NEX10 Cable Assemblies Features and Applications

NEX10 Cable Assembly

Developed specifically for small cell applications, the NEX10 connector system is a new connector interface that exhibits low-PIM, excellent return loss, and other features desirable for high speed RF communication installations. With the rise of higher frequency bands used in cellular, Wi-Fi, and other communications applications, there has been an opportunity for a small and rugged RF coaxial connector designed with small cells, distributed antenna systems (DAS), building wiring architectures, MIMO/beamsteering, and datacom. NEX10 connectors are optimized for cable sizes up to ¼” corrugated coaxial cables and are feature connector styles that feature push-pull, screw, and hand screw coupling mechanisms. Most importantly, the low specified PIM of NEX10 connectors, -166 dBc, is specified independent of the coupling mechanism. In addition to the good PIM and return loss performance, NEX10 connectors are built with additional protections for the contact area and rubber boot weather protection for enhanced environmental performance.

NEX10 cable assemblies are meant to meet the demands of existing and future 5G networks with millimeter-wave performance to 20 GHz. This frequency operation is in the realm of precision SMA and 3.5 mm coaxial connectors. The frequency range capability of NEX10 exceeds that of 4.3-10 connectors, which are typically only specified to 6 GHz with high precision variants reaching as high as 12 GHz. Moreover, NEX10 connectors are also designed for multi-coaxial interfaces that include several NEX10 connectors in a single interface. These arrangements enable 4 or even 5 NEX10 connector interfaces to fit within the same form factor as a DIN 7-16 connector for reduced installation time and improved connector performance.

As the latest cellular and DAS installations no longer use one or two high power communication online and are now instead reliant on a multitude of lower power lines that feed the diversity of MIMO and beamsteering antennas, a connector interface that is better designed to accommodate higher frequencies with better return loss and enhanced low-PIM performance is ideal. All that is sacrificed using NEX10 compared to DIN 7-16 or higher power connectors is the power performance, which isn’t generally required for small cell and DAS installations.

Moreover NEX10 connectors, unlike 4.3-10 or 2.2-5 connectors, include design features to prevent damage from misalignment or incorrect connector insertion. For instance, NEX10 connectors have a slotted outer content element that is fully protected from damage. Also, these connectors use a dielectric surround that provides additional protection to the slotted contact elements. The robustness of the jack outer contact also ensures that any potential damage is mitigated if an incorrect connector is inserted.