Connector Identifier

 
MC Card

MMCX

RP-MMCX

U.FL


SMA
MALE


RP-SMA
MALE

SMA
FEMALE

RP-SMA
FEMALE

TNC
MALE


RP-TNC
MALE


TNC
FEMALE

RP-TNC
FEMALE

N MALE

N FEMALE


Why are some of the connectors RP (reverse polarity)? What is the difference between RP and a standard connector?


The reverse polarity (RP) connector specification is mandated by the FCC for ISM equipment which includes 802.11a/b/g. There is no difference between the standard and RP type connectors as far as RF performance is concerned. The only difference is that the gender of the center part of the connector is reversed, i.e. a male connector has a female jack, and a female connector has a male plug.

If you are developing a product for the ISM band, you should be using reverse polarity connectors for any user accessable external connectors on your device.; There are exceptions to this rule, including micro sized connectors such as MMCX and MC Card. Please consult FCC regulations for full details.

The polarity of connectors isdetermined by the body of the connector, not the center.

A Reverse Polarity Male connector has a Male body (threads inside) and a Female center jack.

A Reverse Polarity Female connector has a Female body (threads outside) and a Male center plug.

If no gender is specified, it is always assumed to be a Male connector. Example: RP-SMA indicates an RP-SMA Male connector

Other Notes:

A Male connector is also known as a "Plug"
A Female connector is also known as a "Jack"

Reverse Polarity (RP) and Reverse Gender (RG) mean the same thing.