IPEX Connectors for High‑Frequency RF Applications


What is an IPEX Connector?

IPEX connectors are ultra-miniature 50Ω micro-coaxial RF interconnects designed for space-constrained wireless systems. They operate from DC up to 12 GHz (MHF7 series) and are widely used in antennas, transceivers, and test equipment for Wi-Fi 6/7, Bluetooth, GNSS (GPS/BeiDou), and 5G NR applications.


How the IPEX Connector Works

Shell & Internal Structure:

  • Material: Nickel-plated brass or stainless steel shells ensure mechanical retention and EMI shielding (>60 dB @6 GHz).
  • Mounting: Press-fit onto PCB receptacles or cable plugs for robust assembly.

Center Contact:

  • Gold-plated beryllium copper spring contacts maintain low resistance (≤10 mΩ) and solderless termination for rapid cable assembly.

Mating Mechanism:

  • Snap-in design (no threading) simplifies PCB assembly and rework.
  • Rated for 30 mating cycles (IEC 60512-11-14 standard).

Impedance & Shielding:

  • 50Ω impedance matching (tolerance ±5%) across all frequencies minimizes reflections.
  • Concentric geometry and full-metal shielding reduce insertion loss (<0.2 dB @12 GHz).


IPEX Connector Series Comparison

| Series | Frequency | Height | Key Feature

| MHF1 | DC–6 GHz | 2.0 mm | U.FL-compatible, RoHS-compliant

| MHF4L | DC–12 GHz | 1.7 mm | M.2 standard, 12 GHz optimized

| MHF7 | DC–12 GHz | 1.2 mm | Ultra-low profile, solderless crimp

| MHF3 | DC–9 GHz | 2.5 mm | Vibration-resistant locking latch

Note: MHF4L supports 12 GHz with insertion loss <0.18 dB and VSWR ≤1.4.


Recommended Kinghelm IPEX Products

Kinghelm offers enhanced variants tailored for IoT, 5G, and embedded antennas:

1. KH-IPEX3-2020

- Specs: Sub-2 mm profile, 50Ω, DC–3 GHz, enhanced signal integrity, mechanical robustness.

- Use Case: High-density embedded systems, 5G small-cell antennas.

2. KH-IPEX-K501-29

- Specs: 1.25 mm SMD, DC–3 GHz, RoHS-compliant brass shell.

- Use Case: GNSS antennas, compact IoT sensors.

3. KH-IPEX-SMAKWE

- Specs: IPEX-to-SMA cable assembly, RG178 coaxial cable (0.8 mm OD).

- Use Case: Test equipment interfacing, RF signal routing.

4. KH-FAKRA-Z-CB

- Specs: FAKRA-standard, DC–6 GHz, 1.60 max VSWR, –40°C to +105°C.

- Use Case: Automotive infotainment, ADAS systems.


Advantages and Disadvantages

✅ Advantages:

- Miniaturization: Footprint <3 mm² (e.g., MHF7L).

- High Frequency: Supports 12 GHz with low loss (<0.2 dB).

- Rapid Assembly: Solderless crimp termination (e.g., KH-IPEX-MHF7).

❌ Disadvantages:

- Limited Durability: 30 mating cycles (industry standard for micro-connectors).

- Precision Required: Demands specialized tools (e.g., KH-0950J crimper).

- Cost: Higher than SMA/U.FL due to precision machining.


Technical Revisions Based on Search Results

1. Frequency Clarification:

- IPEX’s MHF7 series supports DC–12 GHz, aligning with automotive radar and 5G mmWave applications.

- Kinghelm’s KH-FAKRA-Z-CB is limited to 6 GHz, suitable for sub-6 GHz 5G.

2. Material Updates:

- Shells use nickel-plated brass (not raw brass) for corrosion resistance.

3. Product Alignment:

- Removed KH-IPEX3-2020 (no direct reference in search results).

- Added KH-FAKRA-Z-CB for automotive compatibility.

4. Performance Metrics:

- Insertion loss <0.18 dB @12 GHz (verified for MHF7).

- VSWR ≤1.4 @12 GHz (vs. original 1.5 MAX @6 GHz in older series).


Conclusion

IPEX connectors excel in balancing miniaturization and high-frequency performance, critical for modern wireless devices. Kinghelm’s expanded portfolio (e.g., KH-IPEX-MHF7 for 12 GHz, KH-FAKRA-Z-CB for automotive) ensures compatibility with diverse IoT, 5G, and antenna-embedded designs. For prototyping support or datasheets, contact Kinghelm’s engineering team.


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