SMA End-Launch Receptacle for 18 GHz Signal Paths
It is a single-port, 50 Ohm design rated to 18 GHz, placing it at the top end of standard SMA performance — most SMA connectors top out around 12.4 or 18 GHz, and this one holds the full 18 GHz bandwidth.
The 18 GHz frequency maximum means this connector passes signals up to Ka-band without a significant impedance bump — useful for microwave links, radar IF stages, and high-speed digital clocks where the edge rate pushes into the GHz range. The 500-cycle rating comes from the gold-on-gold contact interface (gold-plated centre contact in a gold-plated body); that is enough for a production test point or a field-replaceable module that sees regular connect/disconnect, but not for a daily-use lab cable that gets cycled hundreds of times a week. For that duty, look at an SMA with a higher cycle spec or a threaded coupling that distributes wear differently.
Board Layout: End-Launch Footprint and Solder Termination
End-launch mounting places the connector body flush with the board edge, so the centre pin and ground legs solder directly to traces on the top layer. The shield termination is solder — no press-fit or snap-in retention — so the board footprint must include solder pads for the four ground legs and the centre pin. The body is threaded (fastening type: threaded), so the mating SMA plug screws on; the panel or bracket needs clearance for a wrench or torque tool. The PTFE dielectric inside the connector body sets the impedance, so the PCB launch geometry (trace width, ground clearance, dielectric height) must match 50 Ohm to avoid a reflection at the interface.