SMA Jack-to-Jack Bulkhead Adapter, 18 GHz
The TE Connectivity 221643-1 is a same-series SMA jack-to-jack adapter, built for panel-mount bulkhead applications where you need to extend or reconfigure an SMA signal path without changing gender. The straight body keeps the RF launch axis aligned with the panel plane. The adapter uses a stainless steel body for corrosion resistance in panel-mount environments, with gold-plated beryllium copper center contacts on both the female-to-female interface. The dielectric is PTFE, which gives stable dielectric constant across temperature. The lockwasher prevents the nut from backing off under vibration, which is the common failure mode on a panel-mount adapter that sees cable torque.
What the 18 GHz Rating Means for the Signal Path
The 18 GHz max frequency is the upper limit where the adapter's VSWR and insertion loss stay within the SMA interface's typical specification window. Below that frequency, the 50 Ohm impedance match through the PTFE dielectric and gold-plated beryllium copper contacts is stable.