RF Connectors
MHF® is a series of ultra-miniature RF coaxial connectors for antenna connection within wireless devices that achieves maximum performance with minimal space. Compatible with various communication standards, such as 5G mmWave/Sub6, 4G, LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, WiGig, M2M, IoT, SigFox, WiSUN, NB-IoT and LoRa.
- I-PEX's i-Fit® solderless connection technology provides stable VSWR performance up to 15 GHz
- Products with our ZenShield® technology, such as the MHF® 7S, offer ensured EMC performance
- Industry's first miniature RF coaxial connector with locking mechanism
- A wide range of options, from extremely small connectors with a mated height of 1.0 mm to connectors that support frequency bands up to 15 GHz
Product Name |
MHF® I LK |
MHF® I |
MHF® 4L LK |
MHF® 4L |
MHF® 4 |
MHF® 5L |
MHF® 5 |
MHF® 7S |
MHF®-TI |
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Appearance |
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Maximum height (mm) |
2.9 |
3.0 |
2.5 |
2.0 |
1.7 |
1.4 |
1.2 |
1.2 |
1.3 |
1.0 |
1.4 |
3.65 |
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Frequency |
DC-9 GHz |
DC-12 GHz (MHF 4L Plug x MHF 4L Rece.),
|
DC-9 GHz |
DC-15 GHz |
DC-12 GHz |
DC-15 GHz |
DC-6 GHz |
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Full EMI Shield ZenShield® |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
● |
- |
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Mechanical lock |
● |
- |
● |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
● |
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Contents :
Why Select I-PEX RF Connectors?
1) Industry standard connector
2) Variety of options
- 2-1) RF Coaxial cable size variety
- 2-2) Mated height and pad layout
- 2-3) Mechanical lock
- 2-4) Ground clip and clamp
3) i-Fit® Technology
- 3-1) What is i-Fit® Technology?
- 3-2) i-Fit exceeds precision of solder
- 3-3) Industry adoption
- 3-4) Fully Automated Harness Solutions from I-PEX
Why Select I-PEX Switch Connector?
Why Select I-PEX RF Connectors?
1) Industry Standard Connector
Current Standards
I-PEX MHF® Series Connectors are standard components in a wide array of wireless devices including : smartphones, tablets, notebook M.2 and M2M modules, automotive infotainment systems, and more. As the Internet of Things (IoT) deployment accelerates, the MHF® Series will play an increasing role in global wireless connectivity. With MHF® connector shipments in excess of 25 billion units, I-PEX has consistently provided a robust, reliable and cost-effective solution for wireless design.
5G and Future Standards |
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|
MHF® 7S solves 5G mmWave and sub-6 solutions. Large devices require long harnesses to transport signals. Such devices include NBPC, Small Cell, and CPE applications. The 5G application ready MHF® 7S solves many of the unique challenges for connectors in 5G devices. I-PEX leads the way to enabling 5G innovation.
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Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi /6E |
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| Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 6E has been extended to the 6 GHz band (5.925 to 7.125 GHz) in order to achieve higher speeds and higher capacity, improving stability when connecting multiple devices simultaneously and helping to save energy. Since MHF® I and MHF® 4L support up to 9 GHz and 12 GHz, Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 can be used in the same way as the existing Wi-Fi. |
2) Variety of Options
2-1) RF Coaxial cable size variety
I-PEX offers a wide variety of MHF® options to fit insertion loss and VSWR requirements. This selection offers flexibility in enabling wireless connectivity within a system. Depending on MHF® type, coax outer diameters range from 0.48 mm (MHF® 5) to 3.0 mm (MHF®-TI). Typical insertion loss values by coax type and harness length, and minimum bend radius can be found below.
Harness Length (mm) vs Insetion Loss(S21) : 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz, 9.0 GHz, 12 GHz, 15 GHz
Coaxial O.D.
|
3.00 mm (AWG#24) |
2.80 mm (AWG#26) |
2.00 mm (AWG#26) |
1.80 mm (AWG#30) |
1.37 mm (AWG#30) |
1.32 mm (AWG#32) |
1.13 mm (AWG#32) |
0.95 mm (AWG#33) |
0.81 mm (AWG#33) |
0.81 mm (AWG#36) |
0.64 mm (AWG#36) |
0.48 mm (AWG#38) |
Minimum Bend Radius
|
24.00 |
22.40 |
16.00 |
14.40 |
10.96 |
10.56 |
9.04 |
7.60 |
6.64 |
6.48 |
5.12 |
4.00 |
2-2) Mated height and pad layout
I-PEX's MHF Series has a selection of mated height profiles that can fit in various designs. From small form factors like phones and tablets to notebooks to robust solutions for shock and vibration environments. In addition to the flexibility of mated heights, the MHF® Series has several pad layouts design engineers can choose.
Product Name |
MHF® I LK |
MHF® I |
MHF® 4L LK |
MHF® 4L |
MHF® 4 |
MHF® 5L |
MHF® 5 |
MHF® 7S |
MHF®-TI |
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Mating Height (Max.) (mm) |
2.9 |
3.0 |
2.5 |
2.0 |
1.7 |
1.4 |
1.2 |
1.2 |
1.3 |
1.0 |
1.4 |
3.65 |
|
Applicable Coaxial Cable O.D. Size (mm) [AWG Size] |
3.00 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
[24] |
2.80 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
[26] |
|
2.00 |
- |
[26] |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
1.80 |
[30] |
- |
[30] |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
1.37 |
[30] |
- |
[30] |
[30] |
[30] |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
1.32 |
[32] |
- |
[32] |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
1.13 |
[32] |
- |
[32] |
- |
- |
[32] |
- |
- |
[32] |
- |
[32] |
- |
|
0.95 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
[33] |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
0.81 |
[36] |
- |
[36] |
- |
- |
- |
[36] |
[36] |
[33] |
[36] |
- |
- |
|
0.64 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
[36] |
- |
- |
[36] |
- |
- |
|
0.48 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
[38] |
- |
- |
|
Footprint pattern (Reference) (mm) no ground, signal, resist in this area |
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2-3) Mechanical lock
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The MHF® I LK and MHF® 4L LK from I-PEX are industry firsts. The addition of the lock to the standard MHF® I and MHF® 4L plugs increases the retention force. This technology is suited for applications where maintaining continuous connectivity is essential such as drones, fleet management, asset tracking, security, and personnel monitoring. Having the locking function in two MHF® sizes, MHF® I LK and MHF® 4L LK, design engineers have flexibility to choose across size and performance to suit an assortment of devices and form factors. |
| Disengagement force comparison | |
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2-4) Ground clip and clamp
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I-PEX offers a PCB clip and clamp system: MP-A. The clip can be used for cable routing, typically without the clamp. Or, with the clamp, RF engineers receive an added benefit of EMI suppression that benefits EMC testing requirements for regulatory compliance. |
Grounding clamp
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Grounding clamp
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Clip for rounding clamp
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Appearance
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Coax O.D.
|
1.37 mm (30) |
● |
● |
● MP-A04 (P/N 3224-0001) |
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1.13 mm (32) |
● |
● |
● MP-A02 (P/N 3182-0001) |
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0.81 mm (36) |
● |
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● MP-A01 (P/N 3096-0001) |
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0.64 mm (36) |
● |
● |
● MP-A03 (P/N 3186-0001) |
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Electric Field Simulations: MHF® 7S harness with cable clamp and clip provides optimal EMC solution. Ideal for 5G mmWave applications.
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MHF® 7S Harness |
Clamp & Clip points |
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3) i-Fit® Technology
3-1) What is i-Fit® Technology?
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I-PEX's i-Fit solderless terminating technology is the core of the MHF® connector series. Simple and scalable, i-Fit enables MHF® harnesses to have consistent performance values within a tight range. The repeatability enables efficient system integration due to low variability from harness to harness. |
3-2) i-Fit exceeds precision of solder
I-PEX's i-Fit solderless terminating technology vs. solder termination outperforms in a side-by-side VSWR comparison. Solder processes introduce variability and inconsistency from harness-to-harness. The i-Fit method removes the variability of solder thereby increasing the repeatability and precision of electrical performance.
i-Fit® offers consistently tight range of performance
3-3) Industry adoption
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I-PEX's i-Fit technology has enabled antenna and harness makers to have the ability to terminate MHF® products in local production facilities. |
3-4) Fully Automated Harness Solutions from I-PEX
I-PEX sells completed MHF® harnesses in multiple configurations MHF®-to-MHF®, blunt cut, strip and tinned. Other value-added options include orientation in 90-degree increments, jacket cut-outs or windows for grounding, adding MP-A clamps or a secondary process at the customer's facility.
I-PEX specializes and leads in high-speed automated MHF® harness production. Using custom Fully Automated Machines (FAM), I-PEX FAMs will cut, strip, crimp, check orientation, and perform mechanical and electrical checks. Completing tens of thousands of harnesses per day, I-PEX MHF® automated equipment have unparalleled Defects Per Million Opportunities (DPMO) of less than 1.
Why Select I-PEX Switch Connector?
Industry Leading Innovations
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The I-PEX MHF®-SW23 provides a critical test point for RF and wireless applications. The MHF®-SW23 has a standard size available : 2.3 x 2.3 mm. Typically, a drop-in replacement with compatible land patterns, the MHF®-SW23 is robust and reliable. Switching operation utilizing I-PEX's contaminant resistant contact ensures electrical contact is made while the switch is engaged by the probe for testing. We also provide MHF®-SW23 plug which can mate with MHF®–SW23. This option support flexibility to choose between an on-board antenna or an external antenna without changing the board design. |
RF Switch connector options
| On-board antenna | External antenna |
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MHF®-SW23 (RF switch) |
MHF®-SW23 PLUG & MHF®-SW23 |
Learn more with video: https://www.i-pex.com/library/video/mhf-sw23-plug
Accessories
I-PEX offers MHF® accessories to support test needs from the lab to high volume production. MHF® adapters for VNA testing, lab probes, and high-volume test probes are available. Additionally, I-PEX offers MHF® mating and unmating tools to properly mate the plug and limit accidental damage during installation in the lab and on the production floor.
SMA Adapters for MHF® Plugs
Type |
For electrical performance check |
For voltage check |
|
Appearance |
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 |
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Durability (cycles) |
3 K |
10 K |
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MHF® I, I LK Plug |
90193-001 |
- |
90194-001 |
MHF® 4, 4L, 4L LK Plug |
- |
90449-001 |
90449-003-01 |
MHF® 5, 5L Plug |
90543-0001 |
- |
90586-0001 |
MHF® 7S Plug |
91255-0001 |
- |
91245-0001 |
SMA Adapters for MHF® Receptacles
Type |
For electrical performance check |
High cycle series |
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Normal |
Narrow pitch |
Detachable |
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Probe |
Adaptor cable
|
Probe |
Adaptor base
|
Probe |
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Appearance |
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Durability (cycles) |
500 |
10 K |
100 |
10 K |
200 K |
10 K |
MHF® I Receptacle |
90193-002 |
90539-001 |
90577-0100
|
90575-0001 |
90684-0001 |
90416-001 |
MHF® 4, 4L Receptacle |
90449-002 |
90498-0001 |
90576-0001 |
90683-0001 |
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MHF® 5 Receptacle |
90543-0002 |
90793-0001 |
90847-0001 |
90690-0001 |
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MHF® 7S Receptacle |
91256-0001 |
- |
91197-0300 |
91145-0001 |
- |
- |
MHF® Accessories: Hand Tool
Type |
Mating/Unmating
|
Unmating Tool |
Mating Tool |
Mating/Unmating Tweezer |
Locking/Unlocking
|
Unlocking Tool |
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Appearance |
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MHF® I Plug |
90224-0001
|
90192-001 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
MHF® I LK Plug |
- |
- |
- |
- |
91026-0001 |
- |
91492-0001 |
- |
MHF® 4 Plug |
90435-001 |
- |
- |
90482-001 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
MHF® 4L Plug |
90609-0001(**)
|
- |
- |
90616-0008
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
MHF® 4L LK Plug |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
91166-0001 |
91493-0001 |
- |
MHF® 5 Plug |
90612-0001 |
- |
90624-0001 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
MHF® 7S Plug |
91186-0001 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
MHF®-TI Plug |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- | - |
91097-0001 |
Note
(*): 90885-0001 is for 20767-001R
(**): 90609-0001 is for 20572-001R-08 and 20565-001R-13
(***): 90873-0001 is for 20632-001R-37
MHF® Accessories: RF Switch
SMA Adapters for MHF® Switch
Type |
Cable probe |
High cycle series |
|
Friction lock |
Normal probe |
Floating probe |
|
Appearance |
 |
 |
 |
Durability (cycles) |
1 K |
10 K |
200 K |
MHF®-SW23 |
90582-0300
|
90604-0001 |
90605-0001 |
In addition to I-PEX's offering of industry first and standard solutions, I-PEX solutions provide cost savings, productivity benefits and quality assurances exemplifying perfection in precision. Building on this philosophy I-PEX has pioneered low-cost high-volume connector designs for 5G applications. As new bands become commercialized for 5G, I-PEX is leading the way to quality high-frequency solutions to suit the ever-increasing demand for smaller and faster connector solutions.
I-PEX is always eager to work on unique customized solutions. Please inquire here to discuss design requirements.
