FIELD GUIDESource-led reference
Port & Cable

P077 / Coax / Guide

SMA versus RP-SMA: inspect the center contact

Look at both the shell and the contact before naming the interface.

The useful distinction

Compare the exact product drawing for each end; this is identification, not an antenna modification instruction.

Claim inspection dates: 2026-10-01 · Independent review pending

Guide note · not an individual product specification

The useful distinction

Understand the requirement.

Amphenol explains that RP-SMA changes the center-contact gender while keeping the threaded interface. A shell-only visual comparison therefore misses the distinguishing feature. [C077A]

Bounded facts, visible unknowns

Specifications and limits

SMA versus RP-SMA: inspect the center contact facts and limitations
Distinguishing featureCenter-contact arrangement [C077A]
Insufficient clueOuter threaded shell alone [C077A]
Verified device listNot included. Check exact device and accessory documentation.
A boundary, not an omission to guess around.

No RF power, impedance conversion, antenna authorization or regulatory advice is given.

Before you connect

What to check

  1. Keep the complete SMA or RP-SMA name.
  2. Document shell configuration and center pin/socket independently.
  3. Verify the exact intended adapter and cable assembly.
  4. Do not force mating or infer electrical performance.
Trace a supported connection class →

Use the comparison with care

The side-by-side atlas is a recognition aid. Its unreviewed schematic cannot replace a mating drawing or a technician’s part verification.

Your next step

Move from the form to the requirement.

Compare this field note See the differences without assuming interchangeability.Work through a connection Choose your task before deciding on a cable.Explore this evidence trail Inspect the claims and their dependencies. (private workspace)

The source trail

Evidence for this page

AI-assisted inspection is not independent engineering review. Source scope and access limitations are disclosed below. Procedural checklists are editorial requirements, not hardware measurements.

C077ASource checked · pending review

Amphenol explains that RP-SMA changes the center-contact gender while keeping the threaded interface. A shell-only visual comparison therefore misses the distinguishing feature.

Amphenol RF · SMA Connectors ↗

Locator: Overview; FAQ: difference between SMA and RP-SMA
Access: public page. Threaded family and center-contact difference only. No universal frequency or torque rating.

S046: full source recordInspect review dependencies → (private workspace)

Claim scope: Named standard or manufacturer description only; procedural checks are editorial recommendations, not hardware tests.. Next review due 2026-12-30.

Suggest a correction to this field note →

Evidence behind this page

Scope first. Source second. Approval separate.

1 linked sources · 1 scoped claims · 0 sources with inspection/access flags.

Page scope: consumer_pilot

Assessment 2026-10-22 · earliest scheduled source review 2026-12-30. This is a recorded-date assessment, not a live source check. Page-level independent review is not established by this panel.

Inspect 1 source scopes, access limits and dates

S046 · SMA Connectors

Amphenol RF · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-01 · due 2026-12-30

Within inspection window

Scoped support: Threaded family and center-contact difference only. No universal frequency or torque rating.

Not established / limitations: Threaded family and center-contact difference only. No universal frequency or torque rating.

Locator: Overview; FAQ: difference between SMA and RP-SMA

Trace 1 claims to their source records

C077A · P077

Amphenol explains that RP-SMA changes the center-contact gender while keeping the threaded interface. A shell-only visual comparison therefore misses the distinguishing feature.

Claim scope: Named standard or manufacturer description only; procedural checks are editorial recommendations, not hardware tests.

Source links: S046 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

Prepare this page for review → (private workspace)Read the evidence method →

Recorded evidence only. An inspection date, publisher label, source link or generated packet is not independent technical review, hardware testing, fabrication approval or a compatibility verdict.