Miniaturized SMA Connector for Edge Launch Applications

Structure and Constraint Overview

This design showcases a miniaturized SMA connector in edge launch orientation, supporting a 0–18 GHz bandwidth and intended for integration with a coplanar waveguide. At these frequencies, designing a transition with good impedance match becomes increasingly challenging due to the sensitivity of the electromagnetic fields and the need for precise geometry control.

The connector is designed for Rogers RO4003C board material, with a thickness constraint of ~1.55 mm to ensure the top and bottom ground pads of the connector can be soldered to the board pads. The transition includes several optimized parameters, such as:

  • Trace width and spacing
  • Via placement
  • Transition taper

These parameters are carefully tuned to achieve a smooth and efficient signal launch into the coplanar waveguide.

3D Structure

Design Parameters and S-Parameter Performance

The design has been verified through simulations in both the time domain (FiTD) and frequency domain (FEM). The results demonstrate a return loss of less than -29 dB across the full 0–18 GHz range, confirming the effectiveness of the chosen parameters and the robustness of the transition.

S-Parameter

Field Visualization

The following visualization shows the E-field launch and propagation through the transition. The movie illustrates the behavior of the electromagnetic field as it transitions from the connector into the coplanar waveguide, highlighting the stability and efficiency of the design.

E-Field Visualization

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