The SMA Female to I-PEX RG178 Coaxial Pigtail Cable is the high-specification adapter designed to meet the demands of advanced industrial and embedded wireless applications. This assembly serves as the essential bridge, converting the micro-miniature I-PEX (U.FL/MHF) port found on most internal wireless modules (Wi-Fi, GPS, Cellular) to the rugged, industry-standard SMA Female connector.
What sets this pigtail apart is the use of RG178 coaxial cable. This choice provides superior thermal stability and electrical performance compared to common thinner cables (like 1.13mm), making it indispensable for devices operating in extreme temperatures or tight, high-heat enclosures. If your design requires a professional, reliable connection to an external antenna under tough conditions, this pigtail is your solution.
Key Features and Technical Excellence
This pigtail assembly is a synthesis of three precision components, each chosen for its specific strengths in professional RF applications.
High-Reliability Connectivity
SMA Female Connector (Bulkhead): This robust end is the universal interface for external antennas and feeder cables. The female design typically includes a bulkhead mount (nut and washer), allowing it to be securely and semi-permanently installed onto the wall of a product enclosure. This creates a durable, weather-resistant external port for high-gain, outdoor antennas.
I-PEX Connector (U.FL/MHF): On the device end, the tiny I-PEX micro-connector snaps directly onto the corresponding jack on your embedded PCB wireless module. Its ultra-small footprint is crucial for preserving space in miniature electronics.
50 Ohm Impedance Match: The entire assembly is precision-engineered to maintain the industry-standard 50 Ohm impedance, ensuring minimal signal loss from reflection (low VSWR) and maximizing the power transfer between your module and the antenna.
RG178 Cable: The Thermal Performer
Superior High-Temperature Resistance: The core benefit of the RG178 coaxial cable is its construction featuring a silver-plated copper conductor and a high-temperature PTFE (Teflon) dielectric and jacket. This construction allows the cable to maintain stable performance at temperatures up to $200^\circ\text{C}$, crucial for applications near heat sources or in harsh industrial settings.
Excellent Flexibility and Durability: Despite its high-spec materials, the RG178 remains flexible, allowing for easy, low-stress routing within compact or complex mechanical layouts.
Reliable Shielding: The quality conductor and shielding ensure the cable reliably prevents noise ingress and signal leakage over the short pigtail distance.
Versatile Application Scenarios
The unique combination of the durable SMA interface and the high-temperature RG178 cable makes this assembly essential for specialized and mission-critical devices.
1. Industrial and Automotive Electronics
High-Heat Environment Gateways: Ideal for connecting embedded Cellular (LTE-M/NB-IoT), LoRa, or Wi-Fi modules inside equipment that must operate in high ambient temperatures, such as industrial control cabinets, outdoor telemetry units, or engine compartments.
Rugged Enclosure Integration: Essential for creating a professional, long-lasting external antenna port on ruggedized devices where the internal components are subject to mechanical stress and thermal variance.
2. GPS and Vehicle Tracking
Telemetry Systems: Used in vehicle fleet tracking and remote asset management systems, where the pigtail must reliably route the signal from the internal module to an external GPS or GSM antenna without failure due to heat or vibration.
Prototyping Advanced Modules: Provides R&D engineers with a highly reliable, thermally stable link for quickly testing different external antennas and validating RF performance on new embedded module designs.
3. Medical and Scientific Equipment
The SMA Female to I-PEX RG178 Coaxial Pigtail Cable is the definitive, high-reliability solution for systems where performance cannot be compromised by size constraints or harsh operating temperatures.
