent the most connector sales in the coax connector category. Top 10 Suppliers Series – European Survey.It has a silicon rubber O-ring, which separates the main body and coupling nut for dust resistance.The female connector has a 4.32-mm-long thread for coupling.The male connector is equipped with a 5/16-inch hex nut to allow torque by a 1/2-inch wrench.It uses a 1/4-inch-36-thread-type coupling mechanism.Some mechanical features of the SMA connector include: This was apparently done on purpose by the FCC to prevent home users from damaging sensitive RF equipment when screwing on the antenna. The latter is often placed on and attached to a stable device, whereas the former is located on the detachable wire attachment.Ī newer reverse-polarity SMA specification (RP-SMA or RSMA) reverses the polarity of the genders so that the female connector now has the center pin and the male connector has the center receptacle, but the threads and other features remain the same. The male connector is the one with the center pin and inside threads of size 1/4-inch-36, whereas the female connector is the sleeve counterpart that features an outside thread and is used to hold the connection in place. The main features of this connector are its high mechanical strength and high durability, as evidenced by its robust-looking metal construction. The SMA connector is considered a semi-precision, sub-miniature and high-frequency connector that is rated to deliver reliable broadband performance from DC to 18 GHz, with a constant impedance of 50 ohms and low reflection. Techopedia Explains SubMiniature Version A Connector (SMA Connector) ![]()
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