RF terminations prevent RF signals from reflecting back from open-ended or unused ports by absorbing the energy. RF termination has three basic applications: coaxial, chip and waveguide terminators available in flanged, board-level, panel mount, surface mount, screw and stand-alone. Additional custom varieties exist for unusual applications or difficult to size fittings. RF termination factors include frequency range and resistance measured in hertz and ohms respectively. RF terminations are frequently combined with signal boosters, however this application is not truly an RF termination.

RF terminations use many different connection types such as BMA, MMCX, QMA and type G, however RF terminators are configurable to almost any type of manufacturing termination available. Ports without terminated connections cause feedback or degradation of power in electronic circuits and cable systems. When selecting RF termination devices for your business, consider the following:

1. Use coaxial power terminations to strengthen network signals on large LANs.

2. Look for chip RF terminations designed for the power and frequency needs of your application.

3. Find waveguide terminators to control fluctuations in RF energy applications.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Strengthen network signals with coaxial power terminations

RF coaxial terminations are used primarily in office networks and cable or satellite applications. Coaxial power termination comes in 75 and 50 ohm versions. This type of RF terminator ensures the strength of the signal passing along the coaxial cable doesn't deteriorate through open ports. The basic coaxial termination is a simple screw or slide-on cap, but mountable designs are available for specialized applications.

I recommend: MECA Electronics makes coaxial and microwave termination parts and accessories. Surplus Sales of Nebraska sells and services industrial coaxial terminators for large load applications.

Control radio frequency interference in sensitive equipment with chip RF terminations

Chip RF terminators are often used in microwave and heatsink applications where space is limited. Chip termination devices work within a predetermined watt range of 50 or 75 ohms. Chip RF terminators commonly carry a dummy load for use in test and calibration equipment.

I recommend: EMC Technology manufactures RF terminators including customized chip microwave terminations. IRC Advanced Film Division builds and supports high-speed chip based RF terminators.

Dissipate excess RF energy with passive waveguide terminators

Waveguide terminators are passive devices that dissipate the energy from radio frequencies and turn them into heat energy. Because of the enormous gain potential of waveguides terminators, they are designed to handle a specific frequency range based on individual applications.

I recommend: Wenteq Microwave Corporation offers a full line of waveguide terminators and accessories. Flann Microwave manufacturers coaxial and waveguide terminations for industrial assemblies and systems.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Even small networks or home cable installations gain signal quality with coaxial RF terminations. Coaxial terminations come in expensive gold-plated versions that have no proven benefits over less expensive materials and models.