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I know these are coaxial and probably SMB, however, I'd like to know how each particular type of connector is called.

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Moreover, I was wondering if these colors mean anything in particular (i.e. if there is a specific color-coding convention).

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Edit: Some context. The device is a car infotainment system. The device for #1 is a GPS antenna, and 1 through 5 are the adaptors I currently have to be able to connect the GPS antenna to the system (dark-yellow-ish connector & port). Thing is I need to get more GPS antennas and I don't think I'd really need all these cables (2 through 4) if I just had #5 instead of #1 directly in the GPS antenna.

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4 Answers 4

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This connectors are based on the USCAR and FAKRA standards, that are normally used in the automotive industry.

This is brief introduction of these standards:

The automotive industry has been revolutionized with the increased adoption of telematics in vehicles including GPS, Cellular, Bluetooth and Satellite Radio. No longer are satellite navigation systems and sophisticated in-vehicle entertainment confined solely to the luxury end of the market. As telematic advancements become more reliable, available and inexpensive, vehicles are transforming into an intelligent platform for enabling mobile life. With these recent advancements in communications technology and increased consumer demand for a diverse array of on-board telematics services, RF communications systems have become integral components of today’s automobile, trucking, watercraft, motorcycle and off-road construction markets. To keep RF interconnection costs low, and to ensure high levels of electrical and mechanical performance for telematics applications, such as Global Positioning Satellite, Satellite Radio, Vehicular Internet Access, Remote vehicle diagnostics and Bluetooth, the worldwide automotive industries have standardized a high-performing, cost-effective RF connector based on the FAKRA and USCAR standards. Utilizing a modified metal SMB connector embedded within a plastic housing that can be designed with multiple color codes for easy identification, FAKRA connectors are designed to perform up to 6 GHz and meet the particular mechanical and environmental requirements of the automotive industry.

The most common applications include:

  • AM/FM Radio
  • Satellite Radio
  • GPS
  • Cellular/PCS (Personal Communications Service)
  • Bluetooth
  • Wireless Remote
  • Vehicle Controls
  • WiFi
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1, 2 and 5 look like SMB (1 and 5 are male 2 is female)

3 and 4 are SMA (3 is male 4 is female)

For your color coding I would say that they are probably manufacturer spicific. If you could post the device model and manufacturer I could get more info for you. Also the purpose for the device would be helpful.

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#1 and #2 I'm not familiar with.

#3 is SMA (male).

#4 is SMA (female).

#5 looks like SMB, but with a housing around it that isn't part of a "standard" SMB connector. It may in fact be entirely different.

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I think 1, 2, and 5 are the same type, if perhaps different genders. I haven't seen them before, either. I'd guess they're SMB too, with a custom housing to prevent them from connecting incorrectly.

If you look at the A, B, C, D connectors, the internal connector structure is the same across all of them (looks like SMB too), but the polarizing pins on the plastic shield is in a different place on each. It looks like someone's "clever" attempt at making it so you cannot connect cables to them incorrectly.

I really, really doubt there is a color-coding convention. At least, I haven't herd of any.

What is this equipment, anyways?

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  • \$\begingroup\$ From the looks of the connectors, and the networking equipment in the background, this is some strange type of antenna distribution system, but your guess is as good as mine... \$\endgroup\$
    – Reid
    Commented Apr 6, 2012 at 4:59

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