Proximity RF Connector (PRF)

Abstract

According to one or more embodiments, a proximity radio frequency connector (14) is provided for electromagnetic coupling of a first circuit board (36) with a second circuit board (24). The proximity radio frequency connector (14) includes: a housing (30) that defines an external mounting surface and an internal void opposite the external mounting surface, the housing (30) being mountable to the second circuit board (24) and the housing (30) being movable in at least one direction of a direction perpendicular to and a tangential direction with respect to the second circuit board (24); a proximity circuit board (34) that is mountable to the external mounting surface of the housing (30); and a coupling first transmission line (39) for electromagnetic coupling of a signal to the first circuit board (36) when the first circuit board (36) approaches the proximity circuit board (34).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a radio frequency (RF) connector for a wireless communication system, and in particular, to a proximity RF connector (PRF) for a wireless communication system. Background Art

[0002] Some wireless communication systems employ advanced antenna systems (AAS) and other antenna configurations that rely on the connection between the antenna and the filter output port. These connections are typically provided by cables and connectors, and recently, blind mate connectors with plugs (such as MBX, efficient board connectors (EBC), or subminiature push-on (SMP) connectors) have been used.

[0003] These cable / connectors allow the antenna to be separated from the radio / filter in case of problems with the filter or the antenna. However, in AAS solutions with many sub-arrays and transceivers, small cables and connectors may be required. These small connectors and cables may cause passive intermodulation (PIM), which is a non-linear effect that causes signal distortion and may reduce network reliability, data rate, capacity, etc. in a wireless device system (such as a frequency division duplex (FDD) AAS system). Summary of the Invention

[0004] Some embodiments advantageously provide a proximity radio frequency connector. In particular, the connection between the antenna and the filter is provided by a combination of a side-coupled transmission line for signals and a capacitive coupling for ground, which has a flexible transmission line that allows mechanical tolerances and also allows the antenna and the filter to be separated from each other. In one or more embodiments, a proximity radio frequency (RF) connector uses a coupled connection or a non-metallic contact between the antenna and the filter such that there is no physical connection between the antenna and the filter, i.e., a tight engagement but no physical / mechanical metal connection for transmitting signals from the filter to the antenna, such that there can be physical contact, but there is a thin dielectric layer separating the metal from the filter side and the metal from the antenna side such that there is no metal-to-metal contact.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a proximity radio frequency connector for electromagnetically coupling a first circuit board to a second circuit board is provided. The proximity radio frequency connector includes a housing that defines an external mounting surface and an internal void opposite the external mounting surface. The housing is mountable to the second proximity circuit board, wherein the housing is movable in at least one of a direction perpendicular to and a direction tangential to the second circuit board. The proximity radio frequency connector includes a proximity circuit board that is mountable to the external mounting surface of the housing, wherein the proximity circuit board includes a coupling first transmission line configured to electromagnetically couple a signal to the first circuit board when the first circuit board approaches the proximity circuit board.

[0006] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the proximity radio frequency connector includes a second transmission line located in the internal void, the second transmission line being configured to electrically connect the second circuit board to the proximity circuit board. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the second transmission line is a flexible transmission line configured to bend in response to movement of the housing. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the flexible transmission line is suspended within the internal void at least in part by physically connecting the flexible transmission line to the proximity circuit board and the second circuit board.

[0007] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the flexible transmission line includes a signal conductor and a ground conductor. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the proximity radio frequency connector includes a dielectric located between the signal conductor and the ground conductor. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the proximity radio frequency connector includes a spring mechanism configured to bias the housing in at least one of a direction perpendicular to and a direction tangential to the proximity circuit board. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the spring mechanism includes at least one leaf spring.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the spring mechanism includes a plurality of spring clips configured to keep the spring mechanism in a stressed state before the housing is removably pressed against the first circuit board. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the proximity circuit board is configured to be removably pressed against the first circuit board by the spring mechanism. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the housing includes at least one housing alignment element that can cooperate with at least one alignment element of the first circuit board, wherein the housing alignment element is configured to position the coupling first transmission line of the proximity circuit board in a predefined orientation relative to a third transmission line on the first circuit board. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the second circuit board is a filter circuit board and the first circuit board is an antenna circuit board.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a proximity radio frequency connector for electrically connecting a filter circuit board of a network node to an antenna circuit board is provided. The proximity radio frequency connector includes a housing that defines an external mounting surface and an internal void opposite the external mounting surface, wherein the housing is mountable to the filter circuit board and the housing is movable in at least one of a direction perpendicular to and a tangential direction to the filter circuit board. The proximity radio frequency connector includes a proximity circuit board that is mountable to the external mounting surface of the housing, wherein the proximity circuit board includes a coupling first transmission line for electromagnetically coupling a signal to the antenna circuit board when the antenna circuit board approaches the proximity circuit board.

[0010] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the proximity radio frequency connector includes a second transmission line located in the internal void, wherein the second transmission line is configured to electrically connect the filter circuit board to the proximity circuit board. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the second transmission line is a flexible transmission line configured to bend in response to movement of the housing. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the flexible transmission line is suspended within the internal void at least in part by physically connecting the flexible transmission line to the proximity circuit board and the filter circuit board.

[0011] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the flexible transmission line includes a signal conductor, a ground conductor, and a dielectric, wherein the dielectric is located between the signal conductor and the ground conductor. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the proximity radio frequency connector includes a spring mechanism configured to bias the housing in at least one of a direction perpendicular to and a tangential direction to the proximity circuit board. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the spring mechanism includes at least one leaf spring. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the spring mechanism includes a plurality of spring clips configured to keep the spring mechanism in a stressed state before the housing is removably pressed against the antenna circuit board.

[0012] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the proximity circuit board is configured to be removably pressed against the antenna circuit board by the spring mechanism. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the housing includes at least one housing alignment element that can cooperate with at least one alignment element of the antenna circuit board, wherein the housing alignment element is configured to position the coupling first transmission line of the proximity circuit board in a predefined orientation relative to a third transmission line on the antenna circuit board.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a proximity radio frequency connector for electromagnetic coupling a first circuit board of an antenna system to a second circuit board is provided. The proximity radio frequency connector includes a flexible transmission line that is at least partially suspended by a spring mechanism, wherein the flexible transmission line is configured to electrically connect the first circuit board to the second circuit board. The proximity radio frequency connector further includes a first proximity circuit board that includes a first coupled transmission line for electromagnetically coupling a signal to the first circuit board when the first proximity circuit board is close to the first circuit board.

[0014] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the spring mechanism is configured to bias the first proximity circuit board in a direction perpendicular to the first proximity circuit board. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the proximity radio frequency connector includes a second proximity circuit board that includes a second coupled transmission line for electromagnetically coupling the signal from the second circuit board when the second proximity circuit board is close to the second circuit board.

[0015] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the proximity radio frequency connector includes a housing that defines an external mounting surface and an internal void opposite the external mounting surface, wherein the housing can be mounted to the second circuit board, and wherein the housing can move in at least one of a direction perpendicular to the second circuit board and a tangential direction. The first proximity circuit board can be mounted to the external mounting surface of the housing. The flexible transmission line is suspended within the internal void at least in part by physically connecting the flexible transmission line to the first proximity circuit board and the second circuit board. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the flexible transmission line is configured to bend in response to movement of the housing. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the proximity radio frequency connector includes a spring mechanism configured to bias the housing in at least one of a direction perpendicular to the first proximity circuit board and a tangential direction.

[0016] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the spring mechanism includes at least one leaf spring. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the spring mechanism includes a plurality of spring clips configured to keep the spring mechanism in a stressed state before the housing is removably pressed against the first circuit board. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first proximity circuit board is configured to be removably pressed against the first circuit board by the spring mechanism.

[0017] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the housing includes at least one housing alignment element that can cooperate with at least one alignment element of the first circuit board, wherein the housing alignment element is configured to position the coupling transmission line of the first proximity circuit board in a predefined orientation relative to the second transmission line on the first circuit board. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the second circuit board is a filter circuit board and the first circuit board is an antenna circuit board. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the flexible transmission line includes a signal conductor, a ground conductor, and a dielectric, and the dielectric is located between the signal conductor and the ground conductor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and their attendant advantages and features will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a part of an antenna system according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a proximity RF connector according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 3 is an exploded view of an exemplary proximity RF connector and filter section according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 4 is another exploded view of an exemplary proximity RF connector and filter section according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a proximity RF connector and filter section according to the principles of the present disclosure, wherein the proximity RF connector is fixed to the filter section;

[0024] Figure 6 is another perspective view of a proximity RF connector and filter section according to the principles of the present disclosure, wherein the proximity RF connector is fixed to the filter section;

[0025] Figure 7 is a front view of a proximity RF connector and filter section according to the principles of the present disclosure, wherein the proximity RF connector is fixed to the filter section;

[0026] Figure 8 is a rear view of a proximity RF connector and filter section according to the principles of the present disclosure, wherein the proximity RF connector is fixed to the filter section;

[0027] Figure 9Is a right side view of a proximity RF connector and a filter section according to the principles of the present disclosure, wherein the proximity RF connector is fixed to the filter section;

[0028] Figure 10 Is a left side view of a proximity RF connector and a filter section according to the principles of the present disclosure, wherein the proximity RF connector is fixed to the filter section;

[0029] Figure 11 Is a top view of a proximity RF connector and a filter section according to the principles of the present disclosure, wherein the proximity RF connector is fixed to the filter section;

[0030] Figure 12 Is a bottom view of a proximity RF connector and a filter section according to the principles of the present disclosure, wherein the proximity RF connector is fixed to the filter section;

[0031] Figure 13 Is a cross-sectional view of another example of a part of a system according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 14 Is a cross-sectional view of yet another example of a part of an antenna system according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 15 Is according to the principles of the present disclosure Figure 13 Top view of an example of; and

[0034] Figure 16 Is according to the principles of the present disclosure Figure 13 Side view of an example of. Detailed Description

[0035] Before describing the exemplary embodiments in detail, note that the embodiments mainly reside in the combination of device components related to a proximity radio frequency (RF) connector (PRF). Accordingly, the components are represented by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details that are readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art who benefit from the description herein.

[0036] As used herein, relational terms such as "first" and "second", "top" and "bottom" may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element, and do not necessarily require or imply any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements. The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the concepts described herein. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will also be understood that when used herein, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0037] In the embodiments described herein, connection terms such as "communicate with" may be used to indicate electrical or data communication, which can be achieved, for example, by physical contact, induction, electromagnetic radiation, wireless signaling, infrared signaling, or optical signaling. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that multiple components can interoperate, and modifications and variations can be made to achieve electrical and data communication.

[0038] In some embodiments described herein, the terms "coupled", "connected", etc. may be used herein to indicate a connection (although not necessarily direct) and may include a wired connection and / or a wireless connection.

[0039] The term "network node" as used herein can be any type of network node included in a radio network, which can also include any of the following: base station (BS), radio base station, base transceiver station (BTS), base station controller (BSC), radio network controller (RNC), g-node B (gNB), evolved node B (eNB or eNodeB), node B, multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node (e.g., MSR BS), multi-cell / multicast coordination entity (MCE), integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, relay node, donor node controlling the relay, radio access point (AP), transmission point, transmission node, remote radio unit (RRU), remote radio head (RRH), core network node (e.g., mobility management entity (MME), self-organizing network (SON) node, coordination node, positioning node, MDT node, etc.), external node (e.g., third-party node, node external to the current network), node in a distributed antenna system (DAS), spectrum access system (SAS) node, element management system (EMS), etc. The network node can also include test equipment. The term "radio node" as used herein can also be used to denote a wireless device (WD), such as a wireless device (WD) or a radio network node.

[0040] Note that although one or more embodiments described herein may be applicable to a particular wireless system (e.g., a 3GPP LTE-based system and / or a New Radio (NR) base system), this should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure to only the above systems. Other wireless systems (including but not limited to Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), etc.) may also benefit from the concepts covered by this disclosure.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will also be understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0042] Some embodiments provide a Proximity RF Connector (PRF) for a wireless communication system. In particular, the proximity RF connector described herein advantageously provides one or more of the following: very low PIM, allows for mechanical tolerances between antennas, filters, and other radio components, a blind mate separable interface, and a short overall length / dimension.

[0043] Now referring to the drawings, in which like elements are referred to by like reference numerals, a cross-sectional view of a portion of an antenna system 10 (System 10) is shown in Figure 1 In one or more embodiments, the antenna system 10 may be part of a network node. System 10 includes a filter section 12, a proximity RF connector 14, and an antenna section 16 (not shown). The filter section 12 generally provides signal filtering / processing capabilities, where signal pins 18 receive one or more signals for filtering and ultimately transmission via the antenna section 16. In one or more embodiments, the signal pins 18 are located within a Teflon cylinder 20. In one or more embodiments, the signal pins 18 and the Teflon cylinder 20 form a 50-ohm impedance coaxial transmission line for insertion into a cylindrical hole in a filter circuit board 24. The filter section 12 includes a connector ground mounting surface 22 on which the filter circuit board 24 may be mounted. In one or more embodiments, the signal traces / transmission lines of the filter circuit board 24 may be soldered to the coaxial signal pins 18, where the transmission lines of the filter circuit board 24 may be connected to a flexible transmission line (not shown) as described herein. The filter circuit board 24 may provide one or more output filtered / processed signals to the proximity RF connector 14. In one or more embodiments, the filter circuit board 24 may be a filter output Printed Circuit Board (PCB).

[0044] The proximity RF connector 14 may include one or more spring mechanisms 26 (collectively referred to as spring mechanisms 26), and the spring mechanisms 26 may be mounted and / or removably fixed to the filter circuit board 24 by one or more mounting screws 28. The spring mechanisms 26 are configured to bias the housing 30 in at least one direction among a direction perpendicular to and a tangential direction to the filter circuit board 24 and / or another circuit board discussed herein. The spring mechanisms 26 may include one or more leaf spring clips 27 (the one or more leaf spring clips 27 are removably fixed to the filter circuit board 24 via one or more mounting screws 28), and they are configured to keep the spring mechanisms 26 in a stressed state before the housing 30 is removably pressed against the antenna portion 16. For example, the proximity circuit board 34 (i.e., the moving part / component close to the RF connector 14) and the housing 30 (i.e., another moving part / component close to the RF connector 14) may be pushed flat against the antenna circuit board 36 by the spring mechanisms 26 (such as leaf springs, spring bronze leaf springs, etc.). In one example, the spring mechanisms 26 allow a movement of 0.75 millimeters or approximately 0.75 millimeters perpendicular to the filter circuit board 24. In one example, the spring mechanisms 26 allow the housing 30 and the proximity circuit board 24 to move in all directions (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis) in 3D space.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the leaf spring clips 27 may hold the moving or movable parts (i.e., the housing 30, the proximity circuit board 34) in a nominal position before installing the proximity RF connector 14. In one or more embodiments, the mounting screws 28 may be plastic or non-metallic screws, although other attachment mechanisms / fixing components may be used according to the teachings of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the spring mechanisms 26 are made of non-metallic materials and / or spring bronze, etc.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, the housing 30 defines an outer mounting surface 32 and an internal void (not shown) opposite the outer mounting surface 32. The proximity RF connector 14 further includes a proximity circuit board 34 that can be mounted to the outer mounting surface 32 of the housing 30. The proximity circuit board 34 includes coupled transmission lines (not shown) for electromagnetically coupling signals to the antenna circuit board 36 when the antenna circuit board 36 is at least one of proximate to or tangent to the proximity circuit board 34. In one or more embodiments, a soldermask (not shown) can be placed / disposed between the antenna circuit board 36 and the proximity circuit board 34, for example to physically separate the two boards. Additionally, the housing 30 includes one or more housing alignment elements 38 that can mate with at least one alignment element of the antenna circuit board 36 such that the housing alignment elements 38 position the coupled transmission lines of the proximity circuit board 34 in a predefined orientation relative to the transmission lines (not shown) of the antenna circuit board 36 such that the proximity RF connector 14 of the system 10 electromagnetically couples signals to the antenna portion 16 for transmission. For example, the housing alignment elements 38 can be pins or pin-shaped and are configured to align the housing 30 and the proximity circuit board 34 with the antenna circuit board 36. In one or more embodiments, the housing 30 and the housing alignment elements 38 that are part of the housing 30 are made of a plastic material. Additionally, although one or more embodiments described herein relate to one or more circuit boards, the one or more circuit boards can be replaced with a mechanical arrangement of metal conductors and non-metallic insulating dielectric components configured to provide the communication functions of the one or more circuit boards.

[0047] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the proximity RF connector 14 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. In particular, the proximity circuit board 34 includes coupled transmission lines 39 for coupling electromagnetic energy or signals to the coupled transmission lines of the antenna circuit board 36. In particular, the proximity RF connector 14 has a blind mate separable interface (i.e., the side of the proximity circuit board 34 that physically contacts the antenna portion). In one or more embodiments, the size of the blind mate separable interface can be 20 millimeters by 20 millimeters, which is a size configured for a center frequency of 2 gigahertz (GHz). However, other sizes and / or center frequencies and / or frequency bands can be configured in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 3is an exploded view of an exemplary proximity RF connector 14 and filter section 12 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The proximity RF connector 14 includes one or more flexible transmission lines 40, and the one or more flexible transmission lines 40 may include one or more ground conductors and one or more signal conductors (collectively referred to as conductors 42). One or more impedance elements 44 may be used to provide impedance matching and / or impedance for the flexible transmission lines 40 over a frequency range. In one or more embodiments, the impedance element 44 is a super molded and / or flexible PCB. In one or more embodiments, the flexible transmission lines 40 may be formed of one or more of super molded spring bronze, flexible PCB, etc.

[0049] In particular, the proximity RF connector 14 may include components that are fixed or movable after the proximity RF connector 14 is assembled or mounted to the filter section 12. For example, the top component of the proximity RF connector 14 is the proximity circuit board 34, and the proximity circuit board 34 is a movable or moveable component / assembly that includes signal traces / transmission lines 39 that are laterally coupled to the antenna circuit board 36 and an electrical ground that is capacitively coupled to the electrical ground of the antenna circuit board 36. The antenna circuit board 36 and the proximity circuit board 34 are physically separated by a solder mask (not shown). Additionally, the proximity circuit board 34 ground and signal traces are connected to the filter circuit board 24 via the flexible transmission lines 40.

[0050] By implementing proximity coupling via one or more proximity circuit boards 34, compared to separable existing RF connection mechanisms, Figure 3 the example allows for very low PIM generation. That is, although soldering all the electrical components in an existing antenna to the filter connection mechanism can provide very low PIM generation, in the case where troubleshooting must be performed, this soldering prevents the antenna section 16 from being separated from the radio / filter section 12. On the other hand, existing RF connectors that allow the antenna section 16 to be separated from the filter section 12 suffer from the problem of high PIM generation. Thus, the Figure 3 example described herein and other examples advantageously allow for very low PIM generation that is at least comparable to the above-described all-soldered solution while still providing the flexibility to be able to separate the antenna section 16 from the filter section 12 when problems need to be troubleshot and / or compensate for / allow for manufacturing variations (i.e., one or more of the flexible transmission lines 40, housing alignment elements 38, and spring mechanisms 26 allow for mechanical three-dimensional tolerances between the antenna section 16, filter section 12, and other radio components of the system 10).

[0051] Figure 4 is another exploded view of an exemplary proximity RF connector 14 and filter section 12 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. Although like reference indicators generally refer to the same elements,Figure 4 The examples in have some specific design differences. Starting with the filter section 12, the top component of the filter that performs the processing / filtering function is shown for reference purposes. The spring mechanism 26 is provided by a separate leaf spring, and one or more fixing clips 48 can be used to fix the spring mechanism 26 to the filter circuit board 24. Additionally, the flexible transmission line 39 can be provided by a flexible PCB and a supermolded conductor 42. In one or more embodiments, one end of the flexible transmission line 39 is soldered to the connection element 50b for physical and electrical connection to the filter circuit board 24, while the other end of the flexible transmission line 39 is soldered to another connection element 50a for electrical and physical connection to the proximity circuit board 34, where the flexible transmission line 40 is configured to bend in response to movement of the housing 30, thereby allowing the housing 30 to move while maintaining electrical and physical connections. One or more of the following can be performed during assembly: soldering the signal pins 18 to the filter circuit board 24, soldering both ends of the flexible transmission line 39, and soldering the proximity circuit board 34. In one or more embodiments, the soldering is silver / tin soldering. In one example, the connection element 50a mates with a portion of the proximity circuit board 34 such that a portion of the connection element 50 can be soldered at the soldering location 52. Thus, once assembled and fixed to the top component of the filter 46 by the mounting screws 28 or other fixing elements, the filter circuit board 24 can be regarded as a fixed component relative to the top component of the filter 46, while the housing 30 and the proximity circuit board 34 are regarded as moving components relative to the top component of the filter 46. However, in one or more embodiments, the soldering connection between the filter circuit board 24 and the proximity RF connector 14 can be replaced with a coupling connection based on the proximity circuit board 34 such that the proximity RF connector 14 includes two or more proximity circuit boards 34 to provide two or more instances of electromagnetic coupling signals.

[0052] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the proximity RF connector 14 and the filter section 12 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, where the proximity RF connector 14 is fixed to the filter section 12.

[0053] Figure 6 is another perspective view of the proximity RF connector 14 and the filter section 12 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, where the proximity RF connector 14 is fixed to the filter section 12. In particular, the connection element 50a is shown fixed to the proximity circuit board 34 at the via soldering location 52.

[0054] Figure 7 is a front view of the proximity RF connector 14 and the filter section 12 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, where the proximity RF connector 14 is fixed to the filter section 12.

[0055] Figure 8 is a rear view of the proximity RF connector 14 and the filter section 12 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, where the proximity RF connector 14 is secured to the filter section 12.

[0056] Figure 9 is a right side view of the proximity RF connector 14 and the filter section 12 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, where the proximity RF connector 14 is secured to the filter section 12.

[0057] Figure 10 is a left side view of the proximity RF connector 14 and the filter section 12 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, where the proximity RF connector 14 is secured to the filter section 12.

[0058] Figure 11 is a top view of the proximity RF connector 14 and the filter section 12 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, where the proximity RF connector 14 is secured to the filter section 12.

[0059] Figure 12 is a bottom view of the proximity RF connector 14 and the filter section 12 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, where the proximity RF connector 14 is secured to the filter section 12. In particular, the filter circuit board 24 includes a solder location 53, which can be at least partially defined by a hole or via through which a portion of the connection element 50b can be inserted, for example to allow the connection element 50b to be soldered to the filter circuit board 24.

[0060] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of another example of a portion of the antenna system 10 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The system 10 includes a filter section 12, a proximity RF connector 14, and an antenna section 16. The filter section 12 includes a connector ground mounting surface 22 and a solder mask 54 located on the connector ground mounting surface 22. The filter circuit board 24 is placed or mounted on the solder mask 54, where the signal pins 18 are inserted through the filter circuit board 24, similar to Figure 3 the example of. However, the filter circuit board 24 is now configured to clamp a portion of the flexible transmission line 40 (i.e., clamp one end of the flexible transmission line 40), where the remaining portion of the flexible transmission line 40 extends through the filter circuit board 24, as Figure 13 shown. The signal pins 18 can be soldered at the solder location 55, which can at least partially secure the filter circuit board 24 and / or the clamped portion of the flexible transmission line 40 to the connector ground mounting surface 22 and / or the filter section 12.

[0061] Another portion of the flexible transmission line (e.g., the other end of the flexible transmission line 40) is clamped by the proximity circuit board 34. The proximity circuit board 34 including the coupled transmission line 39 can be electrically connected to the flexible transmission line 40 via one or more vias. Additionally, Figure 13 The example of Figure 13 differs from the previous examples described herein because this example does not rely on the housing 30, but rather the spring mechanism 26 directly biases the proximity circuit board 34 in at least one of a direction perpendicular to and a tangential direction to the proximity circuit board 34. For example, the spring mechanism 26 biases the proximity circuit board 24 towards the antenna circuit board 36, e.g., to cause the coupled transmission lines 39 to be closely adjacent to the coupled transmission lines 58 of the antenna circuit board 36 in a predefined orientation relative to each other. In the

[0062] flexible transmission line 40 configuration of Figure 3 a portion of the flexible transmission line 40 between the proximity circuit board 34 and the filter circuit board 24 is allowed to bend in response to movement of the proximity circuit board 34. In one or more embodiments, a soldermask 56 is provided / positioned between the antenna circuit board 36 and the proximity circuit board 34. In particular, the soldermask 56 can physically separate the coupled transmission line 39 of the proximity circuit board 34 from the coupled transmission line 58 of the antenna circuit board 36, e.g., to prevent physical electrical contact while still allowing electromagnetic coupling between the transmission lines 39 and 58. Although this example of the antenna system 10 may not rely on the housing 30, in one or more embodiments, this example can include a housing similar to the housing 30 that can be placed under one or more boards for alignment and can operate with the spring mechanism.

[0062] During installation and / or configuration, the antenna circuit board 36 can be removably placed or mounted on the proximity circuit board 34, where one or more alignment elements (not shown) similar to the male / female alignment elements shown in Figure 3 can be used. In one or more embodiments, the antenna circuit board 36 can be pressed against the proximity circuit board 34 such that the antenna circuit board 36 is biased to keep the spring mechanism 26 in a stressed state. Thus, for example, if the antenna circuit board 36 needs to be removed, the antenna circuit board 36 can be moved away from the proximity circuit board 34.

[0063] Figure 14 FIG. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of yet another example that is part of the system 10 according to the principles of the present disclosure. The system 10 includes a filter section 12, a proximity RF connector 14, and an antenna section 16. Figure 14 The antenna system 10 in Figure 13 differs from the example of Figure 13is clamped as in the example). The proximity circuit board 60 includes a coupled transmission line 64 and is placed on the solder mask 56. In one or more embodiments, the solder mask 56 is clamped between the proximity circuit board 60 and the filter circuit board 24 such that the solder mask 56 physically separates the proximity circuit board 60 from the board 24.

[0064] The filter circuit board 24 includes a coupled transmission line 62 configured to electromagnetically couple a signal from the signal pin 18 to the proximity circuit board 60. In particular, the signal from the signal pin 18 is electrically transmitted to the coupled transmission line 62 via a transmission line (i.e., a PCB trace) 61 and one or more vias. For example, the pin 18 may be physically and electrically connected to the transmission line 61, and the transmission line 61 is physically and electrically connected to the coupled transmission line 62.

[0065] Figure 15 is in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure Figure 13 top view of an example of. Figure 16 is in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure Figure 13 side view of an example of.

[0066] Thus, one or more embodiments and / or one or more examples described herein advantageously provide a proximity RF connector 14 between the antenna portion 16 (e.g., an AAS antenna) and the filter portion 12 (e.g., a radio / filter). The proximity RF connector 14 is capable of replacing existing connector solutions, such as other blind mate connectors and RF plugs. In one or more embodiments, the proximity RF connector 14 includes spring-loaded moving components (i.e., the housing 30, the spring mechanism 26) and non-moving components connected to the filter output, and the spring-loaded moving components have laterally coupled transmission line signal connections and capacitively coupled ground connections. There is a flexible transmission line 40 between the moving component (e.g., the housing) and the non-moving component (e.g., the filter circuit board 24).

[0067] Abbreviation Description

[0068] AAS Advanced Antenna System

[0069] FDD Frequency Division Duplexing

[0070] HRET Hybrid Remote Electrical Tilt

[0071] PIM Passive Intermodulation

[0072] RET Remote Electrical

[0073] TDD Time Division Duplexing

[0074] WCDMA Wideband Code Division Multiple Access

[0075] tilt

[0076] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the concepts described herein can be embodied as methods, such as manufacturing methods.

[0077] Numerous different embodiments have been disclosed herein in connection with the above description and drawings. It will be understood that literally describing and showing every combination and sub - combination of these embodiments would be overly repetitive and confusing. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any manner and / or combination, and this specification, including the drawings, will be interpreted as constituting a complete written description of all combinations and sub - combinations of the embodiments described herein, and the manner and process of making and using them, and will support claims to any such combination or sub - combination.

[0078] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described herein are not limited to what has been specifically shown and described above. Further, unless the contrary is mentioned above, it should be noted that not all of the drawings are to scale. Various modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A proximity RF connector (14) for electromagnetically coupling a first circuit board (36) to a second circuit board (24), the proximity RF connector (14) comprising: A housing (30) defining an outer mounting surface and an inner void opposite the outer mounting surface, the housing (30) being mountable to the second circuit board (24), the housing (30) being movable in at least one of a direction perpendicular to and a tangential direction to the second circuit board (24); And A proximity circuit board (34) mountable to the outer mounting surface of the housing (30), the proximity circuit board (34) including a coupled first transmission line (39) for electromagnetically coupling a signal to the first circuit board (36) when the first circuit board (36) approaches the proximity circuit board (34); Wherein the second circuit board (24) is a filter circuit board and the first circuit board (36) is an antenna circuit board.

2. The proximity radio frequency connector (14) according to claim 1 further comprises: A second transmission line (40) located in the inner void, the second transmission line (40) being configured to electrically connect the second circuit board (24) to the proximity circuit board (34).

3. The proximity radio frequency connector according to claim 2, wherein, The second transmission line (40) is a flexible transmission line configured to bend in response to movement of the housing (30).

4. The proximity radio frequency connector according to claim 3, wherein, The flexible transmission line (40) is suspended within the inner void at least in part by physically connecting the flexible transmission line (40) to the proximity circuit board (34) and the second circuit board (24).

5. The proximity radio frequency connector according to claim 3, wherein, The flexible transmission line (40) includes a signal conductor (42) and a ground conductor (42).

6. The proximity RF connector according to claim 5 further comprises: A dielectric located between the signal conductor (42) and the ground conductor (42).

7. The proximity radio frequency connector according to claim 1 further comprises: A spring mechanism (26) configured to bias the housing (30) in at least one of a direction perpendicular to and a tangential direction to the proximity circuit board (34).

8. The proximity radio frequency connector according to claim 7, wherein, The spring mechanism (26) includes at least one leaf spring.

9. The proximity radio frequency connector according to claim 7, wherein, The spring mechanism (26) includes a plurality of spring clips (27) configured to hold the spring mechanism (26) in a stressed state before the housing (30) is removably pressed against the first circuit board (36).

10. The proximity radio frequency connector according to claim 7, wherein, The proximity circuit board (34) is configured to be removably pressed against the first circuit board (36) by the spring mechanism (26).

11. The proximity radio frequency connector according to claim 1, wherein, The housing (30) includes at least one housing alignment element (38) that can cooperate with at least one alignment element (38) of the first circuit board (36), the housing (30) alignment element being configured to position the coupled first transmission line (39) of the proximity circuit board relative to a third transmission line on the first circuit board (36) in a predefined orientation.

12. A proximity RF connector for electrically connecting a filter circuit board (24) of a network node to an antenna circuit board (36), the proximity RF connector comprising: A housing (30) that defines an outer mounting surface and an inner void opposite the outer mounting surface, the housing (30) being mountable to the filter circuit board (24), the housing (30) being movable in at least one of a direction perpendicular to and a tangential direction with respect to the filter circuit board (24); and A proximity circuit board (34) that is mountable to the outer mounting surface of the housing (30), the proximity circuit board (34) including a coupling first transmission line (39) configured to electromagnetically couple a signal to the antenna circuit board (36) when the antenna circuit board (36) is in proximity to the proximity circuit board (34).

13. The proximity radio frequency connector according to claim 12, further comprising: A second transmission line (40) located within the inner void, the second transmission line (40) being configured to electrically connect the filter circuit board (24) to the proximity circuit board (34).

14. The proximity radio frequency connector according to claim 13, wherein, The second transmission line (40) is a flexible transmission line configured to bend in response to movement of the housing (30).

15. The proximity radio frequency connector according to claim 14, wherein, The flexible transmission line (40) is suspended within the inner void at least in part by physically connecting the flexible transmission line (40) to the proximity circuit board (34) and the filter circuit board (24).

16. The proximity radio frequency connector according to claim 14, wherein, The flexible transmission line (40) includes a signal conductor (42), a ground conductor (42), and a dielectric located between the signal conductor (42) and the ground conductor (42).

17. The proximity radio frequency connector according to claim 12, further comprising: A spring mechanism (26) configured to bias the housing (30) in at least one of a direction perpendicular to and a tangential direction with respect to the proximity circuit board (34).

18. The proximity radio frequency connector according to claim 17, wherein, The spring mechanism (26) includes at least one leaf spring.

19. The proximity radio frequency connector according to claim 17, wherein, The spring mechanism (26) includes a plurality of spring clips (27) configured to hold the spring mechanism (26) in a stressed state before the housing (30) is removably pressed against the antenna circuit board (36).

20. The proximity radio frequency connector according to claim 17, wherein, The proximity circuit board (34) is configured to be removably pressed against the antenna circuit board (36) by the spring mechanism (26).

21. The proximity radio frequency connector according to claim 12, wherein, The housing (30) includes at least one housing alignment element (38) that is capable of mating with at least one alignment element of the antenna circuit board (36), the housing alignment element (38) being configured to position the coupling first transmission line (39) of the proximity circuit board (34) in a predefined orientation with respect to a third transmission line on the antenna circuit board (36).

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