Introduction

The Mini-FAKRA connector is a scaled-down version of the popular FAKRA connector. Because of its small size and light weight, it is used in automobiles as well as personal electric vehicles (PEV) and light electric vehicles (LEV), which is particularly important in electric vehicle applications.

Mini FAKRA: the high-speed Mini-FAKRA (HFM) connector is 80% smaller than the FAKRA connector. HFM is a registered trademark of Rosenberger. These miniature coaxial connectors are used in many automotive applications, including look cameras, GPS navigation, autopilot, driver assistance systems, high-bandwidth infotainment and computing models. They are available in straight or right-angle versions, sturdy and durable, light in weight and small in size. They provide data rates of up to 28 Gb/s.

Type A mini-FAKRA connectors support data transmission of up to 20 Gb/s.

The FAKRA connector, the mainstay of automotive connectivity over the past two decades, is a version of the ultra-miniature Type B (SMB) coaxial radio frequency connector developed by Rosenberger and standardized by the German Council of Automobile Manufacturers. FAKRA is an acronym for Fachkreis Automobile or Working Group Automobile. These multi-functional connectors are widely used in the global automotive industry, mainly for telematics, security and communications applications. A typical Internet-connected car contains at least 15 FAKRA connectors.

The FAKRA standard defines the interface of the connector as well as the mechanical and electrical properties. The FAKRA connector consists of plugs and jacks, which are matched by a push-in mechanism embedded in the plastic shell. Sound lock confirmation lets the operator know that a connection has been established. Some variants include auxiliary locks.

They have 14 different mechanical layouts to choose from. Color coding makes it easy to identify and prevent mismatches. FAKRA connectors operate at frequencies up to 6 GHz.

FAKRA connectors are used for automotive telematics and applications such as GPS navigation, entertainment systems, Bluetooth, cellular, keyless access, climate control and radio antennas. They are also used in sensor systems to achieve autonomous control.

Other non-automotive applications include outdoor routers, industrial process control boxes, machine-to-machine modules, and Internet of things devices.

There are several subtypes of FAKRA connectors: the original FAKRA I connectors are now mainly used in antenna applications. FAKRA II is the second generation product of FAKRA and is considered to be the current basic standard. They are available in a variety of angles and configurations, including IP6K9K sealed and weather resistant versions for outdoor applications. Some manufacturers offer customized and miniaturized versions.

Design description of Mini-FAKRA Connector

Standardization

FAKRA standards are accepted by major global automakers and system suppliers for automotive communications and entertainment applications. FAKRA products comply with ISO 20860-1 and 2, DIN ISO 20860, SAE/USCAR 18 standards.

Configuration

FAKRA includes a complete range of application-based configurations with a variety of entry angle, color coding, mechanical keying, and cable name options.

Endurance

The durable plastic housing helps protect the FAKRA connector from the harsh conditions faced by the vehicle during operation, including debris, weather conditions, shock and vibration. They are designed to handle the temperature range from-40 °C to + 105 °C. A sealed version is available.

Times to plug and unplug

These connectors are designed to handle at least 100 inserts.

Performance

FAKRA connector is designed to perform up to 6 GHz operating frequencies and can handle 335V RMS continuously.

In order to meet the needs of automatic assembly, FAKRA connectors are optimized for reel packaging. They are also suitable for selective, wave crest and reflow soldering treatments.

Market, Industry, Application

FAKRA connectors are used in telematics, security and communications applications in the automotive industry, as well as non-automotive vehicles such as ships, motorcycles and off-road heavy equipment. They are used for safety, driver assistance, V2V and other in-vehicle networks.

The Coming Development

FAKRA connectors that conform to ISO 20860-1 and-2 (or USCAR-17 and-18) are physically larger than connectors called FAKRA-mini, such as Rosenberger’s HFM. The performance of traditional FAKRA connector in RF test is not satisfactory. To avoid confusion, USCAR calls the new connector a “mini coaxial connector”.

The upcoming specification USCAR-49 will define industry standard tests specifically for miniature coaxial connectors.