Bayonet Neill–Concelman
(BNC)

Description
A Basic Guide for Grasping BNC Connectors
One of the most important things, especially in the field of electronics and communication systems is to connect cables properly. A very common connector that most of the people use for this purpose is the Bayonet Neill–Concelman connector, or BNC connector. Though the full name may sound technical, the idea is pretty much simple. We'll be discussing in this article what’s a BNC connector and how does the BNC connector work, where to be used, and why is it common in both old as well as new technology.
What is a BNC Connector?
A BNC connector is a coupling device for coaxial cables through which coaxial cables pass radio, video, and digital signals. This allows attachment of devices such as radios, oscilloscopes, video surveillance cameras, and broadcasting systems to these tools.
Bayonet Neill–Concelman, so the name “Bayonet Neill–Concelman” came from the mode of production and names of the two inventors:
- Bayonet: Refers to the type of connection–it’s twisted then locked.
- Neill: Named for producer Paul Neill of Bell Labs.
- Concelman: Named for designer Carl Concelman of Amphenol Corporation.
What’s the Use of a BNC Connector?
It is a bayonet locking mechanism with the BNC connector, meaning that you push in the male connector into the female socket and give it a twist of about a quarter to secure it. Hence, it is convenient and safe to hook or unhook up fast.
Two small pins or lugs are usually present that fit into the slots of the socket. This kind of locking system forms a very strong connection that will not loosen by itself. Surrounding the connector is a metal shell, which acts as the ground, and within it is a central pin carrying the signal.
Parts of a BNC Connector
A better way to understand its function is through the identification of critical parts among BNC connectors:
- Centre Pin: Voila the signal.
- Insulator: Prevents outer shell touching the centre pin.
- Metal shell exterior: Protects the signal from interference and grounds it.
- Bayonet Locking Pins: These allow the connector to be twisted and locked into position securely.
What are the Benefits of BNC Connectors?
There are many reasons as to why BNC connectors enjoy such wide popularity:
- Bayonet locking helps in easy attachment and detachment of the connector without the need for any special tools.
What BNC Connectors Do
BNC connectors have a variety of applications with some of the more common being:
- Television and video: BNC connectors are frequently employed in transmitting video signals, particularly from professional video cameras and monitors.
- CCTV Security Cameras: BNC connectors are the most often applied to send the video feed from the camera to a DVR or monitor in analog security systems.
- Laboratory & Test Equipment: The most common application is to connect/disconnect the signal lines to and from oscilloscopes, signal generators, and spectrum analyzers.
- Radio & Antenna Equipment: Commonly found in low power RF systems and amateur radio
- Computer Networks (Older Systems): In earlier times, BNC connectors were applied to 10BASE2 Ethernet networks, also known as “thin Ethernet.” Modern RJ-45 and fiber optic connectors prevail now, however.
Various Sorts of BNC Connectors
Based on application, there are a few types of BNC connectors:
- 50-ohm BNC: This one is used for radio frequency (RF) and data signals.
- 75-ohm BNC: This one is meant for video signals, especially in CCTV and TV broadcasts.
BNC T-connectors and BNC adapters are instrumental in network or test equipment setups when there is a need to split or combine signals.
If you mix 50 ohm and 75 ohm BNCs in the wrong places, you can lose signals, or you may observe reflections.
Connecting a BNC
It is quite simple to connect a BNC connector:
- Proper positioning of the male and female connectors
- Press them together till the centre pin goes into the socket
- Screw the collar about a quarter turn to lock the connector in place. To remove it, twist it the other way and pull it off.
Conclusion
The BNC connector is relatively small but a vital and robust little component for electronic and communication systems, which finds application across various sectors including broadcasting, security as well as scientific research due to its ease in locking, good construction as well as decent signal-handling capabilities.
In all probability, the BNC connector is what lets you watch footage from a security camera, measure a signal on an oscilloscope, or learn how radio signals work.