Connector Helps Verify Antenna/Circuit Performance

Feb. 26, 2009

An ultra-miniature, surface-mount coaxial "switch" connector dubbed the 15K101-40ME4 can be used as an surface-mount-device (SMD), coaxial point of entry to a printed-circuit board (PCB). Alternatively, it can function as a switch for temporarily disconnecting the on-board connection to the PCB to allow external-only testing of RF functions. Available from RFMW Ltd., this 50-Ohm connector can verify the antenna/circuit performance in any kind of small device from DC to 6 GHz. The 15K101-40ME4 exhibits less than 0.035 dB insertion loss at 3 GHz and under 0.055 dB insertion loss from 3 to 6 GHz. It features return loss of 26 dB to 2 GHz, 22 dB to 4 GHz, and 16 dB or better to 6 GHz. The 15K101-40ME4 is only 1.8 x 1.99 mm and 1.5 mm high. P&A: $4.56 each in quantities of 500. Standard reel size is 9K pieces.

About the Author

Nancy Friedrich

RF Product Marketing Manager for Aerospace Defense, Keysight Technologies

Nancy Friedrich is RF Product Marketing Manager for Aerospace Defense at Keysight Technologies. Nancy Friedrich started a career in engineering media about two decades ago with a stint editing copy and writing news for Electronic Design. A few years later, she began writing full time as technology editor at Wireless Systems Design. In 2005, Nancy was named editor-in-chief of Microwaves & RF, a position she held (along with other positions as group content head) until 2018. Nancy then moved to a position at UBM, where she was editor-in-chief of Design News and content director for tradeshows including DesignCon, ESC, and the Smart Manufacturing shows.