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Country/Location & Industry
South Korea | Advanced Telecommunications & 5G Infrastructure Manufacturing
Background
The client, a recognized leader in the South Korean telecommunications market, has been at the forefront of developing next-generation network infrastructure. As the industry aggressively pivots towards densification, the company launched a strategic initiative to design a new line of “In-Building Wireless” solutions. This flagship product line included ultra-compact 5G indoor small cells and high-performance WiFi 6E repeaters tailored for aesthetically sensitive, space-constrained urban environments. The project’s success hinged on achieving a drastic reduction in the device’s physical footprint without compromising its multi-band signal processing capabilities. To solve these problems, the client turned to Renhotec for a custom connector solution.
Diverse RF Application Environments From Base Stations to End Users
Challenge
The engineering team faced a critical “space vs. performance” paradox. The new chassis design was exceptionally slim to meet modern architectural standards, leaving minimal clearance for internal RF connectivity.
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Spatial Constraints: The legacy use of standard threaded connectors, such as SMAs, proved impossible. Their bulky thread capability and required clearance for wrench access consumed too much valuable PCB real estate.
- Assembly Bottlenecks: In mass production trials, the manual torqueing required for threaded connectors created a significant slowdown, increasing labor costs and the risk of over-torqueing damage.
- Signal Integrity: The solution needed to maintain impeccable transmission stability across frequencies up to 4GHz to support both WiFi and sub-6GHz 5G bands, while resisting vibration in a dense component layout.
Visual Guide: Distinguishing SMA and SMB Connector Types
Strategic Analysis & Dimensional Comparison
Engineering Consultation & Layout Audit
Upon receiving the project inquiry, Renhotec’s RF technical team conducted a comprehensive audit of the client’s mechanical drawings. The analysis confirmed that standard interconnects would cause mechanical interference with the shielding enclosure.
Comparative Dimensional Analysis
To scientifically validate the need for miniaturization, Renhotec presented a detailed Connector Size Comparison Report. This critical step involved:
- Visualizing the Difference: Renhotec supplied overlay CAD drawings contrasting the standard SMB interface against the more compact SSMB and the ultra-micro SSMB Mini.
- Data-Driven Decision: By analyzing the specific dimensions of the SSMB Mini and SSMB alongside the standard SMB, the client could clearly visualize the tiered reduction in axial length and diameter.
- Selection: While the SSMA series offered extreme miniaturization, the analysis highlighted that the SMB offered the perfect “Sweet Spot”—balancing the compact size demonstrated in the SSMB comparisons with the cost-efficiency and convenient push-on mechanism required for this specific 4GHz application.
Final Implementation
Renhotec finalized the customized solution by supplying 50 Ohm SMB Right-Angle PCB Jacks to maximize vertical clearance, paired with SMB Straight Cable Plugs. This combination utilized the snap-on mechanism to eliminate the need for torque tools entirely.
SMB Reference Drawings
MINI SMB Reference Drawings
SSMB Reference Drawings
Improvement
- ✅Production Efficiency: The assembly line achieved a 30% reduction in cycle time per unit, as operators could simply “snap” connections in place rather than threading them manually.
- ✅Design Optimization: Leveraging the footprint savings illustrated in the dimensional analysis, the design team successfully reduced the overall device volume by 15%, creating a sleeker, more competitive product.
- ✅Market Readiness: The robust signal performance ensured the devices passed all carrier certification tests for 5G and WiFi 6E instantly, accelerating the time-to-market.
Project Outcomes: Quantifiable Efficiency & Design Improvements
Review
“Renhotec provided an exceptional solution that effectively resolved our critical design challenges. Their technical expertise helped us navigate the complex trade-offs between size and performance. Thanks to their high-quality connectors, our new 5G small cells are not only easier to assemble but are performing flawlessly in the field. The final product quality has exceeded our expectations, and our customers are delighted with the compact design.”
— Chief Engineer, RF Prototyping Team
From left to right: Mini SMB, SMB 50 Ohm male connector, SMB 75 Ohm male connector
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Find Your High-Frequency Connection Solution
Selecting the right RF connector is crucial for optimal signal integrity in your communication systems. Whether you need a standard SMB connector for robust push-on coupling in telecom applications, or a customized solution for test and measurement equipment requiring reliable performance up to 4 GHz, our engineering team has the expertise to assist you.
Contact our specialists at [email protected] to specify your SMB connector requirements, request custom designs, and access our complete RF product catalog!
