EN 61169-1:2013

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-januar-2014
5DGLRIUHNYHQþQLNRQHNWRUMLGHO5RGRYQDVSHFLILNDFLMD6SORãQH]DKWHYHLQ
PHULOQHPHWRGH
Radio-frequency connectors - Part 1: Generic specification - General requirements and
measuring methods
Hochfrequenz-Steckverbinder - Teil 1: Fachgrundspezifikation - Allgemeine
Anforderungen und Messverfahren
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 61169-1:2013
ICS:
33.120.30 5DGLRIUHNYHQþQLNRQHNWRUML R.F. connectors
5)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 61169-1
NORME EUROPÉENNE
November 2013
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 33.120.30 Supersedes EN 61169-1:1994 + A1:1996 + A2:1997

English version
Radio-frequency connectors -
Part 1: Generic specification -
General requirements and measuring methods
(IEC 61169-1:2013)
Connecteurs pour fréquences Hochfrequenz-Steckverbinder -
radioélectriques - Teil 1: Fachgrundspezifikation -
Partie 1: Spécification générique - Allgemeine Anforderungen und
Exigences générales et méthodes de Messverfahren
mesure (IEC 61169-1:2013)
(CEI 61169-1:2013)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2013-08-14. CENELEC members are bound to comply
with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard
the status of a national standard without any alteration.

Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on
application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified
to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus,
the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany,
Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B - 1000 Brussels

© 2013 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 61169-1:2013 E
Foreword
The text of document 46F/216/CDV, future edition 2 of IEC 61169-1, prepared by SC 46F, "R.F. and
microwave passive components", of IEC TC 46, "Cables, wires, waveguides, R.F. connectors, R.F. and
microwave passive components and accessories" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and
approved by CENELEC as EN 61169-1:2013.
The following dates are fixed:
(dop) 2014-05-14
• latest date by which the document has
to be implemented at national level by
publication of an identical national
standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national (dow) 2016-08-14
standards conflicting with the
document have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 61169-1:1994.
Tests methods have been updated as well as terminology.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC [and/or CEN] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 61169-1:2013 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standards indicated:
IEC 61196 series NOTE  Harmonised in EN 61196 series.
ISO 286-1 NOTE  Harmonised as EN ISO 286-1.
ISO 1302 NOTE  Harmonised as EN ISO 1302.

- 3 - EN 61169-1:2013
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications

The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

NOTE  When an international publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant EN/HD
applies.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year

IEC 60027 Series Letter symbols to be used in electrical EN 60027 Series
technology
IEC 60050 Series International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - -

IEC 60068-1 - Environmental testing - EN 60068-1 -
Part 1: General and guidance
1)
IEC 60068-2-1 1990 Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-1 1993
Part 2: Tests - Tests A: Cold
2) 3)
IEC 60068-2-2 1974 Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-2 1993
Part 2: Tests - Tests B: Dry heat

IEC 60068-2-6 - Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-6 -
Part 2-6: Tests - Test Fc: Vibration
(sinusoidal)
IEC 60068-2-11 - Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-11 -
Part 2: Tests - Test Ka: Salt mist

IEC 60068-2-13 - Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-13 -
Part 2: Tests - Test M: Low air pressure

IEC 60068-2-14 2009 Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-14 2009
Part 2-14: Tests - Test N: Change of
temperature
IEC 60068-2-17 - Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-17 -
Part 2: Tests - Test Q: Sealing

IEC 60068-2-20 - Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-20 -
Part 2-20: Tests - Test T: Test methods for
solderability and resistance to soldering heat
of devices with leads
IEC 60068-2-27 - Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-27 -
Part 2-27: Tests - Test Ea and guidance:
Shock
4)
IEC 60068-2-29 - Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-29 -
Part 2: Tests - Test Eb and guidance: Bump

IEC 60068-2-30 - Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-30 -
Part 2-30: Tests - Test Db: Damp heat, cyclic
(12 h + 12 h cycle)
1)
EN 60068-2-1 is superseded by EN 60068-2-1:2007, which is based on IEC 60068-2-1:2007.
2)
EN 60068-2-2 includes supplement(s) A to IEC 60068-2-2.
3)
EN 60068-2-2 is superseded by EN 60068-2-2:2007, which is based on IEC 60068-2-2:2007.
4)
EN 60068-2-29 is superseded by EN 60068-2-27:2009, which is based on IEC 60068-2-27:2009.

Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60068-2-42 - Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-42 -
Part 2-42: Tests - Test Kc: Sulphur dioxide
test for contacts and connections

IEC 60068-2-52 1996 Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-52 1996
+ corr. July 1996 Part 2-52: Tests - Test Kb: Salt mist, cyclic
(sodium chloride solution)
IEC 60068-2-54 - Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-54 -
Part 2-54: Tests - Test Ta: Solderability
testing of electronic components by the
wetting balance method
IEC 60068-2-61 1991 Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-61 1993
Part 2: Test methods - Test Z/ABDM: Climatic
sequence
IEC 60068-2-78 - Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-78 -
Part 2-78: Tests - Test Cab: Damp heat,
steady state
IEC 60457-1 - Rigid precision coaxial lines and their HD 351.1 S1 -
associated precision connectors -
Part 1: General requirements and measuring
methods
IEC 60617 Data- Graphical symbols for diagrams - -
base
IEC 61726 - Cable assemblies, cables, connectors and EN 61726 -
passive microwave components - Screening
attenuation measurement by the reverberation
chamber method
IEC 62037 Series Passive RF and microwave devices, EN 62037 Series
intermodulation level measurement

IEC 62153 Series Metallic communication cables test methods EN 62153 Series

5)
ISO 1000 - SI units and recommendations for the use of - -
their multiples and of certain other units

5)
ISO 1000:1992 has been withdrawn.

IEC 61169-1 ®
Edition 2.0 2013-07
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Radio frequency connectors –
Part 1: Generic specification – General requirements and measuring methods

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
PRICE CODE
XA
ICS 33.120.30 ISBN 978-2-8322-0925-7

– 2 – 61169-1 © IEC:2013(E)
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
3.1 General, parts of connectors . 8
3.2 Basic connector terms . 9
3.3 Constructional terms . 10
3.4 Sealing . 11
3.5 Miscellaneous terms . 11
3.6 General electrotechnical terms . 12
4 Units, symbols and dimensions . 12
4.1 Units and symbols . 12
4.2 Dimensions . 13
4.2.1 Details to be provided in relevant specifications . 13
4.2.2 Dimensional units to be used in specifications . 13
5 Standards ratings and characteristics . 13
6 Classifications into climatic categories . 13
7 IEC type designation . 14
8 Testing . 14
9 Test methods. 14
9.1 Mechanical inspection . 14
9.1.1 Visual inspection . 14
9.1.2 Dimensions. 15
9.2 Electrical tests and measuring procedures . 15
9.2.1 Return loss . 15
9.2.2 Power rating . 19
9.2.3 Contact resistance, outer conductor and centre conductor continuity
(mated cabled connectors) . 20
9.2.4 Centre and outer conductor contact continuity under severe
mechanical conditioning . 22
9.2.5 Insulation resistance . 22
9.2.6 Voltage proof . 23
9.2.7 Screening effectiveness . 24
9.2.8 Discharge test (corona test) . 24
9.2.9 Intermodulation level (PIM) . 25
9.2.10 Surge withstand . 26
9.3 Mechanical tests and measuring procedures . 26
9.3.1 General . 26
9.3.2 Soldering . 26
9.3.3 Vibration . 26
9.3.4 Insertion force (resilient contacts) . 27
9.3.5 Centre contact captivation . 28
9.3.6 Engagement and separation forces and torques . 28
9.3.7 Effectiveness of clamping device against cable rotation (nutation of
cable end) . 29
9.3.8 Effectiveness of clamping device against cable pulling . 29

61169-1 © IEC:2013(E) – 3 –
9.3.9 Effectiveness of clamping device against cable bending . 30
9.3.10 Effectiveness of clamping device against cable torsion . 31
9.3.11 Strength of coupling mechanism . 32
9.3.12 Safety wire hole pull-out bending moment (and shearing force) . 32
9.3.13 Bump . 33
9.3.14 Shock . 34
9.3.15 Mechanical endurance . 35
9.4 Climatic conditionings and tests . 35
9.4.1 Conditionings . 35
9.4.2 Climatic sequence . 36
9.4.3 Damp heat, steady state . 37
9.4.4 Change of temperature . 37
9.4.5 High temperature endurance . 38
9.4.6 Low temperature endurance . 39
9.4.7 Sealing non-hermetic sealed connectors. 40
9.4.8 Hermetically sealed connectors . 40
9.4.9 Water immersion test . 41
9.4.10 Salt mist . 43
9.4.11 Resistance to solvents and contaminating fluids . 43
9.4.12 Sulphur dioxide test . 45
10 Quality assessment . 46
10.1 General . 46
10.2 Quality assessment steps . 46
10.2.1 Primary stage of manufacture . 46
10.2.2 Structurally similar components . 46
10.2.3 General principle for obtaining quality conformance . 46
10.3 Test schedule and inspection requirements . 46
10.3.1 Acceptance tests . 46
10.3.2 Periodic tests. 48
10.4 Procedures for quality conformance . 49
10.4.1 Quality conformance inspection . 49
10.4.2 Quality conformance and its maintenance . 49
10.5 Test and measurement procedures . 49
10.5.1 General . 49
10.5.2 Schedule of basic test groupings for acceptance and periodic tests . 50
10.6 Specifications . 50
10.6.1 Specification structures . 50
10.6.2 Sectional specification (SS) . 50
10.6.3 Detail specification (DS) . 50
10.6.4 Blank detail specification . 51
10.6.5 Blank detail specification pro-forma for XXXX connectors . 52
11 Marking . 57
11.1 Marking of component . 57
11.2 Marking and contents of package . 57
Annex A (informative) Simulated sea-water solution for use with salt mist test (marine
environment, see 9.4.10.3) . 58
Bibliography . 59

– 4 – 61169-1 © IEC:2013(E)
Figure 1 – graphical symbols . 16
Figure 2 – General principle . 16
Figure 3 – Measuring set-up for two-connector procedure . 17
Figure 4 – Example of a time domain reflectometer measurement recording . 18
Figure 5 – Equipment set-up for the measurement of reflection in time domain . 19
Figure 6 – Possible test arrangements . 23
Figure 7 – Measuring circuit for the discharge test . 25
Figure 8 – Test arrangement for nutation . 29
Figure 9 – Test arrangement for pulling . 30
Figure 10 – Bending. 31
Figure 11 – Cable torsion . 31
Figure 12 – Temperature curve profile . 41
Figure 13 – Container/jumper arrangement . 42

Table 1 – Preferred climatic categories (see IEC 60068-1) . 13
Table 2 – Dielectric materials ratings . 20
Table 3 – Severities for vibration. 27
Table 4 – Recommended severities for bump . 33
Table 5 – Recommended severities for shocks . 34
Table 6 – Recommended severities for low temperature tests . 39
Table 7 – Fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids and anti-freeze agents . 44
Table 8 – Cleaning agents and moisture repellents . 44
Table 9 – Acceptance tests . 47
Table 10 – Periodic tests . 48

61169-1 © IEC:2013(E) – 5 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
RADIO FREQUENCY CONNECTORS –
Part 1: Generic specification –
General requirements and measuring methods

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 61169-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 46F: R.F. and
microwave passive components, of IEC technical committee 46: Cables, wires, waveguides,
R.F. connectors, R.F. and microwave passive components and accessories.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 1992, its Amendments
1 (1996) and 2 (1997). This edition constitutes a technical revision.
With respect to the previous edition, tests methods have been updated as well as terminology.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
CDV Report on voting
46F/216/CDV 46F/226/RVC
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.

– 6 – 61169-1 © IEC:2013(E)
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all the parts in the IEC 61169 series, published under the general title Radio
frequency connectors, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
A bilingual version of this publication may be issued at a later date.

IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
61169-1 © IEC:2013(E) – 7 –
RADIO FREQUENCY CONNECTORS –
Part 1: Generic specification –
General requirements and measuring methods

1 Scope
This part of IEC 61169, which is a generic specification, relates to radio frequency connectors
for r.f. transmission lines for use in telecommunications, electronics and similar equipment.
It
It provides the basis for the sectional standards, which apply to individual connector types.
is intended to establish uniform concepts and procedures concerning:
– terminology;
– standard ratings and characteristics;
– testing and measuring procedures concerning electrical, mechanical and climatic
properties;
– classification of connectors with regard to climatic testing procedures involving
temperature and humidity.
The test methods and procedures of this standard are intended for acceptance and type
approval testing.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60027 (all parts), Letter symbols to be used in electrical technology
IEC 60050 (all parts), International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (available from:
http://www.electropedia.org)
IEC 60068-1, Environmental testing – Part 1: General and guidance
IEC 60068-2-1:1990, Environmental testing – Part 2-1: Tests – Test A: Cold
IEC 60068-2-2:1974, Environmental testing – Part 2-2: Tests – Test B: Dry heat
IEC 60068-2-6, Environmental testing – Part 2-6: Tests – Test Fc: Vibration (sinusoidal)
IEC 60068-2-11, Environmental testing – Part 2-11: Tests – Test Ka: Salt mist
IEC 60068-2-13, Environmental testing – Part 2-13: Tests – Test M: Low air pressure
IEC 60068-2-14:2009, Environmental testing – Part 2-14: Tests – Test N: Change of
temperature
IEC 60068-2-17, Environmental testing – Part 2-17: Tests – Test Q: Sealing
_____________
This publication has been withdrawn.
This publication has been withdrawn.

– 8 – 61169-1 © IEC:2013(E)
IEC 60068-2-20, Environmental testing – Part 2-20: Tests – Test T: Test methods for
solderability and resistance to soldering heat of devices with leads
IEC 60068-2-27, Environmental testing – Part 2-27: Tests – Test Ea and guidance: Shock
IEC 60068-2-29, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests – Test Eb and guidance: Bump
IEC 60068-2-30, Environmental testing – Part 2-30: Tests – Test Db: Damp heat, cyclic (12 h
+ 12 h cycle)
IEC 60068-2-42, Environmental testing – Part 2-42: Tests – Test Kc: Sulphur dioxide test for
contacts and connections
IEC 60068-2-52:1996, Environmental testing – Test Kb: Salt mist, cyclic (sodium, chloride
solution)
IEC 60068-2-54, Environmental testing – Part 2-54: Tests – Test Ta: Solderability testing of
electronic components by the wetting balance method
IEC 60068-2-61:1991, Environmental testing – Part 2-61: Test methods – Test Z/ABDM:
Climatic sequence
IEC 60068-2-78, Environmental testing – Part 2-78: Tests – Test Cab: Damp heat, steady
state
IEC 60457-1, Rigid precision coaxial lines and their associated precision connectors – Part 1:
General requirements and measuring methods
IEC 60617, Graphical symbols for diagrams (available from: http://std.iec.ch/iec60617)
IEC 62153 (all parts), Metallic communication cables test methods
IEC 61726, Cable assemblies, cables, connectors and passive microwave components –
Screening attenuation measurement by the reverberation chamber method
IEC 62037 (all parts), Passive RF and microwave devices, intermodulation level measurement
ISO 1000, SI units and recommendations for the use of their multiples and of certain other
units
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
NOTE Some of the terms defined are not used in the present document, but may be used in the different sectional
specifications.
3.1 General, parts of connectors
3.1.1
contact (electrical)
state in which individual electrically conductive parts are in such close mechanical touch as to
provide a low resistance path to electrical current in either direction
3.1.2
contact
a component which mates with a corresponding element to provide an
conductive element in
electrical path (to provide electrical contact)
_____________
This publication has been withdrawn.

61169-1 © IEC:2013(E) – 9 –
3.1.3
male (pin) contact
contact intended to make electrical engagement on its outer surface and which will enter a
female (socket) contact
3.1.4
female (socket) contact
contact intended to make electrical engagement on its inner surface and which will accept
entry of a male (pin) contact
3.1.5
hermaphroditic contact
contact which is intended to mate with an identical contact
3.1.6
resilient contact
contact having elastic properties to provide a force to its mating part
3.2 Basic connector terms
3.2.1
connector
component normally attached to a cable or mounted on a piece of apparatus (excluding an
adaptor) for electrically joining separable parts of a transmission line system
3.2.2
connector pair
two connectors having complementary mating faces and locking means, so as to be mateable
and interlockable
3.2.3
series type
terms characterizing the particular mating faces and locking means of a connector pair with
regard to construction and dimension
Note 1 to entry: The term "series" is sometimes used as an approximate synonym of 'type' for designating the
entirety of connector styles with identical mating face and locking means.
3.2.4
style
particular form or shape of connector, as well as a combination of connectors of the same
type
Note 1 to entry: For "adaptor", see 3.5.1 to 3.5.5: a 'within-type adaptor" may also be considered as a particular
style of a given type.
Note 2 to entry: Examples are: free and fixed connectors, both straight and right angle, within-type adaptors
straight and right angle.
3.2.5
variant
variation of a style, in particular details, such as cable-entry dimensions
3.2.6
grade
qualification of a connector with regard to mechanical and electrical precision in particular
with respect to a defined return loss
3.2.7
general purpose connector: Grade 2
connector making use of the widest permitted dimensional deviations (tolerances) so as still
to guarantee minimum stated performance and intermateability
Note 1 to entry: A requirement for the return loss may or may not be specified.

– 10 – 61169-1 © IEC:2013(E)
3.2.8
high performance connector: Grade 1
connector for which limits of return loss are specified as a function of frequency.
Note 1 to entry: No tighter dimensional tolerances than those applicable to Grade 2 are normally specified. The
manufacturer is responsible, however, for choosing tighter tolerances where necessary to ensure that the return
loss requirements are met.
3.2.9
standard test connector: Grade 0
precisely made connector of a particular type used to carry out return loss measurements on
Grade 1 and Grade 2 connectors, contributing only negligible errors to the measuring result
Note 1 to entry: The standard test connector is often part of an inner-type adaptor which allows connection with a
precision connector forming part of the measuring equipment.
3.2.10
precision connector
connector that has coincident mechanical and electrical reference planes, air dielectric, and
has the property of making connections with a high degree of repeatability without introducing
significant reflections, loss or leakage
Note 1 to entry: It is intended for mounting on air-lines and instruments. Precision connectors can be of the
hermaphroditic type, flange type or of the pin and socket type as stated in IEC 60457-1.
3.2.11
laboratory precision connector
LPC
precision connector without dielectric support for the centre conductor
3.2.12
general precision connector
GPC
precision connector with self-contained dielectric support capable of supporting the un-
supported centre conductor of an LPC and standard air-line which it is mated
3.3 Constructional terms
3.3.1
male connector/pin connector
connector containing a male (pin) centre contact
3.3.2
female connector/socket connector
connector containing a female (socket) centre contact
3.3.3
plug connector
connector featuring the active part of the coupling mechanism, i.e. the nut or bayonet ring,
and which normally is a free contact
Note 1 to entry: Depending on the particular type, a plug may be a male or female connector.
3.3.4
socket
connector complimentary to the plug
3.3.5
hermaphroditic connector
connector which mates with an identical connector
3.3.6
free connector
connector for attachment to a free end of a cable
Note 1 to entry: If not specified as fixed, a connector is assumed to be free.

61169-1 © IEC:2013(E) – 11 –
3.3.7
fixed connector
connector with provision for attachment to a mounting surface
3.3.8
triaxial
transmission line comprising three concentric conductors having a common axis and with
each conductor insulated from the other two
3.4 Sealing
3.4.1
sealed connector
connector employing a seal capable of fulfilling specified gas-, moisture- or liquid tightness
requirements
3.4.2
barrier seal
seal preventing the passage of gases, moisture or liquids in an axial direction within the body
shell of a connector
3.4.3
panel seal
seal preventing the passage of gases, moisture or liquids between the fixed connector or
adaptor body shell and the panel via the mounting hole(s)
Note 1 to entry: The sealing member is often provided as a discrete item.
3.4.4
mating face seal
seal preventing the passage of gases, moisture or liquids into the interface space of a pair of
mated connectors
3.4.5
hermetic seal
seal meeting the requirements specified on application of Test Qk of IEC 60068-2-17
3.5 Miscellaneous terms
3.5.1
adaptor
two-port device for joining two transmission lines having non-mating connectors
3.5.2
fixed adaptor
adaptor with provision for attachment to a mounting surface
Note 1 to entry: If not specified as fixed, an adaptor is assumed to be free.
3.5.3
within-type adaptor
adaptor for use between two or more connectors all of the same type
3.5.4
inter-type adaptor
adaptor for use between two or more connectors of different types
3.5.5
standard test adaptor
inter-type adaptor for test purposes, having a standard test connector at one end and a
precision connector at the other end

– 12 – 61169-1 © IEC:2013(E)
3.5.6
standard air line
homogenous air dielectric transmission line having the smallest possible irregularities in
diameter and straightness of conductors, no self-contained supports for the inner conductor
and using non-magnetic material with good conductivity
3.5.7
reference line
air-line similar to the standard air-line but with dielectric support of the inner conductor, and
with a design such that the internal return loss is kept at a minimum within the frequency
range made use of for measurements
3.5.8
proof coupling torque
maximum torque to be applied to the screw-coupling mechanism of a specific connector
series for testing the mechanical strength of the coupling mechanism
3.5.9
normal coupling torque
maximum/minimum values of torque to be applied in normal use to the coupling of screw type
connectors
3.5.10
engagement and separation torque
torque required to overcome friction, compression of springs, etc. during the engagement and
separation of connectors with rotary type coupling mechanisms before or after complete
engagement
Note 1 to entry: This is intended to check for undue tightness of threads, burrs on bayonet-cams, freedom of
rotation of coupling rings, etc.
3.5.11
push-on
connectors with interfaces that engage/disengage in an axial direction
3.6 General electrotechnical terms
3.6.1
nominal value
typical value used to designate or identify a component, device or equipment
Note 1 to entry: It follows from the definition that a nominal value is not subject to tolerances.
Note 2 to entry: Typical and nominal are interchangeable.
3.6.2
limiting value
in a specification, the greatest and/or smallest admissible value of one of the quantities
3.6.3
rated value
operational values that are provided in the detailed specification
4 Units, symbols and dimensions
4.1 Units and symbols
Units, graphical symbols, letter symbols and terminology shall whenever possible, be taken
from the following IEC publications:
60027: Letter symbols to be used in electrical technology.
60050: International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV).
60617: Graphical symbols for diagrams.

61169-1 © IEC:2013(E) – 13 –
Other publication:
ISO 1000: SI units and recommendations for the use of their multiples and of certain other
units.
4.2 Dimensions
4.2.1 Details to be provided in relevant specifications
Each relevant specification shall provide the following.
a) Sufficient dimensional information on the mating faces of connectors should be provided
to ensure intermateability and compliance with performance requirements.
b) Information on the connector envelope maximum dimensions shall be provided to enable
the user to accommodate the connectors in their equipment.
c) The relevant specification is not intended to restrict details of construction which do not
affect interchangeability or performance, nor are they to be used as manufacturing
drawings.
4.2.2 Dimensional units to be used in specifications
The dimensions and tolerances shall be given in metric units.
During conversion of dimensions given in inches into millimetres, they shall, in principle, be
rounded to the nearest 0,001 mm or 0,000 05 in. Where, however, mechanical and electrical
considerations permit, the rounding shall usually be to the nearest 0,01 mm or 0,000 5 in.
5 Standards ratings and characteristics
The ratings and characteristics applicable to each connector type and style shall be stated in
the relevant specification. They should normally cover:
a) a short description of the connector construction stating in particular the inner diameter of
the outer conductor and, if applicable, the preferable cable types to be used with the
connector;
b) the return loss as a function of frequency for the different grades (if applicable) together
with the conditions for which it is valid;
c) the working voltage at different altitudes (pressures);
d) the climatic categories;
e) any other rating or characteristic applicable.
6 Classifications into climatic categories
The classification of connectors with regard to climatic conditions is based on IEC 60068-1
and indicated by a series of three sets of digits separated by oblique strokes corresponding
respectively to tests at low temperature (minus sign not shown), high temperature and the
number of days of exposure to damp heat, steady state.
The climatic severities are referenced by a cold temperature, high temperature and damp heat
steady state duration. Examples of climatic category of this are shown in Table 1:
Table 1 – Preferred climatic categories (see IEC 60068-1)
Category designation Letter Temperature range Damp heat steady state
40/85/21 A 21 days
–40 °C to +85 °C
55/125/21 B 21 days
–55 °C to +125 °C
55/155/56 C 56 days
–55 °C to +155 °C
– 14 – 61169-1 © IEC:2013(E)
7 IEC type designation
The purpose of the IEC type designation is to identify a particular connector within the scope
of IEC r.f. connector standardization. It is not intended to include information in excess of this.
In pract
...