RF Interconnect Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (RF Cable, RF Cable Assembly, RF Coaxial Adapter, RF Connector), By Frequency, By End-user, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030

RF Interconnect Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (RF Cable, RF Cable Assembly, RF Coaxial Adapter, RF Connector), By Frequency, By End-user, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030

RF Interconnect Market Growth & Trends

The global RF interconnect market size is expected to reach USD 51.64 billion by 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2022 to 2030.

RF (Radio Frequency) interconnects refer to a series of equipment connected to transmit signals over long distances. These include RF connectors, adapters, attenuators, cables, and cable assemblies. The increasing demand for RF cable assemblies in the aerospace, military, and telecommunication industries and the rising demand for next-generation advanced warfare systems are driving the growth of the RF interconnect industry.

Technology giants are concentrating on investing substantially in new data center infrastructures, mainly across emerging economies, to increase their global reach. Setting up new data centers and Information & Technology (IT) hubs requires an extensive network of cables such as optical fiber cables, ethernet cables, and coaxial cables. This is expected to drive the adoption of RF cables. For instance, Microsoft Corp. joined forces with Telefónica S.A., a Spanish telecommunications company, to open a new data center region in Spain. The companies aimed to serve private and public businesses. They also sought to enhance their global strategic collaboration and boost digital transformation to serve Telefónica S.A.'s customers worldwide.

RF interconnect type segment is segmented into RF cable, RF cable assembly, RF coaxial adapter, and RF connector. Among these, the RF cable assembly segment dominated the overall market, valued at USD 9,081.8 million and growing at a CAGR of 6.9%. RF cables are used across various industries to transfer radio frequency signals between devices, equipment, or from multiple points to a transmitting antenna. They are installed across testing equipment, satellite devices, broadcasting stations, televisions, and domestic and commercial radios, among other equipment.

The coaxial design of radio frequency cables is designed to avoid potential interference. For this, the coaxial cable utilizes four circular layers. From the outside to the inside, they are a plastic casing protecting the materials inside, a metal shield, an insulating material, which is usually solid plastic, and the wire carrying the signal.

RF interconnect frequency segment is segmented into up to 6GHz, up to 50 GHz, and above 50 GHz. Among these, the up to 50 GHz segment dominated the overall market, valued at USD 11,443.0 million and growing at a CAGR of 7.0%. According to the International Telecommunication Union, known as Extremely High Frequency (EHF), this range operates in the electromagnetic spectrum range from 50 to 300 gigahertz. This band of radio waves, often known as the millimeter band, has wavelengths between 10 and one millimeter and is known as millimeter wave, also abbreviated as MMW or mmWave.

RF interconnect end-user segment is further segmented into aerospace & defense, medical, industrial, and others. Among these, the others segment dominated the market, accounting for USD 16,866.7 million in 2021, and it is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% over the forecast period. Industries such as construction, IT & telecommunication, consumer electronics, manufacturing, and automobile are covered under the others section.

High-frequency connectors connect cables, printed circuit boards, and devices to transmit high frequencies—connectors in the market range from miniature to large and heavy connectors. Connectors are necessary for enabling existing and future technologies. They must also withstand the ever-increasing transmission rates, adapt to economic and ecological conditions, and continually satisfy the demand for reliability and performance, even in harsh conditions.

The key market players include Amphenol RF; Delta Electronics; Samtec; Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions; ETL Systems Ltd; Smith's Interconnect; Corning Incorporated; Radiall; HUBER+SUHNER; W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.; and Flann Microwave Ltd. These companies are engaged in the manufacturing and sale of RF interconnects for industries and sectors such as consumer electronics, networking & telecommunication, automotive, manufacturing, aerospace & defense, and healthcare.

Evolving business models and competitive pressures are prompting the market players to reduce development cycles, innovate continuously, miniaturize electronic components, and provide highly efficient and stable RF components. In December 2022, Amphenol RF launched an SMA bulkhead jack to expand its extreme exposure RF connectors lineup. This connector is waterproof and has an IP67 rating defined to terminate a flexible, low-loss LMR 400 cable. In addition to the popular interface's typical characteristics, this connector provides additional defense against damage to exterior components.

RF Interconnect Market Report Highlights

• RF cables are used in stressful and hostile environments, offering fast communication and low loss
• Technology giants concentrate on investing substantially in new data center infrastructures, mainly across emerging economies, to increase their global reach. Setting up new data centers and Information & Technology (IT) hubs requires an extensive network of cables such as optical fiber cables, ethernet cables, and coaxial cables which in turn drives the growth of the market
• RF technology is increasingly essential for smart technology infrastructure owing to the increased use of sensors and devices for data collection. The use of real-time information increases efficiency across industries. RF adapters, cable assemblies, and connectors enable wireless connectivity for nearly all smart city initiatives requiring wireless connectivity to transmit data
• The RF cable assembly segment dominated the overall market, valued at USD 9,081.8 million, and is expected to expand at a CAGR of over 6% during the forecast period
• The up to 50 GHz segment dominated the overall market, valued at USD 11,443.0 million and growing at a CAGR of 7.0%
• The primary source markets for RF interconnect are China, the U.S., Japan, India, the U.K., Canada, Germany, France, Mexico, and Brazil. China will be the primary contributor to the industry’s growth