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ConnectorsHistory of Murata's Connectors That Have Supported Global Communications

The Origin of Murata's Connector Technology

Murata Manufacturing's connector development began in 1973 with the in-house design of SMA type RF / microwave coaxial connectors compliant with the MIL-PRF-39012 standard.
SMA connectors are now the standard high-frequency connectors used in communication devices, measuring instruments, and even space technology. However, at the time, they were innovative connectors that made it possible to learn the basics of transmission line design, measurement technologies, and reliability technologies.
"Good products come from good materials, and good materials come from highly accurate measuring technology. Connectors are required for measuring technology." This was the philosophy of our founder, Akira Murata. Based on this philosophy, Murata has refined our highly accurate measuring technology through the development of SMA connectors and continued to develop high-quality connectors while combining that knowledge with our proprietary technologies.

SMA

Murata's Connector Technology That Has Supported the Evolution of Communication Devices

Since the 1980s, in addition to mass producing SMA connectors, Murata has successively launched small, low-profile, and RF-compatible product lines onto the market. For example, we have commercialized products from our proprietary BFA internal wiring connectors to the world's first (according to Murata's research; at the time of release) CCR SMD-type coaxial connectors. In this way, Murata has supported the evolution of communication devices over many years from the dawn of mobile phones to smartphones and wearable devices.

BFA, CCR

RF / Microwave Coaxial Connectors with Switch That Pioneered a New Era in RF Measurement

In 1996, we developed the world's first (according to Murata's research; at the time of release) SWC small switches specialized for measurement applications.
Making it possible to separate and measure RF circuits and antenna circuits, this technology revolutionized the performance evaluation of communication devices. This concept has become widely recognized in the field of measurement application switches. It forms the foundation of our current product lineup.
Currently, we have multiple product lines tailored to different applications and specifications. We provide switch connectors that meet the needs of our customers. Among them, our SWJ connectors are in the world's smallest class (according to Murata's research; at the time of release) at 1.2 × 1.4 × 0.65 mm. This contributes to the downsizing of communication devices through the high-density mounting of components.

SWC, SWJ

RF / Microwave Multi Line Connectors That Are Accelerating the Downsizing and RF Performance of Next-Generation Communication Devices

In 2016, we developed the world's first (according to Murata's research; at the time of release) MLC RF signal transmission-compatible multi line connector.
This made it possible to efficiently connect multiple RF signals inside smartphones and IoT devices. Furthermore, in 2017, we launched our MLF product that realizes even greater downsizing and lower profiles.
After that, in 2020, we commercialized the world's first (according to Murata's research; at the time of release) MLN milli-wave (mmWave) signal transmission-compatible connector. This is accelerating our support for next-generation technologies, such as 5G communications and AR/VR devices.

MLC, MLN

Track Record of Adoption in the Mobile Phone Market in 2024 (Murata's Estimate)

Our switch connectors and multi line connectors have continued to be adopted in many communication devices, including mobiles phones, smartphones, and wearables, since we released them. Based on analysis of the market data and shipment records available to Murata, we estimate that our share of the global mobile phone market is approximately 37% for our switch connectors and approximately 70% for our multi line connectors.
These figures demonstrate that both products have been adopted in many communication devices and that they have continued to be mass produced and shipped over many years since their release.

Global Share (Murata's Estimate)

37% RF / Microwave Coaxial Connectors with Switch
70% RF / Microwave Multi Line Connectors
(Board-to-board / board-to-FPC connectors)
  • *These are estimated values based on the market data and shipment records available to Murata.

Reasons for Choosing Murata's Connectors

Murata's connectors have supported the evolution of communication devices based on measuring, RF, and downsizing technologies cultivated over many years.
Starting with the design of our SMA connectors in 1973, we have consistently contributed to innovation in communication devices from our proprietary internal wiring connectors to the world's first (according to Murata's research; at the time of release) SMD-type coaxial connectors, RF / microwave connectors with switch, and RF / microwave signal transmission multi line and milli-wave-compatible connectors.
Behind this innovation is the fusion of highly accurate measurement technology based on our founder's philosophy and our proprietary technology, as well as product development that closely meets the needs of our customers.

  • Delivers high performance even in limited space with small, low-profile, and RF-compatible products
  • Development of connectors with switch improves the efficiency of the measurement and verification of communication devices
  • Development of RF / microwave signal transmission multi line connectors enables simultaneous transmission of multiple signals and improves the degree of freedom in design
  • Proven track record of adoption in cutting-edge fields, such as 5G and IoT
  • High reliability and quality chosen by communication device manufacturers around the world

Going forward, Murata's connectors will continue to evolve together with our customers as small components that support the future of communications.
Please consider Murata's connectors for your next-generation communication device development.

Chronology of Murata Connector History

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Chronology of Murata Connector History