ARRL Technician Practice Exam

Which of the following connectors is most suitable for frequencies above 400 MHz?

1. BNC connector

2. PL-259 connector

3. Type N connector

4. RCA connector

The correct answer is: Type N connector

The Type N connector is the most suitable for frequencies above 400 MHz due to its design and construction. It features a sturdy mechanism with a threaded coupling that ensures a secure connection, which is crucial at higher frequencies where signal integrity is vital. Type N connectors are characterized by their low loss and excellent performance at microwave frequencies, making them a favored choice in professional RF applications. While BNC connectors can handle frequencies up to 4 GHz, they are typically used for applications below 1 GHz and may not provide optimal performance in more demanding scenarios. The PL-259, commonly associated with HF and VHF applications, also tends to introduce higher losses at frequencies above 400 MHz. RCA connectors, primarily used for audio and low-frequency applications, are not designed for radio frequency transmission and can suffer from poor performance in higher frequency ranges. Thus, the Type N connector stands out as the best option for operations involving frequencies above 400 MHz.