Products HomePremium Microwave Cables and Adapters
- Flexible, Low-Loss, High-Frequency Microwave Cables
- SMP, SMA, 2.92 mm, and 2.4 mm Cables and Adapters
- Options for Frequencies up to 50 GHz
SMM12
SMA Male Cable
KMM24
2.92 mm Male Cable
KMF
2.92 mm M-to-F Adapter
TMKM4
2.92 mm Male-to-2.4 mm Male Adapter Cable
SFGF6
SMA Female-to-SMP Female Adapter Cable
TMM
2.4 mm M-to-M Adapter
TFKM
2.4 mm Female to
2.92 mm Male Adapter
Please Wait
Click to Enlarge
Offered Connector Types
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A torque wrench with a preset torque value should always be used to mate these coaxial connectors. Not doing so can damage the cable or reduce its overall performance. Wrenches for use with SMA or 2.92 mm and 2.4 mm connectors are available below.
Click to Enlarge
Each cable is labeled with its item number for identification.
Janis Valdmanis, Ph.D. Optics
Ultrafast Optoelectronics
General Manager
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Features
- Flexible Microwave Cables, Adapter Cables, and Adapters
- Broad Frequency Ranges:
- SMP: DC - 18 GHz
- SMA: DC - 26 GHz
- 2.92 mm: DC - 40 GHz
- 2.4 mm: DC - 50 GHz
- Cables Available with SMA, 2.92 mm, 2.4 mm, or SMP (GPO® Compatible) Connectors
- Adapter Cables for SMA to SMP or 2.4 mm to 2.92 mm
- Adapters for 2.4 mm, 2.92 mm, or 2.4 mm to 2.92 mm
- Low Insertion Loss and VSWR (See Specs Tab)
- Preset Torque Wrenches Ensure Proper Mating Torque is Supplied
Thorlabs' Microwave Cables and Adapter Cables are flexible, high-performance, coaxial cable assemblies designed for use out to 50 GHz, depending on connector type (see the image to the right). The design gives these cables flexibility while maintaining optimal performance. They exhibit low VSWRs (Voltage Standing Wave Ratios) over the usable frequency range, as well as low insertion losses (see the Specs tab). These cables are each tested to ensure performance.
The frequency range and connector types supported by these cables and adapter cables are well suited for use with our High-Speed, Fiber-Coupled Electro-Optic (EO) Modulators.
Microwave Cables
We offer four styles of microwave cables: SMP, SMA, 2.92 mm, and 2.4 mm. The SMP style cables are female-to-female cables and are offered in 3" and 6" lengths. The SMA, 2.92 mm, and 2.4 mm styles are male-to-male cables and are offered in several different lengths.
Microwave Adapter Cables
Thorlabs’ adapter cables are designed to mate different connector types. We offer SMA-to-SMP adapter cables with SMA female or male connectors on one end and SMP female connectors on the other. Additionally, we offer 2.4 mm-to-2.92 mm adapter cables for all combinations of male/female connectors.
Microwave Adapters
These microwave cable adapters are designed to change the gender or connector type of microwave cables and connectors. They include in-series adapters for 2.92 mm and 2.4 mm, as well as between-series adapters for all gender combinations of 2.92 mm and 2.4 mm cables.
SMA connectors can mate directly with 2.92 mm connectors, thus no adapter is required. It should be noted, however, that whenever mating two connector types, the connector with the lowest bandwidth will determine the usable frequency range. For more information, see the Compatibility tab.
Preset Torque Wrenches
Preset torque wrenches provide a preset torque value to ensure that the proper amount of torque is supplied when mating two microwave cables or adapters. The TQW5A is set to provide 5 in-lbs of torque, which is ideal for most SMA connectors, while the TQW8A is set to provide 8 in-lbs of torque, which is ideal for 2.92 mm and 2.4 mm connectors. A torque wrench should always be used to mate these coaxial connectors. Not doing so can damage the cable or reduce its overall performance.
| Quick Links | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cables | SMA to SMA |  Click for Compatibility Chart |
| 2.92 mm to 2.92 mm | ||
| 2.4 mm to 2.4 mm | ||
| SMP to SMP | ||
| Adapter Cables |
SMA to SMP | |
| 2.4 mm to 2.92 mm | ||
| Adapters | 2.4 mm and 2.92 mm | |
| Preset Torque Wrenches | ||
Microwave Cables
| Item # | Maximum Insertion Loss | Length |
|---|---|---|
| SMA Male to SMA Male | ||
| SMM3 | 0.9 dB | 76 mm (3.00") |
| SMM6 | 1.3 dB | 152 mm (6.00") |
| SMM12 | 2.0 dB | 305 mm (12.00") |
| SMM24 | 3.5 dB | 610 mm (24.00") |
| SMM36 | 4.9 dB | 914 mm (36.00") |
| SMM72 | 9.5 dB | 1829 mm (72.00") |
| SMM120 | 15.3 dB | 3048 mm (120.00") |
| 2.92 mm Male to 2.92 mm Male | ||
| KMM4 | 0.9 dB | 102 mm (4.00") |
| KMM8 | 1.1 dB | 203 mm (8.00") |
| KMM12 | 1.6 dB | 305 mm (12.00") |
| KMM24 | 2.6 dB | 610 mm (24.00") |
| KMM36 | 3.6 dB | 914 mm (36.00") |
| KMM72 | 6.5 dB | 1829 mm (72.00") |
| 2.4 mm Male to 2.4 mm Male | ||
| TMM4 | 1.1 dB | 102 mm (4.00") |
| TMM8 | 1.4 dB | 203 mm (8.00") |
| TMM12 | 1.8 dB | 305 mm (12.00") |
| TMM24 | 3.1 dB | 610 mm (24.00") |
| TMM36 | 4.1 dB | 914 mm (36.00") |
| SMP Female to SMP Female | ||
| GFF3 | 1.2 dB | 76 mm (3.00") |
| GFF6 | 1.5 dB | 152 mm (6.00") |
| Common Specifications | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connector Type | SMA Male to SMA Male | 2.92 mm Male to 2.92 mm Male |
2.4 mm Male to 2.4 mm Male |
SMP Female to SMP Female |
| Frequency Range | DC - 26 GHz | DC - 40 GHz | DC - 50 GHz | DC - 18 GHz |
| Outer Cable Diameter | 2.6 mm | 3.6 mm | 3.6 mm | 2.64 mm |
| Center Conductor (Solid) | Ø0.5 mm | Ø0.72 mm | Ø0.72 mm | Ø0.51 mm |
| Impedance | 50 Ω | |||
| Withstand Voltage | 500 VDC | 1000 VDC | 1000 VDC | 1500 VDC |
| Minimum Bend Radius | 14 mm | 36 mm | 36 mm | 6.4 mm |
| Capacitance | 96 pF/m | 87 pF/m | 87 pF/m | 96 pF/m |
| Maximum Average Power | 28 W @ 10 GHz | 127 W @ 10 GHz | 127 W @ 10 GHz | 31 W @ 10 GHz |
| Maximum VSWRa | 1.3 @ 18 GHz 1.7 @ 26 GHz |
1.45 @ 40 GHz | 1.45 @ 40 GHz | 1.4 @ 18 GHz |
| Propagation Velocity | 69.5% | 74% | 74% | 69.5% |
| Coupling Nut Hex Size | 5/16" | |||
| Recommended Coupling Torque |
5 in•lb (0.56 N•m) | 8 in•lb (0.9 N•m) | 8 in•lb (0.9 N•m) | 5 in•lb (0.56 N•m) |
Microwave Adapter Cables
| Common Specifications | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connector Type | SMA Male to SMP Female |
SMA Female to SMP Female |
2.4 mm Male to 2.92 mm Male |
2.4 mm Male to 2.92 mm Female |
2.4 mm Female to 2.92 mm Male |
2.4 mm Female to 2.92 mm Female |
| Item #s | SMFG3 and SMGF6 |
SFGF3 and SFGF6 |
TMKM4 | TMKF4 | TFKM4 | TFKF4 |
| Frequency Range | DC - 18 GHz | DC - 40 GHz | ||||
| Outer Cable Diameter |
2.64 mm | 3.60 mm | ||||
| Center Conductor (Solid) |
Ø0.51 mm | Ø0.72 mm | ||||
| Impedance | 50 Ω | |||||
| Withstand Voltage | 1500 VDC | 1000 VDC | ||||
| Minimum Bend Radius |
6.4 mm | 36 mm | ||||
| Capacitance | 96 pF/m | 87 pF/m | ||||
| Max Average Power |
31 W @ 10 GHz | 127 W @ 10 GHz | ||||
| Maximum VSWRa | 1.4 @ 18 GHz | 1.45 @ 40 GHz | ||||
| Propagation Velocity |
69.5% | 74% | ||||
| Coupling Nut Hex Size |
5/16" | |||||
| Recommended Coupling Torque |
5 in•lb (0.56 N•m) | 8 in•lb (0.9 N•m) | ||||
| Item # | Maximum Insertion Loss |
Length |
|---|---|---|
| SMA Male to SMP Female | ||
| SMGF3 | 1.0 dB | 76 mm (3.00") |
| SMGF6 | 1.2 dB | 152 mm (6.00") |
| SMA Female to SMP Female | ||
| SFGF3 | 1.0 dB | 76 mm (3.00") |
| SFGF6 | 1.2 dB | 152 mm (6.00") |
| 2.4 mm Male to 2.92 mm Male | ||
| TMKM4 | 1.0 dB | 102 mm (4.00") |
| 2.4 mm Male to 2.92 mm Female | ||
| TMKF4 | 1.0 dB | 102 mm (4.00") |
| 2.4 mm Female to 2.92 mm Male | ||
| TFKM4 | 1.0 dB | 102 mm (4.00") |
| 2.4 mm Female to 2.92 mm Female | ||
| TFKF4 | 1.0 dB | 102 mm (4.00") |
Microwave Cable Adapters
| Specifications | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item # | Connector Type | VSWR | Length | Frequency Range |
| KFF | 2.92 mm F-F | 1.2 | 19.00 mm | DC - 40 GHz |
| KMF | 2.92 mm M-F | 20.10 mm | ||
| KMM | 2.92 mm M-M | 21.20 mm | ||
| TFF | 2.4 mm F-F | 19.10 mm | DC - 50 GHz | |
| TMF | 2.4 mm M-F | 18.15 mm | ||
| TMM | 2.4 mm M-M | 17.20 mm | ||
| TFKF | 2.4 mm F - 2.92 mm F | 20.40 mm | DC - 40 GHz | |
| TFKM | 2.4 mm F - 2.92 mm M | 21.50 mm | ||
| TMKF | 2.4 mm M - 2.92 mm F | 1.25 | 19.45 mm | |
| TMKM | 2.4 mm M - 2.92 mm M | 20.55 mm | ||
| Common Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Impedance | 50 Ω |
| Durability | 500 Connection Cycles |
| Material | Stainless Steel (303) |
| Conductor | Gold-Plated Brass (M) or Gold-Plated BeCu (F) |
| Coupling Torque | 8 in-lbs (0.9 N-m) |
| Coupling Nut Hex Size | 5/16" |
Click to Enlarge
The graph above shows the insertion loss for SMP-to-SMP Microwave Cables. The shaded region denotes the specified operating frequency range of these cables. Ripples in the insertion loss are a function of the cable length and a normal result of reflections between the ends of the cables. Shorter cables show a greater effect.
Click to Enlarge
The graph above shows the insertion loss for SMA-to-SMA Microwave Cables. The shaded region denotes the specified operating frequency range of these cables. Ripples in the insertion loss are a function of the cable length and a normal result of reflections between the ends of the cables. Shorter cables show a greater effect.
Click to Enlarge
The graph above shows the insertion loss for 2.92 mm-to-2.92 mm Microwave Cables. The shaded region denotes the specified operating frequency range of these cables. Ripples in the insertion loss are a function of the cable length and a normal result of reflections between the ends of the cables. Shorter cables show a greater effect.
Click to Enlarge
The graph above shows the insertion loss for 2.4 mm-to-2.4 mm Microwave Cables. The shaded region denotes the specified operating frequency range of these cables. Ripples in the insertion loss are a function of the cable length and a normal result of reflections between the ends of the cables. Shorter cables show a greater effect.
| Connector Type | Other Connector Types that can be Mated Directly |
|---|---|
| SMP | GPO® |
| SMA | 2.92 mm, 3.5 mm, or K |
| 2.92 mm | SMA, 3.5 mm, or K |
| 2.4 mm | 1.85 mm or V |
The plot below summarizes the microwave compatibility for the SMA, SMP, 2.92 mm, and 2.4 mm connectors used by the cables available on this page. The table to the right summarizes which connector types can be directly mated without the use of an adapter. Performance will be limited by the connector type with the smallest maximum frequency, as indicated in the chart below.
SMA cables are available with a variety of bandwidths. 18 GHz and 26 GHz are standard connector bandwidths. Bandwidth is determined by a combination of insertion and return loss and is a function of both cable loss and connector quality.
K and V are trademarks of Anritsu.
GPO® is a registered trademark of Corning-Gilbert.
| Posted Comments: | |
user
(posted 2019-03-12 18:33:29.86) Hi, do the premium cables have a standard cable number (e.g. like RG58, RG316)? Also, can you please provide the k1 and k2 loss coefficients, or provide an equation for attenuation as a function of frequency (not just in the GHz range shown in the plot)? Thanks. YLohia
(posted 2019-04-08 10:40:50.0) Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. These premium cables do not have a standard cable number such as RG58 or RG316. The loss of the cable assemblies is a combination of loss in the bulk cable and loss in the connectors. The most accurate representation for the cables we have is the information provided in the tables, as this is the actual measured loss of a representative cables. It is difficult to predict the attenuation based on the bulk material alone, as there can be effects causes by each of the individual connectors and also by the interactions between the two connectors separated by the cable. If you are interested, we can share the numerical values that we use to generate the graph on the website which includes measured insertion loss down to 35MHz. albert.romann
(posted 2017-04-20 11:39:21.617) Hi there,
what coax cable is used (make and manufacturer)?
Any information about the phase stability at around 24C? Any measured RF parameters (VSWR, return loss,..) tfrisch
(posted 2017-05-03 01:21:36.0) Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Please see our specs tab for VSWR and other relevant specs. I would expect the phase to be be stable for a stable temperature. I will reach out to you to discuss your application. |
Zoom
Click to Enlarge
Each Cable is Terminated with SMA Male Connectors
- SMA Male-to-Male Cables
- DC - 26 GHz
- Seven Available Lengths
Thorlabs’ SMA-to-SMA Microwave Cables support frequencies from DC up to 26 GHz. Each flexible cable is terminated with an SMA male connector on either end (see the image to the right). They are available in lengths ranging from 3" to 120". Each cable has a low VSWR from DC to 26 GHz as well as a low insertion loss (see Specs tab). In general, we recommend using the shortest cable that is suitable for your application.
The SMA connector can mate directly to a 2.92 mm, 3.5 mm, or K connector. As a result, these cables are compatible with many of Thorlabs’ High-Speed Detectors or Fiber-Coupled EO Modulators that use SMA connectors.
Zoom
Click to Enlarge
Each Cable is Terminated with 2.92 mm Male Connectors
- 2.92 mm Male-to-Male Cables
- DC - 40 GHz
- Six Available Lengths
Thorlabs’ 2.92 mm-to-2.92 mm Microwave Cables support frequencies from DC up to 40 GHz. Each flexible cable is terminated with a 2.92 mm male connector on either end (see image to the right). They are available in lengths ranging from 4" to 72". Each cable has a low VSWR from DC to 40 GHz as well as a low insertion loss (see Specs tab). In general, we recommend using the shortest cable that is suitable for your application.
The 2.92 mm connector can mate directly to an SMA, 3.5 mm, or K connector. As a result, these cables are compatible with many of Thorlabs’ High-Speed Detectors that use SMA connectors.
Zoom
Click to Enlarge
Each Cable is Terminated with 2.4 mm Male Connectors
- 2.4 mm Male-to-Male Cables
- DC - 50 GHz
- Five Available Lengths
Thorlabs’ 2.4 mm-to-2.4 mm Microwave Cables support frequencies from DC up to 50 GHz. Each flexible cable is terminated with a 2.4 mm male connector on either side (see image to the right). They are available in lengths of 4", 8", 12", 24", or 36". Each cable has a low VSWR from DC to 50 GHz as well as a low insertion loss (see Specs tab). In general, we recommend using the shortest cable that is suitable for your application.
The 2.4 mm connector can mate directly to a 1.85 mm or V connector. As a result, these cables are compatible with Thorlabs’ 40 GHz EO Phase and Intensity Modulators that use a V connector.
Zoom
Click to Enlarge
Each Cable is Terminated with SMP Female Connectors
- SMP (GPO® Compatible) Female-to-Female Cables
- DC - 18 GHz
- 3" and 6" Lengths Available
Thorlabs’ SMP-to-SMP Microwave Cables support frequencies from DC up to 18 GHz. Each flexible cable is terminated with an SMP female connector on either end (see the image to the right). They are available in lengths of 3" and 6". Each cable has a low VSWR from DC to 18 GHz as well as a low insertion loss (see Specs tab). In general, we recommend using the shortest cable that is suitable for your application.
The SMP connector can mate directly to a GPO connector. The GPO connector compatibility makes these cables suitable for use with Thorlabs’ Fiber-Coupled EO Modulators.
Zoom| Specificationsa | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item # | SMGF3 | SMGF6 | SFGF3 | SFGF6 |
| Length | 3" | 6" | 3" | 6" |
| Adapter Style (Click for Image) | SMA Male to SMP Female | SMA Female to SMP Female | ||
| Frequency Range | DC - 18 GHz | |||
- SMA-to-SMP Adapter Cables
- DC - 18 GHz
- Available with SMA Male or Female Connector to SMP Female Connector
These adapter cables have SMP female connector on one end and either a male or female SMA connector on the other. Each style of adapter cable is available in 3" or 6" lengths. Each cable has a low VSWR from DC to 18 GHz as well as a low insertion loss (see Specs tab). In general, we recommend using the shortest cable that is suitable for your application.
The SMP connector can mate directly to a GPO connector, while the SMA connector can mate directly to a 2.92 mm, 3.5 mm, or K connector. The GPO connector compatibility makes these cables suitable for use with Thorlabs’ Fiber-Coupled EO Modulators.
Zoom| Specificationsa | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item # | TMKM4 | TMKF4 | TFKM4 | TFKF4 |
| Length | 4" | |||
| Adapter Style (Click for Image) |
2.4 mm Male to 2.92 mm Male |
2.4 mm Male to 2.92 mm Female |
2.4 mm Female to 2.92 mm Male |
2.4 mm Female to 2.92 mm Female |
| Frequency Range | DC - 40 GHz | |||
- 2.4 mm-to-2.92 mm Adapter Cables
- DC - 40 GHz
- Available with 2.4 mm Male or Female Connector to 2.92 mm Male or Female Connector
These adapter cables go from either a female or 2.4 mm male connector to either a 2.92 mm male or female connector. Each cable has a low VSWR from DC to 40 GHz as well as a low insertion loss (see Specs tab).
The 2.4 mm connector can mate directly to a 1.85 mm or V connector, while the 2.92 mm connector can mate directly to an SMA, 3.5 mm, or K connector. The V connector is directly compatible with Thorlabs’ 40 GHz EO Phase and Intensity Modulators. For easy identification, the 2.4 mm connector end has a grooved locking nut.
Zoom| Common Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Impedance | 50 Ω |
| Durability | 500 Connection Cycles |
| Material | Stainless Steel (303) |
| Conductor | Gold-Plated Brass (M) or Gold-Plated BeCu (F) |
| Coupling Torque | 8 in-lbs (0.9 N-m) |
| Coupling Nut Hex Size | 5/16" |
- Adapters for 2.4 mm or 2.92 mm Connectors
- DC - 40 GHz or DC - 50 GHz
These microwave cable adapters are designed to change the gender or connector type of microwave cables and connectors. They include in-series adapters (F-F, F-M, M-F) for 2.92 mm and 2.4 mm, as well as between-series adapters for all gender combinations of 2.92 mm and 2.4 mm cables.
| Specifications | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adapter Type | 2.92 mm | 2.4 mm | 2.4 mm to 2.92 mm | |||||||
| Item # | KFF | KMF | KMM | TFF | TMF | TMM | TFKF | TFKM | TMKF | TMKM |
| Photo (Click to Enlarge) |
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| Adapter Style (Click for Image) |
2.92 mm F. to 2.92 mm F. |
2.92 mm M. to 2.92 mm F. |
2.92 mm M. to 2.92 mm M. |
2.4 mm F. to 2.4 mm F. |
2.4 mm M. to 2.4 mm F. |
2.4 mm M. to 2.4 mm M. |
2.4 mm F. to 2.92 mm F. |
2.4 mm F. to 2.92 mm M. |
2.4 mm M. to 2.92 mm F. |
2.4 mm M. to 2.92 mm M. |
| VSWR | 1.2 | 1.25 | ||||||||
| Frequency Range | DC - 40 GHz | DC - 50 GHz | DC - 40 GHz | |||||||
| Length | 19.00 mm | 20.10 mm | 21.20 mm | 19.10 mm | 18.15 mm | 17.20 mm | 20.40 mm | 21.50 mm | 19.45 mm | 20.55 mm |
Zoom
Click to Enlarge
The break-over design will cause the pivot point to "break" when the preset torque is achieved, preventing additional force from being applied.
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Each Wrench is Engraved for Easy Identification in the Field
- Break-Over Design Ensures Proper Mating Torque is Supplied
- Preset Torque Values to Prevent Over-Tightening Connectors
- TQW5A: 5 in-lbs (0.57 N•m) for Most SMA Connectors
- TQW8A: 8 in-lbs (0.90 N•m) for 3.5 mm, 2.92 mm, 2.4 mm, 1.85 mm, K, and V Connectors
- Engraved with Preset Torque Value, Torque Direction, Wrench Size, and Item #
- Ideal for Use with Our Premium Microwave Cables and Adapters
These 5/16” Torque Wrenches have a preset torque value to ensure that the proper amount of torque is supplied when mating two coaxial connectors. The TQW5A is set to provide 5 in-lbs of torque, which is ideal for most SMA connectors, while the TQW8A is set to provide 8 in-lbs of torque, which is ideal for 3.5 mm, 2.92 mm, 2.4 mm, 1.85 mm, K, and V connectors.
When the preset torque value has been achieved, the break-over design will cause the pivoting joint to "break", as shown in the image above. This will prevent further force from being applied to the connector. The wrench's hex head will move back into place once the force is removed. Each wrench is engraved with its preset torque value, torque direction, wrench size, and item # for easy identification in the field.
The preset torque value for each wrench is guaranteed for one year from the date of purchase. If necessary, wrenches may be returned to Thorlabs for recalibration, please contact Tech Support for details.
 Premium High-Frequency Microwave Cables |