U.FL to SMA pigtail cables - let's get them right.

As a leading supplier of antennas, we have built up a reputation for supplying quality RF coaxial cabling solutions to complement our antenna offering and in doing so now have a significant part of our customer base that only sources coaxial cables from us. By having automated cable preparation and termination functions in-house means we can often quickly and reliably supply RF coaxial cables to customers requirements.

One subject we have noticed that confuses our customers, is U.FL to SMA pigtail or adapter cables. Some customers tend to have difficulty to identify what is a SMA Plug, SMA-Jack, RP-SMA etc. The U.FL bit is OK so here are few pointers to the SMA at the other identified correctly!!

A standard U.FL to SMA cable for us is a U.FL to SMA-Female Jack Bulkhead or Panel mount on 1.13mm coaxial cable. It looks like this:

M2MAC-UF-10-SFP

In drawing form, the adapter cable above would look like this:

Cable measurements vary, but we calculate the cable length excluding the connectors to eliminate any doubt.

The U.FL pigtail can connect to SMA-Male Plug at the other of the cable- typically hex barrel, thread inside with a pin:

SMA-Male Plug

The U.FL pigtail can connect to a SMA-Female Jack (non-bulkhead) at the other of the cable- threaded barrel and no pin

SMA-Female Jack (non-bulkhead)

The U.FL pigtail can connect to a SMA-Female Jack Bulkhead at the other of the cable- threaded barrel, flange, nut, washer and no pin


The U.FL pigtail can connect to a RP-SMA Plug at the other of the cable- typically hex barrel, thread inside no pin

RP-SMA Plug

The U.FL pigtail can connect to RP-SMA Jack at the other of the cable- threaded outer barrel, pin - this version is a bulkhead with flange, nut and washer

RP-SMA Jack (bulkhead version)

I hope this helps out in identifying the right cable. Please contact us at EAD for your U.FL to SMA adapter cable requirements.

L-Mag 4G/LTE Mini Magnetic antenna now available to buy online

The new EAD L-Mag 4G/LTE Multiband mini magnetic antenna is now available to buy online at the Connex Webshop via the this link.

This innovative new magnetic antenna for 4G and LTE frequency bands is designed for fixed and mobile applications and comes with 3M RG174 and SMA-Male connector as standard.

EAD L-Mag antenna

The EAD product page for the L-Mag can be found here.

EAD introduces 700-2700 MHz compact magnetic mount antenna

EAD is pleased to announce the introduction and initial availability of the L-Mag antenna. The L-Mag is a 700-2700 MHz 4G/LTE, multiband, mini magnetic antenna designed for fixed and mobile applications.

L-Mag mini magnetic antenna

Measuring just 110mm in overall length and 30mm at its base, the L-Mag is a compact solution for deployments requiring global 4G, LTE and multiband capability. Available as standard with 3M RG174 cable length and SMA-Male connector.

Please contact EAD or your local EAD distributor for more information.

New flexible 169 MHz whip antenna from EAD

A new 169 MHz flexible whip antenna has been introduced by EAD to address applications using the EU licence-free 169 MHz frequency band.

The SRW169 is a robust and flexible 1/4 wave antenna terminated in a SMA-Male connector and is designed for mounting directly onto 169 MHz devices.

SRW169 1/4 Wave Whip Antenna

The SRW169 complements the existing 1/4 wave helical from EAD - the H169-SMA - and facilitates choices in the types of 169 MHz antennas used for metering and associated applications.

For more information, please contact EAD.

1/2 Wave 868 MHz and 915 MHz Multi-position terminal antennas

EAD's BKR868 and BKR915 are half-wave terminal, single band antennas operating at 868 MHz and 915 MHz respectively. As standard the BKR868 has a SMA-Male connector and the BKR915 has a RP-SMA plug connector, but both antennas can be fixed a vertical or horiztonal position or at 45 degrees.

BKR868 / BKR915 1/2 Wave ISM band antennas

Offering approximately 2 dBi gain on each band, the BKR868 and BKR915 are designed for use where a groundplane for an antenna is unavailable and antenna performance is required.

The BKR868 and BKR915 antennas are ideal for long range ISM frequency band terminals in such applications as telemetry, monitoring, RFID, tracking and security amongst many other types of deployment.

EAD has a range of 868 MHz and 915 MHz antennas - please contact us for more details at sales@ead-ltd.com

To help you identify the connectors if you are unsure about SMA and RP-SMA. We have posted images of SMA and RP-SMA below. SMA typically has a thread on the inside of the barrel and has a pin in the middle. RP-SMA also has a thread inside the barrel but no pin.

A generic SMA Male connector (similar to the connector on the BKR868) looks like this:

Typical SMA-Male Plug connector

A generic RP-SMA plug connector (similar to the connector on the BKR915) looks like this:

Typical RP-SMA plug connector

You can purchase various SMA-Female / RP-SMA Female jack adapter cables to mate to the BKR antennas via the Connex webshop.

A new 4G/LTE Multiband MIMO puck antenna arrives

EAD is pleased to introduce the CMO antenna - a 4G /LTE multiband MIMO low profile puck antenna ideally suited for telematics, fleet, telemetry, security and CCTV applications. Housed in a durable, compact radome, the CMO antenna has two 4G/LTE multiband elements operating from 690-2700 MHz.

CMO 4G/LTE Multiband MIMO puck antenna

The CMO antenna mounts by way of threaded stud with a locking nut that tightens from underneath. A gasket underneath the antenna provides a watertight seal when the antenna is mounted securely.

Each antenna element is fed by flexible coaxial cable and is terminated with a SMA connector. TS9, CRC9 or other coaxial connectors are available.

For pricing please contact EAD or your local EAD distributor.

New 868 MHz and 915 MHz 1/2 Wave Terminal omni antennas

EAD has introduced two new ISM-band omni antennas for 868 MHz and 915 MHz. The BKR868 and BKR915 are 1/2 wave, groundplane independent antennas designed for terminal mount via a multi-position SMA or  RP-SMA connector respectively.

BKR868 1/2 Wave Dipole Antenna

 With an overall length of approximately 220mm and a gain of 2 dBi, the BKR868 and BKR915
are handy solutions for ISM frequency band applications where there is no groundplane available for a 1/4 wave antenna or where a little more performance from the antenna is required.

Both antennas are shipping with immediate effect.

What is the difference betweeen SMA and RP-SMA or reverse SMA? A summary.

We get asked all the time about SMA and RP-SMA. We often have customers asking for SMA-Female connectors when they really mean RP-SMA. So what is the difference?? Here is a little guide with images to help you out!!

A RP-SMA connector is effectively where the pin on the connector is reversed to the standard SMA connector. Its hard to explain in words rather best shown in pictures:

SMA-Male Plug

The SMA-Male Plug typically has a Hex barrel, is threaded on the inside and a pin.

RP-SMA Plug

The RP-SMA Plug has a Hex barrel, is threaded on the inside and no pin (note - this is not SMA-Female!!).

SMA-Female Jack

The SMA-Female (jack) is threaded on the outside of the barrel and does not have a pin. This mates to the SMA-Plug.

RP-SMA Jack (this is a panel mount version)

The RP-SMA Jack is threaded on the outside of the barrel and has a pin. The RP-SMA plug mates to this.

So now we all should be clear about what SMA and RP-SMA connectors look like!!!!

If you need adapter cables, jumper cables or single piece adapters from SMA to SMA or RP-SMA or any other coaxial connector including U.FL, N-Male, N-Female,  TNC,  RP-TNC, MMCX, CRC9, TS9, MCX etc. please contact us as we have a wide range of solutions and can custom build cables to specification. Please feel free to contact us with any requests sales@ead-ltd.com

Introducing a new 4G/LTE Wideband Terminal Antenna

EAD has introduced a new 4G/LTE wideband terminal antenna. Covering frequencies fom 698-960 and 1710-2700 MHz, the WTR7270 covers all 4G, LTE, 3G, GSM and cellular bands in one antenna. From the same family as the popular PTR2100 antenna, the WTR7270 is terminated in a SMA-Male connector.

WTR7270 4G Wideband Antenna

The specification can be downloaded at www.ead-ltd.com.

For more information, please contact us.

Weighing up antenna options for 915 MHz? Here are some considerations..

If you are designing or developing wireless applications using the 915 MHz ISM band, choosing the correct antenna for your application can be critical is ensuring your RF perforamnce is optimal. I thought it might be interesting for people working on 915 MHz (or the 900 MHz band more generally) projects, if I listed out a number of diverse external antenna products to aid the developer's understanding of available solutions on the market.

1/4 Wave Whip Antenna

A terminal-mount short 1/4 wave moulded whip antenna (requires a groundplane to mount on) with RP-SMA or SMA connectors typically (TNC, BNC are also possible). Suitable for fixed and portable terminals.

915 MHz Whip Antenna RP-SMA

 1/4 Wave Whip Antenna with Flying Lead

Similar to the antenna above, this 915 MHz 1/4 Wave whip antenna has stud at the bottom for permanent mounting and a RG174 flying lead to connect the antenna to terminal. This antenna can be used for both fixed and portable applications.

915 Mhz Whip with Flying Lead

Stub Antenna

A 1/4 wave helical stubby antenna with a sheath length of approximately 55mm. This is again suitable for fixed and portable applications. The connector at the bottom can be SMA or RP-SMA and either straight or right angle. This antenna should be mounted onto a groundplane.

915 MHz Stubby Antenna

Swivel Dipole Antenna

A 1/2 wave dipole antenna for 915 MHz with either SMA or RP-SMA. The antenna can lock in vertical or horiztonal positions or at 45 degrees if required.  This antenna is groundplane indepenent so can be mounted onto non-metal (i.e. ABC, PC etc.) terminals.

915 MHz Swivel Dipole

Waterproof Compact Omni Antenna

For outdoor applications, a compact waterproof 915 MHz omni antenna might be the solution. Where a robust, weatherpoof dipole-like antenna is required, this antenna is discrete yet durable and flexible to accomodate a range of applications.

915 MHz Waterproof Compact Omni Antennas

Available with a variety of connectors including SMA, RP-SMA, N-Type, TNC,  RP-TNC with straight and some right angle versions, these antennas a Flame retardent, UV-resistant sheath and there are versions at 915 MHz for mounting onto metal or non-metal surfaces. A through hole (stud mount) version is also available based on a N-Female Panel mount connector (with O-Ring for a watertight seal plus washer and nut for locking in place onto the enclosure.

Outdoor Wall-Mount Omni Antenna

For small, wall-mounted antennas, then the wall-mounted version of the above compact omni might be well worth taking a look at. This antenna is supplied with the flame retardent and UV-resistant sheath terminated in N-Female connector and mounted on a stainless steel bracket. Jumper cables can be specified to order depending on the grade of cable required for the length of cable run required - the jumper cable requires a N-Male Plug to connect to the antenna.

915 MHz Compact Wall-Mount Omni
request more info

Directional Panel Antenna

A 10 dBi directional 915 MHz panel antenna for wall-mount and pole mount applications. Terminated in either a low loss cable or simply a N-Female connector, this antenna measures approximately 200x200x40mm and is housed in a weatherproof LURAN enclosure.

915 MHz Directional High Gain Panel Antenna
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These are standard off-the-shelf 915 MHz products. This listing is not exhaustive, but is designed to give you some food for thought. For further information and for other 915 MHz antenna requirements, please contact us at sales@ead-ltd.com.

New 700-2700 MHz 4 Way Power Divider now available

A new 4-Way 700-2700 MHz  splitter / power divider is now in stock. Supplied with SMA-Female connectors, the PD-4G-4WAY-SF covers all 4G/LTE, 3G and GSM frequency bands. This unit complements the existing GSM and 3G 2-Way, 4-Way and 8-Way power dividers.

PD-4G-4WAY-SF power divider

The electrical specifications are as follows:

Electrical Specifications:

Frequency Range: 700 - 2700 MHz
Insertion Loss:       7.0dB Max
VSWR:                      1.3:1 Max
Isolation:                  20 db Min
Input Power:            1W CW Max
Impedance:             50 Ohm

The PD-4G-4WAY-SF can purchased online at the Connex Webshop.


For trade/dealer pricing, please contact us at EAD / Specialist Antennas via e-mail at sales@ead-ltd.com.