Introduction
The 1.37mm RF cable (also known as 1.37 coaxial cable or micro RF cable) is a thin, flexible coaxial cable designed for use with small wireless devices. It is commonly used in IoT, GPS, LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and embedded antenna applications where space, weight, and signal integrity are important.
Because of its tiny diameter and high RF performance, the 1.37mm cable is widely utilized for internal antenna connections in modules, routers, trackers, and smart devices.
What is a 1.37mm RF Cable?
- Copper or copper-clad steel center conductor.
- Foamed or solid dielectric.
- Braided outer shield.
- Flexible outer jacket (often FEP or PVC).
It is designed for short-range RF signal transmission within electronic enclosures.
Which Antennas use 1.37mm cables?
1. Internal PCB Antennas :
- Wi-Fi PCB antenna
- Bluetooth PCB antennas
- LTE/4G embedded antennas
2. Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) Antennas :
- LTE/NB-IoT antennas
- GPS and GNSS antennas
- Wi-Fi dual-band antennas.
3. IPEX/UFL Connector Antennas :
- Internal antennas with IPEX (U.FL and IPEX MHF) connectors
- External antennas are attached inside to RF modules.
4. Compact External Antennas :
- LTE magnetic antenna (short cable length)
- GPS patch antennas
- IoT stub antennas
How to Assemble 1.37mm Cable with Antennas ?
Step-by-step Assembly Process
1. Cable Cutting :
- Cut 1.37mm cable to the required length (e.g., 100 mm or 150 mm).
2. Outer Jacket Stripping :
- Strip the outer insulation carefully, without harming the braid.
3. Shield Preparation :
- Fold the braided shield backward evenly.
4. Dielectric Stripping :
- Strip the dielectric to expose the center conductor.
5. Connector Attachment :
- Crimp or solder the connector pin to the central conductor.
- Crimp a ferrule over the braided shield.
6. Antenna Connection
- Attach the IPEX/U.FL connector to the RF module.
- Connect the other end to the antenna or RF port.
7. Testing
- VSWR Testing
- Check for continuity and insulating resistance.
Common Connectors for 1.37mm Cable :
- IPEX/U.FL (MHF1, MHF4) - most prevalent
- SMA Male / SMA Female (with adaptor)
- SMB Connector
- MCX / MMCX Connector
- Custom RF connectors (upon request).
Features of the 1.37mm RF Cable :
- Ultra-thin and lightweight design.
- 50 ohm impedance matching
- Excellent flexibility for tight routing.
- Low insertion loss for short RF paths.
- Compatible with high-frequency signals.
- Suitable for tiny and embedded devices.
- Supports automated cable assembly.
Technical Specifications of 1.37mm RF Cable :
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Cable Diameter | 1.37 mm |
| Impedance | 50 Ohm |
| Frequency Range | DC to 6 GHz (typical) |
| Center Conductor | Copper / CCS |
| Dielectric | Foamed PE / FEP |
| Shielding | Braided Copper |
| Jacket Material | FEP / PVC |
Applications for 1.37mm RF Cable :
1. IoT & Smart Devices
- Smart Meters
- Asset trackers
- Smart Home Devices
2. Wireless Communication Modules
- LTE/4G/5G modules
- WiFi and Bluetooth modules
3. GPS & GNSS Systems
- GPS trackers
- Navigation modules
4. Automotive Electronics
- Telematics Units
- Information and entertainment systems
5. Medical and Industrial Electronics
- Compact RF sensors.
- Embedded RF systems
Advantages of using 1.37mm cable in antenna systems :
- Saves PCB and enclosure space.
- Improves device portability.
- maintains RF performance in constrained layouts.
- Supports mass production and automation.
Conclusion
The 1.37mm RF cable is an essential component of modern tiny wireless devices. Its compact dimension, flexibility, and compatibility with miniature RF connectors make it perfect for use as an internal antenna in IoT, GPS, LTE, and Wi-Fi systems. Choosing the right connectors, using suitable assembly procedures, and conducting quality testing assures optimal RF performance and long-term reliability.
Contact Us
Eteily Technologies India Pvt. Ltd.
📫 Address: B28 Vidhya Nagar, Near SBI Bank,
📍 District: Bhopal, PIN: 462026, Madhya Pradesh
🌐 Website: https://eteily.com
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