Board-to-Board RF Connectors

Amphenol RF provides a variety of standard interface options and proprietary designs. Each interface has unique specifications and performance expectations which allows application developers and engineers to choose the best products for their projects.

Mating Configurations

Parallel

Co-Planar

Right-Angle

 

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UD-AFI Board-to-Board Connectors

The UD-AFI is a stamped and molded high float interconnect that offers a low profile PCB to PCB and Cable to PCB solution for automotive designs requiring high-frequency performance up to 9 GHz. This low profile cable has ultra-dense packaging and supports low loss automotive cables. UD-AFI connectors can be integrated into camera packaging or stand-alone with robust locking housing.

Board-to-Board RF Connector Types

AFI Board-to-Board RF Connectors

The AFI connector series is a board-to-board solution for RF applications commonly used in military and broadband applications. The AFI interface utilizes a proprietary two-piece configuration that compensates for high axial and radial misalignment with industry leading float (0.030” [0.8 mm] radial and 0.040” [1.0 mm] axial). 50 ohm AFI connectors operate to 6 GHz and 75 ohm options support a maximum frequency of 3 GHz.

HD-AFI Board-to-Board RF Connectors

Supporting a maximum frequency range of 18 GHz, the HD-AFI interface is a versatile 75 ohm board-to-board connector system ideal for broadband applications. The HD-AFI interface utilizes a proprietary configuration that allows for a very stable RF signal over the full axial range of the connector system. Generous float (0.052” [1.32 mm] radial and 0.079” [2.0 mm] axial) compensates for misalignment due to packaging tolerances and low engagement forces make it ideal for multi-port solutions.

HD-EFI Board-to-Board RF Connectors

The HD-EFI connector system is a 50 ohm three-piece board-to-board solution offering excellent performance through 6 GHz. It is an ideal board-to-board solution where space constraints exist or where PCB stack heights vary. The HD-EFI supports blindmating needs with a crash-proof, closed entry contact design.

P-SMP Board-to-Board RF Connectors

The P-SMP connector series is a board-to-board solution for RF applications requiring high power. With a minimum board spacing of 12.6 mm, the three-piece design allows maximum flexibility for high-density board spacing. The interface is capable of continuous power handling of 220 W at 2.2 GHz making it ideal for wireless antenna applications.

SMP Board-to-Board RF Connectors

The SMP connector system is a 50 ohm board-to-board solution offering performance through 26.5 GHz, with the ability to enhance performance to 40 GHz for some designs through PCB optimization analysis. This dependable mating system utilizes the three-piece configuration, and a design focused on keeping a consistent RF signal with ample float (0.020” [0.51 mm] radial and 0.010” [0.25 mm] axial). This performance focus makes SMP connectors a good choice for military, measurement and quantum computing applications.

SMPM Board-to-Board RF Connectors

The SMPM interface is a micro-miniature interface with an optimized frequency range of DC to 65 GHz. This series is a smaller version of the SMP, with full detent and smooth bore mating systems providing mating force options. This family of interconnects addresses small package, high-performance design needs, with float (0.020” [0.51 mm] radial and 0.010” [0.25 mm] axial) designed to maintain a strong RF signal.

Board-to-Board Product Summary

  High-Frequency High-Power High-Float
  SMPM SMP P-SMP AFI HD-AFI HD-EFI UD-AFI
Impedance 50 Ohm 50 Ohm 50 Ohm 50 Ohm | 75 Ohm 75 Ohm 50 Ohm 50 Ohm
Max Frequency 65 GHz 40 GHz 10 GHz 6 | 3 GHz 18 GHz 6 GHz 6 GHz
Min PCB Spacing 6.6 mm 9,1 mm 12.6 mm 12.7 mm 11.5 mm 11.5 mm 8 mm
Power Handling 50 W @ 2.2 GHz @ 25˚ C 30 W @ 2.2 GHz @ 25˚ C 200 W @ 2.2 GHz 200 W @ 2.2 GHz @ 8.8˚ C 10 W @ 2 GHz @ 25˚ C 40 W @ 2.2 GHz @ 85˚ C  
Axial Misalignment 0.25 mm 0.25 mm 2.00 mm 1.00 mm 2.00 mm 1.40 mm 1.00 mm
Radial Misalignment 0.51 mm 0.51 mm 1.32 mm 0.80 mm 0.80 mm 0.7 mm

Depends on bullet length (4.8° tilt)

Download Board-To-Board Overview Chart

Board-to-Board Terms

Float: General term describing the board-to-board system’s physical ability to maintain a consistent RF signal between the PCB connectors and the bullet adapter

  • Tolerance: The system’s ability to adequately mate and consistently perform in the least optimal mated condition
  • Axial Misalignment: The minimum and maximum distance between mated PCBs, allowing the bullet to sit out of its nominal position
  • Radial Misalignment: The maximum angle of the bullet adapter when mated between PCBs that still maintains consistent expected performance

Detent: Term used to describe the PCB connectors mechanical mating strength or hold on the bullet adapter

  • Limited Detent: Medium retention, good for lab environments and low to medium mechanical stress
  • Full Detent: Provides fixed retention when mated, vibration resistant
  • Smooth Bore: Slide-in mating, provides no mechanical retention feature inside the connector
  • Catcher’s Mitt: Design feature describing the wide gathering cone of a PCB connector. Mostly seen with smooth bore detent, but not exclusively

Blindmate: A design term used to describe the ability to mate the system without seeing the mating PCB connectors. Blindmate assembly typically requires generous manufacturing tolerance and high-float misalignment correction.