RP SMA Female To MHF1 1.13 RF Coaxial Cable

This product is a specialized RF (Radio Frequency) pigtail or jumper cable assembly designed to connect an external antenna to an internal radio module within a device. This assembly is essential for devices that use an external antenna (requiring the larger RP-SMA connector) but have an ultra-miniature connection point on the internal circuit board (the MHF1 connector).

The assembly is defined by its two different connectors and the ultra-thin coaxial cable connecting them.

Component Breakdown and Features

1. RP-SMA Female Connector (Reverse Polarity SubMiniature version A)

The RP-SMA is a variation of the standard SMA connector, primarily used for Wi-Fi equipment to comply with regulatory standards in regions like the US (FCC).

• Gender and Polarity: It is a Female connector, meaning it has external threads. Its Reverse Polarity designation means it has a central sleeve/hole instead of the pin found on standard SMA Females.

• Application: The RP-SMA Female end is typically mounted on the exterior wall or chassis of a device (like a Wi-Fi router, access point, or PCI card bracket). It receives the RP-SMA Male connector from an external antenna.

2. MHF1 Connector

The MHF1 is a specific type of ultra-miniature coaxial connector manufactured by I-PEX (often functionally interchangeable with U.FL/IPX).

• Miniaturization: The MHF1 is designed to be the smallest possible RF interconnect, mating with a tiny surface-mount receptacle on the device's main circuit board. It is crucial for designs where PCB real estate is extremely limited.

• Reliability: It uses a secure snap-lock mechanism that provides a reliable,50Ω connection, making it suitable for portable devices that may experience vibration.

• Application: The MHF1 end connects directly to the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth radio module on the internal PCB.

3. 1.13 Coaxial Cable

This is the ultra-thin, highly flexible coaxial cable connecting the two connectors.

• Diameter and Flexibility: The 1.13mm diameter cable is chosen for its minimal bulk and exceptional flexibility, allowing for easy routing through tight, complex internal layouts (e.g., between the chassis-mounted RP-SMA port and the internal PCB).

• Signal Integrity: While extremely thin cables (like 1.13mm) have higher signal loss (attenuation) than thicker cables, the use of this pigtail is typically limited to very short lengths . This short length minimizes the total insertion loss, ensuring high performance is maintained from the antenna to the radio module.

Typical Usage Scenarios

This specific cable assembly is predominantly used in the following contexts:

1. Wi-Fi Router/Access Point Manufacturing:

• Used internally to connect the Wi-Fi card's MHF1 port to the chassis-mounted RP-SMA bulkhead connector where the external Wi-Fi antennas screw on. This configuration allows the use of replaceable external antennas without requiring the main PCB to be directly near the casing.

2. Embedded PC/Industrial Systems:

• Used to link an internal mini-PCIe or M.2 Wi-Fi module (which typically has MHF/U.FL ports) to an antenna port bracket on the back of a computer chassis.

3. Prototyping and Development:

• Engineers use this cable to connect development boards (with MHF/U.FL test points) to standard RP-SMA terminated external antennas for testing and characterization.