Market need for ultraminiature, higher-frequency interconnects fuels RF sector

Size and performance matter in the challenge of keeping up with greater device miniaturization and data transmission requirements.

The steady release of thinner and more lightweight but powerful devices continues to amp up pressure on the interconnects industry to provide compatible products. In RF connectors and cable assemblies, the pursuit is ongoing to fill the need in the fields of mobile electronics, communications, household appliances, medical, transportation, new energy, and space and aviation.

Fine pitch and multiple cores are the trends driving R&D to realize ultrasmall, superslim and high-density connectors and cable assemblies today. Units for surface-mounting are expected to take the lead in coming years.

To support the bandwidth needed for seamless data transfer, meanwhile, higher-frequency operation is optimum.

AVIC Jonhon Optronic Technology Co. Ltd, previously known as China Aviation Optical-Electrical Technology Co. Ltd, has introduced No. 16 RF connectors for space, aviation and electronics. Only 30 percent the size of No. 12 variants, these are designed to work at 40GHz but can handle up to 65GHz. They are compatible with 0.047in and GORE CXN3506 cables. Characteristic impedance is 50ohms.

For the majority of manufacturers of RF connectors and cable assemblies in the Chinese mainland, meeting these trends remains a priority. At present, they are capitalizing on the popularity of MMCX types and I-Pex equivalents, and offer mostly 40GHz-rated products.

Signs of recovery

From a 15 percent sales growth rate in recent years, the production sector for RF interconnects in the mainland experienced a downturn in the first half of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some companies reported a drop in sales, ranging from 5 to 10 percent.

Despite this, many have an optimistic outlook as orders have started coming in the second half. They anticipate sales will increase by 10 to 15 percent in 2021, with demand from overseas expected to grow by 5 to 10 percent.

Confident of full recovery and based on how its business started to pick up in recent months, Shenzhen MUP Industrial Co. Ltd has added new production equipment, including plastic injection and automatic assembly machines.

With wider 5G deployment, a boom is almost assured for the industry in the years ahead. The global 5G market is projected to reach $1.1 trillion in 2026 from $31 billion in 2020, according to ReportsnReports.

More than 500 suppliers make up the manufacturing sector for RF connectors and cable assemblies in China, and over 80 percent are domestically owned with small to midsize operations. Guizhou Aerospace, Microgate, Everwin and Wutong are some of the major players.

There are companies that offer both products and others specializing in one. Many also manufacture other types of connectors and cable assemblies. RF interconnects represent 30 to 90 percent of total shipments.

As with other sectors in the electronics industry, the main hubs are in Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Guangdong provinces, specifically in Ningbo, Zhenjiang, Suzhou, Changzhou, Dongguan and Shenzhen. A number of manufacturers are also found in Shaanxi and Sichuan.

RF connectors

Mainstream RF connectors from mainland Chinese suppliers are made of nickel- or gold-plated BeCu or spring copper. These have BeCu or brass contacts with gold-over-nickel coating, annealed copper alloy crimp ferrules and Teflon or PTFE insulation.

SMA, SMB, BNC, TNC, MCX, MMCX, F, N, SSMA, SSMB and 7/16 types, and I-Pex equivalents are widely available.

Microminiature connectors are in high demand, including SSMA, SSMB, MMCX, K, 2.4, 1.85, 1mm units and I-Pex equivalents.

These products operate at 1 to 10GHz, and have 50 or 75ohm impedance, 0.1 to 0.3dB insertion loss and 1.35 maximum VSWR. Most are RoHS-compliant.

RF cable assemblies

RG-6, RG-58, RG-59, RG-174, RG-179, RG-316, RG-213, LMR 200, LMR 400, LMR 40, and mini cables in sizes of 0.8, 1.14, 1.32 and 1.47mm are used. These use braided aluminum or tinned copper wires, and PE, PTFE or FEP dielectric. Jackets are made of PVC.

Cables are terminated with male or female RF connectors. Common lengths are 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 5 and 10m.

Customization is generally accepted.

Most manufacturers use domestic sources of metal materials, including brass, copper, gold and nickel, and plastic types such as PVC and PE. They use imported inputs when required.

Material costs are expected to remain stable and keep product prices at current levels in the coming months.

The products in this gallery have been handpicked by our market analyst for representing current trends in RF connectors and cable assemblies from makers in the Chinese mainland and Taiwan region.

DC to 3GHz RF cable assembly

This 0. 81mm RF cable from Dongguan Hundu Electronic Co. Ltd, the HD-IPX4-081-SMAF-L, has DC to 3GHz frequency and 50ohm impedance. It is terminated with I-Pex MHF 20448-001R-081 and SMA female connectors. Applications include antennas, radios, and broadcast and electronic testing equipment.

The maker requires a minimum order of 200 units. Delivery takes 15 days.

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RF connector, works on 0 to 1GHz

Model DY3-032 BNC Male to F Female RF connector from Jiangsu Dongyuan Electronics Technology Co. Ltd has 0 to 1GHz frequency range, 75ohm impedance, ≥1,000Mohm insulation resistance and ≤1.2 straight VSWR. The body is made of HPb59-1 with nickel plating. The connector lasts up to 500 cycles.

An order of at least 1,000 units is required. Delivery is within 12 days.

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RF connector, copper alloy contacts

Shenzhen MUP's 3.1x3.1x1.75mm RF connector, the R4101, has a liquid-crystal polymer base and copper alloy contacts. It has 50ohm typical and 100mohm maximum contact resistance, and more than 1,000Mohm insulation resistance at 250VDC. Operating temperature is -40 to 85 C.

The 4,500-unit minimum order requirement has a 14-day delivery lead time.

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RF connector, operates on DC to 12GHz

The RF connector offered by Super Pilot Enterprise Co. Ltd, the SB-048/1G20Z15F0B0/12G, is a BNC type, and has DC to 12GHz frequency range and 75ohm impedance. It has a brass body and a Teflon insulator.

The supplier requires a minimum order of 1,000 units. Delivery is within 15 days.

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