Radio frequency interconnect, method of manufacturing an axially adjustable RF interconnect and antenna system
Patent Information
- Application Number
- TW113129389
- Authority / Receiving Office
- TW · TW
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-09-29
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-11
- Estimated Expiration
- 2044-08-05
Smart Images

Figure IMG-2_DRAW_113129389-A0304-14-0001-1 
Figure IMG-2_DRAW_113129389-A0304-14-0002-2 
Figure IMG-2_DRAW_113129389-A0304-14-0003-3
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to communications, and more particularly to axially adjustable length radio frequency interconnects. Prior Technology
[0002] Radio frequency (RF) interconnects are best known in this technology for their use in antenna systems. High-speed RF interconnects are used in many sensor products, where signal transmission quality is a crucial factor in systems using high-speed signals. RF interconnects establish paths connecting one device to another. Many communication systems require numerous RF interconnect paths within sensor modules, between RF modules and antennas, and between network devices.
[0003] Achieving maximum performance in RF communication systems requires careful attention to interconnect technology, circuit-to-circuit interconnects, and circuit design. RF interconnects are used in a variety of high-speed applications, such as communication devices, high-speed computing, and sensors. In communication systems, signals travel through various interconnects from chip to package, package to board lines, and line to high-speed connectors. Any electrical discontinuity at the source, along the transmission path, or at the receiver will affect signal timing and quality. One of the main uses of RF interconnects is to alleviate the stringent tolerance requirements imposed on components used for line-to-line interconnects. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The following is a brief summary of the subject matter, which is described in more detail here. This summary is not intended to limit the scope of the request.
[0005] In a first example, a radio frequency (RF) interconnect includes a body defining an axis and being threaded at a first end of the body. The body includes a central conductor extending along the axis, wherein the central conductor is at least partially hollow. The RF interconnect includes a threaded nut configured to be screwably coupled to the body. The RF interconnect includes a first RF connector adapted to be coupled to the nut. The RF interconnect includes a floating pin held by a surrounding dielectric material, extending through a central aperture of the first RF connector and electrically coupled to the central conductor of the body, and axially movable within the central conductor of the body. The RF interconnect includes a second RF connector at a second end of the body.
[0006] According to a second example, a method of manufacturing an axially adjustable RF interconnect includes providing a body defining an axis and being threaded at a first end of the body, the body including a central conductor extending along the axis, and wherein the central conductor is at least partially hollow. The method includes providing a threaded nut configured to be screwably coupled to the body. The method includes providing a first RF connector adapted to be coupled to the nut. The method includes providing a floating pin held by a surrounding dielectric material, extending through a central aperture of the first RF connector and electrically coupled to the central conductor of the body and axially movable within the central conductor of the body. The method includes providing a second RF connector at a second end of the body.
[0007] In a third example, a system includes an antenna for receiving and transmitting communication data. The system includes a communication component comprising an RF module. The system includes an axially adjustable RF interconnect for coupling the antenna to the communication component, the axially adjustable RF interconnect including a body defining an axis and being threaded at a first end of the body, the body including a central conductor extending along the axis, wherein the central conductor is at least partially hollow, a threaded coupling nut configured to be screwably coupled to the body, a first RF connector, wherein the first RF connector is adapted to be coupled to the coupling nut, a floating pin held by a surrounding dielectric material extending through a central aperture of the first RF connector and electrically coupled to and axially movable within the central conductor of the body, and a second RF connector at a second end of the body. Simple Explanation of the Diagram
[0008] The general inventive concept, its illustrative examples, and its advantages are described in more detail below with reference to the figures, wherein:
[0009] [Figure 1] shows an example of an exploded view of an RF interconnect.
[0010] [Figure 2] An example of a perspective view depicting an RF interconnect.
[0011] [Figure 3] shows an example of an enlarged view of an RF connector assembly.
[0012] [Figure 4] illustrates an example of the installation of an RF interconnect.
[0013] [Figure 5] illustrates another example of the installation of an RF interconnect.
[0014] [Figure 6] illustrates an example of a flowchart for manufacturing an axially adjustable RF interconnect. Implementation
[0015] The following detailed description is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the examples and / or their application or use. Furthermore, there is no intention to be limited to any express or implied information presented in the foregoing prior art or invention description paragraphs or in the detailed description paragraphs.
[0016] As used in the specification and the appended claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well.
[0017] Unless otherwise indicated, any element, property, feature, or combination of elements, properties, and features may be used in any of the examples disclosed herein, whether or not such element, property, feature, or combination is explicitly disclosed in the examples. It will be readily understood that features described with respect to any of the states described herein may be applicable to other states described herein, provided that the feature is compatible with that state. In particular, features described herein with respect to the methods may be applicable to the RF interconnect products, and vice versa.
[0018] One or more examples are now described with reference to the diagrams, in which similar element symbols are used throughout to refer to similar elements. In the following description, for illustrative purposes, many specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the one or more examples, but they can be implemented without these specific details, or using other methods, components, materials, etc. In other examples, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects.
[0019] Throughout this specification, references to "an example" or "a case" indicate that a feature, structure, or characteristic described in the relevant example is contained within at least one example. Therefore, the appearance of the phrases "in an example," "in a case," or "in a case" throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same example. Furthermore, the feature, structure, or characteristic may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples.
[0020] The terms "exemplary" and / or "illustrated" are used herein to mean as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited to such examples. Furthermore, any form or design described herein as "exemplary" and / or "illustrated" is not necessarily construed as superior or advantageous to other forms or designs, nor does it exclude equivalent structures and techniques known to those skilled in the art. Moreover, where the terms "comprising," "having," "containing," and other similar words are used in the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as an open-ended conjunction, and do not exclude any additional or other elements.
[0021] Referring to Figure 1, which depicts an example of an exploded view of an axially adjustable length radio frequency (RF) interconnect 100, which can be used to connect an antenna or sub-component to a component on a sensor platform vehicle, such as an aircraft. The RF interconnect 100 can be used to transmit radio frequency signals for broadband telecommunications, military avionics, and microwave systems. As shown, the RF interconnect generally includes a conductive, hollow, threaded shank forming a body 102, a conductive coupling nut 104, a female RF connector 106, a female RF connector 108 machined as part of the body 102 or pressed into and positioned at one end of the body, a central conductor 110 extending along the central axis of the body, and a secondary center conductor floating pin 112. The central conductor 110 can be physically and electrically coupled to the secondary center conductor floating pin 112 for connecting electrical components and / or data signals carrying, for example, RF signals. The RF interconnect 100 may be made of beryllium copper (BeCu) or a suitable metallic material and may transmit the RF signal across a gap between two components. For example, the RF interconnect 100 may be used as a transmission line to connect within an aircraft's avionics system or sensors.
[0022] As shown in the example of Figure 1, the body 102 is a generally cylindrical structure with a threaded interface 114 at the end opposite the female RF connector 108. The body is preferably made of a metallic material, such as beryllium copper, brass, or stainless steel, and preferably plated with a conductive, corrosion-resistant material, such as gold or nickel. An insulating dielectric material 116 (e.g., polyethylene, foamed polyethylene, or Teflon) surrounds the central conductor 110 along the length of the body 102 to electrically isolate the central conductor 110. The female RF connector 106 and the conductive coupling nut 104 are coaxially aligned with the body 102, which includes the female RF connector 108. The center conductor 110 is partially hollow at the end with a compressive force characteristic resembling a bifurcation, so as to receive the secondary center conductor floating pin 112 at an appropriate depth. This allows the length of the RF interconnect 100 to be adjusted so that the female RF connector 106 and the female RF connector 108 can be axially translated without losing electrical contact.
[0023] The conductive coupling nut 104 is preferably made of a metallic material, such as brass, beryllium copper, or stainless steel, and preferably plated with a conductive, corrosion-resistant material, such as gold or nickel. The coupling nut includes threads (not shown) to engage the threaded interface 114 of the body 102. The conductive coupling nut 104 has a relatively short length and can be gripped and tightened or loosened by a person's fingers or a tool. To maintain a tight electrical connection and to achieve the desired electrical performance, an RF connector must be securely fastened to an attachment structure. However, factors including vibration and thermal cycling can cause the connector to loosen and / or separate, resulting in signal loss or deterioration of electrical performance. Rotation of the conductive coupling nut 104 causes the secondary center conductor floating pin 112 to translate axially within the receiving characteristics of the center conductor 110 to achieve the necessary length to remove gaps and mitigate axial misalignment between components. Once the desired length is set, epoxy resin or other fixing material can be applied to the conductive coupling nut 104 to lock the position.
[0024] The conductive coupling nut 104 includes an inner surface 118 that defines a threaded cavity through which the female RF connector 106 passes. The inner surface 118 includes a lip 120 to receive snap-fit attachment to the female RF connector 106, allowing the conductive coupling nut 104 to rotate freely from the female RF connector 106. When the body 102 is screwed into the conductive coupling nut 104 and the secondary center conductor floating pin 112 is inserted into the center conductor 110 of the body 102, a gripping member (not shown) on the inner surface 118 of the conductive coupling nut 104 compresses against the secondary center conductor floating pin 112 and maintains tension between the secondary center conductor floating pin 112 and the body 102 to help prevent separation, for example, from vibration and thermal cycling. The gripping member (not shown) includes a plurality of protrusions extending from the inner surface 118 of the electrically coupled nut 104.
[0025] The secondary center conductor floating pin 112 can mate with the center conductor 110 of the body 102. The floating pin is disposed within the cavity of the conductive coupling nut 104. The floating pin conductor is preferably made of a metal material such as beryllium copper, and preferably plated with a conductive, corrosion-resistant material such as gold. A dielectric material 122 is disposed around a portion of the secondary center conductor floating pin 112 to hold the pin in place and prevent connection from the external body of the RF connector. The floating pin can extend through an aperture (not shown) of the female connector 106 and be electrically connected to a component for transmitting signals between the secondary center conductor floating pin 112 and the center conductor 110 of the body 102. Thus, once the corresponding receptacle assemblies are accurately aligned, the RF interconnect 100 allows the female RF connector 106 and the female RF connector 108 to mate with the corresponding receptacle assemblies. The rotation of the conductive coupling nut 104 is achieved by axially lengthening or shortening the RF interconnect by allowing the secondary center conductor floating pin 112 to translate (not rotate) within the center conductor 110 of the body 102. By using the adjustable-length RF interconnect 100 instead of a fixed-length RF interconnect, a more precise and reliable electrical connection can be achieved.
[0026] Turning now to Figure 2, the RF interconnect 200 forms an axially adjustable transmission line. This allows the installer to attach laterally positioned components (not shown in Figure 2) to each end of the RF interconnect 200. Due to the space between the components, the installer rotates the coupling nut 202 to extend the longitudinal length of the RF interconnect 200. The RF interconnect 200 has a first RF connector 204 at a first end 206 and a second RF connector 208 at a second end 210. The RF connectors 204, 208 can be any coaxial adapter (e.g., SMP, SMPM, SMPS, SMA, SMB, BNC, TNC, MCX, or any other suitable adapter). The RF interconnect 200 extends between pairs of back-to-back RF ports (not shown), each of which defines the individual RF connectors 204, 208.
[0027] In some examples, the length of at least some components of the RF interconnect 200 may be determined based on the spacing between the components. The length of the threaded interface 212 of the body 214 is determined based on the allowance required to overcome axial misalignment gaps. Rotational movement of the coupled nut 202 increases the length of the RF interconnect 200. Therefore, the threaded interface 212 can be fine-tuned to provide minute axial length adjustments. The body 214 includes a male threaded end that internally mates with a female thread of the coupled nut 202. Clockwise rotation / turning of the coupled nut 202 will screw the coupled nut 202 onto the threaded interface 212 until the coupled nut is abutted into the body 214, thus shortening the RF interconnect 200. Rotating the coupling nut 202 counterclockwise will pull the first RF connector 204 away from the second RF connector 208, thus extending the RF interconnect 200.
[0028] Although not shown in Figure 2, it is understood that the floating pins are inserted into and electrically connected to the receiving feature of the center conductor of the body 214. The floating pins and the surrounding dielectric material are held within the body portion of the RF connector 204, and the floating pins pass through the cavity of the coupling nut 202. Once the floating pins are inserted into the receiving feature of the center conductor of the body 214, the floating pins can be gripped by a gripping member to reduce slippage. Once assembled, the installer can grip (e.g., with a wrench) the coupling nut 202 to rotate it for extending or shortening the RF interconnect 200.
[0029] Referring now to the example in Figure 3, an RF connector assembly 300 is shown, in which a snap-fit quick-connect method can be used. This configuration is an RF connector 304 and a coupled nut 306 combined by simple push-in, without rotation between them. When the quick-connect, quick-release, and snap-fit connector is fully interlocked, the RF connector 304 is received in a groove or recess on the coupled nut 306. The RF connector 304 and the coupled nut 306 are not locked when they are mated together. The coupled nut 306 can rotate freely from the rotation of the RF connector 304.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the RF connector assembly 300, two molded ring features 302 are formed to fit the outer portion of the RF connector 304 and the inner portion of the coupling nut 306. The RF connector 304 and the coupling nut 306 can be engaged or locked together in a closed relationship, such that the coupling nut retains hold on the RF connector while still allowing free axial rotational movement. This example is not limited to the molded shape shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the RF connector 304 and the coupling nut 306 have a pair of engaging and retaining features 308, which are locked when the RF connector 304 and the coupling nut 306 portions surround the floating pin 310. The floating pin 310 is held within the cavity of the RF connector 304 by the capture of the dielectric material surrounding the floating pin 310. In this manner, when the coupling nut 306 rotates back and forth relative to the RF connector 304, the RF connector assembly 300 has a restoring force to maintain the RF connector 304 and the coupling nut 306 in a neutral position. The engagement retention feature 308 prevents deformation of the RF connector assembly 300. However, axial movement of the coupling nut 306 provides clearance for outward deformation of the floating pin 310, thus allowing the RF connector 304 to engage with or release from a mating or matched RF port.
[0031] Referring now to the example in Figure 4, the installation of an RF interconnect 402 is shown, which allows radio frequency signals to traverse a gap via a coupling process between a first component 404 and a second component 406, as discussed in more detail herein. The RF interconnect allows mating of the first component 404 and the second component 406 even if the first RF port 408 of the first component 404 and the second RF port 410 of the second component 406 are not precisely aligned. In this way, damage to either the first component 404 or the second component 406 is avoided when misalignment occurs. Furthermore, costly remanufacturing or redesign of systems using mated electrical connections is reduced because the tolerance for errors in aligning the mated portions is increased. To improve conductivity, a more reliable electrical connection can be achieved by using an axially adjustable length RF interconnect 402 instead of a fixed length RF interconnect, and it exhibits lower signal loss and electrical performance degradation compared to other methods.
[0032] The RF interconnect 402 includes a first RF connector 412 and a second RF connector 414, which are fixedly engaged with the first RF port 408 of the first component 404 and the second RF port 410 of the second component 406. Therefore, the RF interconnect 402 provides a mechanical connection to maintain the axial alignment of the first component 404 and the second component 406, independent of a mounting structure 418. This connection also maintains conductivity between the first component 404 and the second component 406 and allows the RF interconnect 402 to be adjusted without requiring adjustments to the overall system configuration. This configuration also helps prevent dust, moisture, or other environmental elements from entering the first RF port 408 of the first component 404 and the second RF port 410 of the second component 406. The RF interconnect 402 prevents tilting and / or displacement of a central axis during system connection, as can be seen in more detail herein.
[0033] The first RF connector 412 and the second RF connector 414 of the RF interconnect 402 can be configured to be rigidly fixed and electrically contacted with the first RF port 408 of the first component 404 and the second RF port 410 of the second component 406, respectively. The first RF connector 412 and the second RF connector 414 have a plurality of protrusions (not shown) or outwardly extending conductive elements for making electrical connections with the first RF port 408 and the second RF port 410. For example, the protrusions (not shown) can be used to carry a ground signal between ground wires on the RF ports (408, 410). The protrusions (not shown) can be used between the components (404, 406) to carry an electrical signal through the RF interconnect 402 for connection to a corresponding plug assembly.
[0034] The RF interconnect 402 includes an outer conductor 420 defining a cavity containing a transmission line 422, having a floating pin (not shown) therein. The outer conductor can be made of various conductive materials (e.g., copper) to carry an electrical signal. In an alternative embodiment, if transmitting or sending an electrical signal along the outer conductor 420 is not desired, the outer conductor 420 can be replaced by a non-conductive outer body of the RF interconnect 402. The transmission line 422 is disposed within the cavity defined by the outer conductor 420 and is electrically connected to the outer conductor 420 to provide a surface for contact by an outer conductor of the RF connectors (412, 414) during mating. The transmission line 422, according to various embodiments, may include multiple components, such as a floating pin (not shown) and a hollow central conductor (not shown) through which the floating pin can be axially translated. The RF interconnect 402 provides an extendable conductive surface to the RF connectors (412, 414) across a gap to align the first member 404 and the second member 406. This avoids connection wear that could occur if a fixed-length RF interconnect were used instead of the axially adjustable-length RF interconnect 402, and significantly extends the durability of the RF ports (408, 410). A dielectric material 424 is also disposed within the cavity defined by the outer conductor 420 and configured to have a first portion surrounding the hollow central conductor and a second portion surrounding the floating pins when mating with the RF ports (408, 410).
[0035] In the example of Figure 5, the axially adjustable length RF interconnect 500 is shown in a final state of the mating process, i.e., during full mating. The first member 502 and the second member 504 are now axially aligned. Neither the first port 506 of the first member 502 nor the second port 508 of the second member 504 has shifted or been subjected to pressure during mating of a misaligned fixed-length RF interconnect. Instead, the misalignment between the first member 502 and the second member 504 has been resolved by extending the length of the axially adjustable length RF interconnect 500 relative to the first port 506 of the first member 502 and the second port 508 of the second member 504.
[0036] Although the previously described embodiments have shown various connector components integrated or coupled to a single connector, the male and female of each port (506, 508) can be reversed. Alternative embodiments may also utilize more or fewer connector components than those already described above with respect to the embodiments described herein. In one example, a coupled nut and / or floating pin may be used at both ends or either end of the axially adjustable length RF interconnect 500 to allow movement of a portion of the axially adjustable length RF interconnect 500.
[0037] Referring now to the example in FIG6, a flowchart 600 is depicted for manufacturing an axially adjustable RF interconnect according to one or more examples described herein.
[0038] In step 602, the flowchart includes providing a body that defines an axis and is threaded at a first end of the body, the body including a central conductor extending along the axis, and wherein the central conductor is at least partially hollow.
[0039] In step 604, the flowchart includes providing a nut with internal threads that is configured to be screwably coupled to the body.
[0040] In step 606, the flowchart includes providing a first RF connector, wherein the first RF connector is adapted to be coupled to the nut.
[0041] In step 608, the flowchart includes providing a floating pin that extends through a central aperture of the first RF connector and is electrically coupled to the central conductor of the body and moves axially within the central conductor.
[0042] In step 610, the flowchart includes a second RF connector provided at a second end of the body.
[0043] Manufacturing the axially adjustable RF interconnect may further include providing a coupling nut that is axially adjustable to extend or retract the RF interconnect between circuits to mitigate axial misalignment, wherein the first RF connector and the second RF connector are axially translated, and wherein the coupling nut is rotatable independent of the first RF connector and the second RF connector.
[0044] Manufacturing the axially adjustable RF interconnect may further include providing a floating pin that moves axially during axial adjustment of the coupled nut.
[0045] Manufacturing the axially adjustable RF interconnect may further include providing a gripping member for gripping the outer surface of one of the floating pins, wherein the floating pin maintains electrical coupling to the central conductor of the body during axial adjustment of the RF interconnect.
[0046] Manufacturing the axially adjustable RF interconnect may further include providing the gripping member, which is configured to displace radially inward when the floating pin is forced into the central conductor of the body.
[0047] The above description includes non-limiting examples of the various embodiments. Of course, it is impossible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methods for the purpose of describing the disclosed subject matter, and those skilled in the art will recognize that further combinations and arrangements of the various embodiments are possible. The disclosed subject matter is intended to encompass all such changes, modifications, and variations falling within the spirit of the appended claims.
[0048] Regarding the various functions performed by the aforementioned components, unless otherwise specified, the terminology used to describe such components (including reference to "means") is intended to include any structure (e.g., functionally equivalent) that performs the specified function of the component, even if it is not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. Furthermore, although a particular feature of one of the disclosed objects may have been disclosed only in relation to one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more features of other embodiments, which may be desirable and advantageous for any given or particular application.
[0049] As used herein, the terms "exemplary" and / or "illustrated" are intended to mean as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited to such examples. Furthermore, any form or design described herein as "exemplary" and / or "illustrated" is not necessarily construed as superior or advantageous to other forms or designs, nor does it exclude equivalent structures and techniques known to those skilled in the art. Moreover, where the terms "comprising," "having," "containing," and other similar words are used in the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as an open-ended conjunction, and do not exclude any additional or other elements.
[0050] As described in the examples depicting the content of this disclosure (including those described in the abstract), it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed examples to their precise form. Although particular examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, various modifications are possible, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, and are considered to be within the scope of such examples. In this regard, although the subject matter has been described herein with reference to various examples and corresponding figures, it will be understood, where applicable, that other similar examples may be used, or that modifications and additions may be made to the examples to perform the same, similar, alternative, or substitutive functions of the disclosed subject matter without departing from it. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single example described herein, but should be interpreted in breadth and scope according to the appended claims.
[0051] 100: Axially adjustable length radio frequency (RF) interconnect 102: Main Body 104: Coupling nut 106: Female RF connector 108: Female RF Connector 110: Center conductor 112: Secondary center conductor floating pin 114: Threaded interface 116: Insulating dielectric materials 118: Inner surface 120: Lip border 122: Dielectric materials 200: RF interconnects 202: Coupling nut 204: First RF Connector 206: First End 208: Second RF Connector 210: Second end 212: Threaded interface 214: Main Body 300: RF connector assembly 302: Characteristics of Molded Rings 304: RF connector 306: Coupling nut 308: Locking and retaining characteristics 310: Floating connector pins 400: RF interconnect 402: RF interconnect 404: First component 406: Second component 408: First RF Port 410: Second RF Port 412: First RF connector 414: Second RF Connector 418: Installation Structure 420: Outer conductor 422: Transmission line 424: Dielectric material 500: Axially adjustable length RF interconnect 502: First component 504: Second component 506: First Port 508: Second Port 600: Flowchart 602: Steps 604: Steps 606: Steps 608: Steps 610: Steps
Claims
1. A radio frequency (RF) interconnect comprising: main body, The defining axis is threaded at a first end of the body, the body including a central conductor extending along the axis, and wherein the central conductor is at least partially hollow; a coupled nut with internal threads configured to be screwably coupled to the body; and a first radio frequency connector directly coupled to the coupled nut. A floating pin, held in place by a surrounding dielectric material, extends through the central aperture of the first RF connector and is electrically coupled to the central conductor of the body and moves axially within the central conductor of the body; And a second radio frequency connector, which is coupled to a second end of the body.
2. The RF interconnect of claim 1, wherein the coupling nut is axially adjustable to extend or retract the length of the RF interconnect between circuits to mitigate variations in axial length and tolerance, wherein the first RF connector and the second RF connector are axially translated, and wherein the coupling nut is rotatable independent of the first RF connector and the second RF connector.
3. The radio frequency interconnect of claim 2, wherein the floating pins and the body are axially translated during axial adjustment by rotating the axially aligned nut of the coupling.
4. The radio frequency interconnect of claim 2, further comprising a gripping member for gripping the floating pin on an outer surface of the floating pin, wherein the floating pin remains electrically coupled to the central conductor of the body during axial adjustment of the radio frequency interconnect.
5. The radio frequency interconnect of claim 4, wherein the gripping member is configured to be radially inwardly displaced when the floating pin is forced into the central conductor of the body.
6. The radio frequency interconnect of claim 1, wherein a first lip is formed on the inner side of the coupled nut at the end of the coupled nut, and wherein a second lip is formed on the outer wall at the end of the first radio frequency connector, wherein the first radio frequency connector engages with the coupled nut.
7. The radio frequency interconnect as claimed in item 6, wherein the first radio frequency connector is a female threaded end.
8. The radio frequency interconnect of claim 1, wherein the second radio frequency connector is a female threaded end configured to press onto or machine into the body.
9. The radio frequency interconnect of claim 1, wherein the coupling nut locks the first radio frequency connector and the second radio frequency connector at a fixed length.
10. The radio frequency interconnect of claim 9, wherein epoxy resin is applied to the coupling nut to secure or fasten the coupling nut to the body.
11. The radio frequency interconnect of claim 1, wherein the body, the coupling nut and the floating pin are made of a metal material including beryllium copper, brass or stainless steel, and wherein the body, the coupling nut and the floating pin are plated with a conductive, corrosion-resistant material including gold or nickel.
12. A method for manufacturing an axially adjustable radio frequency interconnect, the method comprising: A body is provided that defines an axis and is threaded at a first end of the body, the body including a central conductor extending along the axis, and wherein the central conductor is at least partially hollow; a nut with internal threads is provided that is configured to be screwably coupled to the body; a first radio frequency connector is provided that is directly coupled to the coupled nut. Provides a floating pin held by a surrounding dielectric material, which extends through the central aperture of the first RF connector and is electrically coupled to the central conductor of the body and moves axially within the central conductor of the body; And a second radio frequency connector coupled to a second end of the body.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the coupling nut is axially adjustable to extend or retract the RF interconnect between circuits to mitigate axial misalignment, wherein the first RF connector and the second RF connector are axially translated, and wherein the coupling nut is rotatable independent of the first RF connector and the second RF connector.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the radio frequency interconnect of claim 11, wherein the floating pin moves axially during axial adjustment of the coupled nut.
15. The method of claim 13, further comprising: A gripping member is provided for gripping the outer surface of the floating pin, wherein the floating pin remains electrically coupled to the central conductor of the body during axial adjustment of the RF interconnect.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the gripping member is configured to be radially inwardly displaced when the contact pin of the floating joint is forced into the central conductor of the body.
17. An antenna system comprising: antenna, It is used to receive and send communication data; Communication components, including radio frequency modules; The antenna is coupled to the communication component via an axially adjustable radio frequency interconnect comprising: a body defining an axis and being threaded at a first end thereof, the body including a central conductor extending along the axis and wherein the central conductor is at least partially hollow; a threaded coupling nut configured to be screwably coupled to the body; a first radio frequency connector directly coupled to the coupling nut; floating pins held by an surrounding dielectric material extending through a central aperture of the first radio frequency connector and electrically coupled to and axially movable within the central conductor of the body; and a second radio frequency connector coupled to a second end thereof.
18. The antenna system of claim 17, wherein the coupling nut is axially adjustable to lengthen or shorten the radio frequency interconnect between circuits to mitigate axial misalignment, wherein the first radio frequency connector and the second radio frequency connector are axially translated, and wherein the coupling nut rotates independently of the first radio frequency connector and the second radio frequency connector.
19. The antenna system of claim 18, wherein the floating pin and the body are axially movable during axial adjustment by rotation of the coupling nut.
20. The antenna system of claim 18, further comprising a gripping member for gripping the outer surface of the floating pin, wherein the floating pin remains electrically coupled to the central conductor of the body during axial adjustment of the radio frequency interconnect.
21. The antenna system of claim 20, wherein the gripping member is configured to be radially inwardly displaced when the floating pin is forced into the central conductor of the body.