Murata Manufacturing Co. (TOKYO: 6981) has begun mass production of two SWL series RF and microwave coaxial connectors with switches, which the company describes as the world’s smallest in their category. Measuring 1.0 mm × 1.0 mm × 0.55 mm, the MM8330-2600RJ5 and MM8330-2600RK20 are designed to reduce printed circuit board (PCB) space requirements in compact wireless devices.
The connectors reduce mounting area by approximately 40% compared with Murata’s previous SWJ series. When paired with dedicated probes, they reduce the total PCB footprint, including the clearance area required for testing, by about 60%, according to the company.
The launch addresses space constraints as smartphones, wearables and other wireless products incorporate more functions and components into increasingly compact designs. RF test connectors require space for the component itself as well as clearance for probe access during circuit measurements.
Smaller Footprint for RF Testing
The new SWL series measures less than Murata’s previous SWJ series, which has dimensions of 1.4 mm × 1.2 mm × 0.65 mm. The smaller package gives device designers greater flexibility when arranging components on densely populated circuit boards.
Murata said the connectors combine its RF and mechanical design technologies to achieve a compact structure while maintaining low radio-frequency transmission loss and mechanical robustness.
The space savings extend beyond the connector’s physical dimensions. During RF testing, probes need sufficient clearance to contact the test point. Murata’s dedicated automatic and manual probes are designed to reduce that surrounding clearance, allowing manufacturers to allocate more PCB area to other components.
The dedicated probes are scheduled to enter mass production in December 2026.
Supports Frequencies Up to 15 GHz
The SWL series operates across a frequency range from direct current (DC) to 15 GHz, with a nominal impedance of 50 ohms. These specifications support RF measurement applications in wireless electronic devices.
The two models differ in their packaging quantities. The MM8330-2600RJ5 is supplied on reels containing 5,000 pieces, while the MM8330-2600RK20 comes in reels of 20,000 pieces.
Murata has positioned the connectors for applications where board space, measurement access and RF performance must be balanced within compact electronic designs. Smaller test connectors can help manufacturers preserve space for additional circuitry without eliminating access points needed for development and production testing.
The company said it will continue developing miniaturized components and solutions to improve PCB space utilization in higher-performance, compact products, including smartphones and wearable devices.
The dedicated probes’ planned December 2026 production launch will complete the next step in the SWL series offering for manufacturers seeking to reduce the footprint of RF test connections.
