In today's miniaturized world of wireless communication, signal integrity and connection reliability are paramount. The SMA Female to U.FL Coaxial Pigtail Cable is the robust, flexible, and high-performance solution engineered to bridge the gap between tiny embedded wireless modules and standard external antennas. This critical RF adapter cable is a must-have component for engineers, hobbyists, and manufacturers working with compact PCB designs that require reliable external antenna connectivity.
Designed with precision and built to last, this pigtail features a durable SMA Female connector (often used as a bulkhead mount for external enclosures) on one end and a miniature U.FL connector (also known as IPEX, IPX, or MHF) on the other. The cable uses either RG178 or RG316 coaxial cable, both industry standards known for their flexibility, small diameter, and excellent performance in high-frequency applications, ensuring minimal signal loss across the necessary short-run connection.
Whether you're dealing with tight internal spacing or demanding temperature environments, this 50 Ohm impedance RF pigtail provides the low-loss interconnect you need to maximize your wireless system's range and performance. Upgrade your wireless project today with a cable that promises both supreme quality and essential versatility.
Key Features & Technical Specifications: Performance You Can Trust
Our SMA Female to U.FL Pigtail is a high-grade product, meticulously designed to meet the rigorous demands of professional wireless applications. Understanding the features and benefits will help you select the precise cable length and type for your specific needs.
Dual Cable Options: RG178 vs. RG316
RG178 Coaxial Cable: Known for its extremely small diameter and superior flexibility. The PTFE dielectric and silver-plated copper conductors offer excellent high-temperature performance (up to 200°C) and consistent electrical properties, making it ideal for the most cramped enclosures where tight bending is necessary. It is commonly chosen for short runs where space is the primary concern.
RG316 Coaxial Cable: Offers slightly lower attenuation (less signal loss) than RG178, particularly at higher frequencies, due to its slightly thicker construction. It maintains a high degree of flexibility and excellent temperature stability. Choose RG316 when maximum performance and minimal loss are critical over slightly longer pigtail runs.
Precision Connectors for Optimal Link
SMA Female (Bulkhead/Panel Mount): This popular Sub-Miniature A connector is robust, featuring a threaded coupling mechanism for secure, vibration-resistant connections. The bulkhead nut and washer allow for easy mounting through an enclosure panel, creating a durable and stable point to connect a standard SMA Male antenna or extension cable.
U.FL (IPEX/IPX/MHF): This micro-miniature coaxial connector is the industry standard for internal connections to tiny Mini PCI, Mini PCIe, or M.2 wireless cards (like WiFi, Bluetooth, or GPS modules). Its snap-on connection ensures quick, reliable assembly and disassembly on printed circuit boards (PCBs).
Core Benefits:
Low Signal Loss: Optimized cable types (RG178/RG316) maintain a consistent 50 Ohm impedance, ensuring clean signal transfer from the embedded module to the external antenna.
High Frequency Performance: Rated for use across common wireless bands, often up to 3 GHz or 6 GHz (depending on the specific cable type and length), perfectly supporting modern Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz/5 GHz), LoRa, GSM, 3G/4G/5G, and IoT protocols.
Durability and Reliability: Gold-plated center pins and high-quality materials resist corrosion and ensure thousands of mating cycles, providing a long-term, stable connection for critical applications.
Design Flexibility: The slender and highly flexible construction of both RG178 and RG316 allows easy routing within compact device housings and small enclosures.
Versatile Usage Scenarios: Where This Pigtail Shines
The SMA Female to U.FL Pigtail is the go-to RF accessory for countless applications where a robust, high-performance external antenna is required for an internal miniature radio module.
1. IoT and Embedded Systems Development
For developers working with compact Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as smart sensors, gateways, and custom boards, this pigtail provides the crucial link. It connects a built-in U.FL-equipped Wi-Fi or Bluetooth module on a PCB directly to an SMA-mounted outdoor or high-gain antenna, significantly improving the range and reliability of the wireless link in real-world deployments. This is especially vital in applications like LoRaWAN gateways, industrial monitoring sensors, and asset tracking devices.
2. Networking and Wireless Upgrades (Mini-PCIe/M.2 Cards)
It is the standard choice for users looking to upgrade the wireless performance of laptops, mini-PCs, drones, or custom routers that utilize Mini PCIe or M.2 format wireless cards (which almost always use U.FL connectors). The pigtail allows you to route the signal from the card's tiny connector, through a chassis wall via the SMA bulkhead, and connect to a powerful, external, professional-grade antenna. This is a common modification for Wi-Fi range extension, SDR (Software Defined Radio) projects, and custom cellular modem installations.
3. Drones and Robotics (FPV/Telemetry)
In First-Person View (FPV) drones and advanced robotics, every millimeter and gram count. The lightweight and flexible RG178/RG316 pigtail is used to connect the miniature video transmitter (VTX) or telemetry radio module's U.FL port to a secure, external SMA antenna mount on the airframe. The robust SMA connection ensures the antenna doesn't detach during flight or impact, while the low-profile cable is easy to route and doesn't add unnecessary bulk.
4. Testing and Prototyping
For laboratory and bench testing, these pigtails serve as essential RF adapters to connect development boards (with U.FL sockets) to test equipment (like spectrum analyzers or vector network analyzers) that typically use SMA connectors. This allows engineers to accurately measure the performance, power output, and impedance matching of their wireless circuits before mass production.
Conclusion: Choose Reliability for Your Wireless Link
Don't compromise your signal integrity with cheap, unreliable cables. The SMA Female to U.FL RG178/316 Coaxial Pigtail Cable is the professional-grade choice for bridging the gap between miniature electronics and powerful external antennas. Its combination of durable connectors, flexible design, and low-loss coaxial cable ensures a secure, high-performance, and long-lasting connection in the most demanding wireless environments.
Key Takeaway: This pigtail is an indispensable component for maximizing the range and stability of your IoT, Wi-Fi, LoRa, GPS, or cellular applications.
Ready to boost your signal and secure your connection?
Order your high-quality SMA Female to U.FL Pigtail Cable today and experience the difference a superior RF link makes. Browse our selection of custom lengths and cable types (RG178/RG316) to find the perfect match for your project.
