Fakra Connectors: Overview, Applications & Selection Guide

By Wellshow Technology – Trusted RF Connector Manufacturer in Taiwan

What is a Fakra Connector?

Fakra connectors are specialized RF connectors standardized under ISO 20860, widely used in automotive, GPS, and communication systems. Based on the SMB connector interface, Fakra connectors typically operate up to 4 GHz, with some types supporting frequencies up to 6 GHz.

They feature a secure plastic housing with color-coded and keyed designs to prevent mis-mating. The locking mechanism also ensures a secure, vibration-resistant connection.

At Wellshow Technology, we offer high-quality Fakra connectors and cable assemblies designed for use in high-vibration and harsh environment applications.

Fakra Connector Specification Comparison

Data from Wellshow Fakra connector list. For technical consultation, feel free to contact our sales team.

Product	Product Number	Gender	Orientation	Termination	Mounting	Frequency
	C54CA33058A03I-1	Female Body/Female Pin	Straight	Cable-Crimp	Not Applicable	4GHz

Advanced Filter Options

Key Features of Fakra Connectors

Color-Coded Housing & Keying Options:

Each Fakra connector features a unique color and mechanical keying system, preventing mismating and simplifying connector identification during assembly in complex automotive or RF systems.

Secure Locking Mechanism:

Robust plastic housing with an audible locking system (snap-on) ensures high mating reliability, even in high-vibration environments such as automotive or industrial applications.

Wide-Frequency Performance:

50 ohm Impedance: Supports frequency ranges up to 6 GHz, suitable for various RF signal transmissions in vehicle infotainment systems, including GPS, AM/FM, DAB, Bluetooth, and more.

Automotive-Grade Durability:

Designed in accordance with automotive standards such as ISO 20860 and tested by the manufacturer for resistance to temperature extremes, vibration, and moisture ingress. Actual performance may vary depending on specific applications and test conditions.

Design Flexibility:

Available in straight, right-angle, PCB, bulkhead, and cable-mount versions for versatile installation in limited-space or high-density environments.

Standardized Global Interface:

Compliant with ISO 20860 and USCAR standards, enabling global compatibility and easy sourcing across platforms and OEMs.

Fakra Connector Applications

Wellshow Fakra connectors are widely used in modern vehicle platforms and connected systems, including:

GPS/GNSS Navigation Antennas

Fakra connectors are commonly used to connect global positioning system (GPS) and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) antennas to in-vehicle navigation systems, ensuring stable signal transmission for route tracking and real-time location services.

Telematics Control Units (TCU)

In connected vehicles, TCUs rely on Fakra interfaces to manage wireless communication with external networks, including 4G/5G cellular, Wi-Fi, and vehicle cloud data exchange for fleet management, diagnostics, and over-the-air (OTA) updates.

Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Communication

Fakra connectors support V2X modules that enable real-time data exchange between vehicles, infrastructure, and pedestrians. This technology is critical for safety applications such as collision avoidance and traffic signal coordination.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Fakra connections are essential in transmitting video and radar data from cameras, lidar, and radar sensors to the central processing units responsible for lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, and autonomous driving features.

Satellite Radio (SDARS)

Fakra-coded connectors provide connections between satellite antennas and receivers for in-vehicle digital audio systems, delivering uninterrupted entertainment services across wide geographic areas.

Rear-view and Surround Cameras

Fakra interfaces are used in high-resolution camera systems for parking assistance, 360° vehicle monitoring, and blind-spot detection, supporting both analog and digital video signal formats.

Infotainment Systems

Audio/video modules, digital media players, and touchscreen displays often rely on Fakra connectors for transmitting AV signals from antennas, head units, and external devices, ensuring clear media performance with low signal loss.

Fleet Tracking and Logistics Systems

Fakra connectors enable GPS antennas and modems in commercial vehicles to communicate with cloud-based fleet tracking platforms, supporting real-time asset tracking, geofencing, and logistics optimization.

Wireless Communication Antennas (4G/5G/Wi-Fi)

Fakra connectors are widely deployed in vehicles for mobile network access, hotspot connectivity, and vehicle-to-cloud communication. Their RF shielding and stable performance make them suitable for high-data-rate antenna modules.

Fakra Color Codes and Keying Types

Each Fakra connector is color-coded and mechanically keyed to prevent connection errors and ensure system compatibility. Wellshow provides a full Fakra color code chart as below:

Jack(Female)	Plug(Male)	Fakra Code	Color	Common Application
		A	Black	AM/FM Radio
		B	Cream White	AM/FM Radio
		C	Blue	GPS, GLONASS, GNSS
		D	Bordeaux	LTE / 4G / 5G Cellular data
		E	Green	Terrestrial TV, DVB-T, SDARS
		F	Brown	Terrestrial TV, DVB-T, SDARS
		G	Grey	Bluetooth, WiFi, WLAN
		H	Violet	GPS for telematics and navigation
		I	Beige	Camera / Antenna control signal
		K	Curry	DAB Radio
		L	Carmine Red	Not defined
		M	Pastel Orange	Not defined
		N	Pastel Green	Not defined
		Z	Water Blue	Fits all

Tip from Wellshow: When matching connectors, always check both the color and the mechanical key to ensure compatibility. Alternatively, you can use a Z-code connector, which is compatible with all other color-coded Fakra connectors.

Fakra Connector Types

Wellshow offers the following types:

Straight and right-angle plugs and jacks
PCB mount through-hole types
Panel mount and bulkhead connectors
Custom cable assemblies with 1.13, 1.37, RG-174, RG-316, RG58, and more

You can find more Fakra cable assemblies here.

Fakra vs. Other RF Connectors

If you’re choosing an RF connector for automotive applications, Fakra is your go-to option. For general RF testing, SMB and BNC connector are popular due to their performance and secure locking mechanisms.

Feature	Fakra	SMA	SMB	BNC	MCX
Frequency	DC ~ 6GHz	DC ~ 18GHz	DC ~ 4GHz	DC ~ 4GHz	DC ~ 6GHz
Coupling	Plastic locking housing	Threaded	Snap-on	Bayonet	Snap-on
Mating Convenience	★★★	★★	★★★★	★★★	★★★★
Size	Medium-large	Medium	Medium	Medium-large	Medium-small
Vibration Resistance	★★★★	★★	x	★★★	x

In vibration-prone applications such as automotive or industrial environments, connectors with built-in locking mechanisms (e.g., Fakra or BNC) are preferred. Threaded connectors like SMA can also be used, provided they are reinforced with additional locking features such as thread-locking adhesive (e.g., thread glue). Snap-on connectors like SMB or MCX, however, are generally not recommended due to their lack of locking mechanisms.

Wellshow manufactures Fakra, SMA, SMB, BNC, MCX connectors—ask us which is best for your project.

How to Choose the Right Fakra Connector?

Consider:

Signal frequency and cable type
Required connector orientation (straight, angled, etc.)
Mounting style (PCB, panel, bulkhead)
Application environment (vibration, temperature, panel mount waterproof)
Color code and keying requirements

Need help? Our RF connector experts at Wellshow are ready to assist.

FAQ – Fakra Connectors

Q1: What’s the difference between Fakra and standard RF connectors like SMB or BNC?

A: Wellshow’s Fakra connectors are based on SMB interfaces but include a plastic housing with color-coding and mechanical keying, specifically designed for secure, vibration-resistant connections in automotive environments. Unlike standard RF connectors like SMB or BNC, Fakra’s unique features ensure durability and performance in demanding applications.

Q2: Can Fakra connectors be used outside of automotive applications?

A: Yes. While Wellshow’s Fakra connectors are optimized for automotive environments, they are also widely used in industrial automation, fleet tracking, and robotics that require secure, high-frequency connections. Their reliability extends well beyond just automotive use.

Q3: What do the colors on Fakra connectors mean?

A: The colors on Wellshow’s Fakra connectors represent unique key codes and applications, preventing mismating. For example, blue is often used for GPS, Bordeaux for LTE / 4G / 5G Cellular data, and so on. The color coding makes it easier to choose and install the right connector, both in production and in the field.

Q4: Do you offer cable assemblies with Fakra connectors?

A: Yes, Wellshow provides custom Fakra cable assemblies, available with various cable types and lengths to meet your specific application requirements. Our solutions are designed to ensure optimal performance for your RF needs.

Q5: Can I get small quantity for testing?

A: Wellshow welcomes small quantity orders for sampling or prototype evaluation before mass production. Please contact us to check pricing, stock availability, and lead time.

Ready to get started?

Contact Wellshow Technology today to request a sample or quotation:
📧 sales@wellshow.com.tw | ☎ +886-3-3700979

Wellshow – Your reliable partner in RF connector solutions, from Taiwan to the world.