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Microwave Cables We offer four styles of microwave cables: SMP, SMA, 2.92 mm, and 2.4 mm. The SMP style cables are female-to-female cables and are offered in 3" and 6" lengths. The SMA, 2.92 mm, and 2.4 mm styles are male-to-male cables and are offered in several different lengths.

Thorlabs’ SMPM-to-2.92 mm Microwave Cables support frequencies from DC up to 40 GHz. Each flexible cable is terminated with an SMPM female connector on one end, and a 2.92 mm male connector on the other end (see the image to the right). They are available in lengths of 4", 12", and 24". Each cable has a low VSWR from DC to 20 GHz and from DC to 40 GHz, as well as a low insertion loss (see Specs tab). In general, we recommend using the shortest cable that is suitable for your application.

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These adapter cables have SMP female connector on one end and either a male or female SMA connector on the other. Each style of adapter cable is available in 3" or 6" lengths. Each cable has a low VSWR from DC to 18 GHz as well as a low insertion loss (see Specs tab). In general, we recommend using the shortest cable that is suitable for your application.

The preset torque value for each wrench is guaranteed for one year from the date of purchase. If necessary, wrenches may be returned to Thorlabs for recalibration, please contact Tech Support for details.

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Microwave Adapter Cables Thorlabs’ adapter cables are designed to mate different connector types. We offer phase-matched pairs of SMPM-to-2.92 mm adapter cables with SMPM female connectors on one end and 2.92 mm male connectors on the other. We also offer SMA-to-SMP adapter cables with SMA female or male connectors on one end and SMP female connectors on the other. Additionally, we offer 2.4 mm-to-2.92 mm adapter cables for all combinations of male/female connectors.

The plot below summarizes the microwave compatibility for the SMP, SMPM, SMA, 2.92 mm, and 2.4 mm connectors used by the cables available on this page. The table to the right summarizes which connector types can be directly mated without the use of an adapter. Performance will be limited by the connector type with the smallest maximum frequency, as indicated in the chart below.

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The 2.92 mm connector can mate directly to an SMA, 3.5 mm, or K connector. As a result, these cables are compatible with many of Thorlabs’ High-Speed Detectors that use SMA connectors.

The SMP connector can mate directly to a GPO connector. The GPO connector compatibility makes these cables suitable for use with Thorlabs’ Fiber-Coupled EO Modulators.

These adapter cables go from either a female or 2.4 mm male connector to either a 2.92 mm male or female connector. Each cable has a low VSWR from DC to 40 GHz as well as a low insertion loss (see Specs tab).

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Thorlabs’ SMA-to-SMA Microwave Cables support frequencies from DC up to 26 GHz. Each flexible cable is terminated with an SMA male connector on either end (see the image to the right). They are available in lengths ranging from 3" to 120". Each cable has a low VSWR from DC to 26 GHz as well as a low insertion loss (see Specs tab). In general, we recommend using the shortest cable that is suitable for your application.

The SMPM connector can mate directly to a SSMP or GPPO® connector, while the 2.92 mm connector can mate directly to an SMA, 3.5 mm, or K connector.

Preset Torque WrenchesPreset torque wrenches provide a preset torque value to ensure that the proper amount of torque is supplied when mating two microwave cables or adapters. The TQW5A is set to provide 5 in-lbs of torque, which is ideal for most SMA connectors, while the TQW8A is set to provide 8 in-lbs of torque, which is ideal for 2.92 mm and 2.4 mm connectors. A torque wrench should always be used to mate these coaxial connectors. Not doing so can damage the cable or reduce its overall performance.

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Thorlabs’ 2.4 mm-to-2.4 mm Microwave Cables support frequencies from DC up to 50 GHz. Each flexible cable is terminated with a 2.4 mm male connector on either side (see image to the right). They are available in lengths of 4", 8", 12", 24", or 36". Each cable has a low VSWR from DC to 50 GHz as well as a low insertion loss (see Specs tab). In general, we recommend using the shortest cable that is suitable for your application.

The frequency range and connector types supported by these cables and adapter cables are well suited for use with our High-Speed, Fiber-Coupled Electro-Optic (EO) Modulators.

Thorlabs’ SMP-to-SMP Microwave Cables support frequencies from DC up to 18 GHz. Each flexible cable is terminated with an SMP female connector on either end (see the image to the right). They are available in lengths of 3" and 6". Each cable has a low VSWR from DC to 18 GHz as well as a low insertion loss (see Specs tab). In general, we recommend using the shortest cable that is suitable for your application.

Microwave AdaptersThese microwave cable adapters are designed to change the gender or connector type of microwave cables and connectors. They include in-series adapters for 2.92 mm and 2.4 mm, as well as between-series adapters for all gender combinations of 2.92 mm and 2.4 mm cables.

The SMA connector can mate directly to a 2.92 mm, 3.5 mm, or K connector. As a result, these cables are compatible with many of Thorlabs’ High-Speed Detectors or Fiber-Coupled EO Modulators that use SMA connectors.

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These 5/16” Torque Wrenches have a preset torque value to ensure that the proper amount of torque is supplied when mating two coaxial connectors. The TQW5A is set to provide 5 in-lbs of torque, which is ideal for most SMA connectors, while the TQW8A is set to provide 8 in-lbs of torque, which is ideal for 3.5 mm, 2.92 mm, 2.4 mm, 1.85 mm, K, and V connectors.

If you are not sure whether our catalog items meet your needs, we invite you to contact us. Or ask about a loan, so you can try them out for yourself, in your own lab. We can also support custom or OEM requirements you may have.

When the preset torque value has been achieved, the break-over design will cause the pivoting joint to "break", as shown in the image to the right. This will prevent further force from being applied to the connector. The wrench's hex head will move back into place once the force is removed. The torque wrench should be held at the load-point line inscribed near the end of the handle; holding the handle at a different location will affect the amount of torque applied to the connector. The specified torque is guaranteed only when tightening in the direction indicated by the arrow engraved on the handle. Each wrench is engraved with its preset torque value, torque direction, wrench size, and item # for easy identification in the field.

The 2.4 mm connector can mate directly to a 1.85 mm or V connector. As a result, these cables are compatible with Thorlabs’ 40 GHz EO Phase and Intensity Modulators that use a V connector.

Thorlabs' Microwave Cables and Adapter Cables are flexible, high-performance, coaxial cable assemblies designed for use out to 50 GHz, depending on connector type (see the image to the right). The design gives these cables flexibility while maintaining optimal performance. They exhibit low VSWRs (Voltage Standing Wave Ratios) over the usable frequency range, as well as low insertion losses (see the Specs tab). These cables are each tested to ensure performance.

All cables are sold in phase-matched pairs and can be used with our High-Speed Photoreceivers for OEM and Fiber-Coupled EO Modulators.

The SMP connector can mate directly to a GPO connector, while the SMA connector can mate directly to a 2.92 mm, 3.5 mm, or K connector. The GPO connector compatibility makes these cables suitable for use with Thorlabs’ Fiber-Coupled EO Modulators.

SMA connectors can mate directly with 2.92 mm connectors, thus no adapter is required. It should be noted, however, that whenever mating two connector types, the connector with the lowest bandwidth will determine the usable frequency range. For more information, see the Compatibility tab.

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Thorlabs’ 2.92 mm-to-2.92 mm Microwave Cables support frequencies from DC up to 40 GHz. Each flexible cable is terminated with a 2.92 mm male connector on either end (see image to the right). They are available in lengths ranging from 4" to 72". Each cable has a low VSWR from DC to 40 GHz as well as a low insertion loss (see Specs tab). In general, we recommend using the shortest cable that is suitable for your application.

These microwave cable adapters are designed to change the gender or connector type of microwave cables and connectors. They include in-series adapters (F-F, F-M, M-F) for 2.92 mm and 2.4 mm, as well as between-series adapters for all gender combinations of 2.92 mm and 2.4 mm cables.

The 2.4 mm connector can mate directly to a 1.85 mm or V connector, while the 2.92 mm connector can mate directly to an SMA, 3.5 mm, or K connector. The V connector is directly compatible with Thorlabs’ 40 GHz EO Phase and Intensity Modulators. For easy identification, the 2.4 mm connector end has a grooved locking nut.