FAKRA Cable Assemblies for Automotive, Telecom, and RF Systems

By: Hommer Zhao, Technical Supervisor

Table of Contents

Wiringo delivers customized wiring harness solutions and custom cable assembly manufacturing for FAKRA applications. We support design, RF testing, and scalable production for automotive, telecom, and industrial RF cable assemblies. Our wire harness engineering team works with clients to optimize connector selection, cable routing, and shielding configurations that meet specific application requirements.

Whether you need prototype validation or high-volume production, we provide the technical expertise and manufacturing capability to deliver reliable FAKRA cable assemblies on schedule.

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What is a FAKRA cable assembly?

FAKRA stands for Fachkreis Automobil, a German automotive connector standardization group. These assemblies pair RF connectors with coax cable for frequencies up to 6 GHz.

Each FAKRA connector features mechanical keying. Physical notches prevent wrong connections. Color-coded housings identify specific applications: one type for GPS, another for satellite radio, another for cellular modems. This eliminates installation errors in complex harnesses.

Why FAKRA Cable Assemblies Matter for RF and Automotive Systems

Proper shield construction prevents signal loss at high frequencies. FAKRA cable assemblies maintain return loss above 18 dB across their operating range. This minimizes reflection and blocks interference from nearby electronics.

These cables meet ISO 20860-1 and USCAR-18 automotive standards. They handle alternator noise, ignition spikes, and RF interference from multiple sources. Product compliance with industry specifications ensures reliable performance.

Modern vehicles have limited space. Multi-port FAKRA housings consolidate multiple RF paths into a single connection point. This flexible configuration simplifies harness routing.

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Industries that Rely on FAKRA Cable Assemblies

Common Problems with Cable Assembly Manufacturers

FAKRA technology supports RF connectivity across multiple sectors with demanding performance requirements.

Automotive Applications

Automotive systems rely on FAKRA assemblies for critical connectivity in navigation, entertainment, safety, and communication modules.

  • Navigation systems and GPS receivers
  • ADAS radar sensors and surround-view cameras
  • V2X communication modules

Telecommunications Infrastructure

Telecommunications networks use FAKRA connectors to maintain signal integrity in antenna systems and cellular installations.

  • Distributed antenna systems
  • Base station antenna feeds

Industrial Automation

Industrial automation facilities deploy FAKRA assemblies for reliable wireless communication in harsh manufacturing environments, often integrated with low voltage cable assembly solutions for sensor networks.

  • Wireless sensor networks in manufacturing
  • Remote monitoring systems in harsh environments

Aerospace and Defense

Aerospace and defense applications demand FAKRA-style connectors for mission-critical navigation and communication systems.

  • Navigation equipment
  • RF data links for avionics

Consumer Electronics

Consumer electronics manufacturers integrate FAKRA connectors into portable devices requiring compact, high-frequency connections.

  • Drone communication systems
  • Remote monitoring devices

How FAKRA Cable Assemblies Are Built

A FAKRA cable assembly combines a standardized FAKRA RF connector with a 50-ohm coaxial cable for high-frequency signal transmission.

Assembly follows IPC/WHMA-A-620 standard processes, with options including: 

Shield Construction Options

  • Braided copper – Flexible with 85-95% coverage
  • Aluminum foil – 100% coverage, limited flexibility
  • Combination braid-foil – Balances coverage and flex performance

Termination Techniques

  • Crimped connections – Fast production, consistent contact pressure
  • Soldered connections – Maximum conductivity and signal integrity

Common FAKRA connector codes and configurations

The system includes 13 mechanical key types plus one neutral variant. Each series serves specific technical applications:

  • Code C (white): GPS and navigation
  • Code D (red): Satellite radio
  • Code E (green): Cellular and mobile data
  • Code F (yellow): TV and video signals
  • Code Z: Waterproof external connections

What to Look for in a FAKRA Cable Assembly Manufacturer

How to Choose a Cable Assembly Manufacturer_ Key Factors

Selecting the right manufacturer requires evaluating their RF design capabilities, quality assurance and certifications, testing infrastructure, and production flexibility to ensure consistent performance and compliance. Manufacturers experienced with CNC wire harness production understand the precision requirements and automated processes needed for consistent FAKRA assembly quality.

RF Design Expertise

Strong manufacturers control impedance across cable length, select proper FAKRA connectors for frequency requirements, and conduct RF testing, including VSWR for signal matching. This ensures assemblies perform at 6 GHz specifications without signal degradation.

Quality Certifications

CertificationPurpose
IPC/WHMA-A-620Standard processes for stripping, crimping, and inspection
ISO 9001Quality management system compliance
PPAP/APQPAutomotive production approval documentation

Environmental Testing Capability

  • Vibration test per automotive standards
  • Thermal cycling from -40°C to +105°C
  • Salt spray exposure for corrosion resistance
  • Humidity and moisture ingress testing

Production Flexibility

Reliable manufacturers support both development and full-scale production needs. Select a partner with quick-turn prototyping capabilities that seamlessly transition to high-volume manufacturing, avoiding retooling delays and quality issues. 

Wiringo: Your FAKRA Cable Assembly Manufacturer

Wiringo provides in-house RF testing, IPC-certified processes, and flexible production for FAKRA applications. Our facility maintains strict quality controls with 100% electrical testing and full traceability documentation. We supply technical information and support throughout the design process to solve challenges in connector compatibility, cable routing constraints, and performance optimization.

Experience with FAKRA platforms

Our team designs and manufactures FAKRA cable assemblies for GPS, infotainment, telematics, and camera systems. We work with standard key codes and mini-FAKRA variants for tight spaces. 

Capabilities for custom FAKRA assemblies

We support connector selection, cable routing, and shield configuration. Our ISO 9001 and IPC/WHMA-A-620 certified facility handles custom requirements, including specific cables, overmolding, sealing, and OEM compliance testing.

Production scales from 10-piece prototypes through high-volume manufacturing. Custom length, dimension, and configuration options are available for specialized applications.

Ready to build a FAKRA cable assembly for your platform? Contact Wiringo to request a quote or start your custom design.

Hommer Zhao

Hommer Zhao serves as Director of Wiringo, leveraging a wealth of expertise in custom wire harness and cable assembly.

Drawing on more than a decade of hands-on expertise in the electronics field, Hommer focuses on wire harness manufacturing, custom cable assembly, and expedited restricted product production. His operations include a pair of wire harness production facilities and two dedicated PCB manufacturing & PCBA sites, all strategically located across Shijiazhuang, Shenzhen, Jiangmen, and the Philippines.

Hommer frequently refers to resources like Wiring Harness News for up-to-date insights and methods related to wire harness production.

Beyond his research and reading, Hommer also contributes to the Wiring Harness Manufacturer’s Association (WHMA), which offers invaluable resources and professional guidelines to wire harness specialists.

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Enjoy a free sample worth UP TO $100!
Explore our custom services now. Email us at [email protected] for more details.

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