How are RF connectors evolving toward technology miniaturization?

In the flange connection, SMA is a very representative RF connector, belongs to the category of ultra-small RF connector. The SMP RF connector is widely used in phased array radar, aerospace engineering and its communications industry, and is a subminiature connector of the same proportions as the MMCX connector. Due to the small size of the two connectors mentioned above, we did not mention the most important development trend of RF connectors -- miniaturization.

An RF coaxial connector, also known as an RF connector, is a component that is attached to a cable or instrument. As components for electrical connection or separation of transmission lines, RF connectors are designed to operate at radio frequencies in the megahertz range.

Rf connectors have long been a very popular and competitive niche type in the connector market. Rf coaxial connectors, RF coaxial cable components, RF cables and a series of supporting products are widely used in communication, military, aerospace engineering and other fields.

Constantly improve and subdivide RF connectors

There are many subdivisions under RF connectors. These different categories all have one thing in common, which is compatibility with other RF/microwave components and then suitability for interconnecting with coaxial modules in the system while maintaining the coaxial characteristics of the corresponding transmission line. Rf connectors include threaded, bayonet, push-in, self-locking, and slide-in, depending on the buckle construction. They can also be classified by connector size, from standard to small to miniature.

In the flange connection, SMA is a very representative RF connector, belongs to the category of ultra-small RF connector. For RF connectors, the smaller the specifications, the more difficult to manufacture, and the cost will increase rapidly, especially sensitive to accuracy and deviation. SMA RF connectors eat very much process and material, its upgrade is also closely related to process and material.

In order to achieve electrical performance of SMA connectors above 12.4GHz, the selection of materials reflects the technical strength of each manufacturer. The first tier of mainstream dai-mills is constantly refining and changing materials to meet different usage scenarios while maintaining their electrical properties. Some manufacturers can also offer corrosion resistant non-magnetic white brass coatings, such as stainless steel plates, copper or zinc die casting.

The SMP RF connector is widely used in phased array radar, aerospace engineering and its communications industry, and is a subminiature connector of the same proportions as the MMCX connector. Connectors in these applications place great emphasis on their mechanical properties, such as shock and impact resistance. Each upgrade of the SMP RF connection has seen it innovate in its ability to withstand mechanical shock and vibration. On the other hand, in terms of modularity, SMP RF connectors are also leading the way. Today, modular SMP RF connectors can almost be seen in applications with high density blind plugging.

Due to the small size of the two connectors mentioned above, we did not mention the most important trend in RF connectors -- miniaturization. Miniaturization has become an important trend for RF connectors in the civil communication market and high-end application stores. The following uses the BNC RF connector as an example. Although traditional standard BNC RF connectors can solve many RF connection problems, the growing demand still expects RF connectors to have smaller specifications and higher density.

The epitome of today's RF connector miniaturization development is the BNC upgrade to Mini BNC. As the size is further reduced, the density of the connector increases, and the miniaturization upgrade of the Mini BNC increases the interconnection characteristics of the same area by more than 40% compared to the BNC.

In the civil communication industry, the focus of the RF connector upgrade is miniaturization and low-cost, while the focus of the RF connector upgrade is miniaturization and high-frequency in high-end applications. These upgrades promote the role of RF coaxial connectors not only for signal connection, but also for filtering, phase modulation, mixing and other signal resolution roles.

RF connector market overview

In recent years, global connector productivity has been shifting to China, and China has now become a major market for global connectors, with a particularly strong domestic demand for RF connectors. According to the data of Bezius, the global market size of RF coaxial connectors in 2022 is 27.999 billion yuan, of which the domestic market demand for RF coaxial connectors is 7.966 billion yuan. The global RF coaxial connector market is expected to grow at an average growth rate of 4.7% in 2028, based on the development profile of the global RF coaxial connector market and trends of various data indicators during 2018-2022.

It will reach 36.871 billion yuan in 2028.

Due to the impact of 5G development, the global RF connector market size is expected to reach 6.01 billion US dollars in 2025, and is expected to reach 6.01 billion US dollars, the Information center of China Electronic Components Industry Association also gave the market judgment.

Now, overseas manufacturers have TE, Amphenol, Rosenberger, Huber+Suhner, CommScope, JAE, Radiall and Hirose, which account for the majority of the global market share. Powerlink Technology, Fujita, AVic Optronics, Huada shares, Wu Tong Control Investment is the first echelon in China.

Amphenol Overseas Manufacturers, Rosenberger and TE are undoubtedly the three leading RF connector manufacturers with a complete product line and rich category covering a variety of applications from communication equipment, consumer electronics to aerospace engineering. Its products have a long way to go in both micro - and high-frequency technology directions.

Domestic manufacturers have developed quite well in miniaturization, but the progress in the direction of high-frequency technology will be limited to some applications such as HDMI. High-frequency breakthroughs in high-end applications such as avionics, radar and 5G are still slightly behind international manufacturers, but with the development of technological convergence in the whole industry, the differences are gradually narrowing.

Conclusion

In recent years, domestic RF connectors have made great progress and development. Although it cannot compete with the top international manufacturers in terms of cost, it still has the problem of thin profit margin. However, the cost problem must have the long-term accumulation of technology and investment, and can not be rushed to success. Domestic companies are also constantly trying new things, by designing new structures, improving new technologies and applying new materials, from the source to try to narrow the gap with international leading enterprises.