Amphenol RF 031-5137 BNC Connector Plug Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Amphenol RF 031-5137 is an active BNC connector plug designed for 50-ohm coaxial cable applications. This male pin, free-hanging connector features push-on contact termination and twist-on shield termination, suitable for RF signal transmission up to 4 GHz. The part is actively manufactured and stocked, with 1118 units available in inventory. Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical and mechanical specifications are required due to supply constraints, design flexibility, or application-specific cable compatibility needs.

Substiute Parts

031-5137

Amphenol RFIn Stock: 1187031-5137 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

5414265-3

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 11725414265-3 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the Amphenol RF 031-5137 is determined by strict equivalence in the following core parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

• Connector Style: BNC
• Connector Type: Plug, Male Pin
• Impedance: 50 Ohms
• Contact Termination: Push On
• Shield Termination: Twist On
• Mounting Type: Free Hanging (In-Line)
• Fastening Type: Bayonet Lock
• Frequency Maximum: 4 GHz
• Voltage Rating: 500 V
• Mating Cycles: 500

Cable Compatibility Consideration: The main part supports cable groups RG-58, 58A, 58B, 58C, 141, 303, LMR-195, Belden B7806A, and 9907. Substitute part TE Connectivity 5414265-3 supports RG-59 cable group, which represents a different cable compatibility profile and must be evaluated against specific application requirements.

Compliance Equivalence: Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance, REACH affected status, and identical ECCN and HTSUS classifications, ensuring regulatory interchangeability.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Selection: Amphenol RF 031-5137

The Amphenol RF 031-5137 is the specified part and remains the primary selection. It is actively manufactured, maintains full ROHS3 compliance, and carries REACH affected status with EAR99 ECCN classification. The part supports a broader cable group range (RG-58, 58A, 58B, 58C, 141, 303, LMR-195, Belden B7806A, 9907) and operates across an extended temperature range of -65°C to 165°C. Insertion loss is specified at 0.2 dB. The dielectric material is PTFE, and the center contact is brass with gold plating.

Substitute Selection: TE Connectivity 5414265-3

The TE Connectivity 5414265-3 is an active substitute meeting all mandatory electrical and mechanical parameters. It maintains identical impedance (50 Ohms), frequency rating (4 GHz), voltage rating (500 V), and mating cycle specification (500 cycles). Both parts share identical compliance certifications (ROHS3, REACH affected, EAR99, HTSUS 8536.69.4010) and MSL rating (1 - Unlimited).

Critical Differences Requiring Application Evaluation:

The TE Connectivity substitute differs in three material and performance areas:

1. Cable Compatibility: Supports RG-59 cable group only, versus the broader RG-58 series and additional cable types supported by the main part. Cable selection must align with application requirements.

2. Operating Temperature Range: Limited to -55°C to 85°C, compared to the main part's -65°C to 165°C range. Applications requiring extended temperature operation must use the Amphenol RF part.

3. Material Composition: Uses phosphor bronze center contact and zinc die cast body with polymethylpentene (PMP) dielectric, versus brass center contact, brass body, and PTFE dielectric in the main part. These material differences may affect long-term reliability in specific environmental conditions.

Selection Criteria:

Use the Amphenol RF 031-5137 for applications requiring RG-58 series cable compatibility, extended temperature operation, or PTFE dielectric performance. Use the TE Connectivity 5414265-3 only when RG-59 cable compatibility is specified and operating temperature remains within -55°C to 85°C limits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the TE Connectivity 5414265-3 be used as a direct replacement for the Amphenol RF 031-5137?

A: The TE Connectivity 5414265-3 meets all mandatory electrical and mechanical parameters (BNC plug, 50 ohms, push-on termination, 4 GHz, 500 V, 500 mating cycles). However, it is not a direct replacement due to cable group incompatibility (RG-59 only versus RG-58 series) and reduced operating temperature range (-55°C to 85°C versus -65°C to 165°C). Substitution is valid only when the application uses RG-59 cable and operates within the specified temperature limits.

Q: What is the significance of the different dielectric materials (PTFE versus PMP)?

A: PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) in the Amphenol RF part and PMP (polymethylpentene) in the TE Connectivity part are both suitable for RF applications. PTFE offers superior high-temperature performance and is the industry standard for precision RF connectors. PMP provides adequate performance for standard applications but operates at lower temperature limits. Material selection depends on application environmental requirements.

Q: Are both parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. Both the Amphenol RF 031-5137 and TE Connectivity 5414265-3 are ROHS3 compliant and REACH affected. Both carry identical ECCN (EAR99) and HTSUS (8536.69.4010) classifications, ensuring regulatory equivalence for export and procurement purposes.

Q: What does the cable group designation mean?

A: Cable group indicates the coaxial cable types with which the connector is designed to mate. The Amphenol RF 031-5137 supports RG-58, 58A, 58B, 58C, 141, 303, LMR-195, Belden B7806A, and 9907. The TE Connectivity 5414265-3 supports only RG-59. Cable impedance and physical dimensions must match the connector specification. Using an incompatible cable group results in poor electrical performance and mechanical fit.

Q: Why is insertion loss specified for the Amphenol part but not for the TE Connectivity part?

A: Insertion loss (0.2 dB for the Amphenol RF part) is a measured RF performance parameter. The TE Connectivity part does not provide this specification in the available data. For applications where insertion loss is a critical performance metric, the Amphenol RF 031-5137 with specified 0.2 dB insertion loss is the appropriate selection.

Q: What is the difference between push-on and twist-on termination?

A: Push-on contact termination means the center conductor is inserted axially into the connector contact. Twist-on shield termination means the outer shield is twisted onto the connector body. Both termination types are present in both the main part and substitute, ensuring mechanical compatibility.

Q: Can these connectors be used interchangeably in existing assemblies?

A: Mechanical interchangeability is confirmed for both parts (identical BNC bayonet lock fastening, free-hanging mounting, silver housing). Electrical interchangeability is confirmed for impedance, frequency, and voltage ratings. However, cable group compatibility must be verified. If the assembly uses RG-58 series cable, only the Amphenol RF 031-5137 is suitable. If RG-59 cable is used and temperature range is -55°C to 85°C, the TE Connectivity part is acceptable.

Q: What is the MSL rating and why is it relevant?

A: MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) 1 (Unlimited) indicates the component has unlimited shelf life and requires no special moisture control during storage or handling. Both parts carry this rating, eliminating moisture management as a differentiation factor.

Q: How many mating cycles are these connectors rated for?

A: Both parts are rated for 500 mating cycles, indicating the number of times the connector can be mated and unmated before performance degradation. This specification is identical for both the main part and substitute.