Locking Clamps for U.FL Connectors: Retention Clips

THESE WILL BE AVAILABLE TO SHIP IN EARLY DECEMBER 2025:  This is a new product.  You can place your order now and we will ship your order in December.

We offer two tool options: One is metal and one is plastic, for clipping or clamping U.FL connectors to the jack on the PCBA.

If you work with U.FL and/or MHF4 connectors, connecting and disconnecting the antenna cable connectors from the jack, you know that they are difficult to connect and disconnect properly without damaging the cable or jack. This tool enables you to connect/insert and remove/disconnect easily, without causing any damage to the coaxial cable, connector or jack.

Data Alliance Locking Clips & Locking Clamps for U.FL and IPEX Connectors

Data Alliance’s locking clips (also called locking clamps or retainer clips) are designed to securely fasten U.FL and IPEX (MHF series) connectors to their corresponding jacks on PCBAs (Printed Circuit Board Assemblies). These precision-engineered accessories significantly increase retention strength and vibration resistance, preventing cable detachment during shipping, handling, or high-vibration operation.

Purpose and Function

U.FL and IPEX connectors — such as IPEX MHF1, MHF4, and MHF4L — are miniature coaxial connectors widely used for antennas and RF modules in applications like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, 4G/LTE, and 5G.
Because these connectors are designed for compactness rather than mechanical strength, they can become dislodged under physical stress or vibration.

Data Alliance’s locking clips provide a mechanical fastening solution by clamping the mated connector pair in place, ensuring a stable connection and extending the lifespan of both the cable and the jack.

Types of Locking Clips

1. Metal Locking Clip / Metal Retainer Clamp

• Constructed of precision-stamped aluminum alloy or stainless steel.

• Offers superior mechanical strength and long-term durability.

• The mounting hole aligns with a screw or post on the PCBA, allowing secure fastening to the board or enclosure.

• Ideal for industrial, automotive, and high-vibration environments.

• Provides grounding continuity and EMI shielding compatibility.

These metal locking clips are compatible with U.FL and IPEX MHF connectors, providing a firm hold without damaging the delicate mating interface.

2. Plastic Locking Clip / Plastic Clamp Retainer

• Made from durable, high-strength engineering-grade polymer.

• Lightweight and non-conductive, ideal for applications where electrical isolation is preferred.

• The contoured cavity precisely matches the shape of the mated connector, preventing movement while minimizing strain.

• Commonly used in consumer electronics, IoT devices, drones, and embedded RF modules.

• Can be used as a stand-alone hold-down or paired with a screw for maximum security.

Compatibility

These clips are compatible with:

• U.FL connectors (Hirose standard)

• IPEX connectors

• Cable assemblies with U.FL or IPEX connectors

• Most PCB-mounted U.FL/IPEX jacks on Wi-Fi, LTE, GPS, and 5G modules

Each clip or clamp is designed to align perfectly over the connector pair and attach via a compression fit.

Applications

• Wi-Fi and LTE modem cards (e.g., M.2 or miniPCIe modules)

• IoT devices and embedded RF systems

• GPS, GNSS, and cellular antenna modules

• Drones, robotics, and mobile electronics

• Industrial and automotive wireless equipment

In all these applications, Data Alliance locking clips ensure robust mechanical retention, reducing maintenance and connection failures.

Summary of Benefits

About Data Alliance

Data Alliance is a leading global supplier of RF and antenna components, including coaxial cables, adapters, pigtails, and accessories for IoT, wireless, and industrial networking applications.
The company provides high-quality U.FL and IPEX cables, locking clips, and retainer clamps for reliable RF interconnects across diverse platforms.

U.FL and IPEX connectors are widely used miniature RF (Radio Frequency) connector types, especially in Wi-Fi, LTE, and other high-frequency applications. Due to their small size, they can be slightly challenging to connect and disconnect properly without causing damage, and are prone to popping off of the jacks on PCBAs.