MHV connector

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title: "MHV connector" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["rf-connectors"] topic_path: "general/rf-connectors" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MHV_connector" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::data[format=table title="Infobox connector"]

FieldValue
nameMHV connector
typeRF coaxial connector
image[[Image:MHV elbows.jpg
captionTwo coupled MHV elbows showing both plug and jack ends.
manufacturerVarious
diameterMale: 0.385 in
(inner, bayonet)
Female: 0.378 in
(outer, typical)
maximum_voltage5000Vpk
maximum_current3A
cableCoaxial
passbandTypically 0–300 MHZ
::

|name = MHV connector |type = RF coaxial connector |image = [[Image:MHV elbows.jpg|250px]] |logo = |caption = Two coupled MHV elbows showing both plug and jack ends. |designer = |design_date = |manufacturer = Various |diameter = Male: 0.385 in (inner, bayonet) Female: 0.378 in (outer, typical) |width = |height = |electrical = |earth = |maximum_voltage = 5000Vpk |maximum_current = 3A |cable = Coaxial |passband = Typically 0–300 MHZ |physical_connector =

The MHV (miniature high voltage)** connector** is a type of RF connector used for terminating coaxial cable.{{cite web| url=https://halberdbastion.com/resources/hardware/rf-connectors/rf-connector-series/mhv | title=Halberd Bastion MHV connectors}}

Description

The connector looks almost identical to a typical BNC connector, but is designed to not mate with BNC jacks. It features two bayonet lugs on the female connector; mating is fully achieved with a quarter turn of the coupling nut. The dimensions of the connector are specified in the MIL-STD-348B. MHV connectors can be recognized by the slightly protruding insulation on the male plug and the slightly different insulation length in the female jack.

Use

The MHV connector is typically rated for 1500 VRMS continuous and 5000 V peak, and 3 amperes. With an operating frequency limited to about 300 MHz their usage is restricted to low frequency applications. It was commonly used in laboratory settings for voltages beyond the rating of BNC connectors. Other applications include:

Safety hazards

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/60/MHV_vs_BNC_connectors.jpg" caption="Comparison of male and female MHV connectors (left) with BNC (right)"] ::

MHV connectors are a safety hazard because the central pin is close enough to the end to allow accidental contact with it when the connector is not plugged in, and because the ground connection is broken before the power connection when demating.

An additional problem is that MHV connectors are easily mistaken for BNC connectors by users who are unaware of the difference, and MHV and BNC plugs and jacks can be made to mate by brute force. This causes safety hazards, since a user can mate a low voltage cable to a high voltage jack.

SHV connectors are designed to prevent these hazards, and cannot be mated to BNC connectors.

References

References

  1. "Huber & Suhner RF Coaxial Connectors general catalogue".
  2. "Amphenol MHV Connectors".
  3. "High voltage connector types".
  4. "Huber & Suhner RF Coaxial Connectors general catalogue".
  5. "ALS Beamline Electrical Safety Guidelines".
  6. Garland, Jim. (12 Sep 2010). "Amps HV wires, back-to-back diodes, and B- wiring".

::callout[type=info title="Wikipedia Source"] This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page. ::

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