Antennas for electronic configurations

Abstract

A mechanism for providing an antenna for an electronically configured load device. The antenna is formed as part of a multi-conductor cable connecting the load device and an electronically configured drive device. In particular, the antenna is formed in a free segment of a conductor that is disconnected from the drive device, but is formed in a multi-conductor cable that includes another conductor that connects to the drive device and transmits power from the drive device to the load device. The other conductor also provides RF shielding to the portion of the conductor that has the free segment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electronics, and more particularly to antennas used in electronic configurations.

Background Art

[0002] There is an increasing demand for providing radio frequency communication functions in electronic configurations. For this purpose, many electronic configurations include a radio frequency (RF) circuit for controlling radio frequency communication. The RF circuit needs to be electrically connected to an antenna for receiving and transmitting radio frequency communication.

[0003] One particularly interesting field for providing RF communication functions is smart lighting applications. In such applications, lighting fixtures include an RF circuit and can control one or more characteristics of the emitted light in response to received communication and / or transmit information sensed in the vicinity of the lighting fixture.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, lighting fixtures are becoming increasingly compact, and there is an increasing demand to reduce the amount of plastic used in lighting fixtures (e.g., for improved heat dissipation and / or environmental considerations). As a result, more metal parts are being used. Radio frequency blocking by metal or other conductive structures is also becoming an increasingly problematic issue.

[0005] In many lighting products, the drive device and the load device are separated and located to some extent from each other. It is sometimes more convenient to place the RF circuit closer to the load / LED so that the RF circuit can directly control the load / LED. However, as mentioned above, the load / LED side contains a considerable amount of metal / conductive material. Therefore, even with the increased use of RF blocking materials such as metal in electronic configurations, there is a demand for alternative antenna configurations that facilitate RF communication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The basic idea of ​​this invention is to carry the antenna wire or conductor in the same cable as a power conductor, such as a ground voltage conductor, which connects the load device (which benefits from the antenna wire) and the drive device. This allows the antenna for the load device to be separated from the load device without significantly increasing the complexity or difficulty of installing the electronic configuration including such drive and load devices. More specifically, the power conductor is reused as an RF ground for the antenna wire, thus the power conductor has a dual function of transmitting DC power and acting as an RF grounding structure. This provides a compact design.

[0007] This allows the proposed technology to enable the RF blocking material to be used in a load device, for example, to house or encapsulate elements of the load device, and to be kept away from the antenna wire in the cable between the load device and the drive device without significantly affecting the antenna's sensitivity or signal-to-noise ratio for the load device. Furthermore, the proposed approach may improve the antenna's characteristics by keeping it away from potential noise sources or electromagnetic interference sources in the load device.

[0008] The present invention is defined by the claims.

[0009] According to an example of one aspect of the present invention, an electronic arrangement is provided which includes a drive device adapted to supply power, a load device adapted to receive power from the drive device, the load device including a radio frequency circuit having an active feed terminal and a ground terminal, and a multi-conductor cable adapted to connect the drive device and the load device.

[0010] A multi-conductor cable is partially interrupted between a drive device and a load device by including a first conductor and a second conductor, which are configured to transmit power and adapted to connect to the ground terminal of a radio frequency circuit. The second conductor includes a connection segment configured to connect to the active power supply terminal of the radio frequency circuit, a shielded segment connected to the connection segment and positioned alongside the first conductor so that the first conductor can provide radio frequency shielding to the shielded segment, and a free segment connected to the shielded segment on the opposite side of the connection segment, the free segment being not shielded by the first conductor and electrically isolated from the drive device so that the free segment functions as a radiating element of an antenna.

[0011] Therefore, this approach proposes forming the antenna's radiating element (i.e., the free segment of the second conductor) on the same cable as the conductor configured to transmit power (e.g., ground or reference voltage) to the load device. This provides a mechanism to keep the antenna's radiating element away from the load device, for example, from the RF blocking material of the load device, thereby improving the sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio, and robustness of the radiating element. This also reduces the need to combine the antenna with existing power cables and use a separate dedicated cable to support the antenna. The lighting device becomes more compact.

[0012] Furthermore, the first conductor acts to provide RF shielding to a portion of the second conductor. This further enhances the effectiveness of the second conductor as an antenna for the load device. This shielding structure also helps to keep the antenna far away from the load device to prevent interference.

[0013] In the context of this disclosure, the radiating element of an antenna is the part of the antenna that generates radio frequency waves when a properly configured electrical signal is provided. Of course, the radiating element also responds to the uplink radio frequency waves to generate a corresponding electrical signal. In short, the antenna may be a transmitting antenna, a receiving antenna, or a transceiver antenna.

[0014] The second conductor functions as an antenna (configuration) for the load device. In particular, the free segment functions as a radiating element. The shield segment and / or connecting segment functions as a transmission or supply line for connecting the radiating element to the radio frequency circuit. The radio frequency circuit includes a transmitter and / or receiver for generating, processing, and / or receiving radio frequency alternating current. The generated alternating current can be transmitted through the second conductor and radiated by the free segment. The received alternating current (generated by the free segment of the second conductor) can be processed or analyzed to identify information carried by the radio frequency wave generating the received alternating current.

[0015] In some examples, the first conductor is adapted to surround the shield segment of the second conductor, thereby shielding the shield segment, while the first conductor is adapted to expose the free segment.

[0016] Thus, enclosure is a good structure for providing RF shielding, as the shielding segment acts to keep the free segment (i.e., the antenna's radiating element) away from the load device.

[0017] In some examples, the shield segments of a first conductor and a second conductor are coaxial with each other, and the shield segment of the second conductor is wrapped by the first conductor. Coaxiality is a good structure for providing RF shielding, and this approach enhances or improves the shielding of the shield segment by the first conductor, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the electrical signal transmitted by the second conductor (e.g., for generating radio frequency waves or generated in response to uplink radio frequency waves).

[0018] In some examples, at least the shield segments of the first conductor and the second conductor are enclosed in the same sheath. This increases the ease of installing and handling the components of the electronic configuration and reduces the risk of damaging the first and second conductors.

[0019] The drive device may be adapted to receive power via a power terminal and a negative or ground terminal, and the load device may be adapted to receive power via a positive terminal and a negative or ground terminal.

[0020] The first connector may be adapted to connect to the negative or ground terminal of the drive device and the negative or ground terminal of the load device.

[0021] The electronic configuration further includes a positive conductor configured to conduct power and adapted to be connected to the positive terminal of the drive device and to the positive terminal of the load device, and the positive conductor may be electrically separated from the first conductor and the second conductor.

[0022] The negative or ground connection of the power is usually easily referenced / grounded by other circuits, thus making this embodiment easy to implement.

[0023] In some examples, the electronic configuration further includes a capacitor connected between the first conductor and the ground terminal of the radio frequency circuit, and the capacitor may be configured to block or reduce the entry of DC interference caused by the power into the radio frequency circuit.

[0024] This embodiment provides isolation to prevent or reduce the risk that the power signal affects the RF signal.

[0025] The load device may include a main load that is separate from the radio frequency circuit. The first conductor may be adapted to conduct power to the main load. Thereby, the first conductor has a dual purpose of RF grounding and powering other components of the load device, and the number of conductors required to connect the drive device and the load device can be reduced.

[0026] The load device may include an RF shielding structure. Preferably, the separation between the free segment and the RF shielding structure of the load device is 5 mm or more. This embodiment increases the sensitivity of the free segment to the upward radio frequency wave and reduces the blocking of the generated radio frequency wave.

[0027] In some examples, the multi-conductor cable includes a non-shielding clearance portion configured to wrap a free segment, and the thickness of the non-shielding clearance portion is at least 5 mm or more. The use of such low-conductivity shielding ensures that the free segment still has a clearance of at least 5 mm even when the connection configuration is placed near a metal such as an external metal fixture like a housing or a ceiling. This helps to maintain the performance of the free segment as an antenna element even when in proximity to a metal or other RF shielding structure.

[0028] The multi-conductor cable may include a junction portion, and a free segment of the second conductor may begin to extend from the junction portion such that it is not shielded by the first conductor. In such an embodiment, the first conductor at the junction portion is adapted to function as a ground element for the antenna. Thus, the first conductor (at the junction portion) can effectively function as a ground plane for the free segment (functioning as the radiating portion of the antenna).

[0029] Preferably, the dimensions of the first conductor at the junction portion are larger than the dimensions of the other portions of the first conductor. This acts to effectively increase the size / area of the ground plane for the free segment, thereby improving the reliability and robustness of the free segment when performing the function of the radiating element of the antenna.

[0030] The driving device and the load device may be separate devices or may form modules within a single (integrated) housing.

[0031] This means that embodiments of the present invention can be applied to split-type lighting fixtures or integrated lighting fixtures.

[0032] A multi-conductor cable may include a free-segment housing configured to accommodate free segments and first conductors and to maintain clearance between them. This approach provides, for example, a dedicated structure for housing the free segments and maintaining displacement between the free segments and first conductors to prevent RF shielding in the free segments and ensure RF performance.

[0033] In some examples, a multi-conductor cable includes a driver cable segment connected to a drive device, which includes a first connector head, and a load device cable segment connected to a load device, which includes a second connector head adapted to connect to the first connector head.

[0034] This provides an embodiment for detachably mounting a multi-conductor cable. Therefore, the drive device and load device can be flexibly disconnected and replaced.

[0035] The driver cable segment may be adapted to carry a first portion of the first conductor, and the load device cable segment may be adapted to carry a second portion of the first conductor to be connected to the first portion of the first conductor via a first connector head and a second connector head, as well as at least a connecting segment and a shielding segment of the second conductor.

[0036] This approach effectively divides the multi-conductor cable into two parts. This improves the ease and flexibility of installing the electronic configuration, for example, because the drive device and load device can be positioned separately and later connected together via connector heads.

[0037] In some examples, only the load device cable segment includes the second conductor. In other examples, the load device cable segment includes the first portion of the second conductor, and the drive device cable segment includes the second portion of the second conductor, which is to be connected to the first portion of the second conductor via these connector heads to form a complete second conductor.

[0038] The free segment may be positioned offset from the first conductor within at least one of these connector heads. The size of the connector head is typically larger than the rest of the multi-conductor cable, thus making it an excellent location for accommodating the free segment and providing offset / clearance.

[0039] In some examples, the driving device is an LED driver, and the load device is an LED lamp.

[0040] The drive device and load device may be incorporated into a single lighting fixture.

[0041] These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent and clarified by reference to the embodiments described below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] For a better understanding of the present invention and to more clearly illustrate how the present invention may be carried out, the accompanying drawings are referred to only as examples. [Figure 1] The proposed electronic configuration is shown. [Figure 2] The proposed electronic configuration is outlined below. [Figure 3] The multi-conductor cable used in the proposed embodiment is shown. [Figure 4] This shows a portion of a multi-conductor cable. [Figure 5] This shows some alternative versions of multi-conductor cables. [Figure 6]This shows a pair of connector heads used with a multi-conductor cable. [Figure 7] This shows one of the connector heads. [Figure 8] A perspective view of the first and second heads in their connected state is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] The present invention will be described with reference to the figures.

[0044] The detailed descriptions and specific examples illustrate exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, systems, and methods, but should be understood to be for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems, and methods of the invention will be better understood from the following description, the appended claims, and the appended drawings. Please understand that the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not drawn to scale. Please also understand that the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts throughout the drawings.

[0045] The present invention provides a mechanism for providing an antenna for an electronically configured load device. The antenna is formed as part of a multi-conductor cable connecting the load device and an electronically configured drive device. In particular, the antenna is formed in a free segment of a conductor that is disconnected from the drive device, but is formed in a multi-conductor cable that includes another conductor that is connected to the drive device and transmits power from the drive device to the load device. The other conductor also provides RF shielding to the portion of the conductor that has the free segment.

[0046] The embodiment is based on the understanding that an antenna can be incorporated into a cable connecting a drive device to a load device, and that this cable can also carry a conductor that can perform a dual function of transmitting power to the load device and acting as an RF ground for the antenna's transmission line.

[0047] Figure 1 shows the electronic configuration 100 to enhance contextual understanding. The electronic configuration 100 includes a drive device 110, a load device 120, and a multi-connector cable 130 adapted to connect the drive device 110 and the load device 120.

[0048] The drive device 110 is adapted to supply power. For example, the drive device may be connected to a mains power supply and convert the mains power into supply power.

[0049] The load device 120 is adapted to receive power from the drive device. The load device 120 includes a radio frequency circuit having an active power supply terminal and a ground terminal.

[0050] A radio frequency circuit is a circuit or electronic component configured to process a signal in response to a radio frequency wave and / or to generate a radio frequency wave (for example, when passed through an antenna). Thus, a radio frequency circuit may be a (radio) transmitter and / or a (radio) receiver, or may include them. Suitable examples of radio frequency circuits are well known in the art.

[0051] The multi-connector cable includes a first conductor that electrically connects a drive device and a load device and transmits power. Furthermore, the first conductor is adapted to connect to the ground terminal of a radio frequency circuit. The multi-connector cable also includes a second conductor configured to connect to the active power supply terminal of a radio frequency circuit.

[0052] In the illustrated example, the drive device and the load device are formed as separate devices. Alternatively, the drive device and the load device may form a module of a single device.

[0053] In one embodiment, the driving device 110 may be an LED driver. The load device 120 may be an LED lamp (driven by the LED driver). More specifically, this is a split ceiling light. In some alternative examples, the LED driver and LED lamp may be integrally formed in a single luminaire.

[0054] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the electronic configuration 100, which more clearly shows the connections between the various components.

[0055] The first conductor 131 of the multi-conductor cable 130 is adapted to electrically connect the drive device 110 and the load device 120 in order to transmit power from the drive device to the load device.

[0056] As described above, the load device 120 includes a radio frequency circuit 121 having an active power supply terminal 121A and a ground terminal 121B. The first conductor 131 is also connected to the ground terminal 121B. The second conductor 132 of the multi-conductor cable 130 is adapted to be connected to the active power supply terminal 121A.

[0057] More specifically, the second conductor 132 includes a connection segment 132A configured to connect to the active power supply terminal of the radio frequency circuit.

[0058] The second conductor 132 also includes a shield segment 132B. The shield segment is positioned alongside the first conductor 131 so that the first conductor 131 is adapted to provide radio frequency (RF) shielding to the shield segment. Approaches to achieving RF shielding using the first conductor will be discussed later. In some examples, the first conductor is configured to wrap around, cover, or enclose the shield segment 132B of the second conductor 132.

[0059] The second conductor 132 also includes a free segment 132C on the opposite side of the connecting segment 132A, which is not shielded by the first conductor 131. Thus, the free segment 132C is exposed to the first conductor 131. In this way, the free segment 132C functions as a radiating element of the antenna.

[0060] Accordingly, the connecting segments and / or shielding segments function as transmission lines connecting the radiating elements (i.e., the free segments 132C) and the radio frequency circuit 121.

[0061] Due to the above structure, the multi-conductor cable is partially interrupted between the drive device and the load device so that the second conductor is electrically isolated from the drive device. In particular, the free segment 132C is not connected and is, for example, exposed or floating away from the drive device 110.

[0062] Thus, the second conductor 132 effectively floats, acting like the radiating element of an antenna, such as a monopole antenna. The connection of the second conductor to the active feeding terminal (via the connection segment 132A) provides antenna feeding to the radio frequency circuit 121.

[0063] The shield segment 132B is positioned between the free segment and the connecting segment. The first conductor 131 is fitted to surround the shield segment 132B of the second conductor, thereby shielding the shield segment 132B. The first conductor is fitted to expose the free segment 132C, for example, by not surrounding it.

[0064] As conceptually shown in Figure 2, at least the shield segments of the first conductor 131 and the second conductor 132 may be enclosed or sheathed by the same sheath 139. Preferably, the free segment 132C and the clearance between the free segment 132C and the first conductor 131 are also enclosed or sheathed by the same sheath 139 to facilitate handling as a single cable. Alternatively, the free segment may extend out of the sheath 139 as indicated by the dashed line 132C', where clearance means that the free segment is not substantially shielded by the associated structure.

[0065] The free segment 132C may be positioned offset from the first conductor 131 (or with an appropriate clearance).

[0066] Further possible features of the electronic configuration are shown in Figure 2.

[0067] For example, the drive device may be configured to supply power via a power terminal 118 and a negative / ground terminal 119. Similarly, the load device 120 may include a corresponding positive terminal 128 and a negative / ground terminal 129. The negative / ground terminal 129 may be coupled to the ground terminal 121B of the radio frequency circuit 120.

[0068] In such a case, the first connector 131 is adapted to connect the negative / ground terminals 119 and 129 of the drive device and the load device to each other. Thus, the first connector is configured to connect the negative / ground terminal 119 of the drive device and the ground terminal 129 of the load device.

[0069] The electronic configuration may further include a positive conductor 133 (i.e., a third conductor) configured to connect the positive terminals 118 and 128 of the drive device 110 and the load device 120 to each other. Thus, the positive conductor 133 is configured to connect the positive terminal 118 of the drive device 110 and the positive terminal 128 of the load device 120.

[0070] Preferably, as shown in Figure 1, the positive conductor is formed within the same multi-conductor cable as the first and second conductors. This increases the ease of handling and installation of the electronic configuration. However, this is not mandatory, and the positive conductor may form or define a separate cable configured to connect the drive device and the load device.

[0071] Returning to Figure 2, the load device 120 further includes a capacitor C connected between the first conductor and the ground terminal of the radio frequency circuit. B It may include, for example, a capacitor C. B Capacitor C may be connected between the ground terminal 129 of the load device 120 and the ground terminal 121B of the radio frequency circuit (of the load device 120). B It is configured to block or reduce any DC interference caused by power from entering the radio frequency circuit 121, and to allow the radio frequency signal to pass through the antenna.

[0072] The illustrated load device 120 also includes a main load 122, which is separate from the radio frequency circuit 121. The main load 122 receives power transmitted by the multiconductor cable 130. Thus, the main load 122 may be connected to the positive terminal 128 and the negative / ground terminal 129 of the load device 120. This allows the main load 122 to be powered by the drive device 110.

[0073] The main load 122 may also respond to information generated by a radio frequency circuit in response to a radio frequency wave received from a remote controller on the free segment of the second conductor. In some examples, the main load 122 may also generate information by the radio frequency circuit that is to be encoded into a radio frequency wave generated by the free segment of the second conductor for transmission to the remote controller.

[0074] The drive device 110 may be configured to generate power for the main load, and may be designed, for example, to power the main load. As an example, the main load may include a light-emitting element (e.g., an LED load), and the drive device may include a driver for powering the light-emitting element. The main load may optionally include a further DC-DC converter that converts the power between the positive and negative terminals into an LED drive current for the LED load.

[0075] In this way, the connector that transmits the ground / negative voltage supplied to the main load 122 also functions as shielding for the antenna portion for the radio frequency circuit of the same load device.

[0076] Figures 3 and 4 show an example of a multi-conductor cable 130 used in the proposed embodiment. The left side of the cable 130 is connected to the drive device, and the right side of the cable 130 is connected to the load device.

[0077] The shield segment of the second conductor (not visible in Figure 3) is surrounded or encapsulated by the first conductor 131. The free segment 132C of the second conductor extends from the encapsulation by / of the first conductor. This allows the free segment 132C to function as the effective radiation length or effective radiation portion of the antenna.

[0078] In particular, the multi-conductor cable includes a joint 305 from which a free segment 132C of the second conductor begins to extend from (and away from) the first conductor 131 so as not to be shielded by the first conductor. Thus, the free segment 132C of the second conductor may extend from the joint to the free or floating end 132D of the second conductor.

[0079] It will be understood that the free segment 132C of the second conductor can function as an antenna. Thus, the portion of the second conductor that is not shielded (e.g., wrapped) by the first conductor can function as an antenna.

[0080] If the outer conductor is longer, the second conductor functions as an antenna. The first conductor is positioned away from or separated from the antenna and can supply negative or ground power V- to power the main load of the load device.

[0081] The length L of a free segment (for example, when functioning as a monopole antenna) can be calculated using the following formula: L = λ / 4 = c / 4f (1) Here, λ is the desired wavelength, c is the speed of light, and f is the desired frequency. The use of equation (1) means that the free segment is designed to operate as a quarter-wavelength antenna. Other design techniques, such as a 5 / 8-wavelength antenna (where the value of 1 / 4 in equation (1) is replaced with 5 / 8), can be used as an alternative example. However, other examples will also be apparent to those skilled in the field of antenna design.

[0082] At the joint 305, the first conductor 131 is adapted to function as a ground element for the antenna. This improves the sensitivity of the free segment 132C (in its role as an antenna) and also improves the signal-to-noise ratio.

[0083] The first conductor 131 and the shield segment may be coaxially positioned relative to each other. In particular, the first conductor 131 may enclose the shield segment of the second conductor. Thus, the shield segment of the second conductor functions as the inner conductor of the coaxial cable, and the first conductor functions as the outer conductor of the coaxial cable.

[0084] In the shield segment of the second conductor, the primary propagation mode of the uplink or downlink radio frequency signal is the TEM (transverse electromagnetic) wave. Since the first conductor is configured as ground, the electromagnetic field is controlled, and the shield segment has negligible radiation loss and negligible interference from external signals.

[0085] In some examples, a portion of the free segment 131C adjacent to the first conductor 131 is partially encapsulated within the second conductor sheath 310. In particular, the second conductor sheath 310 may cover the free segment up to a point where the distance between that point and the first conductor is greater than a predetermined value (e.g., 5 mm). This reduces noise in the received or emitted radio frequency signal.

[0086] The free segment may be encased in another sheath, preferably a non-shielding clearance section. Preferably, the thickness of the non-shielding clearance section is at least 5 mm. This ensures that even when the multi-core cable is positioned near external shielding material, the free segment remains at least 5 mm away from the external shielding material due to this sheath.

[0087] Thus, the free segment 132C of the second conductor and the first conductor may extend apart from each other (at least initially).

[0088] The multi-conductor cable 130 further includes a power / third conductor 133. The power / third conductor may be (partially) encapsulated or covered within the power conductor sheath 320.

[0089] Figure 5 shows some examples of modified multi-conductor cables.

[0090] In this modified example, the dimensions of the first conductor at the joint are larger than those of the other parts of the first conductor. In particular, the radius R of the first conductor 131 may be larger at the joint 305 than that of the other parts of the first conductor (for example, any part).

[0091] This approach effectively increases the reference ground area at the beginning of the free portion (which functions, for example, as an antenna). This allows the length of the free portion to be shortened, improving the speed at which the antenna reaches the desired resonant frequency.

[0092] It has been confirmed that the resonant frequency is affected not only by the antenna but also by the ground. In particular, the greater the need for accuracy in monitoring a specific wavelength (for example, achieving a specific resonant frequency with a free segment acting as an antenna), the larger the ground required. If the ground is too small, the accurate resonant frequency cannot be obtained.

[0093] Returning to Figure 1, further variations of the multi-conductor cable are described below. In this variation, the multi-conductor cable is made up of two separable parts that can be joined together to form a multi-conductor cable connection between a drive device and a load device.

[0094] In particular, the multi-conductor cable 130 may include a driver cable segment 140 adapted for connection to a drive device 110 and a load device cable segment 150 adapted for connection to a load device 120.

[0095] The drive cable segment 140 may include a first connector head 141, and the load device cable segment may include a second connector head 142. The first and second connector heads are configured to connect to each other, that is, to form a connection between the driver cable segment 140 and the load device cable segment 150.

[0096] The driver cable segment carries a first portion of the first conductor. The load device cable segment carries a second portion of the first conductor. The first portion and the second portion are connected together via the first connector head and the second connector head when the first connector head and the second connector head are connected together.

[0097] The load device cable segment also carries at least the connecting segment and shielding segment of the second conductor.

[0098] Similarly, if a power / third conductor is present, the driver cable segment carries the first portion of the power conductor, and the load device cable segment carries the second portion of the power conductor. When the first and second connector heads are connected together, the first portion of the power conductor connects to the second portion of the power conductor.

[0099] Figure 6 shows a portion of the proposed multi-conductor cable, further illustrating the driver cable segment 140 and the load device cable segment 150.

[0100] In the illustrated example, the multi-conductor cable carries a first conductor, a second conductor, and a positive (third) conductor.

[0101] In the illustrated example, the free portion 132C of the second conductor is configured to extend from the second connector head and into the first connector head when the two connector heads are connected together. In this way, the two connector heads can effectively encapsulate or surround the free portion 132C of the second conductor.

[0102] In particular, the two connector heads (when connected together) define a free segment housing configured to accommodate the free segment and the first conductor such that the free segment and the first conductor are offset from each other and / or a clearance is determined.

[0103] In an alternative example, the free portion of the second conductor is not extended into the first connector head of the drive device cable segment 140, but is instead completely housed by the second connector head of the load device cable segment 150.

[0104] In another example, the free portion of the second conductor may be divided into a first free portion segment and a second free portion segment. The first free portion segment may be supported by a driver cable segment. The second free portion segment may be supported by a load device cable segment. The first and second free portion segments may be connected together (when the connector heads are connected to each other) to define the free portion of the multi-connector cable. This can advantageously extend the antenna length for radio frequency circuits. It should be noted that the free portion 132C remains floating within the first connector head without being electrically connected to a drive device.

[0105] Figure 6 shows that the first connector head 141 is in the form of a female connector head, and the second connector head 151 is in the form of a male connector head. This exact configuration is not mandatory, and for example, it may be reversed.

[0106] Figure 7 shows another diagram of the second connector head to enhance contextual understanding. Parts of the first conductor 131 and power conductor 133 are also visible.

[0107] The first connector head and the second connector head may be connected using any connection means known in the art, such as any suitable UHF connector, such as a BNC connector or a PL259 connector.

[0108] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a multi-conductor cable including the first and second heads in a connected state.

[0109] By examining the drawings, this disclosure, and the appended claims, variations of the disclosed embodiments will be understood by those skilled in the art and can be implemented when carrying out the claimed invention. For example, a multicore cable does not necessarily have to be implemented in two parts, a driver cable segment and a load device cable segment, but may be an integrated cable, i.e., a single cable. Furthermore, it is not necessary to use a coaxial cable structure to implement the first and second conductors, and any other structure can be used as long as the first conductor can shield the shield segment of the second conductor. For example, the first conductor may be an outer wrap of the shield segment of the second conductor.

[0110] In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other components or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude plurals.

[0111] The mere fact that certain means are enumerated in different dependent claims does not indicate that combinations of these means cannot be used advantageously.

[0112] Note that when the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or specification, it is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to." Note that when the term "arrangement" is used in the claims or specification, it is intended to be equivalent to the term "system," and vice versa.

[0113] No reference numeral in a claim should be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A drive device adapted to supply power, A load device adapted to receive the power from the drive device, wherein the load device includes a radio frequency circuit having an active power supply terminal and a ground terminal, A multi-conductor cable adapted to connect the drive device and the load device, An electronic configuration including, the multi-conductor cable, A first conductor, configured to transmit power, and adapted to connect the drive device and the load device, and adapted to connect to the ground terminal of the radio frequency circuit, A connection segment configured to be connected to the active power supply terminal of the radio frequency circuit, A shield segment connected to the connection segment, wherein the shield segment is positioned alongside the first conductor so that the first conductor can provide radio frequency shielding to the shield segment, and A free segment connected to the shield segment on the opposite side of the connection segment, wherein the free segment is not shielded by the first conductor and is electrically isolated from the drive device so as to be adapted to function as a radiating element of an antenna. A second conductor including, An electronic configuration that is partially interrupted between the drive device and the load device by including the following.

2. The electronic configuration according to claim 1, wherein the first conductor is adapted to surround the shield segment, thereby shielding the shield segment, and the first conductor is adapted to expose the free segment.

3. The electronic configuration according to claim 2, wherein the shield segments of the first conductor and the second conductor are coaxial with each other, and the shield segments are wrapped by the first conductor.

4. The electronic configuration according to claim 3, wherein at least the shield segments of the first conductor and the second conductor are enclosed in the same sheath.

5. The drive device is adapted to supply the power via a power terminal and a negative or ground terminal, and the load device is adapted to receive the power via a positive terminal and a negative or ground terminal. The first connector is adapted to connect to the negative or ground terminal of the drive device and to the negative or ground terminal of the load device. The electronic configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a positive conductor configured to transmit the power and adapted to connect to the positive terminal of the drive device and the positive terminal of the load device, wherein the positive conductor is electrically isolated from the first conductor and the second conductor.

6. The electronic configuration according to claim 5, further comprising a capacitor connected between the first conductor and the ground terminal of the radio frequency circuit, wherein the capacitor is configured to block or reduce DC interference caused by the power from entering the radio frequency circuit.

7. The electronic configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the load device includes a main load separate from the radio frequency circuit, and the first conductor is adapted to transmit the power to the main load.

8. The load device includes an RF shielding structure, and the distance between the free segment and the RF shielding structure of the load device is 5 mm or more, and / or The electronic configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the multi-conductor cable includes a non-shielding clearance portion configured to enclose the free segment, and the thickness of the non-shielding clearance portion is at least 5 mm.

9. The multi-conductor cable includes a joint, from which the free segment of the second conductor begins to extend so as not to be shielded by the first conductor. The electronic configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first conductor at the joint is adapted to function as a ground element for the antenna.

10. The electronic configuration according to claim 9, wherein the dimensions of the first conductor at the joint are greater than the dimensions of the first conductor in other parts.

11. The electronic configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the drive device and the load device are separate devices or modules in a single, integrated housing.

12. The electronic configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the multi-conductor cable includes the free segment, the first conductor, and a free segment housing configured to accommodate the offset or clearance between them.

13. The aforementioned multi-conductor cable is A driver cable segment connected to the drive device, the driver cable segment including a first connector head, A load device cable segment connected to the load device, including a second connector head adapted to connect to the first connector head, Includes, The driver cable segment is adapted to support the first portion of the first conductor, The electronic configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the load device cable segment is adapted to support a second portion of the first conductor to be connected to the first portion of the first conductor via the first connector head and the second connector head, and at least the connecting segment and the shielding segment of the second conductor.

14. The electronic configuration according to claim 13, wherein the free segment is positioned within at least one of the connector heads with an offset / clearance from the first conductor.

15. An electronic configuration as a lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, The aforementioned drive device is an LED driver, The aforementioned load device has an electronic configuration, specifically an LED configuration.

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