What is the difference betweeen SMA and RP-SMA or reverse SMA? A summary.

We get asked all the time about SMA and RP-SMA. We often have customers asking for SMA-Female connectors when they really mean RP-SMA. So what is the difference?? Here is a little guide with images to help you out!!

A RP-SMA connector is effectively where the pin on the connector is reversed to the standard SMA connector. Its hard to explain in words rather best shown in pictures:

SMA-Male Plug

The SMA-Male Plug typically has a Hex barrel, is threaded on the inside and a pin.

RP-SMA Plug

The RP-SMA Plug has a Hex barrel, is threaded on the inside and no pin (note - this is not SMA-Female!!).

SMA-Female Jack

The SMA-Female (jack) is threaded on the outside of the barrel and does not have a pin. This mates to the SMA-Plug.

RP-SMA Jack (this is a panel mount version)

The RP-SMA Jack is threaded on the outside of the barrel and has a pin. The RP-SMA plug mates to this.

So now we all should be clear about what SMA and RP-SMA connectors look like!!!!

If you need adapter cables, jumper cables or single piece adapters from SMA to SMA or RP-SMA or any other coaxial connector including U.FL, N-Male, N-Female,  TNC,  RP-TNC, MMCX, CRC9, TS9, MCX etc. please contact us as we have a wide range of solutions and can custom build cables to specification. Please feel free to contact us with any requests sales@ead-ltd.com