Amphenol RF 901-164 BNC to SMA Coaxial Adapter Connector

Part Overview

The Amphenol RF 901-164 is an active coaxial adapter connector designed to convert between BNC plug and SMA plug connectors. This straight-style, in-line adapter features male pin centers on both ends and operates across RF applications requiring 50-ohm impedance matching. The component is classified as a plug-to-plug adapter for between-series conversion. With 926 pieces currently in stock and active product status, this connector serves applications where BNC and SMA interface compatibility is required. Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical and mechanical parameters are met, including impedance, connector gender configuration, frequency capability, and environmental operating specifications.

Substiute Parts

901-164

Amphenol RFIn Stock: 1007901-164 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

4288

Pomona ElectronicsIn Stock: 24684288 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the Amphenol RF 901-164 are identified based on strict equivalence of the following critical parameters:

Electrical Equivalence Criteria:

• Impedance: 50 Ohms (required match)
• Center Gender Configuration: Male to Male (required match)
• Dielectric Material: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (required match)
• Fastening Type: Bayonet Lock, Threaded (required match)

Mechanical Equivalence Criteria:

• Adapter Type: Plug to Plug (required match)
• Mounting Type: Free Hanging (In-Line) (required match)
• Style: Straight (required match)

Environmental and Compliance Criteria:

• Operating Temperature Range: -65°C ~ 165°C (required match)
• RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant (required match)

The Pomona Electronics 4288 qualifies as a substitute part because it meets all mandatory electrical, mechanical, and environmental parameters. The adapter series configuration is reversed (SMA to BNC versus BNC to SMA), which is functionally equivalent for bidirectional adapter applications. The substitute part demonstrates superior frequency capability (12.4 GHz versus 4 GHz) and increased inventory availability, while maintaining identical impedance, connector gender, dielectric material, fastening mechanism, temperature range, and compliance certifications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Selection: Amphenol RF 901-164

The Amphenol RF 901-164 is the specified component for applications requiring BNC-to-SMA adapter functionality within 4 GHz frequency limitations. This part maintains active product status with established supply availability and meets all ROHS3 compliance and REACH regulatory requirements.

Substitute Selection: Pomona Electronics 4288

The Pomona Electronics 4288 serves as a direct functional substitute when the Amphenol RF 901-164 is unavailable. Both parts satisfy identical electrical and mechanical requirements, including 50-ohm impedance, male-to-male center gender configuration, PTFE dielectric material, and bayonet-threaded fastening. Both components operate across the -65°C to 165°C temperature range and maintain ROHS3 compliance with EAR99 export classification.

The Pomona Electronics 4288 demonstrates extended frequency capability (12.4 GHz versus 4 GHz), which provides operational margin for applications not requiring the full frequency range. The substitute part exhibits superior inventory availability (2400 pieces versus 926 pieces), supporting supply chain continuity. Both parts are classified as active products with equivalent regulatory standing.

Selection between these parts is determined by application frequency requirements and supply availability. No performance degradation occurs when substituting the Pomona Electronics 4288 for applications operating at or below 4 GHz.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the Pomona Electronics 4288 directly replace the Amphenol RF 901-164?

A: Yes. Both adapters meet identical electrical specifications (50-ohm impedance, male-to-male center gender), mechanical configuration (plug-to-plug, straight, in-line mounting), and environmental operating parameters (-65°C to 165°C). Both maintain ROHS3 compliance and EAR99 export classification. The adapter series configuration is functionally equivalent for bidirectional RF applications.

Q: What is the significance of the reversed adapter series designation (SMA to BNC versus BNC to SMA)?

A: Coaxial adapter connectors function bidirectionally. The Amphenol RF 901-164 (BNC to SMA) and Pomona Electronics 4288 (SMA to BNC) perform identical electrical and mechanical functions when connecting BNC and SMA connectors. The series designation reflects the connector orientation but does not affect substitution compatibility.

Q: Are there frequency limitations when using the Pomona Electronics 4288 as a substitute?

A: The Pomona Electronics 4288 operates to 12.4 GHz, exceeding the Amphenol RF 901-164 specification of 4 GHz. For applications operating at or below 4 GHz, the substitute part introduces no frequency-related limitations. Applications requiring operation above 4 GHz benefit from the extended frequency capability of the substitute part.

Q: Do both parts require identical mating cycle specifications?

A: The Amphenol RF 901-164 specifies 500 mating cycles. The Pomona Electronics 4288 does not provide a mating cycle specification in available documentation. For applications with defined mating cycle requirements, the Amphenol RF 901-164 provides explicit mechanical durability data.

Q: What are the packaging and inventory considerations?

A: Both parts are supplied in bulk packaging. The Amphenol RF 901-164 maintains 926 pieces in current inventory. The Pomona Electronics 4288 maintains 2400 pieces in current inventory, providing enhanced supply availability for high-volume or time-sensitive applications.

Q: Are both parts compliant with current regulatory requirements?

A: Yes. Both the Amphenol RF 901-164 and Pomona Electronics 4288 maintain ROHS3 compliance. The Amphenol RF 901-164 is REACH Affected; the Pomona Electronics 4288 is REACH Unaffected. Both parts carry EAR99 export classification and identical HTSUS tariff codes (8536.69.4010).

Q: What material differences exist between the two adapters?

A: The Amphenol RF 901-164 features a brass body with beryllium copper and brass center contacts. The Pomona Electronics 4288 features a beryllium copper body with brass center contacts. Both parts utilize gold and nickel body finishes and gold center contact plating. Both employ PTFE dielectric material. These material variations do not affect electrical or mechanical substitution compatibility.