FAQs – RF Connectors

“Cable Mount” means the connector is physically attached to the cable rather than being installed on a PCB. Installation can involve crimping, soldering, or clamping the connector onto the cable’s shield and center conductor. This approach is common in custom cable assemblies or field installations where flexibility in cable length or routing is needed.

• Right Angle: Ideal when space is limited or cables need to bend sharply without excessive strain.
• Straight: Typically used when there’s enough clearance for a direct, in-line cable exit, offering simpler cable management.

Each connector type has unique mechanical dimensions, frequency capabilities, and industry standards:

• 3/4 inch Hole Brass Mount: Often used for through-hole pass-through in automotive or industrial enclosures.
• FAKRA: Automotive-grade connectors with color-coded keying to avoid mismatches.
• MMCX: Micro coax connector for small devices, snap-on mechanism.
• SMA: Common threaded connector for RF applications up to ~18 GHz.

Impedance mismatches cause signal reflections, leading to higher return loss and degraded performance. Maintaining a consistent 50 Ω (or 75 Ω in some video applications) across cables, connectors, and devices ensures optimal signal integrity.

• Diameter & Flexibility: Thicker cables (e.g., CFD-200, TGC-200) generally have lower attenuation but are less flexible.
• Frequency Range: Some cables are optimized for higher frequencies, while others are suited for lower-frequency or shorter runs.
• Operating Environment: Certain cables are designed for harsh conditions (e.g., automotive, outdoor) with specific jacketing or shielding.

FAKRA connectors use color-coded housings to denote unique mechanical key codes and sometimes specific frequency bands. This prevents incorrect mating in complex automotive wiring harnesses and ensures each connector matches the correct port.

On-board or receptacle connectors are soldered directly onto a PCB or device enclosure, providing a fixed mating interface. In contrast, cable mount connectors are attached to the cable itself. On-board connectors help streamline assembly by allowing external cables to plug in without extra wiring inside the device.

• PCB Termination: The connector solders onto the main board, reducing cable clutter but requiring precise PCB layout.
• PCB Edge: Placed on the edge of the board for easy external access, often used in small or thin enclosures.
• Cable Mount: The connector is terminated onto a coax cable, offering flexibility in cable length and routing.

Each FAKRA code ensures mechanical keying and color-coding for different applications and frequency ranges. This system prevents incorrect connections—vital in automotive and industrial environments where multiple RF lines coexist.

These are ultra-miniature coax connectors designed for tight spaces and high-frequency performance (often up to 6 GHz or more). They’re typically chosen over MMCX or SMA in devices like laptops, smartphones, or IoT modules, where board space is limited.

A right-angle connector is chosen when vertical clearance is limited, or cables must run parallel to the PCB. It helps manage cable routing in compact devices, preventing sharp bends or kinks that degrade performance.

RF adapters allow you to convert or bridge between different connector types, genders, or orientations. They’re essential in test setups, prototyping, or installations where connector compatibility is an issue.

• Adaptor: Connects two existing cable or device connectors without requiring re-termination.
• Cable Mount: Involves attaching the connector directly to a cable via crimp or solder.

Adapters must maintain the same impedance as the rest of the system to avoid reflections. Any mismatch at high frequencies (e.g., 10+ GHz) can cause significant signal loss and distortion.

• Gold Plating: Offers excellent corrosion resistance and stable contact over time but can be more expensive.
• Silver Plating: Has the highest conductivity but may tarnish if not protected. Both options provide low insertion loss, vital for high-frequency RF signals.