U.FL Connector

U.FL IPX and IPEX

U.FL stands for Ultra Miniature Coaxial Connector with Lock. The U.FL connectors are small, surface-mount for high-frequency signals up to 6 GHz. They are commonly used in small form factor devices, including mobile modems, WiFi and Bluetooth modules, etc.

U.FL is often used colloquially to refer to all similar connectors, including IPX and IPEX. U.FL, IPX, and IPEX connectors refer to the same type of miniature RF connector, and the differences are primarily in branding and naming conventions. They are all used in similar applications and have similar characteristics in size and functionality.

Below is the introduction to 3x3mm and 2x2mm standard connectors on typical mobile modems.

3.1x3mm Receptacle

Mobile modems equipped with the mini PCI-e standard socket typically employ 3.1x3mm standard RF connectors for antenna installation. Please consult the illustration of the U.FL-R-SMT connector provided below.

The following list presents the U.FL-LP serial connectors for interfacing with the above-mentioned 3.1x3mm connector. You can also swap with an IPEX-V1 (MHF) connector as a compatible alternative.

2x2mm Receptacle

Mobile modems featuring the M.2 standard socket are equipped with 2×2 mm receptacle connectors for easy antenna connection. The connector dimensions are depicted below.

The receptacle RF connector utilized alongside the modules accommodates two types of mated plugs, each with a maximum height of 1.2 mm when using a Ø 0.81 mm coaxial cable or a maximum size of 1.45 mm with a Ø 1.13 mm coaxial cable.