MHF^® is a series of ultra-miniature RF coaxial connector and harness solutions for antenna connections in wireless devices. These connectors are designed to optimize performance within minimal space and are compatible with all global communication standards. Whether it's  5G mmWave or Sub6, 4G, LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, WiGig, M2M, IoT, SigFox, WiSUN, NB-IoT and LoRa, MHF solutions keep devices connected.

• A wide range of options that support industry standard frequency bands up to 15 GHz. 
• Several cable options to meet Insertion Loss/Link-budget requirements 
• Multiple form factors to choose from to meet mechanical specifications 
• Utilizing  ZenShield^® technology in the MHF® 7S provides superior EMC performance
• Industry-first ultra-miniature RF coaxial connectors with integrated locking feature increases connection reliability.
• I-PEX's i-Fit^® solderless connection technology provides consistent VSWR performance to 15 GHz. 

 

Contents :

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Why Select I-PEX MHF RF Connectors?
1) Industry standard connector

2) MHF Design Options
- 2-1) RF Coaxial cable size variety
- 2-2) Mated height and pad layout
- 2-3) Mechanical lock
- 2-4) EMC Improvement Features

3) i-Fit^® Technology
- 3-1) What is i-Fit^® Technology?
- 3-2) i-Fit exceeds precision of solder
- 3-3) Fully Automated Harness Solutions from I-PEX

Why Select I-PEX Switch Connector?

Accessories

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Why Select I-PEX RF Connectors?

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1) Industry Standard Connector

 

Current Standards

I-PEX MHF^® Series Connectors and Harnesses are standard components in a wide array of wireless devices, including tablets, notebook M.2, M2M modules, and automotive infotainment systems, and the list continues to grow as engineers find new applications for MHF solutions. As the deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) devices accelerates, the MHF^® Series plays a crucial role in global wireless connectivity. To date, MHF^® connector shipments have exceeded 25 billion units. I-PEX has consistently supplied a proven, reliable, cost-effective wireless design solution.

 

5G and Future Standards

MHF^® 7S offers advanced solutions for both 5G mmWave and sub-6 applications. The complexity of larger devices necessitates using longer-length harnesses to connect antennas to RFICs. Devices include Notebook PCs (NBPC), Small Cells, and Customer Premises Equipment (CPE). MHF^® 7S effectively addresses numerous distinctive challenges associated with 5G devices. I-PEX is at the forefront of enabling innovation in the 5G landscape.

 

Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 6E 

Wi-Fi 7 extends the capabilities of Wi-Fi 6E by integrating the 6 GHz band, which spans from 5.925 to 7.125 GHz, to facilitate higher data transfer speeds and increased capacity. This advancement enhances stability when multiple devices are connected simultaneously and contributes to energy efficiency. The MHF^® I and MHF^® 4L connectors are designed to accommodate frequencies of up to 9 GHz and 12 GHz, respectively.

 

M.2 Standard

MHF^® 4 and MHF^® 4L are industry-standard M.2 connectors explicitly designed for high-frequency radio frequency (RF) modules commonly utilized in various applications. These connectors ensure reliable connectivity in devices such as notebook personal computers (NBPCs) and cellular machine-to-machine (M2M) communication radio modules. By adhering to the M.2 standard, MHF^® 4 and MHF^® 4L provide a compact and efficient solution for integrating RF modules, enabling seamless wireless communication across a wide range of consumer electronics, industrial IoT devices, and mobile applications. Their design ensures optimal performance where space and signal integrity are critical.

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2) MHF Design Options

 

2-1) RF Coaxial cable diversity

I-PEX provides a diverse range of cable diameter options designed to meet specific requirements for insertion loss and VSWR. This variety ensures flexibility in designing connectivity within wireless devices. Depending on the MHF^® type, the coaxial outer diameters vary from 0.48 mm (MHF^® 5) to 3.0 mm (MHF^®-TI). Typical insertion loss values associated with coaxial harness length and minimum bend radius are detailed below. 

 

Harness Length (mm) vs Insertion Loss (S21) : 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz, 9.0 GHz, 12 GHz, 15 GHz

Please refer to the product matrix file for cable insertion loss data at other frequencies.

 

 

                                              

2-2) Mated height and pad layout

I-PEX's MHF Series has a selection of mated height profiles that can fit in various designs. From small form factors like phones and tablets to notebooks to robust solutions for shock and vibration environments. In addition to the flexibility of mated heights, the MHF^® Series has several pad layouts design engineers can choose from.

 

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2-3) Mechanical lock

 

 

2-4) EMC Improvement Features

 

 

Electric Field Simulations: MHF^® 7S harness with cable clamp and clip provides optimal EMC solution. Ideal for 5G mmWave applications.

 

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3) i-Fit^® Technology

 

3-1) What is i-Fit^® Technology?

 

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3-2) i-Fit^® exceeds precision of solder

I-PEX's i-Fit solderless terminating technology vs. solder termination outperforms a side-by-side VSWR comparison. Solder processes introduce variability and inconsistency from harness to harness. The i-Fit method removes the solder variability, thereby increasing electrical performance's repeatability and precision.

i-Fit^® offers consistently tight range of performance

 

3-3) Fully Automated Harness Solutions from I-PEX

MHF^®, blunt cut, strip, and tinned. Other value-added options include orientation in 90-degree increments, jacket cut-outs or windows for grounding, adding MP-A clamps, or a process at the customer's facility. 

I-PEX specializes in and is a market leader in high-speed automated MHF^® harness production. Using custom, Fully Automated Machines (FAM), I-PEX FAMs will cut, strip, crimp, check orientation, and perform mechanical and electrical checks. These FAMs complete tens of thousands of harnesses daily, and the I-PEX MHF® automated equipment achieves unparalleled Defects Per Million Opportunities (DPMO) of less than 1.

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Why Select I-PEX Switch Connector?

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Industry Leading Innovations

 

RF Switch connector options

Learn more with video: https://www.i-pex.com/library/video/mhf-sw23-plug

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Accessories

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I-PEX offers MHF^® accessories to support test needs from R&D to high-volume production. MHF^® adapters for VNA testing, lab probes, and high-volume test probes are available. Additionally, I-PEX offers MHF^® insertion and extraction tools to properly mate the plug and limit accidental damage during installation in the lab and on the production floor. 

 

SMA Adapters for MHF^® Plugs

 

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SMA Adapters for MHF^® Receptacles

 

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MHF^® Accessories: Hand Tool

 Note
(*): 90885-0001 is for 20767-001R
(**): 90609-0001 is for 20572-001R-08 and 20565-001R-13
(***): 90873-0001 is for 20632-001R-37

 

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MHF^® Accessories: RF Switch

SMA Adapters for MHF^® Switch

 

In addition to offering industry-first and standard solutions, I-PEX solutions provide cost savings, productivity benefits, and quality assurances that exemplify perfection in precision. Building on this philosophy, I-PEX has pioneered low-cost, high-volume connector designs for wireless applications. As new frequency bands become commercialized, I-PEX is leading the way to quality high-frequency solutions to suit the ever-increasing demand for smaller and faster connector solutions.

 ​​​​​​​I-PEX is always eager to work on unique, customized solutions. Please inquire here to discuss design requirements.

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