Hirose U.FL Connector and Antenna for Wi-Fi (Pi Zero, ESP32)

Hirose U.FL connector and antenna required for Wi-Fi in some models of Pi Zero, ESP32. U.FL/IPX connector commonly used on PCB of everyday electronics. U.FL/IPX to SMA adapters sold in the market. Often, the name of the unit not known to many of the makers.

Hirose Electric Company Limited is a Japanese electronics company specializing in the manufacturing of electric connectors, flexible printed circuits for smartphones. Another simillar connector is Hirose W.FL connector. All the connector names such as Hirose U.FL, I-PEX MHF series, IPAX, IPX, AMC, UMCC are miniature RF connectors and quite closer in specifications. Of course they do vary in sizes :

The below assembly usually sold :

Finding with “u.fl to sma adapter” on Google search should display some of the products. However, there is precaution. U.FL connectors are not designed with reconnection in mind, so they will get damaged after 30 cycles or so. Plugging and unplugging around 60 times will practically make them distorted. The female U.FL connectors are usually are not sold separately. The required cable is 1.32 mm double shielded cable for a low-loss connection. Commonly RG178 cable used (read about coaxial cable for understanding how they work). Compatible third party connectors are generally sold in the market but quality of cables, metals of SMA component is questionable.

From the above discussion it should be clear that U.FL connector on board, like for example on ESP32-WROOM-32U module :

designed with the thought of a stable prototype or final product. So, reverse F PCB tracing antenna actually practical for those type of development boards which will be regularly used. Adafruit does stock such connectors and other related things :

Radome material, frequency(Hz) range, gain, Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) are important parameters to check while buying. Also, the manufacturer should have note for indoor or outdoor usage. For critical projects such for designing a dev board, it is suggested to take professional help of engineer.