Micro Miniature Coaxial (MMCX) connectors are a type of blind-mate or snap-on style coaxial interface based on the MCX connector type. MMCX Cable Assemblies along with MCX cable assemblies are often used as an easily replaceable cable assembly between antennas and transceivers/receivers, Wi-Fi cards, TV tuners, GPS receivers, video transmitters for first-person view (FPV) radio control piloting systems, in-ear monitors, budget oscilloscopes, budget signal generators, and budget signal analyzers. MMCX connectors are very similar to MCX connectors but are smaller in dimension and are typically rated for 500 mating cycles. The outer diameter of an MMCX connector is 2.4 mm, which allows for very tight pitch installations compared to threaded coaxial connectors and even other lock-snap connectors.
MCX connectors are generally designed to conform to the European CECC 22000 specification. These connectors are meant to be vibration and shock resistant and are intended to operate in rugged environments with minimal wear or chance of disconnecting. Most MMCX are made of brass or stainless steel as the base metal with a thin gold plating or nickel plating, which makes these connectors extremely resistant to environmental damage for corrosive chemicals.
MMCX connectors are made to allow for 360-degree rotation about the coaxial axis, though excessive rotation can cause damage to the connector interface. Most MMCX cable assemblies are made to be 50 Ohms, though there are 75-ohm varieties. Standard MMCX cable assemblies are designed to operate to 6 GHz, though precision MMCX could potentially reach higher operating frequencies. MMCX cable assemblies and connectors are often used because they are much easier to remove and replace than U.FL, MHF4, and W.FL connectors.
MMCX cable assemblies are frequency made from crimping RG 178, RG 316, or RG 174 coaxial cables to a variety of MMCX cables.
MMCX cable assemblies are most often used for low-power and cost-sensitive RF/microwave applications but can also be used for high-speed digital and sensitive analog signals that benefit from being carried over a coaxial interface due to noise immunity and low loss. Given the diverse uses of MMCX both as internal and external interconnect, MMCX adapter cable assemblies are commonly available with SMA, SMB, SMC, SSMC, MCX, BNC, and SMA connectors on the opposite side. There are also MMCX adapter cables with right angle (RA) connectors to aid with insertion in tight spots.