UHF connector

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The UHF connector is a pre-World War II threaded RF connector design, from an era when UHF referred to frequencies over 30 MHz. UHF connectors are generally usable through what is now known as the VHF frequencies and can handle RF power levels over one kilowatt.

The most popular cable plug and chassis-mount socket carry the U.S. military nomenclatures PL-259 and SO-239, respectively. The PL-259 can be used with large diameter coaxial cable, such as RG-8/U and RG-9/U, and the smaller diameter RG-58/U and RG-59/U with an adapter sleeve. Technically, "PL-259" refers to one specific mechanical design, but the term is often used for any UHF cable plug. The thread is 5/8 inch 24tpi UNEF standard. The center conductor jack on the SO-239 will also accept a banana plug.

UHF connectors were replaced in many applications by designs that have a more uniform impedance over the length of the connector, such as the N connector and the BNC connector, but they are still widely used in amateur radio, citizens' band radio, and marine VHF radio.