I’m not an electrical engineer so sorry if this is a stupid question, but as part of a hiring process that will determine whether I can stay in a country I moved to, I need to come up with a mechanical design for a certain product which involves electronics, so I would really appreciate answers. (If I was already hired I would just consult with an EE. I went through what feels like the entire internet without finding an image, video or description answering this.)

The image below shows an SMA connector on a Patch Antenna on a PCB. I assume that A is the conventional mounting so that the small middle-pin is in contact with the patch, but can the legs go through the base plate under the PCB?

Is there a way to get away with configuration B (or C) if I use a conducting piece between that small mid-pin and the Patch?

(I've read the data sheet linked here as well as many other for similar products but the component is always described in isolation and not in relation to a PCB. I guess because it's obvious to EEs, but not to me. https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/279/DS_BU_1420761881-2064508.pdf)

 

Welcome to AAC!

You didn't give us enough information.

Are you a mechanical engineer?

Since the connector is only supported by it's 4 ground connections (and the connector body in A), B and C are not mechanically sound and you'd need to add wire to connect to the SMA connector. What frequencies are involved? Is the trace going to the connector designed to be 50 or 75 ohms?

 

Welcome to AAC!

You didn't give us enough information.

Are you a mechanical engineer?

Since the connector is only supported by it's 4 ground connections (and the connector body in A), B and C are not mechanically sound and you'd need to add wire to connect to the SMA connector. What frequencies are involved? Is the trace going to the connector designed to be 50 or 75 ohms?

Thanks for the reply! Yes, I'm an ME. I think that you are saying that A with legs going through the PCB and base plane would be the correct way to mount. Could I get away with B if I placed a conductor between the small middle pin of the SMA and the patch on the PCB and also made supports for the 4 legs (which I suppose are the ground connections?)

As for your questions, for the assignment in this hiring process, I am not expected to answer those things and unfortunately I can't. But I'm trying to make the best possible context for the mechanical context around it (not shown in image.)

 

Could I get away with B if I placed a conductor between the small middle pin of the SMA and the patch on the PCB and also made supports for the 4 legs (which I suppose are the ground connections?)

It depends. B or C are not as mechanically sound as A. Ripping the connector from the board is a potential problem with B or C. Is this board bare? Or is it mounted in a chassis that might offer some additional mechanical support? Is the trace going to the center conductor designed to be 50 or 75 ohms? What frequencies are involved? Would the impedance discontinuity be an issue?

If I was going to make a large number of these, I definitely wouldn't add extra steps to allow B or C.

 

It depends. B or C are not as mechanically sound as A. Ripping the connector from the board is a potential problem with B or C. Is this board bare? Or is it mounted in a chassis that might offer some additional mechanical support? Is the trace going to the center conductor designed to be 50 or 75 ohms? What frequencies are involved? Would the impedance discontinuity be an issue?

If I was going to make a large number of these, I definitely wouldn't add extra steps to allow B or C.

Thanks. In this case the PCB would be covered but not get additional support from the enclosure. The PCB (specifically the bottom of the base plane) would just be glued directly to a flat plastic surface to be held in place.)