The SMA Female to I-PEX RG178 Coaxial Pigtail Cable is the robust, high-temperature adapter required to connect external, high-performance antennas to your space-constrained wireless modules. This specialized assembly perfectly marries two different worlds of connectivity: the durable, outdoor-ready SMA Female standard and the micro-miniature I-PEX (U.FL/MHF) standard found on nearly all modern embedded PCBs.
By using the high-specification RG178 coaxial cable, this pigtail offers superior thermal stability and electrical performance compared to thinner alternatives. It is the crucial component for engineers designing compact IoT gateways, industrial equipment, and advanced telemetry devices that demand a professional, reliable, and space-saving connection to an external antenna.
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.
Robust Connectivity Interfaces
SMA Female Connector (Bulkhead): This connector is the industry standard for external RF devices. The female end typically features a bulkhead mount (with a nut and washer), allowing it to be securely mounted onto the chassis of an enclosure. This provides a rugged, weather-resistant external connection point for screw-on antennas or large feeder cables.
I-PEX Connector (U.FL/MHF): The cable is terminated with the globally accepted I-PEX micro-connector, which is designed to snap directly onto the corresponding tiny jack on wireless modules (Wi-Fi, GPS, LoRa, Cellular). Its ultra-small footprint is essential for integration into small-form-factor devices.
50 Ohm Impedance: The entire assembly, from the SMA to the I-PEX connector, is manufactured to maintain the industry-standard 50 Ohm impedance, guaranteeing minimal signal reflection and maximum power transfer.
RG178 Coaxial Cable: The Thermal Performer
Superior High-Temperature Performance: The RG178 coaxial cable uses a silver-plated copper conductor and a high-temperature PTFE (Teflon) dielectric and jacket. This construction allows the cable to maintain stable electrical performance at temperatures up to $200^\circ\text{C}$, making it ideal for devices operating in harsh industrial, automotive, or high-heat embedded environments.
Excellent Flexibility: Despite its robust nature, the RG178 is highly flexible, allowing for easy and non-stressful routing within tight enclosures.
Reliable Shielding: The silver-plated outer conductor provides excellent shielding effectiveness, minimizing noise pickup and ensuring the integrity of your transmitted and received RF signals over the short pigtail distance.
Versatile Application Scenarios
The combination of the durable SMA interface and the thermally stable RG178 cable makes this assembly essential for specialized and mission-critical applications.
1. Industrial IoT and Telemetry
Rugged Gateways and Modems: Ideal for connecting embedded Cellular (LTE-M/NB-IoT), LoRa, or Wi-Fi modules within industrial control cabinets, outdoor telemetry units, or factory automation equipment where high temperatures and mechanical stress are common.
Bulkhead Integration: Enables the professional mounting of a permanent SMA port onto the enclosure of a device, creating a secure, user-friendly connection for maintenance and antenna upgrades.
Automotive and Transportation Electronics
Vehicle Tracking and GPS: Used to connect internal communication modules to external GPS or GSM antennas. The RG178 cable’s high-temperature rating is crucial for reliable operation near engines or within harsh vehicle interiors.
Diagnostic Equipment: Employed in test and measurement tools that require a flexible, high-reliability RF connection between a device under test and an external antenna.
3. Medical and Scientific Devices
Embedded Medical Sensors: The high thermal stability and quality of the RG178 cable make it a reliable choice for sensitive medical or scientific instruments that may generate heat or operate in specialized thermal chambers.
Prototyping and Testing: Provides R&D engineers with a flexible, low-loss method to quickly test different external antennas and validate RF performance during the early product development stages.
This SMA Female to I-PEX RG178 Coaxial Pigtail Cable is the definitive choice for professionals seeking a compact, thermally resilient, and electrically superior solution for their external antenna connectivity needs.
