sma footprint

Hi all,

I have a 2.4 GHz transceiver module. The PCB is prepared to assemble an SMA connector.

Is it a bad idea to solder the coax cable directly to te SMA connector pads? I thought about soldering the coax center wire to the center pin and the shield to one of the 4 outer pads of the SMA footprint (see attachment). Would it be better to connect the shield to all for outer pads of the SMA footprint.

Does anybody know the impact of this hack on the impedance matching.

Cheers, jenda

Crimpable solder flanges are available for optimal matching. When soldering the cable directly, you should lead the shield directly at the PCB surface. 2 or 4 connects can be expected better than one. 2 should be sufficient, I think, cause some RF sockets also have two ground conects only.

Hi FvM,

Thank you! Could you name a supplier?

Best regards, jenda

Fixed cable terminators or PCB cable terminals are available from all major manufacturers, e.g. from Radiall:
http://radiall.applixia.net/catalogu...df/D1020DB.pdf