Miniaturization, higher frequency stay on RF interconnects R&D agenda

Makers of RF connectors and cable assemblies keep up with the trend for smaller components and are preparing for the market switch to 5G.

China suppliers of RF connectors and cable assemblies will continue to pursue miniaturization and aim for higher frequency in future product releases. They are expected to drive development as well toward types that integrate signal processing function.

At present, the local selection of microminiature interconnects consists of SSMA, SSMB and MMCX series, but the variants still form a minority segment and account for 3 to 5 percent of total exports. The range also includes board-to-board connectors. Interviewed makers Danyang Teruilai Electronics Co. Ltd and Shenzhen Sinrui Technology Co. Ltd have them. The subcategory represents between 4 and 5 percent of the latter’s total volume shipped overseas.

Products supporting 60Hz, which is the requirement in 5G applications, can be currently sourced from a few domestic companies only. They include publicly listed Shenzhen Sunway, Microgate and Sunload.

For niche uses, such as interconnects with a much higher operating frequency, there are companies such as Danyang Teruilai. The supplier has a model that can work on up to 65GHz, which suits testing, aerospace and microwave weapon systems.

The main driver will be the deployment of 5G systems, which is anticipated to contribute about 10 percent to the industry’s growth in the next two years. In terms of specific applications, consumer electronics, communications, and computer and medical products will lead demand.

China manufacturers are confident exports will increase by 10 percent this year. Dongguan Topgain Communication Technology Co. Ltd will consider investing in production expansion if its international business continues to flourish. The supplier accepts customization and cooperates with buyers to develop new products.

RF connectors and cable assemblies make up between 15 and 40 percent of interviewed companies’ total shipments abroad.

Europe, North America, South Asia and the Middle East are the major destinations, while Iran, Israel, India, Thailand and Malaysia will be among the new markets in 2018.

There are about 600 companies in the line in China. Most are small and locally owned enterprises.

Danyang Teruilai offers RF connectors and cable assemblies, with the former kind accounting for 70 percent of deliveries. At Shenzhen Sinrui, cable assemblies take the majority share in terms of exports. For the other interviewed companies, the ratio varies with orders.

Besides RF products, companies are engaged in the production of antennas, other connector types and stamped metal parts.

Jiangsu, Shaanxi and Guangdong provinces are still the major manufacturing hubs there. The key city locations are Zhenjiang and Xi’an respectively in the first two areas, and Dongguan and Shenzhen in Guangdong.

Entry-level, midrange units

Output of China makers is dominated by entry- and midlevel products, while high-end units are about 10 percent only of aggregate shipments. To sharpen competitive edge, companies follow the national industry standard GB/T 11313, while compliance with IEC 61169 applies especially to the SBMA series.

In general, the local lineup includes up to 40Hz units. Those with soft cables operate on 10GHz and semisteel versions up to 20GHz.

UHF, 7/16 and N types form the standard range, BNC and TNC the miniature subcategory, and SMA, SMB, SMC and MCX the subminiature. As mentioned, the microminiature segment has SSMA, SSMB and MMCX variants.

All products are RoHS-compliant and UL-listed.

Connectors are made of stainless steel, brass or BeCu. Gold plating is used for low electrical resistance and enhanced anti-corrosion feature. There are also variants that are nickel-plated. Most are N, TNC and BNC units.

For the male center contacts, brass is adopted, while the options in female versions are beryllium, copper and phosphor. All contacts are plated with gold.

The typical insulator materials are PTFE, PEI and liquid-crystal polymer. Products based on PTFE are priced higher. Ferrules are in copper alloy with gold or nickel plating.

The materials come usually from local providers. Imported ones are used when requested only.

Prices are expected to go down in the months ahead due to intense competition. Shenzhen Renhotec Technology Electronics Co. Ltd predicts the adjustment will be by 6 percent, while Shenzhen Sinrui is pegging it at 5 to 10 percent.

The products in this gallery have been handpicked by our China-based market analyst for representing current trends in RF connectors and cable assemblies from China makers.

Millimeter wave precision coaxial connector

Danyang Teruilai Electronics Co. Ltd’s model 1.85-JJG is a millimeter wave precision coaxial connector with air dielectric. It supports operations of up to 65GHz.

The 1.85mm unit is adopted in testing, aerospace and microwave weapon systems. For this model, the maker requires a minimum order of 10 units. Delivery takes 1 or 2 weeks.

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RF cable with gold-plated SMA connectors

The model ZL-JL-2SMAFPS-127117+U300B RF cable assembly from Dongguan Topgain Communication Technology Co. Ltd has SMA female-to-SMA female connectors, both of which are gold-plated. The RG 1.13 black cable is 300mm long. Price is $1.10.

The minimum order is 1,000 units and the delivery lead time 20 days.

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PCB-mount BNC connector

This RF connector from Shenzhen Renhotec Technology Electronics Co. Ltd, Dosin-801-0468 model, is a PCB-mount BNC type with a nickel-plated zinc body and nut, gold-plated BeCu center contact pin, nickel-plated tellurium gasket and POM insulator.

In straight and right-angle variants, the RoHS-compliant female unit operates on up to 1GHz and has 75ohm impedance. Tests are based on MIL-STD-202 Methods 204 and 101, respectively for vibration and corrosion resistance. Life span is ≥500 cycles. Price is $0.45.

The minimum order of 1,000 units is delivered in 7 to 10 days.

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RF connector has silver-plated brass contact

From Shenzhen Sinrui Technology Co. Ltd, the DIN7-16(L29) Female with RG401 model is an RF connector quoted at $5. It has a nickel-plated body and silver-plated center contact, both made of brass. PTFE is the insulator material. The 100g product has a 30-day delivery lead time for a minimum order of 1,000 units.

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