RF Connectors: SMA, MMCX, U.FL/IPEX from China
1 resources tagged with "Rf"
RF connectors from China — SMA, RP-SMA, MMCX, U.FL/IPEX, BNC, and N-type — are tiny parts that quietly wreck antenna performance when the wrong one is fitted. The specs that matter are VSWR (a good SMA holds under about 1.3:1 across its rated band), gold plating on the center pin, and the usable frequency range; U.FL/IPEX, for example, is rated to roughly 6GHz but only survives a handful of mating cycles.
When you source RF connectors, the most expensive mistake is polarity: SMA versus RP-SMA look identical but have the pin and socket swapped, so a whole batch of antennas won't mate. Verify plating thickness and impedance (50Ω is standard, but some video gear is 75Ω) against the datasheet, and check VSWR on samples rather than trusting the spec sheet.
Wiki (1)
FAQ
What is the difference between SMA and RP-SMA?
They share a body but the center contact is reversed: standard SMA has a pin on the male side, RP-SMA (reverse polarity) has a socket. They do not mate with each other, so confirm which your antenna and board use before ordering.
How many times can a U.FL/IPEX connector be mated?
U.FL/IPEX is rated for only about 30 mating cycles and is meant for assembly, not repeated field connection. For frequent disconnects, choose MMCX or SMA, or use a U.FL-to-SMA pigtail.
How do I check RF connector quality from a Chinese supplier?
Verify VSWR on samples across the operating band, confirm gold-plating spec and 50Ω impedance, and check mechanical fit. Poor plating and out-of-spec VSWR are the usual quality failures.
Related Topics
Have a sourcing project in mind?
Tell us what you need. We respond within 24 hours, including weekends.