Amphenol RF has introduced board-to-board RF connectors for a variety of industries, with a variety of common interface options as well as unique designs. Each interface has its own set of specifications and performance requirements, enabling application developers and engineers to choose the best solutions for their applications. These board-to-board solutions are designed to maximize radial and axial float, removing the need for wires between boards and simplifying designs to reduce assembly mistakes. They are normally made up of three components, with a bullet adapter sandwiched between smooth bore and detent PCB connectors. Based on the unique characteristics of each series, application requirements can be addressed. AFI Plugs include an embedded bullet, PSMP goods are intended for high power, and HD-EFI devices are ideal for blindmating. Closed-entry contacts are used in proprietary interfaces such as the HD-EFI and HD-AFI, which reduces the danger of mismating or crashing interfaces.
The Benefits of Board-to-Board RF Solutions
Ease of Use
Most board-to-board RF solutions feature a three-piece design with PCB mounted components connected by a bullet adapter. Engagement and disengagement forces are controlled with detent options within the connectors.
- Smooth bore PCB connectors offer the lowest engagement force and are ideal for blindmate and multiport applications.
- Limited and full detent options are ideal for industrial or high vibration applications.
Superior Performance
Board-to-Board RF connectors typically offer improved performance versus cable-to-board solutions. Expect an excellent performance :
Compact Design
Space-saving designs offer high-density, low-profile options for a variety of applications.
- PCB Footprints as small as 4 mm x 4 mm
- Board spacing as small as 6.6 mm
- Straight, right angle, and edge mount options
Axial and Radial Float
Superior float allows for complex tolerance stack-ups and misalignment correction when mating. Amphenol RF has board-to-board connectors available with up to 2 mm of axial and 0.80 mm of radial float.
Potential Cost Savings
Board-to-Board RF solutions offer a reduced price point versus cable-to-board solutions, not only in materials but also in labor costs thanks to faster installation times.
Blindmates and Gangmates
Board-to-Board products allow you to mate the system without seeing the mating PCB connector. Amphenol RF products provide generous manufacturing tolerance and high-float misalignment corrections, making them highly suitable for custom multi-port and gangmate designs.
In addition to superior axial and radial float, some Amphenol RF connectors feature crash-proof contacts, ensuring the connectors' sensitive equipment isn't damaged during installation.
AFI 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 an industry leading float (0.030” [0.8 mm] radial and 0.040” [1.0 mm] axial). 50 ohm AFI connectors operate at 6 GHz, and 75 ohm options support a maximum frequency of 3 GHz.
Click here to learn more about AFI Board-To-Board RF Connectors.
Click here to see the PCB Jacks for AFI RF Connectors.
Click here to see the PCB Plugs for AFI RF Connectors.
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, making it ideal for multi-port solutions.
Click here to learn more about HD-AFI Board-To-Board RF Connectors.
Click here to see the PCB jacks for HD-AFI Connectors.
Click here to see the PCB Plugs for HD-AFI Connectors.
HD-EFI 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 blindmate needs with a crash-proof, closed entry contact design.
Click here to learn more about HD-EFI Board-To-Board RF Connectors.
Click here to see the PCB jacks for HD-EFI Connectors.
Click here to see the Bullet Adapters for HD-EFI Connectors.
Click here to see the cable plugs for HD-EFI Connectors.
P-SMP 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.
Click here to learn more about P-SMP Board-To-Board RF Connectors.
Click here to see the PCB jacks for P-SMP Connectors.
Click here to see the Bullet Adapters for P-SMP Connectors.
Click here to see the cable plugs for P-SMP Connectors.
SMP 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.
Click here to learn more about SMP Board-To-Board RF Connectors.
Click here to see the PCB jacks for SMP Connectors.
Click here to see the Bullet Adapters for SMP Connectors.
Click here to see the cable plugs for SMPConnectors.
Click here to see the cable jacks for SMPConnectors.
SMPM 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.
Click here to learn more about SMPM Board-To-Board RF Connectors.
Click here to see the PCB jacks for SMPM Connectors.
Click here to see the Bullet Adapters for SMPM Connectors.
Click here to see the cable plugs for SMPM Connectors.
Click here to see the cable jacks for SMPM Connectors.
