Southwest Microwave End Launch Connectors | SMA, 2.92mm, 2.4mm, 1.85mm up to 125GHz
Southwest Microwave End Launch Connectors Overview
High Frequency RF PCB Connectors up to 125GHz
End launch connectors, also known as edge mount RF connectors, are critical components for high-frequency signal transmission between coaxial cables and printed circuit boards (PCB). Among leading manufacturers, Southwest Microwave is widely recognized for its precision-engineered connectors designed for microwave and millimeter-wave applications.
These connectors provide excellent signal integrity, low insertion loss, and consistent impedance performance across a wide frequency range — from DC up to 125GHz.
What is an End Launch Connector?
An end launch connector is mounted at the edge of a PCB, allowing a direct transition from a coaxial interface to a planar transmission line such as:
Microstrip
Grounded Coplanar Waveguide (GCPW)
This design minimizes signal discontinuities and ensures optimal RF performance, making it ideal for:
RF test boards
High-speed digital systems
Microwave and millimeter-wave circuits
Aerospace and radar systems
Product Series Overview (By Frequency Range)
Southwest Microwave offers a complete portfolio of end launch connectors categorized by frequency capability and interface type:
| Series | Frequency Range | Interface Type | Typical Models |
| SMA / SuperSMA | DC – 27GHz | SMA | 292-04A-6, 292-07A-9 |
| 2.92mm (K) | DC – 40GHz | K Connector | 1092-01A-9, 1093-03A-6 |
| 2.4mm | DC – 50GHz | 2.4mm | 1492-02A-9, 1493-01A-6 |
| 1.85mm (V) | DC – 67GHz | V Connector | 1892-04A-6, 1893-03A-6 |
| 1.0mm | DC – 125GHz | 1.0mm | 2492-04A-6 |
These connectors are designed to support high-frequency applications with minimal reflection and maximum reliability.
Typical Applications
End launch RF connectors are widely used in:
Telecommunications
5G infrastructure
High-speed data transmission
Automotive Radar
ADAS systems
77GHz radar modules
Aerospace & Defense
Radar systems
Electronic warfare
Test & Measurement
Vector network analyzers (VNA)
RF test fixtures
Research & Development
Millimeter-wave experiments
Advanced communication systems
Which Connector Interface Should You Choose?
2.92mm End Launch Connectors for Designs to 40GHz
The 2.92mm interface is a practical choice for systems that do not need to operate above 40GHz. It is widely used in microwave test fixtures, RF modules, Ka-band equipment and broadband PCB evaluation.
Representative Southwest Microwave models include female 1092-series and male 1093-series connectors. Examples already available from DataStorageIC include the 1092-04A-12 2.92mm female End Launch connector and the 1093-01A-6 2.92mm male End Launch connector.
Choose 2.92mm when 40GHz bandwidth is sufficient and the test system or cable assembly already uses a compatible 2.92mm interface. Do not select it for a PCB whose required operating band extends above 40GHz.
2.4mm End Launch Connectors for Designs to 50GHz
The 2.4mm family increases the usable frequency range to 50GHz. It is suitable for millimeter-wave instruments, communication modules, radar evaluation boards and other designs requiring more bandwidth than a 2.92mm launch can provide.
Southwest Microwave 2.4mm End Launch products use 1492-series part numbers for female versions and 1493-series part numbers for male versions. Available examples include:
A 2.4mm connector should not be treated as a direct mechanical replacement for a 2.92mm connector. Confirm the complete cable, adapter and instrument interface before changing connector families.
1.85mm End Launch Connectors for Designs to 67GHz
The 1.85mm interface supports operation to 67GHz and is commonly selected for V-band measurements, 60GHz radios, high-frequency radar, semiconductor evaluation and advanced test fixtures.
Southwest Microwave uses 1892-series part numbers for female 1.85mm End Launch connectors and 1893-series numbers for male versions. Available launch-pin and dielectric combinations allow the transition to be matched to different trace widths and substrate configurations.
Choose 1.85mm when the required band extends above 50GHz or when the measurement setup is standardized on the 1.85mm interface. At this frequency, PCB launch geometry, via placement and manufacturing tolerance can affect performance as much as the connector itself.
1.0mm End Launch Connectors for W-Band Testing
The 1.0mm family is intended for very-high-frequency millimeter-wave measurements. Current Southwest Microwave online listings include 1.0mm End Launch connectors to 125GHz, with 2492-series female and 2493-series male configurations.
The 1.0mm interface should be selected only when the complete signal path—including the PCB launch, substrate, cables, adapters and measurement equipment—supports the required frequency. Mechanical alignment and handling become increasingly important as connector size decreases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between 2.92mm, 2.4mm, 1.85mm and 1.0mm End Launch connectors?
The main differences are maximum frequency, physical interface size and the precision required for the PCB transition. Southwest Microwave lists 2.92mm products to 40GHz, 2.4mm to 50GHz, 1.85mm to 67GHz and current 1.0mm options to 125GHz.
Can the same End Launch connector be used on any PCB thickness?
No. Each part-number suffix supports a specific board-thickness range. Confirm the exact PCB thickness and mechanical drawing before ordering.
Are Southwest Microwave End Launch connectors solderless?
Many configurations use a clamp and interference-style pin contact so soldering is optional. The installation method and RF performance must still be verified for the exact connector and PCB design.
Should I choose a standard or narrow transition block?
Choose the standard block when board-edge space is available and broader mechanical options are useful. Choose the narrow block when connector spacing, module size or weight is restricted.
What information is needed for a Southwest Microwave connector quotation?
Provide the required frequency, connector interface, gender, PCB material, PCB thickness, microstrip or GCPW structure, trace dimensions, preferred body style, quantity and target delivery date. If an existing part number is being replaced, include its complete ordering code and mechanical drawing.
Southwest Microwave End Launch Connector RFQ
DataStorageIC supplies SOUTHWEST Microwave End Launch connectors, test boards, cable connectors and related microwave interconnect products for RF testing, radar, satellite communication, 5G/mmWave, aerospace and defense systems.
For part-number selection, price, availability or lead-time information, submit your requirements through our RFQ form. Include the PCB stack-up and required operating frequency so the connector geometry can be checked before quotation.
