FAKRA Part Numbers Explained: 

To search for FAKRA parts for your next project follow this link.  When you get there, you may find yourself a bit confused at which part number you should select!  The key codes and colors were discussed in Part 1 of this series and here we will break down the part number scheme to help you better choose your parts:

Let’s go through an Example P/N:

2FA1-NDSP-C01-1

This part is a Gen 2, Single position, North tab location, D key code, Straight Plug, Cable connector for Cable Group 01 (see below), with a standard contact, in-line connector.  How can you tell the difference between Gen 2 vs. Gen 2.5?  That will be discussed in the Generations section of this post!

Special Codes:

One more Example P/N: 

FA1-NASP-PCB-2

This a Gen 1, Single position, North tab location, A key code, Straight Plug, PCB, vertical mount connector.

FAKRA Generations Explained: 

Generation 1: FAKRA Generation 1.0 utilizes a modified metal SMB connector embedded within a plastic housing unit for ease of identification and assembly. These plastic housings are designed with visually and mechanically coded and keyed tooling to eliminate assembly errors. Our standard FAKRA connectors are designed to perform up to 4 GHz and meet the electrical, mechanical and environmental standards of the automotive industry. Generation 1.0 typically features five separate component parts.  Gen 1 FAKRA is a die cast or machined body with machined contact. Can assemble with hand tools. 

Generation 2: FAKRA Generation 2.0 offers reduced installation costs for our customers via a pre-assembled housing unit. This pre-assembled housing eliminates two loose components and their associated assembly and handling costs. Due to this component reduction, Generation 2.0 features three separate components to install versus Generation 1.0’s five separate components. Summary: Gen 2 FAKRA is a die cast or machined body with machined contact. Gen 2 is an evolution of Gen 1.  Can assemble with hand tools. 

Generation 2.5: FAKRA Generation 2.5 offers the same pre-assembled housing units and design improvements as Generation 2.0, but center contacts are provided on a tape and reel for automated distribution and placement. Summary:  Gen 2.5 FAKRA is a die cast body and has a stamped contact, a significant modification from Gen 1 and 2. The contacts are sold separately on tape and reel.  This Generation requires automated tooling to assemble.  

Generation 3: Generation 3 currently only exist for jacks (not applicable for plugs). Gen 3 jacks incorporate the same construction features as the Gen 2.5 jacks.  Additionally, the Gen 3 has been enhanced with a closed-entry interface and a protected outer contact, making the connector more robust than traditional SMB’s.   The stamped and formed center contact continues to be supplied on a reel, allowing for semi-automated termination onto the cable. Summary: Gen 3 FAKRA is a die cast body and has a stamped contact, an evolution of Gen 2.5. The contacts are sold separately on tape and reel.  This Generation requires automated tooling to assemble.  

Generation 4: Gen 4 plugs and jacks are designed for fully automated termination by the user.  Not only the center contacts but the connector bodies themselves are supplied strip-fed on tape and reel. This connector offering will be directed to the high volume users whose factory utilize high-speed automated cable assembly production.  The connectors are stamped and formed construction.   The FAKRA connector housings for Gen 4 are removable, permitting field replacement if necessary. Summary: Gen 4 FAKRA is fully stamped and formed – both body and contact! Huge leap forward from Gen 3. All components are sold separately on tape and reel. This Generation requires fully automated tooling to assemble.  

Recommendations: 

If you are interested in incorporating FAKRA connectors into your non-automotive application, Gen 1 or Gen 2 products are likely your best option.  These can be terminated by normal hand tools and are shipped complete.   If you are a high volume automotive supplier, a Gen 2.5, 3, or 4 product is going to be the ideal product for your application.  These require special tooling and setups that are only typically found in very high volume applications.

As always, feel free to contact us with any questions you have!

Next in the series: Custom FAKRA capabilities, sealed FAKRA, FAKRA applications, and uses outside of automotive!  Check out the latest FAKRA cutsheet for our Gen 3 product offering including the contacts on tape and reel.

Source: FAKRA Series Part 2: Connector Part Number and Generations Explained | Amphenol RF

FAKRA Connectors have been the standard RF connector in the automotive industry for quite some time, and now they are branching out across many markets.  This is not surprising, as they offer many advantages – they are color coded, key coded, and often times more cost effective than other interfaces.  This allows them to be mated blindly, with no tools, single handedly, and correctly every time.   Being built to USCAR specifications means they meet vibration, interface, intermateability, mating cycles, and other requirements for reliability.  The FAKRA specification was originally released by the DIN group in Germany, then adapted by USCAR for the international automotive community.  Inside the plastic or cast housing is a tried and true SMB push/pull interface.

As FAKRA connectors begin to permeate throughout vehicles in different markets, their capabilities have grown.  Amphenol RF is a leading designer of custom FAKRA solutions globally.  While the FAKRA specification does not require waterproofing of the connector, this is often required in harsh environments.  Amphenol RF has a number of IP54 and IP67 sealed FAKRA connectors.  We also have unique FAKRA connectors for non-standard cables, FAKRAs that go up to 6GHz (for DSRC and dual band Wi-Fi), and many other custom configurations.  Of course, if you have a unique application – we would love to see it!  There is no environment or packaging too challenging!

FAKRA connectors are a colorful bunch, and industry standards for which colors means what have come to pass. This is not a hard and fast standard however – you are free to use whichever color/key for whatever application you choose.  One thing that is a fixed standard is the keys/colors – the keys and colors are tied to each other – EX: key code “A” is always colored black.  All keys/colors meet the same specification so there are no technical differences between keys/colors.  Below is a table of the generic uses of each key/color:

Here are the associated key codes:

Product Example: Curry: “K” Die-Cast FAKRA with color ring to FAKRA Jack cable assembly

Product Example: “Z” Water blue Universal FAKRA to SMA adapter

Product Example: “A” Black FAKRA to MCX custom cable assembly

Product Example: “C” Blue FAKRA vertical PCB connector

There is often confusion as to which part number to order, since there are so many options!  It can be a bit confusing, even for new people on our team.  The best bet is to contact us with any questions you have.  With just a few application questions we will have you off and running with the most appropriate part number, or perhaps a custom solution!  In the next installation of the FAKRA series we will discuss the generations of FAKRA development and what they means.

Source: FAKRA Series Part 1: Connector Keys and Codes Explained | Amphenol RF

Source: A Comprehensive Guide to FAKRA Connectors – element14 Community

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