This product description is tailored for SEO and high clarity on e-commerce platforms like Google Shopping, focusing on the functionality, technical benefits, and wide application of the RP-SMA Female to I-PEX Coaxial Pigtail Cable—the critical antenna adapter for compact wireless devices.
Unlock External Antenna Performance for Embedded Modules
The RP-SMA Female to I-PEX Coaxial Pigtail Cable is the essential component for connecting external, high-performance antennas to miniature wireless modules. Whether you're working with LoRa, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular modules, these small circuit boards almost universally utilize the ultra-compact I-PEX (also known as U.FL, MHF, or IPX) connector standard. This pigtail bridges the gap, converting the tiny I-PEX port on your PCB to the more robust, standard RP-SMA Female connector commonly found on high-gain external antennas and enclosure bulkheads.
This cable instantly transforms your embedded project from relying on a small, weak onboard antenna to utilizing powerful, external antennas, dramatically improving signal range, stability, and throughput. It is the vital link for engineers, hobbyists, and manufacturers focused on miniaturization without sacrificing reliable RF performance.
Key Features and Technical Reliability
Our pigtail cables are engineered with precision to ensure minimal signal loss and maximum compatibility across a wide range of wireless applications.
Precision Connectors for Optimal Link Quality
RP-SMA Female Connector: This is the standard interface for external antennas used in Wi-Fi and many Sub-GHz IoT applications (like LoRa). The "Reverse Polarity" (RP) designation means the female connector features a center pin, providing a secure, high-integrity connection point for your external antenna's RP-SMA Male plug.
I-PEX Connector (U.FL/MHF/IPX): On the other end, the micro-miniature I-PEX connector is designed to snap directly onto the corresponding jack found on wireless modules. Its extremely small footprint is perfect for devices where space is at a premium, such as small form factor PCs, drones, and embedded systems.
High-Frequency Support: The cable and connectors are designed for 50 Ohm impedance and support a wide frequency range, typically up to 6 GHz, making them suitable for:
LoRaWAN: 868 MHz / 915 MHz bands.
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
Cellular/GNSS: 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and GPS/GNSS systems.
Ultra-Miniature and Flexible Coaxial Cable
Low-Loss Cable: Typically constructed using ultra-fine coaxial cable types (such as RG1.13 or RG0.81), these cables are thin and highly flexible, crucial for routing through tight enclosures without compromising signal integrity.
Minimal Insertion Loss: Despite their small size, the quality construction ensures minimal insertion loss, preserving the crucial signal strength between your wireless module and the external antenna.
Durable and Secure Mating: Both the RP-SMA and I-PEX connections are manufactured with high-quality, high-tolerance components to ensure a secure, low-discontinuity RF link.
Extensive Application Scenarios in Wireless Technology
This antenna pigtail is indispensable across various technical fields where tiny electronics must connect to powerful antennas for reliable communication.
1. IoT and Embedded Systems (LoRa/Wi-Fi)
The pigtail cable is the go-to solution for developers and manufacturers building Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
Custom LoRa Gateways: Essential for upgrading the small, internal antenna on development boards (like Raspberry Pi HATs or other single-board computers) to a high-gain outdoor antenna for wide-area LoRaWAN coverage, such as for Helium Hotspots.
Wireless Modules: Connecting external antennas to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, and LoRa modules that are integrated into industrial sensors, smart home hubs, or compact data loggers.
Prototyping: Allows engineers to quickly test and iterate on various external antenna designs with development boards, rapidly optimizing RF performance without permanent modification.
2. Computer and Network Equipment
This adapter is a common fix and upgrade for various computing peripherals.
Mini-PCI/M.2 Cards: Used to route the antenna connection from an internal Wi-Fi or cellular M.2/Mini-PCIe card (often found in laptops, NUCs, and SFF PCs) out to the chassis, where an RP-SMA female connector can be mounted to accommodate an external antenna.
Enclosure Bulkhead Mounts: The RP-SMA Female end often comes with a nut and washer, enabling it to be mounted permanently into the wall of a plastic or metal enclosure, creating a water-resistant bulkhead connector that allows the external antenna to be attached securely.
3.Drones and Robotics
Failsafe Telemetry: Provides a reliable way to connect high-frequency video or control telemetry radios to external antennas on drones, ensuring a clear, long-range signal that is resistant to interference. The lightweight and flexible cable minimizes impact on flight dynamics.
The RP-SMA Female to I-PEX Pigtail Cable is the high-performance adapter you need for any project demanding seamless integration between a micro-sized wireless module and a standard-sized external antenna. It’s the simplest way to get maximum range from a minimal form factor.
Do you know the generation of your I-PEX connector (e.g., MHF1, MHF3, or MHF4) so I can confirm the exact cable needed for your wireless module?
