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FAKRA Connectors Deliver Value

Delphi FAKRA Connectors and RF coaxial cable assemblies offer manufacturers significant value — without sacrificing quality or performance.

An innovative terminal manufacturing process allows Delphi to reduce both the FAKRA connector costs and RF cable assemblies' costs when compared to traditional screw-machined components. The resulting Delphi FAKRA Connectors for radio-frequency (RF) coaxial cable systems not only reduce vehicle manufacturers' costs, but they also possess the performance characteristics that enable enhanced systems that rely on in-vehicle RF systems, like satellite radio, mobile phones, AM-FM radio, and GPS (global positioning systems) navigation.

"While the cost savings are impressive, Delphi also worked hard to ensure manufacturers would not have to sacrifice quality and performance just to achieve a lower cost," said Paul J. Ninefeldt, product manager, Delphi Connection Systems. "The Delphi FAKRA Connectors can be used to connect RF cable assemblies in such a way that help ensure the same levels of performance demanded by today's systems."

Delphi's process is more efficient and cost-effective than traditional screw-machined processes used to create RF coaxial cable connectors. Carrier-fed terminals enable automated crimping. Delphi's cable assembly process eliminates connector/terminal pre-assembly. In fact, no special equipment or tooling is needed to implement the Delphi FAKRA Connectors.

	Female single-position terminals with coaxial cable and plastic housing that can be designed with multiple colors and key codes for easy identification.

The Delphi FAKRA Connectors, available with both male and female single and dual position plastic housings, mate with a full range of RF devices. Additional right-angle connectors will soon be available.

Available in all standard key codes and colors, Delphi FAKRA Connectors are ideally suited for use in automotive applications that use RF coaxial cable, including the following:

• Satellite radios
• GPS (global positioning systems) navigation
• Mobile phones
• Terrestrial radios (AM/FM)

The Right Connections

Delphi worked with Radiall, a leader in RF connector technology, to develop the low-cost Delphi FAKRA Connectors. Radiall brought extensive experience in developing RF connectors for military, aerospace, telecommunications and automotive applications. This complemented Delphi's role as a global leader in automotive connection systems.

"Delphi managed all of the automotive design features, validation, and plastic manufacturing, while the primary RF design was done by Radiall," said Ninefeldt. "Automotive connections manufacturing is one of Delphi's core competencies, so this collaboration allowed both sides to leverage their areas of expertise to produce a pre-assembled coaxial terminal that meets the demands of our customers."

Delphi and Radiall engineers designed the FAKRA Connection System to meet USCAR and FAKRA standards.

Signaling a New Era

Delphi FAKRA Connectors are part of a broad Delphi Connection Systems portfolio helping to meet stringent manufacturing and performance requirements of vehicle manufacturers worldwide.

"Our ability to provide high-performance connection systems and coaxial assemblies to customers spans many countries around the world," said Brenton Smith, director, global product management, Delphi Connection Systems. "Delphi remains committed to leveraging its innovative manufacturing technologies, like those exhibited with the Delphi FAKRA Connectors, and its comprehensive design services to continue to develop high-performance, cost-effective connection systems. Whether designed specifically for a unique application, or purchased off-the-shelf, each system is designed to deliver the optimum solution."

Read more about Delphi FAKRA Connectors at delphi.com.