F connector

The F connector (also F-type) is a coaxial RF connector commonly used for 'over the air' terrestrial television, cable television and universally for satellite television and cable modems, usually with RG-6/U cable or, in older installations, with RG-59/U cable.F connectors attached to a 4-way DiSEqC switch.A visual collection of standard and right-angle coaxial F connectors, a commonly used but less documented form of the F connector. The F connector (also F-type) is a coaxial RF connector commonly used for 'over the air' terrestrial television, cable television and universally for satellite television and cable modems, usually with RG-6/U cable or, in older installations, with RG-59/U cable. The F connector was invented by Eric E. Winston in the early 1950s while working for Jerrold Electronics on their development of cable television. In the 1970s, it became commonplace on VHF, and later UHF, television antenna connections in the United States, as coaxial cables replaced twin-lead. It is now specified in IEC 60169 Radio-frequency connectors, part 24. The F connector is an inexpensive, gendered, threaded, compression connector for radio frequency signals. It has good 75 Ω impedance match for frequencies well over 1 GHz and has usable bandwidth up to several GHz. Connectors mate using a ​3⁄8 in-32 unified extra fine (UNEF) thread. The female connector has a socket for the center conductor and external threads. The male connector has a center pin, and a captive nut with internal threads. The design allows for low-cost construction, where cables are terminated almost exclusively with male connectors. The coaxial cable center conductor forms the pin, and cable dielectric extends up to the mating face of the connector. Thus, the male connector consists of only a body, which is generally crimped onto or screwed over the cable shielding braid, and a captive nut, neither of which require tight tolerances. Push-on versions are also available.