RP-SMA to SMA Adapter for RFID Readers and Antennas

SMA and RP-SMA: what the difference is

SMA and reverse-polarity SMA (RP-SMA) share the same thread, so they look alike and screw together, but the centre contact is swapped: an RP-SMA female socket has a male pin inside, and an RP-SMA male plug has a socket in place of a pin. Screw a standard SMA cable onto an RP-SMA port and the two male pins or two sockets meet with no contact, so the reader sees no antenna. This adapter puts the right contact in the middle so the pair connects properly.

When you need one

Identium multi-port readers such as the IHZ4 and IHZ4N, and the RM26 module, use standard SMA ports and our SMA to SMA cables fit them directly. RP-SMA turns up on readers and development boards from other makers and on some Wi-Fi-style antennas, so check the port before you order a cable. If you already own a cable with the wrong gender, the adapter saves replacing it.

Ordering

The standard part is RP-SMA female to SMA male; the reverse direction and other combinations such as SMA female to female couplers are quoted on request. Each adapter adds a small loss, under 0.2 dB, typical for the class, so prefer a cable with the right ends on long runs and use the adapter where a short run or an existing cable makes it practical. Request a quote with the reader and antenna models and the connector on each, or browse the RFID accessories list for cables and brackets.