The Ebyte XC-IPX3-SK Series is a premium line of RF adapter cables (pigtails) engineered to bridge the connection between ultra-compact IPEX-3 on-board connectors and standard SMA-K (SMA Female) external antennas.
Utilizing high-quality, flexible 1.13mm coaxial wire, these adapters are crucial for routing RF signals from deeply embedded modules to the exterior of your device enclosure. Whether you are working with advanced M.2 cellular cards, compact Ebyte wireless transceiver modules, or custom IoT gateways, the XC-IPX3-SK series ensures minimal signal loss and maximum mechanical reliability.
Series Specification Comparison
Select the optimal cable length based on your enclosure dimensions and routing requirements:
| Model SKU | Length (mm) | Connector A (Internal) | Connector B (External) | Cable Diameter | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC-IPX3-SK-10 | 100 mm | IPEX-3 | SMA-K (Female) | Approx. 1.13mm | Approx. 2g |
| XC-IPX3-SK-15 | 150 mm | IPEX-3 | SMA-K (Female) | Approx. 1.13mm | Approx. 3g |
Updated: April 2026 | Standard Impedance: 50Ω
Expert Selection Guide: Routing & Spacing
- 100mm (XC-IPX3-SK-10): The standard choice for compact metallic or plastic enclosures where the module is mounted close to the exterior wall. Shorter cables naturally provide slightly lower insertion loss.
- 150mm (XC-IPX3-SK-15): Ideal for larger industrial gateways or complex Raspberry Pi HAT stacks where the RF module sits deep within the chassis and requires routing around other components.
Key Technical Features
① Precision IPEX-3 Interface
IPEX-3 (also known as MHF3) features a significantly lower profile and smaller mating height compared to standard IPEX-1 (U.FL). This makes it the industry standard for modern, space-constrained M.2 cellular cards (4G/5G) and miniaturized IoT boards.
② Standardized SMA-K Bulkhead
The SMA-K (SMA Female - outer thread with inner hole) end includes mounting hardware (nut and washer), allowing you to securely mount the connector to the panel of your enclosure. It is universally compatible with standard SMA Male antennas.
Ideal Applications
💻 M.2 Cellular Cards
Routing antenna connections from advanced 4G/LTE and 5G M.2 modem cards to external gateway chassis.
🍓 DIY Maker Projects
Perfect for open-source Raspberry Pi telemetry builds requiring external high-gain antennas.
🏭 Industrial Ebyte Modules
Connecting miniaturized Ebyte SMD wireless modules (LoRa, ZigBee) to robust external outdoor antennas.
📡 Wireless Routers
Upgrading or repairing internal antenna routing in commercial WiFi routers and access points.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is IPEX-3 the same as IPEX-1 (U.FL)?
No, they are different sizes. IPEX-3 (MHF3) is smaller and has a lower profile than the more common IPEX-1 (U.FL). Please verify the exact connector type on your Ebyte module or PCB before purchasing, as they are not cross-compatible without an adapter.
2. Can I use this pigtail for my Raspberry Pi 4G/5G HAT project found on GitHub?
Yes! Many advanced M.2 modem cards used in open-source Raspberry Pi cellular projects require IPEX-3 connectors due to their compact size. The XC-IPX3-SK series allows you to safely route that delicate IPEX-3 connection to a robust SMA-K bulkhead on your custom 3D-printed or metal Pi enclosure.
3. What does "SMA-K" mean? Will it fit my antenna?
In RF terminology, "SMA-K" designates an SMA Female connector. It features exterior threads and a central receptacle (hole). It is designed to pair perfectly with standard "SMA-J" (SMA Male) antennas, which have interior threads and a central pin. This is the standard for most Ebyte external whip and fiberglass antennas.