- Preparation:
– Strip the Cable: Carefully prepare the LMR-200 cable by stripping it to expose the central conductor and the shield. Follow these steps:
– Remove the Outer Jacket: Strip away the outer jacket to reveal the braided shield and dielectric insulation.
– Expose the Shield: Remove the braided shield (or foil) without damaging it. Make sure to fold it back properly.
– Strip the Dielectric: Strip the dielectric insulation to expose the central conductor. Ensure you follow the manufacturer’s specifications for the correct strip lengths to fit the connector properly.
– Prepare the Connector: Ensure the SMA male connector is clean and ready for assembly. The connector will typically include a central pin and a crimp ring or ferrule for the shield.
- Crimping Steps:
– Insert the Central Conductor:
– Insert the stripped end of the LMR-200 cable’s central conductor into the central pin of the SMA connector. Ensure it is fully inserted and aligned properly.
– Crimp the Central Pin:
– Use a crimping tool to compress the crimp ring around the central pin. This creates a strong electrical and mechanical connection between the central conductor and the pin.
– Prepare the Shield:
– Fold back the braided shield of the LMR-200 cable so that it makes contact with the connector’s grounding element or body.
– Crimp the Shield:
– Slide the crimp ferrule (or ring) over the folded-back shield and use the crimping tool to compress it. This secures the shield to the connector’s grounding element, ensuring proper grounding and reducing signal loss. - Final Steps:
– Inspect the Connection: After crimping, examine the connection to ensure it is secure. Verify that the central pin is properly positioned and that the shield is adequately crimped. Look for any signs of damage or misalignment.
– Clean the Area: If necessary, clean the area around the connection with isopropyl alcohol or another suitable cleaning agent to remove any flux residue.
– Test the Connection: If possible, use RF testing equipment to ensure the assembly performs correctly and meets the required specifications for signal integrity and performance.
Applications:
– SMA Male to LMR-200 Crimped Assemblies are used in RF and microwave applications where flexibility, low attenuation, and reliable performance are essential. The SMA connector provides a high-frequency connection, and the LMR-200 cable offers good signal transmission characteristics with flexibility.
– Crimping is often chosen for its ease of assembly and the robust, reliable connections it provides, making it suitable for both field and factory environments.
