Selection Guides

FAKRA Cable Assembly Selection for Telematics Modules

05/22/2026

Telematics modules depend on stable RF links between antennas and in vehicle communication units for GNSS, cellular, Wi Fi, Bluetooth and V2X functions. When selecting a FAKRA cable assembly, the key is not only matching the connector shape, but also confirming the FAKRA code, coaxial cable type, cable length, 50 ohm impedance, frequency range, signal loss and installation environment. Color coded and keyed housings help reduce mismating, while the right cable and connector orientation support reliable routing inside compact automotive modules.

FAKRA Cable Assembly Selection for Telematics Modules

Table Of Contents

Start With the Telematics Module Ports
Match the Coax to the Vehicle Route
Check the Full FAKRA Cable Assembly Specs
Fit the Connector Layout to the Module Space
Match Protection Level to the Vehicle Location
FAQ
Conclusion

Start With the Telematics Module Ports

A FAKRA cable assembly for a telematics module usually starts with the port it connects to. One module can have separate antenna inputs for GPS, GNSS, LTE, 5G, WiFi, Bluetooth, V2X or other vehicle antenna functions. These ports may look close to each other on the housing, so the matching automotive FAKRA connector is normally chosen by signal function first, then by FAKRA coding, housing color, cable type and routing length.

FAKRA color code and mechanical keying make the harness easier to identify during assembly. A GPS antenna cable, GNSS cable assembly, LTE antenna cable, 5G telematics antenna cable and V2X cable assembly can all look similar after they are routed through the vehicle. The keyed housing gives each connector a defined mating position, and the color helps technicians tell different antenna lines apart during production, testing or service work.

Color is still only a quick visual clue. The final match comes from the telematics module port definition, the antenna side interface and the supplier cable drawing. For a multi antenna module, the safest cable assembly is the one that matches the signal function, FAKRA coding, 50 ohm impedance and harness layout together. This avoids choosing a connector by appearance and keeps each antenna line connected to the correct module port.

Match the Coax to the Vehicle Route

A FAKRA coaxial cable assembly has to fit the route between the antenna and the telematics control unit. The path may run from a roof antenna, shark fin antenna or embedded antenna to the TCU through the headliner, pillar, dashboard or rear compartment. Length, bend space, clip position and exit direction all affect the coaxial cable choice. A compact area often favors a thinner and more flexible coax cable, while a longer telematics antenna cable usually pushes the choice toward low loss or low attenuation cable.

For a short coaxial jumper cable near the telematics module, mechanical fit can matter more than the cable name. The cable may need to pass through a narrow channel, bend behind a trim panel or leave the connector from the side of the module. In that case, an automotive coaxial cable with a smaller outside diameter or a more flexible construction can make the assembly cleaner and reduce stress around the automotive FAKRA connector.

For a longer run from a shark fin antenna to a TCU, loss becomes easier to notice. A GPS antenna cable, GNSS cable assembly, LTE antenna cable, 5G telematics antenna cable or V2X cable assembly may all use FAKRA interfaces, while the coaxial cable inside the assembly can vary by length, flexibility and attenuation target. Longer routes usually call for closer attention to cable loss, connector loss and shielding, especially when several antenna lines travel through the same vehicle area.

Check the Full FAKRA Cable Assembly Specs

The full assembly includes the FAKRA connector, coaxial cable, crimp area, shielding structure and the opposite end interface. For a telematics RF cable, the key items to check are 50 ohm impedance, frequency range, voltage standing wave ratio, return loss, insertion loss and shielding performance. These values show how the complete automotive RF cable assembly behaves after it is built, routed and connected to the module.

Insertion loss deserves close attention when the cable becomes longer. A short FAKRA jumper near the telematics module may have a different loss target from a longer antenna cable routed from the roof or shark fin antenna. Higher frequency signals also make cable length and connector loss more noticeable.

Voltage standing wave ratio and return loss tell whether the signal path is well matched. A poor match can come from the connector, cable, termination or port interface, so the test result needs to cover the full FAKRA coaxial cable assembly. Shielding performance also matters when several automotive coaxial cables are routed close together inside the vehicle. Good shielding reduces unwanted coupling between nearby signal lines and keeps the telematics antenna cable cleaner in a crowded harness area.

Fit the Connector Layout to the Module Space

A telematics control unit often has several RF ports arranged in a small housing area, so the FAKRA connector layout needs to match the space around the module. A straight FAKRA cable assembly works better when the cable can leave the port in a direct line. A right angle FAKRA cable is more practical when the cable needs to turn close to the module wall, PCB edge or housing exit. The connector direction, cable bend radius and fixing position all affect how cleanly the harness can be routed after assembly.

Port quantity also changes the connector choice. A single port layout is simple to handle when the telematics module only needs one antenna path. Dual port FAKRA and quad port FAKRA layouts make more sense when one module carries several antenna functions, such as navigation, cellular connection, wireless hotspot or vehicle communication links. In that situation, connector orientation and port spacing become part of the cable assembly design, not only a hardware detail at the end of the coaxial cable.

For compact modules, a compact FAKRA connector or Mini FAKRA connector can give more room for dense RF ports and tighter harness routing. Some compact automotive coax connector systems provide straight and right angle configurations, with single port, dual port and quad port options. The smaller housing can reduce the space taken by each connection.

Match Protection Level to the Vehicle Location

A FAKRA cable assembly used near a telematics module does not face the same environment as a cable routed toward a roof antenna or shark fin antenna. Inside the cabin, the focus is often on vibration, connector locking, bend control and clean harness fixing. Near the roof area, tailgate, outer body opening or other exposed routing points, moisture, dust and temperature change become much harder to ignore. A sealed FAKRA cable assembly or waterproof FAKRA cable is more suitable for those positions than an open interior harness connection.

IP67 FAKRA connector options are used when dust and moisture protection is needed around exposed antenna paths or wet vehicle areas. IP67 indicates protection against dust ingress and temporary water immersion, so it is more relevant near exterior antenna routing than inside a dry dashboard cavity. For an automotive antenna cable assembly, the sealing point, cable jacket, termination area and connector lock all need to work together with the surrounding automotive cable harness.

Vibration and cable stress also affect long term reliability. A vibration resistant RF cable needs enough strain relief near the FAKRA connector, especially when the cable leaves the module at a tight angle or passes through a clipped harness path. Poor fixing can place stress on the crimp area or connector housing over time. A rugged FAKRA cable assembly works better when the routing gives the cable a controlled bend, a stable fixing point and enough clearance from hot surfaces or moving trim parts.

FAQ

Q1: What is a FAKRA cable assembly used for in a telematics module?

A FAKRA cable assembly is used to connect the telematics module with vehicle antennas for GNSS, cellular, Wi Fi, Bluetooth, V2X and other RF based functions. In this type of system, the cable assembly must provide both reliable RF transmission and secure mechanical mating, especially where antenna signals are routed through compact automotive wiring layouts. Amphenol RF lists FAKRA cable assemblies for telematics and antenna based systems, with color coded and keyed housings for accurate mating.

Q2: Is a FAKRA cable assembly always 50 ohm?

Automotive FAKRA RF connections are normally designed around 50 ohm impedance, and the whole cable assembly should keep that impedance through the connector, coaxial cable and termination area. For telematics modules, checking only the connector is not enough. The cable type, connector version and assembly process must also match the required 50 ohm RF path. Amphenol RF lists 50 ohm as the nominal impedance for its automotive Mini FAKRA connector series, and its FAKRA cable assemblies are positioned for automotive RF performance.

Q3: What frequency range should a FAKRA cable assembly support?

The required frequency range depends on the telematics function and the cable selected. Standard FAKRA cable assemblies are commonly used up to 6 GHz when the cable supports it, which covers many antenna based automotive applications. If the module needs higher density or higher frequency performance, Mini FAKRA, MATE AX or HFM style solutions may be considered, but they should be checked against the actual module interface and project specification. Amphenol RF states that FAKRA cable assemblies operate up to 6 GHz depending on cable, while TE MATE AX supports up to 9 GHz and Rosenberger HFM supports frequencies up to 20 GHz.

Q4: Does cable length affect the performance of a FAKRA cable assembly?

Yes. Longer coaxial cable runs usually create more signal loss, and higher frequency signals are more sensitive to loss over the same cable length. For a telematics module, this means a short in module run may allow a thinner and more flexible coaxial cable, while a longer route from a roof antenna or shark fin antenna may need a lower loss cable. Times Microwave notes that coaxial cable signal loss is mainly affected by length and frequency, and Amphenol RF also lists different coaxial cable options for FAKRA assemblies.

Q5: Should I use a straight or right angle FAKRA connector?

The choice depends on the module layout, enclosure opening, cable exit direction and allowed bend radius. A straight FAKRA connector is often easier when the cable can leave the module directly, while a right angle connector can help where the housing or PCB area is tight. For telematics modules, connector orientation should be reviewed together with cable routing, strain relief and assembly space. Amphenol RF lists FAKRA cable assemblies in both straight and right angle connector orientations.

Q6: When should sealed FAKRA cable assemblies be used?

Sealed FAKRA cable assemblies should be considered when the connection is close to moisture, dust, exterior antenna areas, roof mounted antenna paths or harsh vehicle environments. For a telematics application, this is especially relevant when the antenna feed is near the vehicle exterior or when the cable route may face water ingress, vibration or contamination. Amphenol RF states that sealed FAKRA connectors are IP67 rated for protection against dust and temporary submersion in water.

Q7: What is the difference between standard FAKRA and Mini FAKRA for telematics modules?

Standard FAKRA is widely used for automotive antenna connections and many telematics RF links. Mini FAKRA type systems are usually selected when the module needs a smaller footprint, higher packaging density or higher frequency capability. This is useful for compact telematics control units with several antenna ports. TE states that MATE AX can reduce PCB footprint by up to 75 percent compared with standard FAKRA, while Rosenberger HFM is designed for frequencies up to 20 GHz and high data rates up to 28 Gbps.

Conclusion

Selecting a FAKRA cable assembly for a telematics module is less about choosing a familiar connector and more about checking whether the full RF path fits the real vehicle layout. Start with the module ports, confirm the FAKRA code, match the coaxial cable to the antenna route, then review impedance, frequency range, signal loss, connector direction and environmental protection. When these details are clear before sampling or mass production, the cable assembly is much easier to build, test and install with fewer surprises later.

Need help narrowing down the right RF interconnect path?

Share your application context, interface constraints, and performance priorities. Our team can help you review suitable cable assembly and connector options.