Murata Begins Mass Production of World’s Smallest RF/Microwave Coaxial Connectors, Reducing PCB Mounting Area by 40%
Murata Manufacturing a global manufacturer of electronic components and advanced materials, has started mass production of its new SWL series of RF/microwave coaxial connectors with a switch. The series includes the MM8330-2600RJ5 and MM8330-2600RK20 models, which Murata identifies as the world’s smallest RF/microwave coaxial connectors with a switch. Measuring just 1.0 mm × 1.0 mm × 0.55 mm, the new connectors are designed to help electronics manufacturers reduce printed circuit board (PCB) space requirements while maintaining reliable radio-frequency performance.
According to Murata, the SWL series reduces the PCB mounting area by approximately 40% compared with the company’s previous SWJ series. When used with dedicated probes, the overall footprint required for the connector and its surrounding keep-out area can be reduced by approximately 60%. These improvements are intended to give designers greater flexibility when developing compact wireless devices with increasingly sophisticated electronic functions.
As smartphones, wearable devices and other wireless products continue to incorporate additional capabilities, manufacturers face growing challenges in fitting more components onto increasingly compact circuit boards. RF testing is an important part of product development and manufacturing, but the connectors used for circuit measurements require space beyond their physical dimensions. Engineers must also reserve sufficient clearance around the test point to allow probes to connect securely and perform measurements.
Murata’s new SWL series addresses these challenges through a compact connector design that combines the company’s expertise in RF engineering and mechanical structure development.
Reducing Space Requirements for RF Circuit Measurement
The introduction of the SWL series reflects the growing importance of space-efficient components in modern electronic product design. As device manufacturers integrate more wireless communication features, sensors and processing capabilities into smaller products, every millimeter of PCB space becomes increasingly valuable.
RF/microwave coaxial connectors with a switch are used to provide access to radio-frequency circuits for testing and measurement. They allow engineers to evaluate circuit characteristics during development, verification and other testing activities. However, the physical connector is only one part of the space required for these operations. The surrounding clearance needed for probe access can also affect component placement and overall board layout.
Murata has developed the SWL series to reduce both the connector’s physical dimensions and the additional space needed for measurement. Its proprietary structure combines RF and mechanical design technologies to achieve miniaturization while maintaining low RF transmission loss and mechanical robustness.
The new connectors measure 1.0 mm × 1.0 mm × 0.55 mm, making them smaller than the company’s previous SWJ series, which measures 1.4 mm × 1.2 mm × 0.65 mm. This reduction in dimensions allows designers to allocate PCB space more efficiently and provides greater flexibility when positioning components in densely populated electronic assemblies.
The smaller connector footprint can be particularly useful in applications where several electronic functions must fit within a limited enclosure. By reducing the space occupied by RF test access points, manufacturers may have more room for other components or greater flexibility when optimizing the layout of a compact device.
Dedicated Probes Further Reduce the PCB Footprint
In addition to reducing connector dimensions, Murata has designed the SWL series for use with dedicated automatic or manual probes. These probes are intended to provide access to the connector while requiring less surrounding clearance during RF circuit measurement.
When the SWL connectors are used with the dedicated probes, the total PCB area required for the connector and its keep-out zone can be reduced by approximately 60% compared with the previous SWJ series. This improvement goes beyond the reduction in the connector’s mounting area alone, addressing the additional space needed to carry out measurements.
The distinction is important for manufacturers designing compact electronic products. Even when a component has a small physical footprint, the clearance needed for assembly, inspection or testing can limit how closely other components can be positioned. A solution that reduces both mounting requirements and probe-access clearance can help engineers make more efficient use of the available board area.
Murata’s dedicated probes are scheduled to enter mass production in December 2026. Their availability will complement the SWL connector series and support customers seeking to incorporate the smaller connectors into RF measurement workflows.
Supporting RF Applications up to 15 GHz
Despite their compact size, the new SWL series connectors are designed to support a broad range of radio-frequency applications. The products operate across a frequency range from DC to 15 GHz and feature a nominal impedance of 50 ohms.
The DC-to-15-GHz operating range supports RF circuit measurement requirements across a variety of wireless and high-frequency electronic applications. Meanwhile, the nominal 50-ohm impedance is a standard characteristic in many RF systems, helping engineers integrate the connectors into compatible circuit designs.
Murata is introducing two models to accommodate different packaging and production requirements. The MM8330-2600RJ5 is supplied on reels containing 5,000 pieces, while the MM8330-2600RK20 is supplied on reels containing 20,000 pieces.
Offering these two packaging options provides manufacturers with alternatives suited to different component-handling and production-volume needs. Reel packaging can support automated component placement processes commonly used in electronics manufacturing, although the appropriate model will depend on the requirements of the customer’s production system.
The combination of a small footprint, RF performance characteristics and multiple packaging options positions the SWL series as a component solution for manufacturers seeking to optimize circuit board layouts without sacrificing access to RF test points.
Addressing the Demand for Smaller Wireless Devices
The launch comes as the electronics industry continues to pursue smaller, lighter and more capable wireless products. Smartphones and wearable devices must accommodate growing numbers of electronic components while maintaining compact designs and supporting increasingly demanding performance requirements.
For product developers, component miniaturization is one way to address these competing demands. Smaller connectors can help free up board space, while carefully engineered RF characteristics are necessary to support circuit evaluation and measurement.
Murata’s SWL series combines these priorities by reducing connector dimensions and the space needed for probe access. The company’s reported reductions of approximately 40% in PCB mounting area and approximately 60% in total footprint when used with dedicated probes highlight the potential layout benefits for compact electronic designs.
The company said it will continue developing smaller electronic components and solutions that help manufacturers use limited PCB space more effectively. These efforts are intended to support the development of higher-performance, more compact products, particularly smartphones and wearable devices.
Product Information and Availability
Mass production has begun for the MM8330-2600RJ5 and MM8330-2600RK20 models in Murata’s SWL series. The dedicated automatic and manual probes intended for use with the connectors are scheduled for mass production in December 2026.
Manufacturers and engineers seeking detailed technical specifications, product documentation and additional information can visit Murata’s For product-related questions, customers can use Murata’s
Murata has also published a including their role in circuit measurement.
With the SWL series, Murata is expanding its portfolio of miniaturized electronic components designed to address the space constraints of modern wireless products. By combining a smaller connector structure with reduced probe-clearance requirements, the company aims to give electronics manufacturers greater flexibility in PCB design and help them accommodate increasingly complex functionality within compact devices.
