Amphenol RF 31-4542 BNC Connector Plug Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Amphenol RF 31-4542 is an active BNC connector plug designed for 50-ohm coaxial cable applications. This male pin connector features solder termination and free-hanging (in-line) mounting configuration, suitable for RF signal transmission up to 4 GHz. The part is manufactured from brass with nickel body finish and silver-plated center contact, operating across a temperature range of -65°C to 165°C. Substitute parts are identified to provide alternative sourcing options when the primary part number is unavailable or when specific packaging or component inclusion requirements differ.

Substiute Parts

31-4542

Amphenol RFIn Stock: 114631-4542 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

31-12

Amphenol RFIn Stock: 116031-12 Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

31-212

Amphenol RFIn Stock: 159631-212 Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

31-212-RFX

Amphenol RFIn Stock: 110731-212-RFX Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the Amphenol RF 31-4542 are classified as parametric equivalents based on electrical and mechanical compatibility. All substitute parts maintain identical specifications across the following critical parameters: connector style (BNC), connector type (plug, male pin), impedance (50 ohms), contact termination (solder), shield termination (clamp), mounting type (free hanging in-line), fastening type (bayonet lock), frequency maximum (4 GHz), operating temperature range (-65°C to 165°C), voltage rating (500 V), insertion loss (0.2 dB), body material (brass), body finish (nickel), dielectric material (PTFE), and mating cycles (500).

Variations among substitute parts exist in the following areas: packaging configuration (bulk versus other formats), center contact plating material (silver versus gold), component inclusion count, and RoHS compliance designation. These variations do not affect electrical or mechanical interchangeability in standard RF applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All substitute parts (31-12, 31-212, 31-212-RFX) are active products with RoHS compliance status and maintain full electrical and mechanical compatibility with the primary part number 31-4542 across all critical RF parameters. Selection among these alternatives should be based on the following factors:

Packaging and Component Inclusion: The 31-4542 is supplied with 2 components (1 connector, 1 clamp). Parts 31-12 and 31-212 include 7 components each (connector, braid clamp, clamp, contact, gasket, insulator, washer), while 31-212-RFX includes 6 components (connector, braid clamp, clamp, contact, gasket, washer). Applications requiring additional assembly components may benefit from the expanded inclusion sets.

Center Contact Plating: The 31-4542, 31-12, and 31-212 feature silver-plated center contacts. The 31-212-RFX features gold-plated center contact, which provides enhanced corrosion resistance in high-humidity or corrosive environments.

RoHS Compliance Designation: The 31-12 carries ROHS3 compliance, while 31-4542, 31-212, and 31-212-RFX carry RoHS compliance. Both designations satisfy current regulatory requirements.

Inventory Availability: Current stock levels are 1112 units (31-4542), 1144 units (31-12), 1501 units (31-212), and 1036 units (31-212-RFX).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are all substitute parts electrically interchangeable with the 31-4542?

A: Yes. All substitute parts (31-12, 31-212, 31-212-RFX) maintain identical electrical specifications including 50-ohm impedance, 4 GHz maximum frequency, 0.2 dB insertion loss, 500 V voltage rating, and -65°C to 165°C operating temperature range.

Q: What is the difference between the 31-212 and 31-212-RFX?

A: The primary difference is the center contact plating material. The 31-212 features silver plating, while the 31-212-RFX features gold plating. The 31-212-RFX also includes one fewer component (6 total versus 7 total), as it does not include an insulator.

Q: Can I use the 31-212-RFX in place of the 31-4542 in applications requiring silver-plated contacts?

A: No. The 31-212-RFX features gold-plated center contact, not silver. If silver plating is a requirement, use 31-4542, 31-12, or 31-212.

Q: What is the significance of the component inclusions in parts 31-12 and 31-212?

A: These parts include additional assembly components (braid clamp, contact, gasket, insulator, washer) beyond the basic connector and clamp provided with 31-4542. These components support complete connector assembly and may reduce procurement requirements for applications requiring these elements.

Q: Are there cable compatibility differences among the substitute parts?

A: No. All parts are compatible with the same cable group: RG-59, 59B, 62, 140, 210, Belden 8241, 8263, 8279, and 9209.

Q: What does the -RFX designation indicate?

A: The -RFX designation indicates a variant with gold-plated center contact and a reduced component inclusion set compared to the standard 31-212.

Q: Can I substitute these parts in high-frequency applications?

A: Yes. All parts support operation up to 4 GHz with 0.2 dB insertion loss and are suitable for RF signal transmission applications within this frequency range.