Shenzhen Tuko’s model TG-T-Connector-013 N-type RF connector for antennas has gold-plated brass contacts and a Delrin insulator.

Suppliers continue to upgrade selections to broaden reach in various electronics segments.

China RF connectors makers maintain emphasis on greater miniaturization, frequency and reliability to comply with diverse requirements in the communications, automotive, medical, military, aviation and space sectors.

Suppliers such as Shenzhen Zhrele focus on the first application and are releasing more I-Pex-compatible units, which suit 0.81 to 1.13mm-diameter cables. The manufacturer’s models support 6GHz frequency, 50ohm impedance and 20mohm contact resistance. These are mainly used in smartphones, notebook PCs, routers, and GPS and Bluetooth devices. Shenzhen Tuko Technology Co. Ltd will boost output of such smaller types based on demand.

Makers eyeing the military and testing segments are looking to achieve higher than 40GHz. The local selection, including at Junper (Ningbo) Tech Corp., consists of variants with up to 40GHz. The company plans to introduce greater-frequency versions in the next one or two years. General-purpose units from China enterprises typically have 6GHz.

For enhanced reliability, a number of suppliers are launching connectors with flat contacts, which ensure firm connection.

The domestic line is projected to hit $1.2 billion in sales next year, growing annually by more than 15 percent from 2011-15, according to the China Electronics Components Association. Export shipments will increase by 5 to 10 percent. Spurred by these forecasts, makers are sustaining production expansion. Junper will raise its yield by 10 percent in the year ahead.

Companies expect to continue benefitting from 3G and 4G development. In mainland China alone, the latter is gathering pace, promising a bigger market for the interconnects sector. Three major telecom operators have secured a TD-LTE license from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. One of them, China Mobile, announced the setting up of 500,000 base stations by this year’s end.

Another impetus is 5 G communication, which is anticipated to take off in 2020. Leading local initiatives is major electronics player Huawei, which will invest at least $600 million in R&D by 2018.

Hundreds of suppliers make up the mainland’s RF connectors segment. Over 80 percent are homegrown operations and the rest have investment mostly from Taiwan and Hong Kong. The Yangtze River and Pearl River Delta regions are the key production hubs, playing host to more than 60 percent of the manufacturing pool. The coastal provinces of Zhejiang and Jiangsu, in particular, have the largest concentration. Other makers, including some former state-owned enterprises, are in central China.

A number of companies also offer optical connectors to take advantage of rising demand. Junper’s shipment has climbed by 10 percent, but the supplier will continue to turn out RF products, expecting these rival categories to coexist in coming years.

Europe, North America and the Asia- Pacific region are still the key export destinations for mainland makers. South America and the Middle East are emerging markets.

Typical selection

The local range includes male and female SMA, SMB, BNC, MCX, N, F, 7/16 DIN, TNC and UHF kinds. There are also SSMA, SSMB and MMCX types, in addition to I-Pex compatible units. Releases have 50 or 75ohm impedance. Most are RoHS-compliant.

The key materials used in RF connectors manufacture are metal and plastic. Gold- or nickel-plated brass or copper alloy is employed for the contacts and shell, and combination of PE, nylon 66 and glass fiber-reinforced or UL94V-0-rated thermoplastic for the insulator. Most inputs come from the domestic supply. Pressing, plastic injection and insertion machines are the key equipment used.

Prices are expected to remain unchanged until 2015, thanks to the stable cost of raw materials.

To attract more orders, suppliers accommodate small orders and provide aftersales service.

Related reports:
USB 3.0 connectors: Manufacturers stay focused on SuperSpeed standard
Coaxial cable assemblies: Suppliers boost release of micro types

Product gallery

Junper (Ningbo) Tech Corp.
(China)

Model: 9.36402516001
Description: Female-to-female type; 40GHz; ≤1.2 VSWR; gold-plated BeCu inner contacts, passivated stainless steel shell; PEEK insulator;2.92mm; 6g; RoHS

Shareconn Development Co. Ltd
(China)

Model: MMCX-F-1-G-C
MOQ: 100 units
Delivery: 7 days
Description: MMCX type; gold- or nickel-plated contacts; brass shell; Teflon insulator

Shenzhen Tuko Technology Co. Ltd
(China)

Model: TG-T-Connector-013
MOQ: 100 units
Delivery: 7 days
Description: N type; right-angle; gold-plated brass contacts; nickel-plated brass shell; Delrin insulator; for antennas

Stride Electronics
(China)

Model: R12-192
MOQ: 5,000 units
Delivery: 7 days
Description: Female type; nickel- or gold-plated copper, zinc contacts; nickel-plated copper, zinc shell; RG-59; RG-58, 6, 7, 11 versions available