IEC 61169-54:2021

Overview

IEC 61169-54:2021 is the sectional specification for coaxial RF connectors in the 4,3-10 (4.3-10) family - specifically connectors with a 10 mm inner diameter of outer conductor, nominal 50 Ω characteristic impedance and an upper operating frequency limit of 6 GHz. Published as Edition 2.0 (2021), this document replaces the 2016 edition and provides the rules and guidance for preparing detail specifications (DS) used by manufacturers, test laboratories and procurement teams working on wireless telecommunication and wireless network equipment.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Connector family and coupling types: Defines series 4,3-10 connectors with screw type, hand screw type or quick-lock type coupling.
• Mating face and gauging: Provides mating-face dimensions for general-purpose connectors (Grade 2) and standard test connectors (Grade 0), plus gauge pins and gauge rings and associated test procedures.
• Performance characteristics: Recommends electrical and mechanical performance characteristics to be used when drafting detail specifications for 50 Ω 4,3-10 connectors.
• Test schedules and inspection: Specifies acceptance tests and periodic tests (selected from IEC 61169‑1) and defines inspection requirements for assessment levels M and H.
• Quality assessment and conformance: Describes quality assessment procedures, test groupings, specification structures (SS and DS), and a blank detail-specification pro‑forma for 4,3-10 connectors.
• Marking and packaging: Covers component marking and package identification requirements.
• Editorial/technical changes: Second edition includes an updated patent statement and changes to values in Table 8 (ratings and characteristics) relative to the 2016 edition.

Practical applications and who uses this standard

IEC 61169-54:2021 is relevant to:

• RF connector and cable assembly manufacturers defining product dimensions and test procedures
• Design engineers specifying connectors for radio access networks, base stations, small cells, DAS and other wireless infrastructure
• Test laboratories and QA teams conducting acceptance and periodic testing to assessment level M or H
• Procurement and compliance specialists requiring standardized DS templates and marking/packaging rules
• System integrators working with compatible transmission line types in wireless telecommunication and wireless network applications

Using this specification ensures mechanical interchangeability, consistent electrical performance up to 6 GHz, and harmonized quality assessment for 4,3-10 (4.3-10) 50 Ω coaxial connectors.

Related standards

• IEC 61169-1:2013 - Radio-frequency connectors, Part 1: Generic specification (general requirements and measuring methods)
• IEC 62037-1:2012 - Passive RF and microwave devices, intermodulation level measurement - Part 1: General requirements and measuring methods

Keywords: IEC 61169-54, 4.3-10, 4,3-10, coaxial connectors, RF connectors, 50 Ω, 6 GHz, sectional specification, mating face dimensions, gauging, quality assessment, wireless telecommunication.