Non-contact high power radio frequency connector

Abstract

A radio frequency connector includes a first conductor and a symmetric second conductor. Each conductor has an elongated structure of flat conductive material, each conductor has a length corresponding to 1 / 4 of a nominal frequency of a signal to be coupled, and each conductor is connected at a first end to a coaxial connector and at a second end to a housing. The radio frequency connector can be switched between an on state and an off state, wherein in the off state the first conductor is distanced from the second conductor, and in the on state the first conductor is in close contact with the second conductor such that open sides of the housings of the first and second conductors are oriented against each other and the conductors face each other.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a coaxial radio frequency (RF) connector system which can be connected or disconnected under load. BACKGROUND

[0002] A coaxial radio frequency connector system is disclosed in EP 3300535 A1. This connector system can couple relatively high radio frequency powers of up to several kilowatts. For connecting and / or disconnecting, the power supply has to be switched off. If these connectors are connected or disconnected under load, arcing can occur, which can lead to severe damage of the connectors. Furthermore, there are no precautions to avoid an early connection between the center conductors during connection or a delayed disconnection of the center conductors at disconnection, in particular due to arcing. Center connector contacts without a shield or ground contact can incur a safety risk, as ungrounded sections of the conductor system can be at high voltage. This can be harmful to the person operating the connector.

[0003] A 3 dB directional coupler is disclosed in US 4,754,241 A. The 3 dB directional coupler comprises two sets of striplines which are arranged parallel to each other, close to each other, and with a small gap between the striplines. SUMMARY

[0004] The problem addressed by the present invention is to provide a radio frequency connector system which is able to transmit high radio frequency powers in the range of several kilowatts and which can be safely connected and / or disconnected when a radio frequency voltage is applied to at least one side of the connector system.

[0005] The solution to the problem is described in the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to further improvements of the invention.

[0006] The connector system according to the embodiments is based on a pair of non-contacting couplers. The coupler structure is similar to a 3 dB coupler which has only one input and one output, thus acting as a zero dB coupler. The coupler can be based on stripline technology and can have striplines which have a length of λ1 / 4, which is 1 / 4 of the wavelength of the signal to be coupled. The length can also be a multiple of 1 / 4 of the wavelength. In the connected state, the two striplines are close to each other. In the disconnected state, the striplines can be far away from each other, so that there is no longer any coupling between the striplines. There can be guiding means so that the connection and disconnection process is realized by a linear movement of displacing or shifting the two sets relative to each other. The striplines can be bent or folded at least once or multiple times to reduce the size of the coupler.

[0007] In embodiments, the radio frequency connector comprises two almost symmetrical and / or identical coupler sections. Each coupler section can comprise a conductor. A housing holding the conductor can have a substantially cuboid shape which can have an open side and can form an open cavity having the shape of an elongated passage for the conductor. The shape of the housing can be relatively flat. Typical dimensions can be a length and a width in the range between 20 mm and 300 mm. The height of the housing can be between 3 mm and 50 mm. The dimensions of the housing are determined by the conductor inside the housing which can have a length corresponding to ¼ of the nominal frequency of the signal to be coupled. Each conductor has an elongated structure of flat conductive material. The elongated structure can comprise a strip of copper or brass or even aluminum which can be further coated on its outer surface with a conductive material, e.g. silver or gold. The conductor can have a width in the range between 1 / 100 and 1 / 5 of the length of the conductor and the conductor can have a thickness in the range between 0.5 mm and 5 mm. The width of the conductor can be larger than the thickness of the conductor. The conductor can be arranged in the open cavity of the housing and recessed with respect to the outer surface of the housing. Thus, the conductor can not protrude from the surface of the housing. At a first end, the conductor can be connected to a coaxial connector to provide electrical contact. Instead of a connector, a further stripline or any kind of waveguide can be provided. At a second end of the conductor opposite to the first end, the conductor can be connected to the housing. In particular, the conductor can be connected to a side wall of the housing.

[0008] The radio frequency connector is substantially intended to have the function of a switch and can thus also be considered as a switch coupler. The switch coupler is switched between an ON state and an OFF state. In the OFF state, the first conductor is remote from the second conductor. Remote means that the conductors of the two opposing conductors do not overlap, but the edges of the housing can touch. To achieve a higher degree of isolation, the conductors can be remote from each other without touching each other.

[0009] In the ON state, the first conductor is in close contact and / or close proximity to the second conductor.

[0010] In embodiments where each conductor has a separate housing, the open sides of the housings can be oriented against each other and can be overlapping. This can form a common cavity between the two housings in which the conductors face each other, preferably over the entire length and / or width of the conductors.

[0011] Typically, the conductors do not touch each other. For example, the conductors can be recessed with respect to the surface of the housing. In the ON state, these closely facing conductors provide a non-current coupling for the radio frequency signal. In contrast thereto, in the OFF state, each conductor is a λ / 4 transformer providing a virtual open circuit at the coaxial connector of the conductor.

[0012] In an embodiment, the conductors can be arranged in separate planes, such that in the on-state the planes are parallel. The conductors can be mirror-symmetrical with respect to a symmetry plane between the planes of the conductors. The symmetry plane can be parallel to the planes of the conductors.

[0013] In an embodiment, the conductors have a curved shape. Such a curved shape can comprise angles, bends and edges.

[0014] In an embodiment, in the on-state the conductors can be spaced at a substantially constant distance. Thus, the conductors can never touch and an electrical current insulation between the conductors can be maintained. Due to manufacturing tolerances or due to slight bends for optimizing coupling properties, the conductors can have a slightly varying distance.

[0015] In an embodiment, in the on-state the conductors are spaced at a distance which can be less than 1 / 10 of a nominal wavelength of the signal to be coupled.

[0016] For performing the proper switching function, also a mechanical support structure can be provided which guides the movement of the conductors between the on-state and the off-state. This can be a linear guide system which can comprise linear rails or similar guide structures. Further, the mechanical support structure can provide means to hold the conductors in the on-state and / or in the off-state.

[0017] In an embodiment, each coupler section can be housed in one housing. Each housing can hold one conductor. Further, each housing can have a cuboid shape with open sides forming an open channel, such that each conductor can be located in the open channel. In the on-state, the open sides of the housings are oriented against each other.

[0018] In another embodiment, two coupler sections and thus two conductors are housed in a common housing which holds both conductors. Here, at least one of the conductors is movable within the housing relative to the other conductor. The housing can be completely closed, connecting the conductors only through the two coaxial connectors. In another embodiment, the housing can have one or two open sides, such that the housing can have the shape of a rectangular waveguide.

[0019] The first conductor can be relatively moved with respect to the second conductor. Here, the mechanical support structure can comprise at least one groove, guide rail or (linear) bearing for guiding the first conductor. Also an actuator for moving the first conductor can be provided.

[0020] Further, a shorting element can be provided at the open position of at least one of the conductors. The open position is the position of the conductor in the open state. The shorting element can be configured to provide a capacitive coupling between the at least one conductor and the at least one housing. There can be multiple shorting elements which can be arranged close to multiple sections of one conductor (e.g. in a U-shaped conductor or even more complex conductors). At least one further shorting element can be arranged in parallel to at least one further straight section of one conductor such that in the open position the shorting element is in close proximity to the straight section. Any of the shorting elements can have a dielectric surface coating which can comprise an oxide layer, a powder coating, a lacquer coating or a plastic material.

[0021] In another embodiment, a shorting contact can be provided which provides a galvanic contact between the conductor and ground in the open position. This contact can be spring loaded. The shorting contact can be configured such that it only contacts the conductor in the final open position and not during movement between the conductors. This allows for a switching process which does not involve a galvanic contact, while the galvanic contact is only a safety feature.

[0022] In an embodiment, the conductors are arranged to be laterally slidable with respect to each other in the plane of at least one of the open sides. Both open sides can be in the same plane. This provides a well-defined transition between the on-state and the off-state. Basically, the conductors can be movable in any direction as long as they are in close proximity in the on-state and far apart in the off-state. Alternatively, the conductors can be relatively rotated with respect to each other. The on-position can be the position where the conductors overlap with the same orientation and the off-position can be the position where the conductors are angled, e.g. 90 degrees or 180 degrees.

[0023] In another embodiment, each conductor has a U-shape. Such a U-shape can comprise a first straight section and a second straight section parallel to the first straight section. The straight sections can be interconnected by a cross section. The U-shape is advantageous as it reduces the overall length of the coupler. The U-shape is basically a two fold bent coupler. In further embodiments, the coupler can have a linear structure without bends, or the coupler can have multiple bends, e.g. three or four or more bends. A larger number of bends further reduces the size, which can be advantageous for lower frequencies.

[0024] In an embodiment, the conductors are arranged to be slidable perpendicular to the straight sections. Such a perpendicular movement provides a very smooth transition without having electric field peaks which can cause arcing during switching at high power levels.

[0025] In embodiments, a sealing strip and / or a gasket can be provided at the open side of the housing or of at least one coupler segment, or at both coupler segments, to improve the electrical contact between the coupler segments.

[0026] In embodiments, at least one matching plate or matching structure can be provided between the conductors of the coupler segments and the housing. The distance of such matching plates to the conductors is adjustable. The matching plates can comprise a dielectric material or a conductive material electrically connected to the housing. Such matching plates can be used to adjust the impedance of the conductors and / or the frequency response of the conductors.

[0027] In embodiments, at least one adjustment rod is provided, which can be configured to bend at least one of the conductors to modify the distance between the conductors. This can help to optimize the structure and to compensate for manufacturing tolerances. The at least one adjustment rod can comprise a dielectric material. The adjustment rod can also comprise an external thread that matches a threaded hole of the housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] In the following, examples of embodiments of the application will be described by way of example and without limitation with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 A coupler segment of a first embodiment is shown.

[0030] Figure 2 A complete radio frequency connector is shown.

[0031] Figure 3 A side view of a first coupler segment and a second coupler segment in a mated state is shown.

[0032] Figure 4 A basic topology of a two fold coupler is shown.

[0033] Figure 5 A single wire coupler is disclosed.

[0034] Figure 6 A three fold coupler is shown.

[0035] Figure 7 A four fold coupler is shown.

[0036] Figure 8 A second embodiment in a disconnected state is shown.

[0037] Figure 9 A second embodiment in a connected state is shown.

[0038] Figure 10 A side view of a second embodiment is shown.

[0039] Figure 11 The basic topology of a double coupler is shown.

[0040] Figure 12 A single line coupler is disclosed.

[0041] Figure 13 A triple coupler is shown.

[0042] Figure 14 A quadruple coupler is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Figures 1 to 7 Reference is made to the first embodiment.

[0044] In Figure 1 In the middle, a coupler section 200 is shown. In a complete connector, preferably two identical sections are arranged symmetrically. Here, the first coupler section 200 is described in detail. The coupler section 200 comprises a housing 210 holding a conductor 220. The conductor is located in an open cavity 212 that is slightly recessed below the surface of the housing 210, so that the conductor does not protrude to the outside of the housing. The housing can be made of solid metal or any other suitable electrically conductive material, forming a cavity 212 for the conductor. In the embodiment shown in this figure, the cavity 212 has a U-shape for holding a U-shaped conductor. This U-shape is chosen to reduce the length of the housing. The conductor thus has a first straight section 222 and a second straight section 224 that are coupled by a cross section 223. The cross section 223 can have a chamfered edge to minimize reflections. The conductor 220 has an overall length that comprises the first straight section 222, the cross section 223 and the second straight section 224. The overall length of all sections is about 1 / 4 or a multiple of 1 / 4 of the wavelength of the signal to be transmitted. The conductor 220 has a short circuit to the section housing 210 at one end, at a short circuit end 228 of the conductor 220. At the opposite end, the conductor 220 has a connector section 221 that can be connected to a coaxial connector 240.

[0045] Furthermore, matching components can be provided, for example, a first matching plate 231 and / or a second matching plate 233. These matching plates are optional and can be adjusted so that the coupler provides a desired impedance, for example, 50 Ohm, in a desired frequency range. The coupler can be designed for any operating frequency in the range between 10 Megahertz and 10 Gigahertz. The length of the conductor has to be matched accordingly. The relative operating bandwidth can be between 2% and 20% of the nominal bandwidth, for which the length of the conductor is designed.

[0046] Figure 2A complete radio frequency connector 100 is shown comprising a first coupler section 200 and a second coupler section 300. The internal structure of the first coupler section 200 and the second coupler section 300 is identical. Thus, the first coupler section 200 and the second coupler section 300 have identical cavities 212, identical conductors 220, and the first coupler section 200 and the second coupler section 300 can also have identical matching plates 231, 233. Both couplers can be mechanically coupled by a housing (not shown) or by a guide system or by any other suitable coupling means. Here, for example, a first guide rail 170 and a second guide rail 180 are shown. The guide rails can be essentially identical. Here, the second guide rail 180 has a first guide slot 182 and a second guide slot 184. The first guide rail 170 can have identical slots. Furthermore, the second coupler section 300 can have a pair of pins comprising a first guide pin 382 that can be guided by the first guide slot 182 and a second guide pin 384 that can be guided by the second guide slot 184. This pin and slot mechanism allows the second coupler section 300 to be slid in a direction 190 towards and over the first coupler section such that the second coupler section 300 can completely cover the first coupler section. In the configuration as shown, the first coupler section 200 and the second coupler section 300 are far away from each other such that there is no coupling between the coupler sections. After the second coupler section 300 has been moved over the first coupler section 200 in the direction 190 such that the second coupler section 300 completely covers the first coupler section 200, there is a good coupling with very low coupling losses.

[0047] Because this radio frequency connector 100 is symmetrical, the coaxial connector at the first coupler section 200 or the coaxial connector at the second coupler section 300 can be used as input while the other one can be used as output.

[0048] This configuration essentially allows two different states: a conductive state, in which the coupler sections cover each other, and a disconnected state, in which the coupler sections are far away. This can be used to switch signals and / or radio frequency power. Because the coupling is currentless contact, the switching also does not interrupt the mechanical contact. Thus, there is no contact and there is no arcing. Furthermore, the connection has very low passive intermodulation.

[0049] Figure 3A side view of the first and second coupler sections 200, 300 in the mated state is shown, wherein the coupler sections cover each other. Shown here is that due to the symmetric arrangement, above the position of the second coaxial connector 340 of the second coupler section 300 is the short circuit at the short circuit end 228 of the conductor 220 of the first coupler section 200. Further, it is shown that the conductor 220 of the first coupler section 200 is slightly further away from the conductor 320 of the second coupler section 300. Due to the recessed position of the conductors in the cavity, a gap remains between the conductors. This leads to a non-contacting coupling between the coupler sections. Here, the coupler sections are held by the housing 110, which can also allow the coupler sections to slide relative to each other. The matching plate can have a support, for example, the support 234 at the matching plate 233. This support can allow a height adjustment in order to move the matching plate closer or further away from the conductor 220. The support 234 can comprise a dielectric material. The support 234 can also comprise a thread.

[0050] Further, at least one adjustment rod can be included, for example, the first adjustment rod 235 at the first conductor 220 and the second adjustment rod 236 at the second conductor 320. There can be multiple adjustment rods. The adjustment rods can be configured to bend at least one of the conductors to modify the distance between the conductors.

[0051] Figure 4 The basic topology of a double coupler 420 is shown schematically, as described above.

[0052] In Figure 5 , the single wire coupler 410 is a variant of the double coupler 420 shown above, but based on the same coupling principle. Such a coupler can be used at shorter wavelengths corresponding to higher frequencies, where it is not necessary to fold the wire to reduce the length of the coupler.

[0053] Figure 6 A triple coupler 430 is shown, wherein the wire is folded into three sections. This allows a further reduction of the space, in particular for lower frequencies.

[0054] Figure 7 The basic idea of a quadruple coupler 440 is shown, which is similar to the couplers shown before, but wherein the wire is folded four times to further reduce the size of the coupler.

[0055] Figures 8 to 14 A second embodiment is involved which is very similar to the first embodiment, so only the differences are explained.

[0056] In Figure 8In the middle, the second embodiment is shown in the off state. In this embodiment, the first coupler section 200, the symmetrical second coupler section 300 are held in a common housing 510. To switch between the off state and the on state, at least one of the coupler sections is moved within the common housing relative to the other coupler section. In the off state shown in this figure, the first coupler section 200 is displaced, e.g. displaced upwards, such that the first conductor 220 of the first coupler section 200 is distanced from the second conductor 320 of the second coupler section 300, e.g. does not overlap the second conductor 320 of the second coupler section 300. Furthermore, at least one of the conductors can be close to the shorting element 230 such that there is a capacitive coupling between the common housing 510 and the at least one of the conductors via the shorting element 230. There can be multiple shorting elements which can be arranged close to multiple sections which can be straight sections of the conductors in the position of the off state.

[0057] The first conductor 220 comprises a first straight section 222, a transverse section 223 and a second straight section 224. The total length of all sections is about 1 / 4 of the wavelength of the signal to be transmitted or a multiple of 1 / 4 of the wavelength of the signal to be transmitted. The first conductor 220 has a shorting to the housing 510 at its shorting end 228. At the opposite end, the first conductor 220 has a connector section 221 which can be connected to a coaxial connector 240.

[0058] To operate the switch, the first conductor 220 can be moved relatively to the second conductor 320. As long as such a relative movement is provided, it does not matter which conductor is actually moved and which conductor is in a fixed position. Even both conductors can be moved simultaneously.

[0059] To make the first conductor 220 movable relative to the fixed second conductor 320, the connector section 221 can comprise a stretchable wire, the length of which can be variable. Such a stretchable wire can have a first circular conductor which is slidably located within a larger second circular conductor. Between the first and the second circular conductor there can be a radial contact spring. The stretchable wire can also comprise two flat conductors which can be slidable relative to each other, which can be galvanic or capacitive contact. Furthermore, a sliding contact 239 can be provided at the shorting end 228 of the first conductor 220 for the shorting connection to the housing 510. The sliding contact can comprise at least one contact spring which can comprise a contact material, e.g. brass or steel or any other suitable material, and which can have an electrically conductive surface which can comprise a contact material, e.g. silver or gold.

[0060] The first conductor 220 can be supported by a guide block 237 which can have means for slidably guiding the first conductor 220. The guide block 237 can have a groove in which the first conductor 220 can slide. The guide block 237 can also support and stabilize the second conductor 320. The guide block can comprise a dielectric material to prevent short circuits between the conductors and to ground. The shorted end 228 of the first conductor 220 can be slidably guided in a groove 238 on or in the housing 510. To move the first conductor 220 an actuator 250 can be provided. This actuator 250 can be a rod of dielectric material. The actuator 250 can allow the first conductor 220 to move, for example, in a linearly moving manner. The actuator 250 can be manually operated or driven by a motor (not shown). When the motor is not moving, the motor can hold the first conductor in its actual position. The actuator can also comprise a gear or a gear rod or any other suitable means for performing a linear motion.

[0061] The first conductor 220 can be located Figure 8 between the open position, in which the conductors are far away from each other, and the closed position, in which the conductors are close to each other. Figure 9

[0062] The second conductor 320 comprises a first straight section 322, a cross section 323 and a second straight section 324. The total length of all sections is about ¼ of the wavelength of the signal to be transmitted or a multiple of ¼ of the wavelength of the signal to be transmitted. The second conductor 320 has a short 328 to the housing 510 at one end. At the opposite end, the second conductor 320 has a connector section 321 which can be connected to a coaxial connector 340. The length of the connector section 321 can be variable.

[0063] In Figure 9 the second embodiment is shown in the closed state. In this state, the first coupler section 200 is in close proximity to the second coupler section 300 such that the conductors 220, 320 face each other.

[0064] Figure 10 A side view of the second embodiment is shown. Figure 10 It is shown that in the closed state the conductors 220, 320 face each other resulting in a small gap between the conductors.

[0065] Figure 11 The basic topology of the double coupler 520 is shown schematically as described above. Here, for the sake of clarity, only one conductor is shown. The second conductor is symmetrical to the first conductor. In the following only one conductor is shown as well.

[0066] In Figure 12 ​In the middle, the single-line coupler 510 is a variant of the double coupler 520 shown above, but based on the same coupling principle. Such a coupler can be used at shorter wavelengths corresponding to higher frequencies, where it is not necessary to fold the line to reduce the length of the coupler.

[0067] Figure 13 A triple coupler 530 is shown, in which the line is folded into three sections. This allows a further reduction of the space, in particular for lower frequencies.

[0068] Figure 14 The basic idea of a quadruple coupler 540 is shown, which is similar to the couplers shown before, but in which the line is folded four times to further reduce the size of the coupler.

[0069] List of reference signs

[0070] 100 radio frequency connector

[0071] 110 housing

[0072] 170 first guide rail

[0073] 180 second guide rail

[0074] 182 first guide slot

[0075] 184 second guide slot

[0076] 190 movement direction

[0077] 200 first coupler section

[0078] 210 first section housing

[0079] 212 cavity

[0080] 220 first conductor

[0081] 221 connector section

[0082] 222 first straight section

[0083] 223 cross section

[0084] 224 second straight section

[0085] 228 shorted end of the conductor

[0086] 230 shorting element

[0087] 231 first matching plate

[0088] 233 second matching plate

[0089] 234 matching plate support

[0090] 235 adjustment bar at first conductor

[0091] 236 adjustment bar at second conductor

[0092] 237 guide block

[0093] 238 guide groove

[0094] 239 sliding contact

[0095] 240 first coaxial connector

[0096] 250 actuator

[0097] 300 second coupler section

[0098] 310 second section housing

[0099] 320 second conductor

[0100] 321 connector section

[0101] 322 first straight section

[0102] 323 cross section

[0103] 324 second straight section

[0104] 328 short circuit

[0105] 340 second coaxial connector

[0106] 382 first guide pin

[0107] 384 second guide pin

[0108] 410 single line coupler

[0109] 420 double coupler

[0110] 430 triple coupler

[0111] 440 quadruple coupler

[0112] 510 common housing

[0113] 512 cavity

Claims

1. A radio frequency connector, the radio frequency connector comprising a first coupler section, a second coupler section symmetrical to the first coupler section, and a common housing, wherein, The first coupler section includes a first conductor, and the second coupler section includes a second conductor. Wherein, each of the first conductor and the second conductor: Including elongated structures of flat conductive materials, It is recessed relative to the outer surface of the common housing. It has a length corresponding to 1 / 4 or a multiple of 1 / 4 of the nominal wavelength of the signal to be coupled. Connect the conductor to the coaxial connector at the first end, and The conductor is connected to the common housing at its second end. The radio frequency connector is configured to switch between an on state and an off state by moving one of the first conductor and the second conductor relative to the other of the first conductor and the second conductor. In the disconnected state, the first conductor is away from the second conductor, and In the conducting state, the first conductor is close to the second conductor, such that the first conductor and the second conductor face each other, and The radio frequency connector includes a mechanical support structure configured to guide relative movement between a corresponding on position corresponding to the on state and a corresponding off position corresponding to the off state, and configured to hold the first conductor and the second conductor in the positions. The radio frequency connector includes at least one actuator configured to move the first conductor. Both the first conductor and the second conductor are housed within the common housing that holds both the first conductor and the second conductor.

2. The RF connector of claim 1, further comprising at least one capacitive shorting element located at an open position of at least one of the first conductor and the second conductor and configured to provide capacitive coupling between the at least one of the first conductor and the second conductor and the common housing.

3. The RF connector of claim 1, further comprising at least one current shorting element located at an open position of at least one of the first conductor and the second conductor and configured to provide a current short circuit between the at least one of the first conductor and the second conductor and the common housing.

4. The RF connector according to claim 1, wherein, The first conductor and the second conductor are arranged to slide laterally and are parallel to each other, and / or the first conductor and the second conductor are arranged to slide perpendicular to the straight sections of the first conductor and the second conductor.

5. The RF connector according to claim 1, in, In the conducting state: each of the first conductor and the second conductor is arranged on a separate corresponding plane, the separate corresponding planes of the first conductor and the second conductor are parallel, and the plane of symmetry between the first conductor and the second conductor with respect to the separate corresponding planes is mirror-symmetric. Wherein, the plane of symmetry is parallel to the individual corresponding plane, and / or the first conductor and the second conductor are spaced at a constant distance.

6. The RF connector according to claim 1, wherein, In the on state: The distance between the first conductor and the second conductor is less than 1 / 10 of the nominal wavelength of the signal to be coupled.

7. The RF connector according to claim 6, wherein, Each of the first conductor and the second conductor has a curved shape.

8. The RF connector according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first conductor and the second conductor has an I-shaped or U-shaped form.

9. The RF connector according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first conductor and the second conductor is a flat conductor and has a first straight segment and at least one second straight segment parallel to the first straight segment, wherein each of the existing straight segments is interconnected with an adjacent straight segment of the existing straight segment via a transverse segment.

10. The RF connector of claim 1, further comprising at least one mating plate between the common housing and the conductors of the first conductor and the second conductor, the at least one mating plate being adjustable to change the distance between the at least one mating plate and the conductors of the first conductor and the second conductor.

11. The RF connector according to claim 10, wherein, The at least one matching plate may include a dielectric material or a conductive material electrically connected to the common housing.

12. The RF connector of claim 1, further comprising at least one adjusting rod configured to bend at least one of the first conductor and the second conductor to modify the distance between the first conductor and the second conductor.

13. The RF connector according to claim 12, wherein, The at least one adjusting rod comprises a dielectric material.

Images