RF Connector Assembly and Cable TV Amplifier

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a connector assembly having an increased outer diameter of the connector part relative to an equivalent G-type connector and an increased inner diameter of the receptacle part (also known as a locknut) relative to an equivalent G-type receptacle to achieve a higher current-carrying capacity and a target frequency of, for example, up to 3.0 GHz. In a preferred example, this results in a connector assembly in accordance with the present invention having a connector part with an outer diameter of at least 10.70 mm, more preferably 10.76 ± 0.01 mm, rather than the 9.4 mm diameter of existing G-type connectors. Despite the increased diameter, a tight-fit assembly in accordance with the present invention can achieve a characteristic impedance of 75 ohms to maintain the rated signal quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication system, and more particularly, to a radio frequency connector assembly that can be used as a replacement for existing F-type and G-type connectors in components such as cable television (CATV) nodes and amplifiers, etc., for cable television to achieve an operating frequency greater than 1.2 GHz, while preferably maintaining a target characteristic impedance at, for example, 75 ohms. Background Art

[0002] Existing F-type and G-type radio frequency connectors are used in a series of solutions that aim to electrically connect a circuit (such as a printed circuit board) inside a housing to a socket (also referred to as a housing socket or jack) outside the housing. For example, an F-type connector includes a connector component (also referred to as a printed circuit board mounting hole, a printed circuit board mounting plug, or simply a plug) and a socket component (also referred to as a housing mounting hole or simply a jack). A G-type connector is similar to an F-type radio frequency connector, but has a slide-in / push-in function to separably couple the connector component to the corresponding socket component.

[0003] For example, existing CATV nodes and amplifiers utilize G-type and / or F-type radio frequency connectors to provide a coaxial connector interface between a transmitting amplifier module and a weather tight housing. This coaxial connector interface allows for modularity and ease of use required by end customers. These connectors have mating interfaces that conform to industry standard dimensions, which determine the diameter of the outer body.

[0004] Such G-type and F-type connectors have worked well in the past and provided a robust interface. However, as the demand for higher current-carrying capacity has increased over the years, the internal geometry of the connectors has been adjusted / modified to, for example, include a larger diameter of the conductive center pin. Similarly, at the same time, the demand for the target frequency has increased from 550 MHz to the current 1.2 GHz for production products.

[0005] With the development of new voice and data products, especially high-definition products, CATV devices increasingly require connectors that can achieve frequencies greater than 1.2 GHz. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One aspect of the present invention discloses a radio frequency connector assembly for use in a housing having a CATV module. The radio frequency connector assembly includes a connector component and a socket component. The connector component has a body including a connector mounting portion and a mating portion. The connector mounting portion is firmly coupled to the CATV module. The connector component has a first conductor that is electrically coupled to a circuit within the CATV module. The socket component has a body including a plug-in mounting portion and a jack. The plug-in mounting portion is firmly coupled to the housing. The jack is provided for a second conductor to be disposed therein to receive the mating portion and to electrically couple the second conductor of the socket component to the first conductor of the connector component. Wherein, the mating portion of the connector component has a first outer diameter OD1, the jack of the socket component has a first inner diameter, the first outer diameter OD1 is equal to or less than the first inner diameter ID1, and the first outer diameter OD1 is at least 10 millimeters.

[0007] A CATV amplifier disclosed according to another aspect of the present invention includes a housing, at least one first coaxial socket, and an amplifier module. The first coaxial socket is coupled to the housing to receive and removably couple to a coaxial cable. The first coaxial socket further includes a socket component disposed within the housing. The socket component provides a jack having a first inner diameter ID1. The amplifier module is disposed within the housing. The amplifier module has at least one connector component extending therefrom. The mating portion of the connector component has a first outer diameter OD1. Wherein, the connector component extends into the jack of the socket component to electrically couple the first conductor of the coaxial cable to the circuit of the amplifier module, and the first outer diameter OD1 of the mating portion of the connector component is at least 10.70 millimeters.

[0008] The above description of the content of the present invention and the following description of the embodiments are used to illustrate and explain the spirit and principle of the present invention, and provide a further explanation for the protection scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The features and advantages of the present invention can be better understood through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0010] Figure 1 An exemplary amplifier module for use in a CATV network disclosed according to various aspects of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 Disclosed according to various aspects of the present invention Figure 1 A partial exploded view of the amplifier module in

[0012] Figure 3A Disclosed according to various aspects of the present invention and applicable to Figure 1 A perspective schematic view of an exemplary connector component of the amplifier module in

[0013] Figure 3B Disclosed according to various aspects of the present inventionFigure 3A Side view schematic diagram of the connector component in

[0014] Figure 4A An exemplary socket component applicable to the amplifier module disclosed in various aspects of the present invention Figure 1 is shown in the perspective schematic diagram.

[0015] Figure 4B Disclosed in various aspects of the present invention Figure 4A is the front view schematic diagram of the socket component in

[0016] Figure 4C Disclosed in various aspects of the present invention Figure 4A is the side view schematic diagram of the socket component in

[0017] Figure 5A Another exemplary socket component applicable to the amplifier module disclosed in various aspects of the present invention Figure 1 is shown in the perspective schematic diagram.

[0018] Figure 5B Disclosed in various aspects of the present invention Figure 5A is the side view schematic diagram of the socket component in

[0019] Figure 5C Disclosed in various aspects of the present invention Figure 5A is the rear view schematic diagram of the socket component of

[0020] Figure 5D is Figure 5A the sectional view of the socket component along line D-D of

[0021] Figure 5E Disclosed in various aspects of the present invention Figure 5A is the front view schematic diagram of the socket component of

[0022] Figure 6 is an example method for confirming the characteristic impedance of the transmission line.

[0023] Figure 7 is a chart showing the return loss when the existing type G RF connector operates at multiple production frequencies.

[0024] Figure 8 is a chart showing the return loss when the RF connector assembly consistent with the present invention operates at multiple production frequencies.

[0025] Figure 9 is another chart showing the return loss when the RF connector assembly consistent with the present invention operates at multiple production frequencies.

[0026] Figure 10A chart showing another return loss of a radio frequency connector assembly consistent with the present invention when operating at multiple production frequencies.

[0027]

Description of the Reference Numerals

[0028] 100 CATV amplifier

[0029] 102 Housing

[0030] 102-1 First housing part

[0031] 102-2 Second housing part

[0032] 103 Hinge

[0033] 104 Amplifier module

[0034] 105 Cavity

[0035] 106 Power supply module

[0036] 108 Coaxial locking assembly

[0037] 108-1 First coaxial locking assembly

[0038] 108-2 Second coaxial tight-fitting assembly

[0039] 120-1 First connector part

[0040] 120-2 Second connector part

[0041] 120-3 Third connector part

[0042] 120-4 Fourth connector part

[0043] 122-1 First socket part

[0044] 122-2 Second socket part

[0045] 122-3 Third socket part

[0046] 122-4 Fourth socket part

[0047] 320 Connector part

[0048] 348 Matching part

[0049] 350 Longitudinal axis

[0050] 351 Body

[0051] 352 Flange

[0052] 354 Thread

[0053] 356 Pars plana

[0054] 358-1 First end

[0055] 358-2 Second end

[0056] 360 Opening

[0057] 361 Conductor

[0058] 364 Spring member

[0059] 422 Socket member

[0060] 451 Body

[0061] 454 Thread

[0062] 456 Pars plana

[0063] 458-1 First end

[0064] 458-2 Second end

[0065] 460 Opening

[0066] 461 Conductor

[0067] 462 Hexagonal protrusion

[0068] 466 Jack

[0069] 469 Groove

[0070] 470 Electrical insulator

[0071] 480 Flange

[0072] 499 Shoulder

[0073] 522 Socket member

[0074] 551 Body

[0075] 561 Conductor

[0076] 566 Jack

[0077] 570 Electrical insulator

[0078] 588 Gap

[0079] 700, 800, 900, 1000 Diagrams

[0080] 702, 802, 902, 1002 Curves

[0081] ID1, ID2, ID3 Inner diameter

[0082] Overall lengths of L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, and L6

[0083] Outer diameters of OD1, OD2, OD3, OD4, and OD5

[0084] Total width of W1 Detailed implementation mode

[0085] For example, existing connectors such as Type G and Type F used in CATV devices can hardly support services exceeding 1.2 GHz, let alone the 3.0 GHz services required in the future. This limitation is largely attributed to the physical geometry of Type G and Type F connectors affecting the controlled characteristic impedance. For example, the connector designer keeps the external dimensions of the Type G connector within the standard, and to achieve higher frequencies, the designer increases the inner diameter of the Type G connector, so that the strength and structural integrity are sacrificed due to the relatively thin body wall.

[0086] End customers (i.e., CATV and Internet providers) have already installed thousands of existing CATV nodes and amplifiers on site. Therefore, it is impractical to remove and replace these CATV devices. Removal requires disconnecting the node or amplifier from the network (e.g., physically disassembling the node / amplifier from the CATV network), which will result in a large amount of downtime and costs. An object of the present invention is to maintain the modularization of removable CATV devices, which has always been an advantage of the Type G connector interface.

[0087] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to avoid cutting off the coaxial cable connection of the CATV device housing / enclosure to maintain the coaxial cable connection of the Hardline network. Similarly, it is impractical to require external modification of the existing CATV device housing to accommodate enlarged, non-standard-sized coaxial connectors, because this may require replacing thousands or tens of thousands of existing CATV enclosures to achieve a production frequency exceeding 1.2 GHz.

[0088] Accordingly, the disclosure of the present invention generally relates to an RF connector assembly that includes an increased outer diameter of a connection member relative to an equivalent type G connector and an increased inner diameter of a receptacle member relative to an equivalent type G receptacle (also referred to as a Seizure nut) to achieve a higher current-carrying capacity (e.g., at least 15 amperes (A) continuously supplied and 25 amperes supplied for two hours) and a targeted production frequency rate. Preferably, a connector assembly consistent with the present invention can achieve a production frequency of at least 1.8 GHz, more preferably 1.8 to 3.0 GHz. In a preferred embodiment, this results in an RF connector assembly consistent with the disclosure of the present invention having a connector member with a mating portion that includes an outer diameter of at least 10.70 millimeters (mm), more preferably 10.76 ± 0.01 mm, rather than the 9.4 mm mating portion of an existing type G connector. Similarly, an RF connector assembly consistent with the present invention has a receptacle member providing a jack with an inner diameter equal to or less than the outer diameter of the mating portion of the corresponding connector member to achieve a friction / push fit.

[0089] Note that the present invention has demonstrated that an increased size variation of an RF connector assembly can achieve a greater current-carrying capacity and production performance at frequencies above 1.2 GHz. However, the present invention has further demonstrated that in some cases, due to the negative impact of the size variation on the impedance characteristics of the RF connector assembly, signal quality such as return loss can drop below an acceptable power threshold. Accordingly, the present invention has demonstrated that an RF connector assembly consistent with the present invention can utilize an increased connector size along with specific materials and material configurations to achieve a functional impedance equivalent to a targeted impedance characteristic, such as a 75-ohm targeted impedance characteristic. One such exemplary configuration includes utilizing polymer materials (such as polymethylpentene, polyoxymethylene (POM), and polytetrafluoroethylene) for the dielectric insulator (also simply referred to as the insulator) of the RF connector assembly, and plastics for the dielectric constant. Alternatively, or in addition, such a targeted impedance characteristic can be achieved by structurally modifying the insulator of the receptacle member (e.g., voids) to adjust the characteristic impedance, which will be discussed further below.

[0090] Accordingly, an RF connector assembly consistent with the present invention can achieve a production performance of, for example, 1.8 to 3.0 GHz while maintaining a rated signal power (e.g., maintaining the return loss at -25 dB or below, more preferably at -30 dB or below), which will be discussed in more detail below with reference to Figures 8 to 10 the experimental results shown therein. In addition, an RF connector assembly consistent with the present invention can advantageously serve as a field upgrade for existing type F and / or type G connectors without having to disconnect a CATV node / amplifier from the CATV network to perform the upgrade and without having to modify the external housing of the CATV node / amplifier to achieve a production frequency above 1.2 GHz.

[0091] As used herein, the term "coupled" refers to any connection, coupling, linking, or the like between elements. Such "coupled" elements are not necessarily directly connected to each other and may be separated by an intervening element.

[0092] As used herein, the term "substantially" is used generally herein and refers to a degree of precision within an acceptable range of error, where the acceptable range of error is considered and reflects minor real-world variations resulting from material composition, material defects, and / or limitations / peculiarities in the manufacturing process. Such variations may thus be described as largely, but not necessarily completely, achieving the stated characteristics. To provide a non-limiting example of quantifying "substantially", unless otherwise stated, the minor variations may result in an error of less than or equal to plus or minus 5% of a particular described quantity / characteristic.

[0093] Figure 1 and Figure 2 FIG. shows an exemplary CATV amplifier 100 for use in a CATV network according to an aspect of the present invention. As shown, the CATV amplifier 100 includes a housing 102 that is generally labeled 102 and is individually represented as a first housing member 102-1 and a second housing member 102-2. The housing 102 may also be referred to as an outer housing, or simply as a housing. The first housing member 102-1 and the second housing member 102-2 are preferably configured to be coupled together to form a cavity therebetween. Preferably, the first housing member 102-1 and the second housing member 102-2 are rotatably coupled to each other by a hinge 103. The first housing member 102-1 is further preferably configured to be firmly / fixedly mounted to a vertical surface, such as a wall or other suitable location. Thus, the first housing member 102-1 can be held fixed in the mounting position, while the second housing member 102-2 can rotate relative to the first housing member 102-1 through the hinge 103 to switch between an open configuration (as Figure 1 shown) and a closed configuration (not shown).

[0094] The housing 102 is preferably a weathertight housing configured to be waterproof and dustproof. The housing 102 further preferably includes a plastic, such as a plastic that is stable to ultraviolet (UV) light, but other materials are also within the scope of the present invention. In a preferred example, the housing 102 complies with the CATV housing standard issued as the IP68 standard.

[0095] The CATV amplifier 100 includes at least one CATV module disposed thereon. For example, as shown in the figure, the CATV amplifier 100 includes two CATV modules, namely, an amplifier module 104 disposed in the first housing 102-1 and a power supply module 106 disposed in the second housing 102-2. The amplifier module 104 can also be referred to as a radio frequency module.

[0096] It should be noted that the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and other types of CATV modules are also covered within the scope disclosed by the present invention, such as hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) transceiver modules and other modules supporting node operations and power regulation / power supply circuits. Preferably, the first housing 102-1 and the second housing 102-2 each include different CATV modules, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, and more preferably, the first housing 102-1 includes a radio frequency module (such as the amplifier module 104) installed therein, while the second housing 102-2 includes a power supply module (such as the power supply module 106) installed therein.

[0097] The power supply module 106 preferably includes one or more components / circuits, such as a DC-DC buck converter, a rectifier, a filter, and / or other power regulation circuits. More preferably, the power supply module 106 is configured to output a DC voltage in the range of 35 volts to 90 volts for use by the amplifier module 104.

[0098] Preferably, when the housing 102 is turned to the open configuration, for example, when the first housing 102-1 and the second housing 102-2 are rotated away from each other through the hinge 103, the amplifier module 104 remains coupled to the first housing 102-1, and the power supply module 106 remains coupled to the second housing 102-2.

[0099] The housing 102 further preferably includes at least one coaxial locking assembly, which can also be referred to as a coaxial housing socket herein. For example, as Figure 2 shown, the housing 102 includes at least a first coaxial locking assembly 108-1 and a second coaxial mating assembly 108-2 disposed remotely on the first housing 102-1. Each coaxial mating assembly preferably includes a socket (also referred to as a coaxial housing socket herein) for detachably coupling to a coaxial cable (not shown) and electrically coupling to the conductor of the coaxial cable.

[0100] Each coaxial locking assembly 108 further preferably includes a socket component consistent with the present invention. For example, as shown, the first coaxial mating assembly 108-1 includes a first socket component 122-1 disposed within a cavity 105 defined by the first housing member 102-1. Similarly, the second coaxial mating assembly 108-2 preferably includes a second socket component 122-2 disposed within the cavity 105 defined by the first housing member 102-1.

[0101] Each coaxial mating assembly 108 thus preferably includes a fixed electrical coupling between respective coaxial sockets provided external to the housing 102 and socket components disposed within the housing 102. It should be noted that additional socket components (such as a third socket component 122-3 and a fourth socket component 122-4) may also be disposed within the cavity 105 to provide conductivity between additional external coaxial housing sockets (not shown).

[0102] As Figure 2 Further shown, the amplifier module 104 preferably includes at least one connector component consistent with the present invention. More preferably, as shown, the amplifier module 104 includes a plurality of connector components. In Figure 2 the example of Figure 2 shown, each of the connector components 120-1 to 120-4 preferably includes a mating portion extending from the housing of the amplifier module 104 toward the first housing member 102-1. The mating portions of each of the connector components 120-1 to 120-4 are further preferably aligned with the socket components 122-1 to 122-4, respectively.

[0103] Accordingly, the amplifier module 104 can be inserted into the cavity 105 of the first housing member 102-1, and each mating portion of the connector components 120-1 to 120-4 can be respectively received into the sockets of the socket components 122-1 to 122-4 to physically and electrically couple the amplifier module 104 to the plurality of coaxial locking assemblies (such as the first coaxial mating assembly 108-1 and the second coaxial mating assembly 108-2). More specifically, the circuits within the housing of the amplifier module 104 can be electrically coupled to the conductive pins of one or more coaxial cables coupled to the first coaxial locking assembly 108-1 and / or the second coaxial locking assembly 108-2 through the first socket component 122-1, the second socket component 122-2, and the corresponding first connector component 120-1, the second connector component 120-2, respectively. More preferably, when the amplifier module 104 is inserted into the cavity 105 of the first housing member 102-1, such conductivity is provided by removably electrically coupling the connector components to the socket components, respectively.

[0104] Preferably, each socket component (e.g., the first socket component 122-1 and the second socket component 122-2) is firmly / stably attached to the inner surface of the first housing member 102-1 that defines the cavity 105. Similarly, each connector component (e.g., the first connector component 120-1 and the second connector component 120-2) is firmly / stably attached to the outer surface of the housing of the amplifier module 104 and / or the printed circuit board therein. Thus, in response to the amplifier module 104 being decoupled / removed from the cavity 105 of the first housing member 102-1, the socket component is preferably configured to remain coupled to the first housing member 102-1, and the connector component is preferably configured to remain coupled to the amplifier module 104 in the cavity 105.

[0105] Reference is now made to Figures 3A to 3B , which illustrates an exemplary connector component 320 according to aspects of the present invention. The connector component 320 may be implemented as Figure 1 and Figure 2 any one of the connector components of the CATV amplifier 100 in

[0106] As shown, the connector component 320 preferably includes a body 351 that extends along a longitudinal axis 350 from a first end 358-1 to a second end 358-2 (see Figure 3B ). The first end 358-1 preferably defines a mating portion 348, and the second end 358-2 preferably includes a conductor 361 extending therefrom. The body 351 preferably includes a metal cladding formed of a metal such as brass or zinc. In a preferred example, the body 351 includes a tin plating / cladding disposed on a nickel sulfamate plating / cladding, with thicknesses of 0.04572 mm and 0.00127 mm, respectively.

[0107] As Figure 3A shown, the body 351 preferably has a cylindrical shape. However, other shapes and profiles are also within the scope of the present invention. The body 351 further preferably includes a flange 352 that extends radially therefrom. The flange 352 further preferably includes an overall outer diameter OD3 of 12.7 ± 0.1 mm and includes a hexagonal shape to allow the use of a 0.50-inch / 12.7-mm jack when the connector component 320 is fixedly coupled to a module housing (e.g., the housing of the amplifier module 104 as shown in Figure 2 ). The flange 352 further preferably includes a total width W1 of 1.65 ± 0.001 mm. It should be noted that other shapes and dimensions of the flange 352 are within the scope of the present invention, including regular or irregular geometric shapes.

[0108] The body 351 further preferably defines threads 354 adjacent to the second end 358-2, and the threads 354 are for firmly coupling into the threaded hole of the housing. The threads 354 can also include flats 356, and more preferably at least two flats disposed on opposite sides of the body 351. The threads 354 are preferably arranged around the outer periphery of the body 351 for firmly coupling to the printed circuit board and / or the module housing, and more preferably can be a radio frequency module. The flange 352 can provide a mechanical stop so that once it bottoms against the surface defining the through hole of the printed circuit board and / or the module housing, the insertion distance of the connector component 320 into the through hole can be prevented from exceeding a predetermined value. Thus, as Figure 2 shown, the mating portion 348 preferably extends away from the printed circuit board and / or the housing of the module when inserted into the associated through hole.

[0109] The mating portion 348 further preferably defines an opening 360, and the opening 360 includes an inner diameter ID2 in the range of 1.45 mm to 1.70 mm. More preferably, the opening 360 has an inner diameter ID2 that is equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the conductor of the corresponding socket component, and examples thereof will be further discussed below. In a preferred example, the opening 360 includes an inner diameter ID2 that is configured to receive / accommodate a conductive pin having an outer diameter in the range of 1.45 mm to 1.70 mm. In addition, the opening 360 is preferably in communication with a cavity (not shown) defined within the mating portion 348, and this cavity is configured to allow the insertion of the conductive pin to a predetermined distance, and the predetermined distance ranges from 6.35 mm to 9.53 mm.

[0110] The mating portion 348 further preferably has an overall outer diameter OD1. The overall outer diameter OD1 is at least 10 mm, or at least 10.70 mm, or ranges between 10.70 mm and 10.80 mm, or 10.70±0.10 mm, or more preferably equal to 10.76±0.01 mm.

[0111] The mating portion 348 further preferably includes a spring member 364, and the spring member 364 is configured to provide a biasing force to the side wall of the socket provided by the corresponding socket component when the mating portion 348 is disposed within the corresponding socket component. The spring member 364 can include, for example, beryllium copper (BeCu), although other metals and / or alloys are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0112] The connector component 320 preferably includes an overall length L1 of 26.25 ± 0.01 millimeters. The mating portion 348 preferably includes an overall length L2 measured as 10.72 ± 0.01 millimeters from the flange 352 to the first end 358-1 of the body 351. The conductor 361 preferably extends an overall length L3 of 13.88 ± 0.25 millimeters from the flange 352 and an overall length L4 of 8.31 ± 0.01 millimeters from the second end 358-2 of the body 351. The conductor 361 preferably includes an outer diameter OD2 of 1.63 ± 0.01 millimeters.

[0113] Note that the body 351 of the connector component 320 can include an electrical insulator (not shown) disposed therein, such as polytetrafluoroethylene or other suitable materials.

[0114] In a preferred example, the connector component 320 is configured to provide a characteristic impedance of 75 ohms and a continuous current of 15 amperes for a 60 Hz, 75 ± 15 VRMS square wave without catastrophic failure at an ambient temperature of 100 degrees Celsius. More preferably, the connector component 320 is configured to provide a characteristic impedance of 75 ohms and a continuous current of 30 amperes for a 60 Hz, 75 ± 15 VRMS square wave for 15 minutes without catastrophic failure at an ambient temperature of 100 degrees Celsius.

[0115] The connector component 320 is further preferably configured to operate at a DC production frequency of up to 3.0 GHz.

[0116] Figures 4A to 4C Illustrated as suitable as Figure 1 and Figure 2 an exemplary socket component 422 for any socket component in the CATV amplifier 100 in

[0117] As shown, the socket component 422 includes a body 451 having a first end 458-1 and a second end 458-2 disposed opposite each other. The body 451 preferably includes, for example, brass or other suitable metal. More preferably, the body 451 includes brass with a tin plating / cladding disposed thereon. The body 451 preferably includes a cylindrical shape as shown, but other shapes / contours are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0118] The first end 458-1 is preferably configured, for example, to be inserted into a through hole of a housing / case (such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 the case 102 shown in). The socket component 422 further preferably includes threads 454 around the outer periphery of the body 451 to provide a mounting portion for securely coupling to the housing / case. The mounting portion further includes flat portions 456 disposed on opposite sides of the body 451. Note that the body 451 may not need to include threads to provide the mounting portion, and other configurations are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0119] The socket component 422 can also include a flange 480 disposed adjacent to the second end 458-2 and extending radially from the body 451. The flange 480 can provide a mechanical stop such that once the bottom reaches against the surface defining the through hole of the housing and / or the outer casing, the socket component 422 can be prevented from being inserted into the through hole beyond a predetermined distance. Thus, when the first end 458-1 is coupled to the first housing member 102-1, the first end 458-1 preferably extends into the cavity 105 defined by the first housing member 102-1 (see Figure 2 ).

[0120] The body 451 of the socket component 422 further preferably defines an opening 460 disposed adjacent to the first end 458-1. The opening 460 preferably communicates with the groove 469, and the opening 460 and the groove 469 together provide a mating portion (such as the mating portion 348 of the connector component 320, see Figure 3B ) for receiving the corresponding connector component. For this purpose, the jack 466 preferably includes an inner diameter ID1, and the inner diameter ID1 corresponds to the outer diameter of the mating portion of the corresponding connector component, such as the outer diameter OD1 of the mating portion 348 of the connector component 320. Therefore, the various outer diameter measurement examples of the mating portion 348 of the connector component 320 provided above with respect to Figure 3A , 3B also apply to the inner diameters of the opening 460 and the jack 466. Preferably, the opening 460 includes a diameter ID1, and the diameter ID1 is equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the mating portion of the corresponding connector component so as to form a friction fit therebetween. In one example, the inner diameter ID1 is preferably at least 10 mm, at least 10.70 mm, or more preferably equal to 10.76 ± 0.01 mm.

[0121] Further as shown in Figure 4A , a conductor 461 is disposed within the jack 466 and is configured to be received within the opening of the connector component, such as the opening 360 of the connector component 320. The conductor 461 can be electrically coupled to the conductor of the corresponding connector component based on the mating portion of the connector component inserted into the opening 460 of the socket component 422. The conductor 461 preferably includes a metal (such as brass), or more preferably brass with a silver plating / cladding disposed thereon. The conductor 461 preferably includes an overall outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the opening of the corresponding connector component. In a preferred example, the outer diameter of the conductor 461 is between 1.45 mm and 1.70 mm.

[0122] The jack 466 is preferably further at least partially formed by Figure 4AThe open end edge (lip), shown as the hexagonal protrusion 462, defines. The hexagonal protrusion 462 can be used, for example, to securely couple the socket component 422 to the housing using a hexagonal socket. The hexagonal protrusion 462 preferably includes an outer diameter OD4 of, for example, 12.56 mm to allow a 0.50-inch / 12.7-mm socket to slide over it.

[0123] As further shown in the cross-section of the outer portion / cladding of the body 451 removed in Figure 4C , the body 451 further preferably includes an electrical insulator 470 disposed therein. The electrical insulator 470 preferably includes at least a first electrical insulating medium, such as the acetal resin sold by DuPont under the Delrin brand. As shown, the electrical insulator 470 preferably includes a shoulder 499 that extends outwardly from the body 451 in the outer diameter within the flange 480. The shoulder 499 preferably abuts the base of the conductor 461 at the second end 458-2 of the body 451 to reduce the likelihood of arcing between the conductor 461 and the metal cladding that defines the outer surface of the body 451.

[0124] The overall outer diameter OD5 of the socket component 422 measured between the flat portions is preferably 16.76 ± 0.01 mm. The associated thread is preferably a 3 / 14-16 Unified National Fine (UNF) thread grade. The overall length L5 of the socket component 422 is preferably 16.80 ± 0.01 mm. The overall length L6 that the hexagonal protrusion 462 extends from the mounting portion of the body 451 is preferably 3.30 ± 0.01 mm.

[0125] The present invention has demonstrated that, relative to existing type G and type F RF connectors, an increased inner diameter ID1 of the jack 466 (e.g., at least 10 mm) (and further the outer diameters of the mating portions of the respective connector components) can cause signal attenuation due to the characteristic impedance ultimately exceeding the target value of 75 ohms. As Figure 6 shown by the formula in, this can be attributed to dimensional changes that affect the characteristic impedance (Z0) of the coaxial cable.

[0126] In view of the above, Figures 5A to 5E shows another exemplary socket component 522 that utilizes one or more voids within the electrical insulator 570 to achieve a substantially 75-ohm operating characteristic impedance by reducing the relative permittivity (k) of the electrical insulator 570. The socket component 522 can be configured substantially in a similar manner to the configuration of the socket component 422 mentioned above, and its features and detailed description are equally applicable to the socket component 522 and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity. Figures 4A to 4C The configuration of the socket component 422 mentioned above, and its features and detailed description are equally applicable to the socket component 522 and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0127] However, the socket member 522 includes an electrical insulator 570, and the electrical insulator 570 includes at least one void, and more preferably includes a plurality of voids 588 as shown. Each of these voids 588 may include an inner diameter ID3, and the inner diameter ID3 is preferably measured in the range of 1.58 mm to 3.175 mm, 1.58 ± 0.01 mm, or 3.175 ± 0.01 mm. Each of these voids 588 may include a total length preferably of 5 mm, 6 mm, or 0.25 ± 0.25 mm. Therefore, the overall volume of each void 588 is preferably in the range of 50 to 60 cubic millimeters. The volume of these voids 588 relative to the overall volume of the electrical insulator 570 is preferably in the ratio of 1 to 3. It should be noted that each void 588 may include the same or different inner diameters relative to each other, and / or different overall lengths relative to each other. Therefore, depending on the desired configuration, the overall volume of each void 588 may be the same or different.

[0128] These voids 588 preferably include an electrical insulating medium having a different resistivity from the electrical insulating medium forming the electrical insulator 570. The electrical insulator 570 can thus be provided by at least a first electrical insulating medium and a second electrical insulating medium that are different from each other. The first electrical insulating medium preferably includes a solid, such as an acetal resin, or other dielectric materials such as Delrin . The second electrical insulating medium (e.g., the medium within the plurality of voids 588) preferably includes air or an inert gas. However, it should be noted that the second electrical insulating medium may include other media, such as nitrogen.

[0129] It should be noted that the electrical insulator 570 preferably includes a metal cladding disposed thereon such that at least 90% of the electrical insulator 570 is covered by the metal cladding (as Figure 4A shown), or may be exposed without being covered by the metal cladding as Figures 5A to 5E shown.

[0130] As Figure 5D shown in the cross-sectional view, the electrical insulator 570 is disposed at one end of the body 551 and at least partially surrounds the remote end of the conductor 561. In this example, the electrical insulator 570 is disposed between the conductor 561 and the side wall of the body 551 that defines the jack 566. Further as Figure 5E shown, each void 588 can be implemented as a through hole extending through the electrical insulator 570.

[0131] 〔Experimental results〕

[0132] The connector components implemented as existing type G connector components and the RF connector components conforming to the present invention were used to test multiple production frequencies. Specifically, tests were conducted using a receptacle component consistent with the present invention, which has jacks with an overall inner diameter ID1 of 10.76 ± 0.01 mm and has a plurality of voids 588 (see Figures 5A to 5E ) to change the characteristic impedance.

[0133] Figure 7 A graph showing multiple test signals passing through an existing type G connector component, where the frequencies of the test signals range from 1.0 GHz to 3.0 GHz to simulate the production frequency range. As shown, the resulting curve 702 includes the measured return loss, which is -25.1094 dB at 1.0 GHz, -21.7938 dB at approximately 1.2 GHz, -17.2422 dB at approximately 1.8 GHz, and -26.866 dB at 3 GHz. This experimental result shows that the operation of the existing type G connector is marginal at 1.2 GHz and significantly below the acceptable tolerance in actual use at approximately 1.8 GHz. It is well known that the return loss is preferably kept at -30 dB or below, and for CATV applications, a return loss of -20 dB or lower is considered unacceptable.

[0134] Figure 8 A graph 800 showing multiple test signals passing through a radio frequency connector component consistent with the present invention, more specifically using a receptacle component without introducing voids in the electrical insulator, such as using the solid electrical insulator described above and shown in Figures 4A to 4C . As Figure 8 shown, the resulting curve 802 shows a return loss of -24.8545 dB at 1.0 GHz, -24.2817 dB at approximately 1.2 GHz, -26.1735 dB at approximately 1.8 GHz, and -22.0781 dB at 3.0 GHz. Compared with the results of the existing type G connector shown in Figure 7 , this experimental result shows an improvement in performance within the operating ranges of 1.2 GHz and 1.8 GHz. Figure 7 The curve 702 in the graph 700 in Figure 8 is shown in dashed lines for cross-reference with the curve 802.

[0135] Figure 9 A graph 900 showing multiple test signals passing through a radio frequency connector component consistent with the present invention, more specifically using the same as Figures 5A to 5Ea receptacle component consistent with the examples in, and introducing one or more voids in the electrical insulator 570. In this specific example, the electrical insulator 570 includes three voids, each having an inner diameter of 3.6 millimeters and a length of 6 millimeters.

[0136] As Figure 9 shown, the resulting curve 902 exhibits an echo loss of -26.1967 dB at 1.0 GHz, -25.7244 dB at approximately 1.2 GHz, -26.7969 dB at approximately 1.8 GHz, and -20.9934 dB at 3.0 GHz. Relative to the performance of the type G connector shown by curve 702 and relative to the Figure 8 configuration above, this experimental result shows an improvement in performance within the operating ranges of 1.2 GHz and 1.8 GHz.

[0137] Figure 10 A graph 1000 depicting multiple test signals through a radio frequency connector assembly consistent with the present invention, more specifically using a receptacle component consistent with the examples in Figures 5A to 5E and introducing one or more voids in the electrical insulator 570. In this specific example, the electrical insulator 570 includes three voids, each having an inner diameter of 2 millimeters and a length of 6 millimeters.

[0138] As Figure 10 shown, the resulting curve 1002 exhibits an echo loss of -23.6440 dB at 1.0 GHz, -23.0283 dB at approximately 1.2 GHz, -25.0668 dB at approximately 1.8 GHz, and -21.3355 dB at 3.0 GHz.

[0139] This experimental result thus shows that a receptacle component consistent with the present invention can have voids configured or not configured in the electrical insulator and the void size can vary depending on the desired operating frequency. The experimental result also shows that operation at 3.0 GHz can be achieved by field replacing an existing type G connector without disconnecting from the CATV network and / or without modifying the external housing of the CATV amplifier / node.

[0140] The RF connector assembly disclosed according to one aspect of the present invention is used in a housing having a CATV module. The RF connector assembly includes a connector component and a socket component. The connector component has a body including a connector mounting portion and a mating portion, the connector mounting portion being firmly coupled to the CATV module, and the connector component having a first conductor electrically coupled to a circuit within the CATV module. The socket component has a body including a plug-in mounting portion and a jack, the plug-in mounting portion being firmly coupled to the housing, and the jack being provided with a second conductor therein to receive the mating portion and electrically couple the second conductor of the socket component to the first conductor of the connector component. Wherein, the mating portion of the connector component has a first outer diameter OD1, the jack of the socket component has a first inner diameter, the first outer diameter OD1 is equal to or less than the first inner diameter ID1, and the first outer diameter OD1 is at least 10 millimeters.

[0141] The CATV amplifier disclosed according to another aspect of the present invention includes a housing, at least one first coaxial socket, and an amplifier module. The first coaxial socket is coupled to the housing to receive and removably couple to a coaxial cable, and the first coaxial socket further includes a socket component disposed within the housing, the socket component providing a jack having a first inner diameter ID1. The amplifier module is disposed within the housing, and the amplifier module has at least one connector component extending therefrom, the mating portion of the connector component having a first outer diameter OD1. Wherein, the connector component extends into the jack of the socket component to electrically couple the first conductor of the coaxial cable to the circuit of the amplifier module, and the first outer diameter OD1 of the mating portion of the connector component is at least 10.70 millimeters.

Claims

1. A radio frequency (RF) connector assembly for use in a housing having a cable television (CATV) module, characterized in that, The RF connector assembly includes: A connector component having a body including a mounting portion and a mating portion firmly coupled to the CATV module, the connector component having a first conductor electrically coupled to a circuit within the CATV module; And A socket component having a body including a mounting portion firmly coupled to the housing and a jack having a second conductor disposed therein to receive the mating portion of the connector component and electrically couple the second conductor of the socket component to the first conductor of the connector component; Wherein the mating portion of the connector component has a first outer diameter OD1 equal to or less than a first inner diameter ID1 of the jack of the socket component, and wherein the first outer diameter OD1 is at least 10 millimeters (mm); Wherein the socket component further includes an electrical insulator disposed between the second conductor and a sidewall defining the jack; Wherein the electrical insulator includes a first electrical insulating medium, at least one void, and a second electrical insulating medium; Wherein the at least one void is eccentrically disposed relative to the electrical insulator; Wherein the second electrical insulating medium is disposed within the at least one void.

2. The RF connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first outer diameter OD1 of the mating portion of the connector component is 10.76 ± 0.1 millimeters, or the first inner diameter ID1 is 10.76 ± 0.01 millimeters.

3. The RF connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first conductor of the connector component has a second outer diameter OD2 of 1.63 ± 0.01 millimeters.

4. The RF connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second conductor of the socket component has an overall outer diameter ranging from 1.45 millimeters to 1.70 millimeters.

5. The RF connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the electrical insulator of the socket component includes acetal resin.

6. The RF connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first electrical insulating medium and the second electrical insulating medium include different media.

7. The RF connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein based on the first electrical insulating medium and the at least one void, the characteristic impedance of the RF connector assembly is 75 ohms.

8. The RF connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one void has an inner diameter ranging from 1.58 millimeters to 3.175 millimeters.

9. The RF connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one void includes a plurality of voids having the same or different inner diameters relative to each other.

10. The RF connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connector component has a cylindrical shape.

11. The RF connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connector component and the socket component are configured to be detachably coupled together via the jack of the socket component.

12. The RF connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The mating portion of the connector component defines an opening to receive the second conductor of the socket component.

13. The RF connector assembly according to claim 12, wherein, The opening of the connector component has a second inner diameter ID2 ranging from 1.45 millimeters to 1.70 millimeters.

14. The RF connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first electrical insulating medium is solid and the second electrical insulating medium is gas.

15. The RF connector assembly according to claim 14, wherein the second electrical insulating medium is air.

16. A cable television (CATV) amplifier, the CATV amplifier comprising: a housing; at least one first coaxial socket coupled to the housing to receive and removably couple to a coaxial cable, the at least one first coaxial socket further comprising a socket component disposed within the housing, the socket component providing a jack having a first inner diameter ID1; an amplifier module disposed within the housing, the amplifier module having at least a first connector component extending therefrom, the first connector component having a mating portion having a first outer diameter OD1; Among them, the first connector component extending into the jack of the socket component to electrically couple a conductor of the coaxial cable to a circuit of the amplifier module; the first outer diameter OD1 of the mating portion of the connector component being at least 10.70 millimeters; wherein the socket component further comprises an electrical insulator disposed between a second conductor and a sidewall defining the jack; wherein the electrical insulator comprises a first electrical insulating medium, at least one void, and a second electrical insulating medium; wherein the at least one void is eccentrically disposed relative to the electrical insulator; wherein the second electrical insulating medium is disposed within the at least one void; 17. The cable television (CATV) amplifier according to claim 16, wherein the at least one void comprises a plurality of voids having the same or different inner diameters relative to each other.

18. The cable television (CATV) amplifier according to claim 16, wherein the first electrical insulating medium and the second electrical insulating medium comprise different media.

19. The cable television (CATV) amplifier according to claim 18, wherein the first electrical insulating medium is solid and the second electrical insulating medium is gas.

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