Shielding in MHF RF connectors and harnesses is vital to preserve signal integrity, maintain impedance control, reduce interference, and maximize RF efficiency. It is not just a mechanical enclosure — it’s an integral part of the electrical design that sustains high data rates and reliable antenna performance. Idea is to minimize external EMI/ RFI, prevent cross talk and maintain the impedance consistency, thereby reducing the noise and maintaining a higher Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). Unique Shielded design of MHF^® 7S series connectors reduces the EMI noise and offers excellent EMC performance in 5G mm wave applications. Full 360 degrees ZenShielding in MHF^® 7S connectors reduces the radiated electric field emissions and allows for the closer placement of connectors to antenna elements. Figure 1 shows the reduced noise emissions with shielded MHF^® 7S connectors as compared to unshielded MHF^® 4L connectors. 

Wireless environments are full of noise sources — switching regulators, processors, displays, and other radios. Unshielded antenna connectors or cables can pick up this noise, causing signal distortion, frequency drift, or loss of modulation accuracy. In multi-antenna (MIMO) or multi-signal environments, unshielded lines can leak energy into adjacent signal paths, degrading isolation between channels. RF paths are impedance-controlled (typically 50 Ω). Without proper shielding, nearby conductors and stray fields change the impedance environment, leading to reflections, standing waves, and degraded VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio). MHF^® 7S receptacles and plug harness assemblies offer excellent VSWR performance across the frequency range of DC to 15 GHz as shown in the Figure 2 below.  

Graph in the Figure 2 below shows the strength of radiated electric field around MHF^® 4L and MHF^® 7S Harness Assemblies. It can be seen that there is less radiated electric field for MHF^® 7S Harness since the integrated 360 degrees Zenshield^® provides better shielding, keeping most of the electric field inside the Harness at all frequencies.