Multi-Port RF coaxial cable-to-board interconnects for high-vibration conditions

Providing printed circuit board (PCB) designers and test and measurement engineers with a secure electrical connection suitable for high-vibration conditions, Molex has introduced new Multi-Port RF (MPRF) coaxial cable-to-board solutions. Featuring a rugged single housing design with dual latches to support the weight of the coaxial cables, the MPRF solution ensures a secure multi-port RF I/O connection. The compact connectors also meet space demands for shrinking electronic devices in a variety of industries including telecommunications and networking; data communications and computing; medical; and aerospace and defence. “Smaller connectors can be more sensitive to environmental factors than their larger counterparts, especially in high vibration situations where they can either move within the housing or completely disengage and cause a system failure,” said Darren Schauer, product manager, Molex. “We designed the MPRF connectors to meet the miniaturisation needs of these next-generation devices while delivering an extremely durable solution that prevents the cables from becoming mis-aligned within the ruggedised housing.” With a 3.75mm-pitch, the connectors accept 2.1mm cable diameters (RG-316) for PCB space savings. The robust outer shell can withstand a minimum of 500 mating cycles, while the 1mm contact wipe ensures proper engagement under extreme conditions. The 4-, 6- and 8-port configurations deliver greater design flexibility and the DC to 6GHz frequency range supports a broad range of potential applications. The non-magnetic versions provide relative permittivity close to 1.0 and high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for imaging systems in medical and aerospace applications, says the company.