IPEX1 to SMA Female RF Cable 20cm RG178

This cable is compatible with any wireless module or PCB that features a male IPEX1 (u.FL) connector. This includes common 4G LTE modules (SIM7600, SIM800), GPS/GNSS receivers (NEO-6M, NEO-8M), Wi-Fi/Bluetooth SoC boards (ESP32, ESP8266), and many LoRa transceivers. It allows these devices to connect to standard SMA female antennas mounted on an enclosure panel.

First, drill a hole matching the connector's thread diameter in your enclosure panel. Insert the SMA female connector from the inside, so the threaded barrel protrudes outward. Secure it using the included hex nut (if provided) or a compatible SMA panel-mount nut tightened from the outside. Ensure the connection is firm to provide strain relief and maintain a proper ground connection for the antenna's shield.

RG178 is a thin, flexible coaxial cable with higher signal loss per meter compared to thicker cables like RG316 or LMR-200. It is suitable for short runs (like this 20cm length) at common IoT frequencies for GPS, 4G LTE, and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. For optimal performance with high-frequency 5G NR or 5GHz Wi-Fi signals over longer distances, a lower-loss cable type would be recommended to minimize attenuation.

While the connectors are crimped for optimal RF performance, advanced users with proper tools can carefully cut and re-terminate the cable. However, this requires precise stripping, soldering, and crimping to maintain the 50-ohm impedance and shield continuity. For most applications, it is recommended to use a pre-made cable with the correct connectors to ensure reliable signal integrity and avoid introducing VSWR issues.