Samsung Galaxy S3 antenna connector identification - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: c.cam108
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 12, 2014, 09:09:46 pm
content: I recently bought a second-hand Samsung Galaxy S3 which had previously had an attempted repair, leaving one of the antenna connectors broken off the main PCB.The connector in question is the one that is disconnected in step 20 ofthis iFixit guide.It is shown more clearly in step 21, towards the left of the main PCB (not the relatively large black one, the one just below it).The PCB connector is completely missing from my phone and I have been looking for a replacement. I ordered a U.FL connectorhereafter some attempted identification, but it is too large. The cable connector's diameter is approx 1.7mm, and the PCB footprint is approx 2.5x2mm.Can anyone identify this connector?

author: c.cam108
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 12, 2014, 09:27:47 pm
content: And, of course, my Google-fu finally finds a hit immediately after posting:http://soquelec.com/telecom/download/Gigalane/SCMP&SCMJ_GigaLane.pdfIt appears I'm looking for an SCMJ connector. Now just to find a supplier...

author: bhorobec
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2014, 03:57:16 am
content: Here's one that looks like it should work (according to your info sheet on SCMJ connectors, they're compatible with W.FL).http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/W.FL-R-SMT-1(10)/H9173CT-ND/561737Maybe you could also find it on eBay as most small, easy to break connectors in smartphones are available these days.

author: simplifyiyuk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2014, 04:44:59 pm
content: is this the offending item?manufacturer part number: 3705-001448looks terrifyingly tiny to me, best of luck

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 13, 2014, 04:53:06 pm
content: Just a note of caution: I have read on some cell phone forums that some of these connectors are not actually for attaching an external antenna but rather are some kind of test point for the RF system. Some people have connected external antennas to these connectors and have fried their output stage and have lost use of their phones.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2014, 05:08:36 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on August 13, 2014, 04:53:06 pmfrom the given mangled ifixit link (step 20,21), its for wifi antenna, the cable with matching connector is standard built in, not a hack. at worst, the S3 will not be able to connect through wifi, at best the wifi still functional at badly reduced distance.

author: stuarts
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 30, 2015, 05:19:28 am
content: I ordered some of the connectors from element14. They are the correct connector for the phone. The only problem is I required 3 of them before I successfully soldered one onto the motherboard. They are so easy to both damage and drop. Once dropped they are lost. They are barely 2mm across.Without the aid of my 30x stereo microscope I doubt that I could have soldered it. Even having filed a point on the soldering iron, it is still very fiddly to hand solder.It can be done. My wifes phone is now fully functional.Dont attempt this unless you are extremely sure of your fine soldering abilities.Stuart