Features and Benefits
With devices across all industries becoming smaller and lighter, interconnects must provide higher-density, higher-performance connectivity to meet functionality demands. RF interconnects must combine mechanically robust construction with miniaturized form factors and reliable performance at high frequencies. Connector designs must also support easy system integration and streamlined upgrades.
To meet demands for more compact and capable interconnects, manufacturers require higher contact density and more efficient use of PCB space. Multi-port, miniaturized RF connectors address these needs by consolidating multiple RF channels into a single interface. This reduces board real estate while maintaining reliability in high-vibration, extreme-temperature and other harsh environments.
MPRF Connectors from Molex deliver up to eight RF connections in a rugged, ganged housing that is designed to simplify assembly and streamline rework or upgrades. Dual side latches mitigate twisting or “rocking,” reducing failures and ensuring reliable connectivity in high-vibration applications. A high-density 3.75mm-pitch design and support for frequencies up to 10 GHz make MPRF connectors ideal for compact devices and high-performance systems across multiple industries. Non-magnetic versions enable use with imaging systems and meet stringent signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) requirements.
Applications by Industry
Data communications systems
Data communications systems
Automated test equipment
Test and measurement systems
Patient-monitoring and imaging equipment
Hubs and servers
Hubs and servers
This is not a definitive list of applications for this product. It represents some of the more common uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Multi-Port RF (MPRF) connector?
Multi-Port RF (MPRF) Connectors from Molex are coaxial, ganged cable-to-board interconnect modules that consolidate multiple 50-Ohm coaxial contacts into a single, compact interface, enabling high-density routing of multiple RF channels from cable harnesses to PCBs in a mechanically robust design.
What return-loss metric should be budgeted for links, and do MPRF connectors have VSWR limits across the band?
A common metric for return loss is voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), which measures impedance matching and efficiency. The specifications for Molex MPRF Coaxial Connectors include 1.40:1 maximum VSWR up to 6 GHz and 1.70:1 maximum VSWR up to 10 GHz.
How is stable electrical contact maintained under vibration, given concerns about fretting and intermittent connections?
The MPRF connector design is designed to withstand vibration that can cause terminals to twist or move. The integrated shell with dual side latches improves strain relief by helping prevent cable terminations from rocking within the mating interface. The connector itself uses a 1.00mm nominal contact wipe to maintain consistent engagement.
What mechanical forces should be anticipated (mating, unmating and retention)?
The maximum MPRF mating force (engagement) is 6.67N (1.5 lbs). The minimum unmating force (disengagement) is 4.49N (1.0 lbs). The retention force (axial pull-off) when latched is ≥ 88N (19.8 lbs).
What cable outside diameters (ODs) and cable families are supported on the harness side?
The MPRF connector system accepts a 2.50mm-OD cable and supports RG-178, RG-316 and Temp-Flex .086 cable types.
What PCB-side mounting options exist for a design’s stack-up and mechanical packaging?
PCB receptacles are available in right-angle and edge-mount configurations. SMT and through-hole termination options are available.
Does Molex offer non-magnetic variants for MRI/imaging or magnetically sensitive instrumentation?
Yes, non-magnetic versions are available for MRI/imaging and other magnetically sensitive instrumentation.
Is the harness termination serviceable/reworkable (e.g., for single-channel repair or field replacement)?
Yes, the cable side of the MPRF connector uses a one-piece cable block with removable, snap-in contacts, enabling easy serviceability and termination flexibility when compared with fixed, fully overmolded terminations.
If a design needs something outside of the standard matrix (e.g., impedance variant, specific non-magnetic plating, custom cable assembly), is customization supported?
Yes, Molex offers custom-engineered solutions, including nonrecurring engineering (NRE) options.
What sets MPRF Connectors apart from other ganged RF cable-to-board products?
MPRF Connectors from Molex offer a smaller 3.75mm pitch than competing ganged RF connectors. The dual-latch retention system also resists vibration and twisting forces better than smaller connectors and typical multi-port alternatives, improving performance and reliability.