Controlled-impedance cable termination using compliant interconnect elements

Abstract

An apparatus for terminating a controlled-impedance cable using compliant electrical contacts to provide an interface to another device. The terminator includes an anchor block for securing the cable. Optionally, the anchor block is electrically non-conductive. A conductive ferrule is installed on the cable shield and the cable end is dressed. The ferrule / cable assembly is installed in a through hole in the anchor block so the cable end is flush with the anchor block face. An insulating or conductive plate mounted to the anchor block holds the signal contact that electrically connects the center conductor to the device and optional ground contacts that electrically connect the ferrule to the device. The ground contacts surround the signal contact in a pattern that closely mimics the impedance environment of the cable. When using a conductive plate, the signal contact is insulated from the plate by an insulating centering plug or a non-conductive coating.

Description

[0001]This application is a Reissue Application of U.S. Pat. No. 9,160,151 issued on Oct. 13, 2015 from Application Ser. No. 14 / 534,241 filed on Nov. 6, 2014. The entirety of the above-mentioned patent application is hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this application.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableREFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX[0003]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]1. Field of the Invention[0005]The present invention relates to electrical cable terminations, more particularly, to controlled impedance cable terminations which are generally used to transmit high-frequency signals in electronic equipment.[0006]2. Description of the Related Art[0007]The purpose of a cable termination is to provide an interconnect from the cable to the electrical device and to provide a separable electrical interconnection between the cable and its oper...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a tool and process for connecting a controlled-impedance cable to another device using compliant contacts. This minimizes the negative impact of the termination on the electrical performance of the cable. The device has a skewed coil contact that is captured in a through aperture in a plate and compensates for non-coplanarities between the conduction points of the device. A compliant, conductive elastomer is used to fill the remaining space of the aperture and add resiliency. The method includes using a soldering fixture with different tools to facilitate the assembly of cables to the anchor block. Overall, the invention provides a reliable and efficient connection for controlled-impedance cables.

Problems solved by technology

The SMA connectors, while being generally the same impedance environment as the cable, have impedance mismatches which cause high-frequency attenuation at the point of interface between the cable and the connector and the connector and its working environment, such as like a PCB.

Additionally, these cable terminations often require through holes in PCB's for mounting and, consequently, it can be difficult to design the best possible controlled impedance environment.

These types of cable terminations are generally for a single cable and require a substantial amount of PCB area to terminate, thus decreasing the density capability of connections.

These systems are better-controlled impedance environments but are limited in the densities at which the cables can be used.

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