With the rapid development of 5G communications, satellite internet, and autonomous driving technology, millimetre-wave (mmWave) high-frequency signal transmission has imposed unprecedentedly stringent requirements on connector performance. Traditional plastic or metal connectors face challenges such as high signal loss and poor thermal management at high frequencies. In contrast, aluminium nitride (AlN) ceramic connectors, with their ultra-low dielectric loss, excellent thermal conductivity, and high-frequency stability, are emerging as the ideal signal transmission medium for the mmWave era.
Why are aluminum nitride ceramic connectors irreplaceable?
1. Millimetre wave signal 'zero loss' transmission
Low dielectric loss as low as 0.0003@40GHz (only 1/10 of PTFE plastic), ensuring signal integrity in 5G frequency bands such as 28GHz/39GHz
Dielectric constant stable at 8.8±0.1 (1-100GHz), avoiding phase distortion, with measured insertion loss <0.1dB/cm
2. Signal stability in high-temperature environments
Thermal conductivity of 170 W/(m·K) rapidly dissipates heat generated by RF chips, preventing impedance drift caused by connector temperature rise
In a 85°C/85% RH humid heat environment, performance degradation is less than 2% after 1,000 hours of ageing
3. Military-grade reliability
Thermal expansion coefficient of 4.5×10⁻⁶/℃, perfectly matched with gallium arsenide (GaAs) chips, avoiding contact failure caused by thermal cycling
Passed MIL-STD-883J vibration testing, maintaining airtightness even under 15G acceleration
Industry Applications: The Choice of Global Technology Leaders
Huawei: AlN ceramic RF connectors are used in 5G AAUs, increasing the signal coverage radius of base stations by 12%.
SpaceX: AlN connectors are used in Starlink satellite phased array antennas, achieving 99.999% transmission stability in the Ka band.
Bosch: AlN connectors are used in autonomous driving lidar modules to reduce the bit error rate to 10⁻¹².
Technological breakthrough: From high-end to large-scale production
Through cast molding and laser precision processing technology, the following is achieved:
Complex three-dimensional structure: supports integrated co-fired embedded resistors/capacitors
Nanometre-level sealing: surface roughness Ra < 0.05 μm, airtightness up to 10⁻⁹ Pa·m³/s
The future is here-as 6G terahertz communication and satellite internet advance, aluminium nitride ceramic connectors will become an indispensable key node in high-frequency signal transmission chains, redefining the performance standards for connectors.