The structure and frequency shift characteristics of a new kind of miniature cavity-cell assembly for rubidium atomic frequency standards (RAFS) are reported. The cavity pull effect, microwave power shift, light shift and temperature coefficient which mostly influence the performance of RAFS are studied. The results indicate that the influences are controlled in an acceptable range. The cavity-cell assembly is of small size and high signal to noise ratio. The parameters of the assembly could be conveniently optimized. This cavity-cell assembly can be used to make a miniaturized rubidium atomic frequency standard with high performance.