Double-conductor cable adapter

Abstract

Various aspects and embodiments of a transitional cable adapter are described. One example cable adapter includes an adapter insert and a housing surrounding the adapter insert. The adapter insert includes two conductive perforations. The conductive via includes a first via length, a second via length, and a transition between the first and second lengths. In one example, the conductive via includes a conductive liner on the inner surface. The first perforation length can be formed to a first diameter of a first standard dimension for a first conductor, and the second perforation length can be formed to a second diameter of a second standard dimension for a second conductor. The improved transition provided by the adapter can reduce signal reflections, reduce interference and crosstalk, reduce distortion, increase signal-to-noise ratio, and increase bandwidth in transitions between different diameter conductors, such as different diameter conductors in a biaxial cable.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 390,638, filed on July 20, 2022, entitled “Dual Conductor Cable Adapter,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Background Art

[0003] The amount of data processed by computers, computing systems and computing environments continues to increase. For example, a data center can include hundreds of network systems and computing systems and subsystems interconnected by optical fiber cables, copper cables and various connectors, cable assemblies and termination structures therebetween. The throughput of these interconnected data is high and has been increasing. As an example, many data centers contain a combination of 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) network interfaces, 25GbE network interfaces, 50GbE network interfaces and 100GbE network interfaces and interconnections. 200GbE, 400GbE and 800GbE interconnection technologies are also being developed and deployed. However, a series of different interconnection solutions can be used for data communication, and other interconnection solutions rely on 56 Gigabits per second (Gb / s) network interfaces and 112Gb / s network interfaces and interconnections, while 224Gb / s interconnection technologies are being developed. Between these interconnection solutions, a series of different modulation techniques and protocols are relied on, and four-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) is an example modulation technique used in 112Gb / s network interconnections. Summary of the invention

[0004] Aspects and embodiments of a cable adapter that provides a transition are described. For example, the improved transition provided by the cable adapter can reduce signal reflections, reduce interference and crosstalk, reduce distortion, increase signal-to-noise ratio, and increase bandwidth in transitions between conductors of different diameters, such as conductors of different diameters in a twinax cable.

[0005] An example transitional cable adapter includes an adapter insert and a housing surrounding the adapter insert. The adapter insert includes a conductive penetration having a first penetration length for a first conductor, a second penetration length for a second conductor, and a transition between the first penetration length and the second penetration length. The first penetration length of the conductive penetration can be formed to a first diameter of a first standard size for the first conductor, and the second penetration length of the conductive penetration can be formed to a second diameter of a second standard size for the second conductor. The adapter insert can also include a plurality of conductive penetrations, such as two or more, wherein each conductive penetration includes a first diameter of a first standard size for the first conductor and a second diameter of a second standard size for the second conductor.

[0006] In other aspects of various embodiments, the transition between the first through-hole length of the conductive through-hole and the second through-hole length of the conductive through-hole can be located between a front surface of the adapter plug and a rear surface of the adapter plug. In some cases, the transition between the first through-hole length of the conductive through-hole and the second through-hole length of the conductive through-hole can include a gradual through-hole length. The gradual through-hole length can have a gradual diameter, wherein the gradual diameter gradually changes from a first diameter of the first through-hole length to a second diameter of the second through-hole length.

[0007] The conductive through-hole can include a lining of a conductive material on the inner surface of the through-hole within the adapter insert. The conductive lining can include a lining of at least one layer of a metal or metal alloy. The adapter insert can also include a lining of a conductive material on an area of ​​an outer surface of the adapter insert. The adapter housing can also be formed of a metal or metal alloy. The inner surface of the housing can contact and electrically connect to the lining of conductive material on the area of ​​the outer surface of the adapter insert.

[0008] In other aspects of the embodiments, the housing can include a gap, and the adapter insert can include an interlocking feature sized to fit within the housing gap to secure and position the adapter insert with the housing. The housing can also include a first detent on a first side of the housing and a second detent on a second side of the housing for positioning and securing a connector to the housing.

[0009] In other examples, an adapter for a transition of a cable includes an adapter plug and a housing surrounding the adapter plug. The adapter plug includes a conductive transition. The conductive transition includes a first conductive length for a first conductor, a second conductive length for a second conductor, and a transition between the first conductive length and the second conductive length. The transition between the first conductive length and the second conductive length can include a gradient width from a first width of the first conductive length to a second width of the second conductive length.

[0010] In other aspects, the adapter plug further includes a printed circuit board (PCB), and the first conductive length, the second conductive length, and the transition are formed as traces on a first side of the PCB. The PCB can include a ground plane on a second side of the PCB, and the first conductive length, the second conductive length, and the transition can be formed as microstrip traces on the first side of the PCB. The adapter plug can also include an air gap below the PCB.

[0011] Various cable assemblies are also described. In one example, a cable assembly includes a cable and a transitional cable adapter at one end of the cable. As described herein, the transitional cable adapter includes an adapter insert and a housing surrounding the adapter insert. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Many aspects of the present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, but emphasis is placed on clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. In addition, in the drawings, similar reference numerals throughout the several views represent corresponding parts.

[0013] Figure 1A A perspective view of an example cable is shown according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 1B The various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 1A A front view of an example cable is shown.

[0015] Figure 2A An example cable adapter according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown between two cables having conductors of different gauges.

[0016] Figure 2B An example cable adapter is shown between a cable and a cable connector according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 3AA front perspective view of a cable adapter according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figure 3B The various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 3A A rear perspective view of the cable adapter is shown.

[0019] Figure 4A The various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 3A A perspective view of an adapter insert of the cable adapter is shown.

[0020] Figure 4B The various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 4A A cutaway view of the adapter insert is shown.

[0021] Figure 5 A cut-away view of another adapter insert according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 6 The various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 3A A cable adapter is shown with a cutaway view of a cable.

[0023] Figure 7 A front perspective view of another cable adapter according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0024] Figure 8 The various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 7 A cable adapter is shown with a cutaway view of a cable.

[0025] Fig. 9 The various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 2B A perspective view of the cable adapter is shown along with components of a cable and a connector.

[0026] Fig.10 A front perspective view of another cable adapter according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0027] Fig.11 The various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Fig.10 A perspective view of the cable adapter is shown along with components of a cable and a connector.

[0028] Fig.12 The various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Fig.10 A cutaway view of the various components of the cable adapter, cable, and connector are shown.

[0029] Fig.13An example electrical connection between conductors of a cable and pins of a connector to be located within a cable adapter is shown in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Fig.14 Another example electrical connection between conductors of a cable and pins of a connector within a cable adapter is shown in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig.15 A cutaway view of another cable adapter according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0032] Fig.16 A cutaway view of another cable adapter according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] As described above, the amount of data processed by computers, computing systems, and computing environments continues to increase. Data centers can include hundreds of network systems and computing systems interconnected using fiber optic cables, copper cables, and various connectors, cable assemblies, and termination structures between them. Data is often carried on these cables using radio frequency (RF) signals at microwave frequencies. A range of different interconnect technologies can be relied upon in data centers, such as die-to-die, die-to-optical engine, chip-to-module, chip-to-chip on the same printed circuit board (PCB), chip-to-chip on different PCBs, and other interconnects. In order to achieve higher throughput, some interface technologies use direct-attached copper cables (DACs), active optical cables (AOCs) interconnect solutions, etc.

[0034] The design of cables, connectors, and interconnects for microwave signals is an important consideration for maintaining the high (and increasing) data throughput required in data centers and other systems. In this case, the transition between conductors in multiple cables should be carefully considered and designed. Many different electrical and mechanical arrangements have been proposed to maintain the bandwidth for microwave signals at the transition. For example, even a carefully designed transition will impart electrical discontinuities, impedance or permittivity mismatches, and other mismatches at the junction between conductor-to-conductor transitions. The degree of mismatch depends on several factors, including mechanical and electrical changes at the transition between the conductors of multiple cables. Any impedance or permittivity mismatch at the transition can cause signal reflections, near-end and far-end interference and crosstalk, distortion, signal noise, reduced bandwidth, and other problems. In addition, the difference between the signal path and the ground return path can cause electromagnetic wave distortion, distortion, and another source of parasitic mode propagation. The concepts and embodiments described herein are designed to reduce the effects of the above-mentioned unwanted transitions and other unwanted effects.

[0035] In the sections set forth above, various aspects and embodiments of a cable adapter are described. An example cable adapter includes an adapter plug and a housing surrounding the adapter plug. The adapter plug includes two conductive transitions or perforations. The conductive perforations include a first perforation length, a second perforation length, and a transition between the first and second lengths. In one example, the conductive perforations include a conductive lining on an inner surface. The first perforation length can be formed to a first diameter of a first standard size for a first conductor, and the second perforation length can be formed to a second diameter of a second standard size for a second conductor. The improved transition provided by the adapter can reduce signal reflections, reduce interference and crosstalk, reduce distortion, increase signal-to-noise ratio, and increase bandwidth in transitions between conductors of different diameters, such as conductors of different diameters in a twinax cable.

[0036] Turning to the attached figure, Figure 1A A perspective view of an example cable 10 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, and Figure 1B Show Figure 1A A front view of the cable 10 is shown. The cable 10 is provided as an example of an electrical interconnect capable of transmitting or propagating a high throughput data signal. The cable 10 is shown as a representative example and is not drawn to a particular scale or size. The shape, size, ratio, or other characteristics of the cable 10 may vary from that shown. For example, the standard size of the conductors in the cable 10 (e.g., American Wire Gauge (AWG)) and other characteristics of the cable 10 may vary. In addition, in some cases one or more of the components of the cable 10, such as a shield, a shielding conductor, or one of the other components, may be omitted, and the cable 10 may also include Figure 1A and Figure 1B Other parts or components not shown.

[0037] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B 1 , the cable 10 includes a first inner conductor 20, a second inner conductor 22, a dielectric insulator 30, a first shield 40, a second shield 42, a first shield conductor 50, a second shield conductor 52, and a jacket 60. The cable 10 is similar to a coaxial cable but includes two inner conductors 20, 22 instead of a single inner conductor. With two inner conductors, the cable 10 is an example of a twinaxial or twinax cable. For example, a twinax cable such as the cable 10 can be used in short-range high-speed differential data signal transmission applications, but the cable 10 can be relied upon in a range of data interconnect applications.

[0038] The conductors 20, 22 can be embodied as copper conductors, copper clad steel conductors, or conductors formed of other metals. In some cases, the conductors 20, 22 can include an outer surface coating of silver or other metal. As an example, the conductors 20, 22 can have a range of standard sizes such as between 22-34 AWG, but the cable 10 can include conductors of other standard sizes. As an example, data signals can be differentially coupled to the conductors 20, 22, but the cable 10 can be used to communicate data using a range of modulation and signal transmission techniques. Additional aspects of the conductors 20, 22 will be described later.

[0039] The dielectric insulator 30 can be embodied as a core of a dielectric insulating material. By way of example, the dielectric insulator 30 can be embodied as a solid or low density polyethylene (PE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), conductive PE or PTFE, fluoropolymers or other plastic or insulating materials. Example dielectric constants (Dk) of the dielectric insulator 30 can be in the range of 1.5-3, but the cable 10 is not limited to any particular type or properties of insulating material. As shown, the conductors 20, 22 are located within the dielectric insulator 30. The distance or spacing between the outer surface of the conductors 20, 22 and the outer surface of the dielectric insulator 30 (i.e., at the junction between the dielectric insulator 30 and the first shield 40) can vary in the cable 10.

[0040] The first shield 40 can be embodied as a thin layer of conductive material such as aluminum, copper or other conductive shields. In the example shown, the first shield 40 is located on and covers the outer surface of the dielectric insulator 30. The first and second shielding conductors 50, 52 can be embodied as aluminum, copper or other conductors. As a number of examples, the shielding conductors 50, 52 can have a range of standard sizes, but the shielding conductors 50, 52 are generally a larger standard size (i.e., smaller diameter) than the conductors 20, 22. The second shield 42 can be embodied as a thin layer of conductive material such as aluminum, copper or other conductive shields. In the example shown, the second shield 42 wraps around the first shield 40 and the two shielding conductors 50, 52, wherein the two shielding conductors 50, 52 are located between the first and second shields 40, 42. The two shielding conductors 50, 52 are in contact with and electrically connected to the first and second shields 40, 42. Jacket 60 may be embodied in any suitable material capable of protecting cable 10 and allowing sufficient flexibility for cable 10, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane, chlorinated polyethylene, or other thermoplastic, thermoset, or related materials.

[0041] By definition and as understood in the art, the diameter D of the two conductors 20, 22 can vary depending on the standard size of the conductors 20, 22 used in the cable 10. The relative position of the two conductors 20, 22 (e.g., spacing P), the overall size of the cable 10 (e.g., thickness, width, etc.), and other aspects of the cable 10 can also vary with the standard size of the two conductors 20, 22. Thus, another cable similar to the cable 10 but including two conductors of a different standard size compared to the conductors 20, 22 can have two conductors that are not spatially aligned with the conductors 20, 22. A different cable can have two conductors of different diameters D, a different spacing P between the two conductors, a different size, shape or pattern of a dielectric insulator, different locations and sizes of shielding conductors, and other differences compared to the cable 10. For example, these differences in size and other aspects can present challenges when designing an interface between the cable 10 and another cable of similar style but having two conductors of a different standard size (e.g., another twinaxial cable), especially at the transition between them. Similarly, a connector designed for electrical connection at one end of cable 10 may not be appropriately sized or dimensioned for use with a cable of similar style but having two conductors of a different standard size.

[0042] In general, the cable 10 can be electrically connected at one end and terminated or transitioned to another cable or connector in a variety of ways. When such termination or transition includes impedance or dielectric constant mismatches and other mismatches, unwanted or undesirable effects may be imparted to data signals communicated on the cable 10. These effects may include signal reflections, near-end and far-end interference and crosstalk, distortion, signal noise, reduced bandwidth, and other problems.

[0043] In the sections set forth above, as an example, the cable adapters described herein provide a solution for improved termination and transition between the end of a cable 10 and other cables, adapters, or points of transition or termination. As an example, the cable adapters described herein provide a solution for improved termination or transition between two different twinaxial cables including center conductors of different standard sizes. Figure 2AAn example cable adapter 100 is shown. The cable adapter 100 is interposed and electrically coupled between the cable 10 and a cable 10A. For example, the cable 10 includes two conductors of a first standard size, such as 26, 28, or 29 AWG, and the cable 10A includes two conductors of a second standard size, such as 31 AWG. Because the 31 AWG conductors in the cable 10A have a smaller diameter than the 26, 28, or 29 AWG conductors in the cable 10, the two conductors of the cable 10A are not spatially aligned with the two conductors of the cable 10. In particular, the two conductors in the cable 10A are offset in spacing, position, and overall size relative to the two conductors in the cable 10. As described in further detail below, the cable adapter 100 includes an insert having one or more conductive transitions. The conductive transitions provide an electromagnetic transition with a low impedance or dielectric constant mismatch between the two conductors in the cable 10 and the two conductors in the cable 10A.

[0044] Figure 2B An example cable adapter 200 is shown. The cable adapter 200 is interposed and electrically connected between the cable 10 and a connector 70. The connector 70 is shown in a representative example. Figure 2B . The connector 70 is not drawn to a particular scale or size, and the size, shape, and style of the connectors described herein can vary relative to the examples shown. In some cases, one or more features or components of the connector 70 and other connectors described herein can be omitted. In other cases, the connector 70 and other cable connectors described herein can include other features or components. In the example shown, the connector 70 includes a pin slider 71 and a connector base 72. As shown in FIG. Figure 2B As shown, the connector base 72 can be seated around the end of a housing of the cable adapter 200 and rest against detents that protrude from the housing.

[0045] For example, cable 10 includes two conductors of a first standard size, such as 26, 28, or 29 AWG, and connector 70, as described in further detail below, includes pins or conductors 73, 74 of a certain size and spacing. Because the size and spacing of the two conductors in cable 10A are different than the size and spacing of the pins 73, 74 of connector 70, the conductors of cable 10A are not spatially aligned with the pins 73, 74 of connector 70. The two conductors in cable 10A are offset in spacing, position, and overall size relative to the pins 73, 74 of connector 70. As described in further detail below, cable adapter 200 includes an insert having one or more conductive transitions. The conductive transitions provide an electromagnetic transition with a low impedance or dielectric constant mismatch between the two conductors in cable 10 and the two conductors in cable 10A. Other examples of cable adapters having conductive transitions are described herein.

[0046] Figure 3A A front perspective view of a cable adapter 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3B A rear perspective view of the cable adapter 100 is shown. The cable adapter 100 is shown in a representative example. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The cable adapter 100 is not drawn to a particular scale or size, and the size, shape, and style of the cable adapters described herein can vary relative to the examples shown. In some cases, one or more features or components of the cable adapter 100 and other cable adapters described herein can be omitted. In other cases, the cable adapter 100 and other cable adapters described herein can include other features or components.

[0047] Reference Figure 3A and Figure 3B 1 , the cable adapter 100 includes a housing 110 and an adapter plug 140 within the housing 110. The housing 110 can be formed of a conductive metal such as aluminum, copper, or other conductive metal or metal alloy. As shown, the housing 110 wraps around and surrounds the adapter plug 140 over at least some surfaces or areas of the adapter plug 140 for impedance control and crosstalk isolation. In some cases, the housing 110 can include a conductive plating layer on an outer surface thereof. The adapter plug 140 can be formed of a dielectric insulating material such as a fluoropolymer, PE, PTFE, or other plastic or other insulating material. An example Dk of the dielectric insulator can be in the range of 1.5-3, but the adapter plug 140 is not limited to any particular type or characteristic of insulating material.

[0048] The housing 110 encloses the adapter insert 140. The housing 110 can surround the adapter insert 140 along the longitudinal axis L of the cable adapter 100 or along at least some length or segment of the longitudinal axis L. However, in all cases, the housing 110 may not surround the adapter insert 140 along the entire length of the cable adapter 100, and at least some length or segment of the longitudinal axis L. Figure 3A In the example shown, the housing 110 includes a gap 112. As shown, a locking feature of the adapter insert 140 is located within the gap 112, and that feature will be described in further detail below.

[0049] The housing 110 includes a first casing area 102 and a second casing area 104, wherein a first opening is at one end of the first casing area 102 and a second opening is at one end of the second casing area 104. As shown, the outer shape of the housing 110 (i.e., taken on a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L of the cable adapter 100) is rectangular in shape with curved corners, but the outer shape of the housing 110 can vary. The outer shape of the first casing area 102 is relatively smaller than the outer shape of the second casing area 104, so that the opening at one end of the first casing area 102 is smaller than the opening at one end of the second casing area 104. The second casing area 104 is sized to be large enough for a cable, such as the cable 10, to be partially inserted into the rear of the housing 110, whereby the cable 10 can be fastened to the cable adapter 100.

[0050] like Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the housing 110 includes a recess 150 on one side of the second cover area 104 and a similar recess on the other side of the housing 110. The recess 150 can provide a surface for gripping the cable adapter 100. On the inner surface of the housing 110, the recess 150 can also provide a surface for crimping or affixing a cable adapter such as a cable adapter 100. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The shield conductors 50, 52 of the cable 10 are shown as surfaces of shield conductors of a twin-axial cable.

[0051] like Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the housing 110 also includes a detent 152 on one side of the first covering area 102 and a similar detent on the other side of the housing 110. The detent 152 can provide a stop for securing a cable connector around the front end of the housing 110. Additional features of the housing 110 will be described later.

[0052] The adapter plug 140 includes a front surface 142 and a rear surface 144. The adapter plug 140 also includes through-holes 146, 148 extending from the front surface 142 to the rear surface 144. Thus, the adapter plug 140 includes two openings at the front surface 142 for the through-holes 146, 148 and two openings at the rear surface 144 for the through-holes 146, 148. Figure 3A and Figure 3BAs shown, the perforations 146, 148 are circular and are for inserting two conductors into the perforations 146, 148 as will be described in further detail later. The perforations 146, 148 can be formed at least in part in other shapes, and examples of other shapes and patterns of the two perforations will be described later. In other examples, the adapter plug 140 can include additional perforations, such as three, four, or more perforations each similar to the perforations 146, 148. As will be described later, the perforations 146, 148 can include a lining of a conductive material.

[0053] The perforations 146, 148 include a transition from a first diameter D1 (see Figure 3A ) or dimension at the front surface 142 to a second diameter D2 (see Figure 3B ) or dimension at the rear surface 144. Thus, the perforations 146, 148 are conductive transitions in the adapter plug 140. In the example shown, the size of the opening at the front surface 142 is smaller in diameter than the size of the opening at the rear surface 144 (i.e., D1 < D2). The perforations 146, 148 also include a conductive lining on at least one region or length of the inner surface of the perforations 146, 148 within the adapter plug 140. These and other aspects of the adapter plug 140 will be described later with reference to Figure 4A and Figure 4B description.

[0054] The adapter plug 140 extends within the housing 110 from the front of the cable adapter 100 where the front surface 142 is coplanar with the leading edge of the housing 110 as shown in Figure 3A to a position within the housing. The rear surface 144 of the adapter plug 140 does not extend to be coplanar with the trailing edge of the housing 110. Instead, as shown in Figure 3B , the rear surface 144 is recessed from the trailing edge of the housing 110. Thus, for example, the cable 10 can be inserted into the housing 110 at the rear of the housing 110, and at the rear of the housing 110, the cable 10 can be fastened to the cable adapter 100. In some cases, the adapter plug 140 can be short along the longitudinal axis L such that the front surface 142 of the adapter plug 140 is not coplanar with the leading edge of the housing 110. In that case, the front surface 142 can be recessed from the leading edge of the housing 110. Another cable can be inserted into the housing 110 at the front of the housing 110, and at the front of the housing 110, the other cable can be fastened to the cable adapter 100. In other cases, a connector of another style similar to the connector 70 shown in Figure 2B can be fastened to the cable adapter 100 at the front of the housing 110. The connector base 72 of the connector 70 (see Figure 2B ) can sit around the front portion of the housing 110 and lean against the pawl 152 protruding from the housing 110.

[0055] Figure 4A Shown for Figure 3A A perspective view of the adapter plug 140 of the cable adapter 100 is shown. Figure 4B Show Figure 4A 1. A cutaway view of the adapter insert 140 is shown. The adapter insert 140 is sized and shaped to fit within the housing 110 with only a minimal gap (e.g., almost no air gap) between the adapter insert 140 and the housing 110. The adapter insert 140 can be inserted into the housing 110 from the rear of the housing 110. The adapter insert 140 includes a first adapter region 160 and a second adapter region 162. As shown, the outer shape of the first adapter region 160 (i.e., taken in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L of the adapter insert 140) is rectangular in shape with curved corners, but the outer shape of the first adapter region 160 can vary. As shown, the outer shape of the second adapter region 162 is rectangular in shape with two semi-circular sides, but the outer shape of the second adapter region 162 can vary. The outer shape of the first adapter region 160 is relatively smaller than the outer shape of the second adapter region 162. The adapter insert 140 also includes an interlocking feature 141, which can be formed as a ridge extending along at least a portion of the bottom of the adapter insert 140. Figure 3A As shown, the interlocking feature 141 is sized and shaped to fit within the gap 112 of the housing 110 to help secure and position the adapter insert 140 with the housing 110 .

[0056] Figure 4B The through-holes 146, 148 are shown extending from the front surface 142 to the rear surface 144 of the adapter plug 140. The through-hole 146 includes a first through-hole length 146A and a second through-hole length 146B, wherein a transition 146C is at the intersection between the first through-hole length 146A and the second through-hole length 146B. The through-hole 148 includes a first through-hole length 148A and a second through-hole length 148B, wherein a transition 148C is at the intersection between the first through-hole length 148A and the second through-hole length 148B. The first through-hole length 146A is sized to a first diameter, while the second through-hole length 146B is sized to a second diameter. The first through-hole length 148A is also sized to the same first diameter, while the second through-hole length 148B is also sized to the same second diameter. The second diameter is larger than the first diameter.

[0057] The inner diameters of penetration length 146A, penetration length 146B, penetration length 148A, and penetration length 148B can be selected based on the type of cable used with cable adapter 100 and are specifically selected to accommodate the standard size of conductors in the cable. As an example, the rear of cable adapter 100 can be mounted on Figure 1A and Figure 1B148B. The diameter D of the conductors 20, 22 in the cable 10 can vary depending on the standard size of the conductors 20, 22. Similarly, the relative positions of the conductors 20, 22 within the cable 10 and other aspects of the cable 10 can also vary based on the standard size of the conductors 20, 22. Thus, the diameter of the through-hole lengths 146B, 148B can be selected to accommodate the conductors 20, 22 of the cable 10 with only a minimal gap (e.g., almost no air gap) between the outer surface of the conductors 20, 22 and the inner surface of the through-hole lengths 146B, 148B when the conductors 20, 22 are inserted into the through-hole lengths 146B, 148B. The spacing or interval between the centers of the openings of the through-hole lengths 146B, 148B at the rear surface 144 of the adapter plug 140 can also be aligned with the spacing or interval of the conductors 20, 22 of the cable 10.

[0058] The front of the cable adapter 100 can be mounted on a cable having two conductors that are larger (i.e., smaller in diameter) than the standard size of the conductors 20, 22 of the cable 10, such as Figure 2A Another cable of the cable 10A shown. The two conductors of the cable 10A may have a different diameter D, a different spacing P between the two conductors, and other differences compared to the cable 10. Thus, the diameter of the through-hole lengths 146A, 148A can be selected to accommodate the two smaller conductors of the cable 10A with only a minimal gap (e.g., almost no air gap) between the outer surfaces of the two conductors and the inner surfaces of the through-hole lengths 146A, 148A when the two conductors of the cable 10A are inserted into the through-hole lengths 146A, 148A. The spacing or interval between the centers of the openings of the through-hole lengths 146A, 148A at the front surface 142 of the adapter plug 140 can also be aligned with the spacing or interval between the two conductors of the cable 10A.

[0059] The inner surface of the through-holes 146, 148 includes a lining 149 of a conductive material extending along at least a length of the through-holes 146, 148 and across the transitions 146C, 148C. Thus, the through-holes 146, 148 are conductive through-holes. The lining 149 of conductive material can include a lining of one or more metal layers, metal alloy layers, sintered metal particle layers, or other layers of conductive materials. The lining 149 of conductive material can be deposited or otherwise formed in many ways, such as by chemical or physical vapor deposition, sputtering, evaporation, electroplating, spin coating, dip coating, epitaxial growth or other techniques. The metal, metal alloy or metal particle layer can include copper, silver, gold, titanium, platinum, tungsten or other metals and their alloys. In some cases, the lining 149 of conductive material can include a series of raised ridges, ridges or other patterns of conductive material linings of conductive material that vary in thickness along the length of the through-holes 146, 148.

[0060] In some cases, the outer surface can also include a lining 145 of a conductive material along the length of the adapter plug 140. The lining 145 of conductive material can include a lining of one or more metal layers, metal alloy layers, sintered metal particle layers, or other layers of conductive material. When the adapter plug 140 is assembled and positioned within the housing 110, the lining 145 of conductive material can be in electrical contact with the housing 110. The lining 145 of conductive material can be the same type of metal or metal layer as the lining 149 of conductive material, or the lining 145 of conductive material can be a different type of material than the lining 149 of conductive material. The lining 145 of conductive material can be deposited or otherwise formed in many ways, such as by chemical or physical vapor deposition, sputtering, evaporation, electroplating, spin coating, dip coating, epitaxial growth, or other techniques. The metal, metal alloy, or metal particle layer can include copper, silver, gold, titanium, platinum, tungsten, or other metals and alloys thereof. The front surface 142 and the rear surface 144 of the adapter plug 140 can be free of conductive material 145.

[0061] Figure 5 A cutaway view of another adapter plug-in 140A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The adapter plug-in 140A is similar to Figure 4A and Figure 4B Adapter plug 140 is shown, but adapter plug 140A does not include a lining 149 of conductive material within through-holes 146, 148. Instead, adapter plug 140A includes a conductive plug 170 disposed within through-hole 146 and a conductive plug 174 disposed within through-hole 148. Conductive plugs 170, 174 can be embodied as strips or sheets of metal or metal alloys (such as copper or other conductive metals) stamped or cut from a larger sheet of material. In some cases, conductive plugs 170, 174 can be plated, such as plated with silver or other plating. In one example, the width of conductive plugs 170, 174 can be close to but less than the diameter of through-holes 146, 148 so that conductive plugs 170, 174 fit and sit within through-holes 146, 148. Conductive plugs 170, 174 can be formed to any suitable thickness related to the size of through-holes 146, 148.

[0062] The conductive inserts 170, 174 are sized and shaped to fit within the through-holes 146, 148. The conductive insert 170 includes a first insert length that runs along the first through-hole length 146A and a second insert length that runs along the second through-hole length 146B. Figure 5As shown, corresponding to the shape of the through hole 146, the first plug-in length of the conductive plug 170 is wider than the second plug-in length of the conductive plug 170. The conductive plug 174 includes a first plug-in length running along the first through hole length 148A and a second plug-in length running along the second through hole length 148B. Corresponding to the shape of the through hole 148, the first plug-in length of the conductive plug 174 is wider than the second plug-in length of the conductive plug 174. The conductive plugs 170 and 174 can be inserted into the through holes 146 and 148 respectively from the rear surface 144 of the adapter plug 140A.

[0063] The conductive plug 170 includes an eyelet 171 at one end toward the rear surface 144 of the adapter plug 140A and an eyelet 172 at the other end toward the front surface 142 of the adapter plug 140A. The conductive plug 174 includes an eyelet 175 at one end toward the rear surface 144 of the adapter plug 140A and an eyelet 176 at the other end toward the front surface 142 of the adapter plug 140A. When two conductors are inserted into the through holes 146, 148 from the rear surface 144 of the adapter plug 140A, the two conductors can fit into the eyelets 171, 175 to help secure and electrically connect the two conductors to the conductive plugs 170, 174. In some cases, the two conductors can be electrically connected to the conductive plugs 170, 174 using solder, welding, or other connection techniques. When the two conductors are inserted into the through holes 146, 148 from the front surface 142 of the adapter plug 140A, the two conductors can fit into the eyelets 172, 176 to help secure and electrically connect the two conductors to the conductive plugs 170, 174. In some cases, the two conductors can be electrically connected to the conductive plugs 170, 174 using soldering, welding or other connection techniques.

[0064] Figure 6 The various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 3A The cable adapter 100 is shown with a cutaway view of the cable 10. As shown, the conductors 20, 22 of the cable 10 extend from the rear face 144 of the adapter insert 140 into the through-holes 146, 148. As shown, the conductors 20, 22 can be inserted into the adapter insert 140 so that the distal ends of the conductors 20, 22 terminate at transitions 146C, 148C of the through-holes 146, 148, respectively. In other cases, the conductors 20, 22 can be inserted into the through-holes 146, 148 to other distances. The conductors 20, 22 are in electrical contact with a lining 149 of conductive material extending along the through-holes 146, 148. The shield conductors 50, 52 are shown extending up to the housing 110, but the shield conductors 50, 52 can extend further than shown and within (e.g., below) the housing 110. As a result, the shield conductors 50, 52 contact and are electrically coupled to the housing 110.

[0065] Although not shown in Figure 6 However, the two conductors of cable 10A (see Figure 2A ) can extend from the front surface 142 of the adapter plug 140 into the through-holes 146, 148. The two conductors of the cable 10A will also be in electrical contact with the lining 149 of the conductive material. The two conductors of the cable 10A can be inserted into the adapter plug 140 so that the distal ends of the two conductors terminate at the transitions 146C, 148C of the through-holes 146, 148, where they abut the conductors 20, 22. The lining 149 of the conductive material will thereby electrically connect the conductors 20, 22 of the cable 10 and the two conductors of the cable 10A.

[0066] Cable adapter 100 provides an electrical connection and transition between the two conductors of cable 10 and the two conductors of cable 10A, but the conductors of cable 10 and the conductors of cable 10A have different diameters and spacings. The electrical connection provided by cable adapter 100 provides an improved impedance or dielectric constant transition between the conductors of cable 10 and the conductors of cable 10A as compared to other technologies for connecting two conductors, such as other styles of connectors and interconnect technologies. Cable adapter 100 helps reduce unwanted or undesirable effects that can be imparted on data signals communicated on cables 10 and 10A when the conductors in cable 10 and the conductors in cable 10A are electrically connected together. As an example, the improved transition provided by cable adapter 100 can reduce signal reflections, reduce interference and crosstalk, reduce distortion, increase signal-to-noise ratio, and increase bandwidth in transitions between conductors of different diameters, such as conductors of different diameters in a twinaxial cable.

[0067] Figure 7 A front perspective view of another cable adapter 200 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Cable adapter 200 includes a housing 210 and an adapter insert 240 within housing 210. Housing 210 is similar to housing 110 of cable adapter 100 and can be formed of a conductive metal such as aluminum, copper, or other conductive metal or metal alloy. In some cases, housing 210 can include a conductive plating on an outer surface thereof. Adapter insert 240 can be formed of a dielectric insulating material such as a fluoropolymer, PE, PTFE, or other plastic or insulating material. An example Dk of the dielectric insulator can range from 1.5-3, but adapter insert 240 is not limited to any particular type or properties of insulating material.

[0068] The housing 210 encloses the adapter insert 240. The housing 210 can surround the adapter insert 240 along the longitudinal axis of the cable adapter 200 or along at least some segments or lengths of the longitudinal axis. However, in all cases, the housing 210 may not surround the adapter insert 240 along the entire length of the cable adapter 200 and may be disposed within a certain range. Figure 7In the example shown, the housing 210 includes a gap 212. As shown, an interlocking or detent feature of the adapter insert 240 is located within the gap 212, and that feature is described in further detail below.

[0069] The housing 210 includes a first cover area 202 and a second cover area 204. As shown, the outer shape of the housing 210 (i.e., taken in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the cable adapter 200) is rectangular in shape with curved corners, but the outer shape of the housing 210 can vary. The outer shape of the first cover area 202 is relatively smaller than the outer shape of the second cover area 204. The second cover area 204 is sized to be large enough for a cable portion such as the cable 10 to be inserted into the rear of the housing 210, where the cable 10 can be fastened to the cable adapter 200.

[0070] like Figure 7 As shown, the housing 210 includes a recess 150 on one side of the second cover area 204 and a similar recess on the other side of the housing 210. The recess 150 can provide a surface for gripping the cable adapter 200. On the inner surface of the housing 210, the recess 150 can also provide a surface for crimping or attaching a shield conductor of a twinaxial cable (such as a Figure 1A and Figure 1B The surface of the shielding conductors 50, 52) of the cable 10 shown. Figure 7 As shown, the housing 210 also includes a detent 252 on one side of the first cover area 202 and a similar detent on the other side of the housing 210. The detent 252 can provide a stop for securing a cable connector around the front end of the housing 210.

[0071] The adapter plug 240 also includes through-holes 246, 248 extending from the front surface to the rear surface of the adapter plug 240. Thus, the adapter plug 240 includes openings for the through-holes 246, 248 at the front surface and openings for the through-holes 246, 248 at the rear surface. Figure 7 As shown, the through-holes 246, 248 are circular for inserting conductors or conductive posts as described in further detail below into the through-holes 246, 248. The through-holes 246, 248 can be formed at least in part in other shapes, and examples of other shapes and patterns of through-holes will be described below.

[0072] Consistent with the concepts described herein, the through-holes 246, 248 include a transition from a first diameter or size at the front surface of the adapter insert 240 to a second diameter or size at the rear surface of the adapter insert 240. The through-holes 246, 248 also include a conductive material lining 249 similar to the conductive material lining 149 described above within the adapter insert 240 over at least a region or length of the inner surface of the through-holes 246, 248 (see Figure 7 ).

[0073] like Figure 7 As shown, the adapter plug 240 extends within the housing 210 from the front of the cable adapter 200 where the front surface of the adapter plug 240 is coplanar with the front edge of the housing 210 to a position within the housing. In all cases, the rear surface of the adapter plug 240 does not extend to be coplanar with the housing 210 at the rear edge. Instead, the rear surface can be recessed from the rear edge of the housing 210. Thus, for example, the cable 10 can be inserted into the housing 210 at the rear of the housing 210, where the cable 10 can be secured to the cable adapter 200. In some cases, the front surface of the adapter plug 240 is not coplanar with the front edge of the housing 210. In that case, the front surface can be recessed from the front edge of the housing 210. Figure 2B The connector 70 shown is similar to a connector in other styles of connectors that can be fastened to the cable adapter 200 at the front of the housing 210. The connector base 72 of the connector 70 (see Figure 2B ) can be seated around the front of the housing 210 and lean against a pawl 252 protruding from the housing 210.

[0074] The cable adapter 200 also includes conductive posts 230, 231 that extend partially within the through-holes 246, 248 of the adapter plug 240 and also partially extend out of or beyond the adapter plug 240. The conductive posts 230, 231 include conductive posts for use as described below. Figure 8 Further detailed description of a plurality of surface areas electrically connected to a pin of a connector, such as the bottom surface area 232 of the conductive pillar 231. The conductive pillars 230, 231 can be formed of copper or other metal or metal alloy conductors. In some cases, the conductive pillars 230, 231 can include an outer surface plating layer of silver or other metal.

[0075] Figure 8 The various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 7The cable adapter 200 is shown along with a cutaway view of a cable 10. As shown, the conductors 20, 22 of the cable 10 extend from the rear of the adapter insert 240 into the through-holes 246, 248. As shown, the conductors 20, 22 can be inserted into the adapter insert 240 so that the distal ends of the conductors 20, 22 terminate at transitions 246C, 248C of the through-holes 246, 248, respectively. In other cases, the conductors 20, 22 can be inserted into the through-holes 246, 248 to other distances. The conductors 20, 22 are in electrical contact with a lining 249 of conductive material extending along the through-holes 246, 248. The shield conductors 50, 52 are shown as extending up to the housing 210, but the shield conductors 50, 52 can extend further as shown and within (e.g., below) the housing 210. As a result, the shield conductors 50, 52 contact and are electrically coupled to the housing 210.

[0076] Conductive posts 230, 231 extend from the front of the adapter insert 240 into the through-holes 246, 248. The conductive posts 230, 231 also make electrical contact with the liner 249 of conductive material. The liner 249 of conductive material will thereby electrically connect the conductors 20, 22 of the cable 10 and the conductive posts 230, 231.

[0077] like Figure 7 As shown, the cable adapter 200 provides an electrical connection and transition between the conductors 20, 22 and the conductive posts 230, 231 of the cable 10, but the conductors 20, 22 and the conductive posts 230, 231 are different in size and position. Compared to other technologies, the electrical connection provided by the cable adapter 200 provides an improved impedance or dielectric constant transition between the conductors 20, 22 and the conductive posts 230, 231 of the cable 10. The cable adapter 200 helps reduce unwanted or undesirable effects associated with impedance or dielectric constant mismatches and other undesirable electrical properties. As an example, the improved transition provided by the cable adapter 200 helps reduce signal reflections, increased interference and crosstalk, increased distortion, reduced signal-to-noise ratio, reduced bandwidth, and other problems.

[0078] Fig. 9 The various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 7 The cable adapter 200 is shown in a perspective view together with the components of the cable 10 and the connector 70. Fig. 9 , the connector base 72 of the connector 70 (see Figure 2B) are omitted from this view so that other features including the conductors 73, 74 of the connector 70 can be shown. The connector 70 can be a standard form factor, wherein a spacing between the conductors 73, 74 matches the spacing between the conductive posts 230, 231. The top surfaces of the conductors 73, 74 of the connector 70 are shown contacting the bottom surfaces of the conductive posts 230, 231. As shown, the bottom surface area 232 of the conductive post 231 contacts the top surface of the conductor 74, while the bottom surface of the conductive post 230 contacts the top surface of the conductor 73. In some cases, soldering or other electrical connection means can also be used to electrically connect the conductive posts 230, 231 to the conductors 73, 74.

[0079] Cable adapter 200 provides an electrical connection and transition between conductors 20, 22 of cable 10 and conductive posts 230, 231 within cable adapter 200, while also providing a spacing of conductive posts 230, 231 that matches the standard form factor of connector 70. Other cable adapters similar to cable adapter 200 can be relied upon to provide a transition for cables other than cable 10 to the standard spacing and form factor of connector 70.

[0080] Fig.10 A front perspective view of another cable adapter 300 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The cable adapter 300 includes a housing 310 and an adapter plug 340 within the housing 310. The housing 310 is similar to the housings 110, 210 described above. The adapter plug 340 is also similar to the adapter plugs 140, 240 described above, but the through-holes 346, 348 have different positions and sizes compared to those in the adapter plugs 140, 240. The adapter plug 340 includes openings for the through-holes 346, 348 at the front and rear surfaces. The through-holes 346, 348 include a transition from a first diameter or size at the front surface of the adapter plug 340 to a second diameter or size at the rear surface of the adapter plug 340. As also shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown, the size of the opening at the front surface is larger in diameter than the size of the opening at the rear surface. The through-holes 346, 348 also include a conductive lining within the adapter insert 340 over at least a region or length of the inner surface of the through-holes 346, 348.

[0081] Fig.11 The various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Fig.10 A perspective view of the cable adapter 300 is shown with components of a cable 10 and a connector 70A. Fig.11 , the connector base of the connector 70A (see as an example Figure 2B) are omitted from this view so that other features including conductors 73A, 74A of connector 70A can be shown. Connector 70A is similar to connector 70, but conductors 73A, 74A of connector 70A are longer than conductors 73, 74 of connector 70. Connector 70A can be a standard form factor wherein a spacing between conductors 73A, 74A matches the spacing between through-holes 346, 348. Conductors 73A, 74A of connector 70A are shown inserted into through-holes 346, 348, and a cutaway view of this interconnection is shown in FIG. Fig.12 .

[0082] Cable adapter 300 provides an electrical connection and transition between conductors 20, 22 of cable 10 and conductors 73A, 74A of connector 70A at a spacing within cable adapter 300 that matches the standard form factor of connector 70A. Other cable adapters similar to cable adapter 300 can be relied upon to provide a transition for cables other than cable 10 to the standard spacing and form factor of connector 70A.

[0083] Fig.12 The various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Fig.10 A cutaway view of various components of the cable adapter 300, cable 10, and connector 70A is shown. As shown, the conductors 20, 22 of the cable 10 extend from the rear of the adapter plug 340 into the through-holes 346, 348. As shown, the conductors 20, 22 can be inserted into the adapter plug 340 so that the distal ends of the conductors 20, 22 terminate at transitions 346C, 348C of the through-holes 346, 348, respectively. In other cases, the conductors 20, 22 can be inserted into the through-holes 346, 348 to other distances. The conductors 20, 22 are in electrical contact with the lining 349 of the conductive material extending along the through-holes 346, 348. The conductors 73A, 74A of the connector 700A extend from the front of the adapter plug 340 into the through-holes 346, 348. The conductors 73A, 74A are also in electrical contact with the lining 349 of the conductive material. The lining 349 of conductive material will thereby electrically connect the conductors 20 , 22 and the conductors 73A, 74A of the cable 10 .

[0084] The cable adapter 300 provides an electrical connection and transition between the conductors 20, 22 of the cable 10 and the conductors 73A, 74A of the connector 70A, but Fig.12As shown, the conductors 20, 22 and the conductors 73A, 74A are sized and positioned differently. The electrical connection provided by the cable adapter 300 provides an improved impedance or dielectric constant transition between the conductors 20, 22 and the conductors 73A, 74A of the cable 10 as compared to other techniques. The cable adapter 300 helps reduce unwanted or undesirable effects associated with impedance or dielectric constant mismatches and other undesirable electrical properties. As an example, the improved transition provided by the cable adapter 300 helps reduce signal reflections, increased interference and crosstalk, increased distortion, reduced signal-to-noise ratio, reduced bandwidth, and other problems.

[0085] Fig.13 An example electrical connection 400 between conductors 20, 22 of a cable 10 located within a cable adapter and pins or conductors 73B, 74B of a connector 70B is shown according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Certain components of the connector 70B, such as the connector base, are Fig.13 is omitted from the view so that other components can be seen. Fig.13 As shown, the electrical connection 400 includes a swaged connection between the conductors 20, 22 and the conductors 73B, 74B of the connector 70B. The conductors 20, 22 are turned toward the distal ends of the conductors 73B, 74B and inserted through openings or perforations of the conductors 73B, 74B. In the arrangement shown, the conductors 20, 22 can also be soldered or otherwise fastened and electrically connected to the conductors 73B, 74B. The electrical connection 400 can be located within a cable adapter according to the concepts described herein and particularly within an adapter insert of the cable adapter.

[0086] Fig.14 Another example electrical connection 410 between conductors 20, 22 of a cable 10 located within a cable adapter and conductors 73C, 74C of a connector 70C is shown according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Certain components of the connector 70C, such as the connector base, are Fig.14 is omitted from this view so that other components can be seen. Fig.14 As shown, the electrical connection 410 includes a solder tail connection between the conductors 20, 22 and the conductors 73C, 74C of the connector 70C. The conductors 20, 22 are inserted through the openings or perforations of the conductors 73C, 74C toward the distal ends of the conductors 73C, 74C. In the arrangement shown, the conductors 20, 22 can also be soldered, welded or otherwise fastened and electrically connected to the conductors 73C, 74C. The electrical connection 410 can be located within a cable adapter according to the concepts described herein and particularly within the adapter insert of the cable adapter.

[0087] Fig.15FIG. 5 shows a cutaway view of another adapter insert 500 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, a bottom half of the adapter insert 500 is shown in FIG. Fig.15 and the top half of the adapter plug 500 can be Fig.15 Adapter insert 500 is a mirror-image embodiment of the bottom half shown. Adapter insert 500 can be inserted into a housing such as housing 110 described herein. Adapter insert 500 can be formed of a dielectric insulating material, such as a fluoropolymer, PE, PTFE or other plastic or other insulating material. An example Dk of the dielectric insulator can range from 1.5-3, but adapter insert 500 is not limited to any particular type or properties of insulating material.

[0088] The adapter plug 500 includes through-holes 510, 512 extending from a front surface 520 to a rear surface 522 of the adapter plug 500. Thus, the adapter plug 500 includes openings for the through-holes 510, 512 at the front surface 520 and openings for the through-holes 510, 512 at the rear surface 522. Fig.15 As shown, the through-holes 510, 512 are circular for two conductors to be inserted into the through-holes 510, 512. In other examples, the adapter insert 500 can include additional through-holes, such as three, four, or more through-holes, each similar to the through-holes 510, 512.

[0089] Consistent with other examples described herein, the through-holes 510, 512 include a transition from a first diameter or size at the front surface 520 to a second diameter or size at the rear surface 522. In the example shown, the size of the opening at the front surface 520 is smaller in diameter than the size of the opening at the rear surface 522. The through-holes 510, 512 also include a lining 530 of a conductive material over at least a region or length of the inner surface of the through-holes 510, 512 within the adapter insert 500.

[0090] The perforation 510 includes a first perforation length 510A, a transitional or gradual perforation length 510B, and a second perforation length 510C. The perforation 512 includes a first perforation length 512A, a transitional or gradual perforation length 512B, and a second perforation length 512C. The first perforation length 510A is sized to a first diameter, while the second perforation length 510C is sized to a second diameter. The gradual perforation length 510B is formed as or includes a gradual diameter that gradually changes from the first diameter of the first perforation length 510A to the second diameter of the second perforation length 510C. The first perforation length 512A is also formed or sized to the first diameter, while the second perforation length 512C is also formed or sized to the second diameter. The gradual perforation length 512B includes a gradual diameter that gradually changes from the first diameter of the first perforation length 512A to the second diameter of the second perforation length 512C.

[0091] The inner surface of the through-holes 510, 512 includes a lining 530 of a conductive material extending along at least a length of the through-holes 510, 512. Thus, the through-holes 510, 512 are conductive through-holes. The lining 530 of conductive material can include a lining of one or more metal layers, metal alloy layers, sintered metal particle layers, or other conductive material layers similar to the conductive material linings 149, 249 described above. In some cases, an outer surface can also include a lining of conductive material along the length of the adapter plug 500. The tapered through-hole length 510B provides an electromagnetic transition with a low impedance or dielectric constant mismatch between the first through-hole length 510A and the second through-hole length 510C. The tapered through-hole length 512B also provides an electromagnetic transition with a low impedance or dielectric constant mismatch between the first through-hole length 512A and the second through-hole length 512C.

[0092] When used in a cable adapter as described herein, adapter plug 500 provides an electrical connection and transition between conductors of two cables, such as cable 10 and cable 10A, but the conductors of cable 10 and cable 10A have different diameters and spacings. The electrical connection provided by adapter plug 500 provides an improved impedance or dielectric constant transition between the conductors of cable 10 and cable 10A as compared to other technologies, such as other styles of connectors and interconnect technologies, for connecting two conductors. Adapter plug 500 helps reduce unwanted or undesirable effects that can be imparted on data signals communicated on cables 10 and cable 10A when the conductors in cable 10 and the conductors in cable 10A are electrically connected together. As an example, the improved transition provided by adapter plug 500 can reduce signal reflections, reduce interference and crosstalk, reduce distortion, increase signal-to-noise ratio, and increase bandwidth in the transition between conductors of different diameters, such as conductors of different diameters in a twinaxial cable.

[0093] Fig.16 Another adapter plug-in 600 is shown according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig.16As shown, the adapter plug 600 includes a lower body 601, a printed circuit board (PCB) 602 including traces 610, 612 on the top surface of the PCB 602, and an air gap 605 located below the PCB 602. The adapter plug 600 can be inserted into a housing such as the housing 110 described herein. The lower body 601 of the adapter plug 600 can be formed from a dielectric insulating material, such as a fluoropolymer, PE, PTFE or other plastic or other insulating material. An example Dk of the dielectric insulator can range from 1.5-3, but the adapter plug 500 is not limited to any particular type or properties of insulating material. In some cases, a portion of an outer surface along the length of the lower body 601 of the adapter plug 600 can also include a lining of conductive material. In some cases, the adapter plug 600 can also include a conductive material that is not shown in the figure. Fig.16 The upper body can be similar to the lower body 601 and include an air gap similar to the air gap 605. However, the air gap in the upper body can be larger to allow clearance between the conductors of the traces 610, 612 fastened on the top surface of the PCB 602 and the upper body.

[0094] like Fig.16 As shown, the adapter plug 600 also includes: a printed circuit board (PCB) 602, including traces 610, 612 on the top surface of the PCB 602; and an air gap 605 located below the PCB 602. The PCB 602 can be embodied in a glass-reinforced epoxy laminate (e.g., FR4 laminate), but can rely on a range of other materials having a range of Dk values. Other example materials include 1200 series, 3450, 6010, 4003C, 4350B or 4450B core materials are used as examples, but alumina, silicon and other materials can be used. PCB 602 can be laminated or otherwise attached to a housing formed in adapter plug 600, wherein air gap 605 is located below PCB 602. In some cases, PCB 602 can also include a ground plane formed on a bottom surface of PCB 602 opposite traces 610, 612, and traces 610, 612 can be embodied as microstrip traces. The ground plane can be electrically connected to the housing into which adapter plug 600 is inserted.

[0095] PCB 602 Fig.16 602 is shown as having a certain width, length and thickness, but the dimensions of PCB 602 are Fig.16602. Similarly, air gap 605 is also shown as having a certain width, length, and thickness, but the dimensions of air gap 605 are representative and can vary relative to what is shown. In some cases, the width of air gap 605 can be less than the width of PCB 602.

[0096] The traces 610, 612 of the PCB 602 extend along the length of the PCB 602 as measured from a front surface 620 to a rear surface 622 of the adapter plug 600. The traces 610, 612 each include a transition from a first width or size at the front surface 620 to a second width or size at the rear surface 622. Thus, the traces 610, 612 include a conductive transition of the adapter plug 600. In the example shown, the first width is less than the second width. The trace 612 includes a first trace length 612A, a transitional or gradient trace length 612B, and a second trace length 612C, while the trace 610 includes two similar trace lengths and a gradient trace length. The gradient trace length 612B is formed to include a gradient width that gradients from a first width of the first trace length 612A to a second width of the second trace length 612C. Tapered trace length 612B includes an electromagnetic linear taper between first trace length 612A and tapered trace length 612B, and tapered trace length 612B includes an electromagnetic linear taper between second trace length 612C and tapered trace length 612B. Tapered trace length 612B provides an electromagnetic transition between first trace length 612A and second trace length 612C having a low impedance or dielectric constant mismatch.

[0097] When used in a cable adapter as described herein, the adapter insert 600 provides an electrical connection and transition between the conductors of two cables, such as cable 10 and cable 10A, but the conductors of cable 10 and cable 10A have different diameters and spacings. The conductors of cable 10 and cable 10A can be electrically connected to traces 610, 612 using a soldering or other electrical connection means. For example, conductors 20, 22 of cable 10 can be electrically connected or terminated to the second trace length 612C of trace 610 and the second trace length 612C of trace 612, respectively. In addition, the two conductors of cable 10A can be electrically connected or terminated to the first trace length 612A of trace 610 and the first trace length 612A of trace 612, respectively.

[0098] The conductors of cable 10 and cable 10A can be terminated to only a portion of the traces 610, 612. For example, conductors 20, 22 do not have to be electrically connected across the entire second trace length 612C of trace 610 and across the entire second trace length 612C of trace 612 in all cases. In some cases, conductors 20, 22 can be electrically connected to only a portion of the second trace length 612C of trace 610 and only a portion of the second trace length 612C of trace 612. Similarly, the two conductors of cable 10A can be electrically connected to the first trace length 612A of trace 610 and the first trace length 612C of trace 612, respectively. However, the two conductors of cable 10A do not have to be electrically connected to the entire first trace length 612C of trace 610 and the entire first trace length 612C of trace 612 in all cases. The conductors of cables 10 and 10A can be connected to only a portion of the first and second trace lengths 612A, 612C of the traces 610, 612 to control the impedance of the termination between the conductors of cables 10 and 10A and the traces 610, 612.

[0099] The air gap 605 extends in length from the front surface 620 to the rear surface 622 of the adapter plug 600. As described above, the air gap 605 has a width, a length, and a thickness (e.g., a depth into the lower body 601) below the PCB 602. The size of the air gap 605 can vary as the air gap 605 extends from the front surface 620 to the rear surface 622 of the adapter plug 600. In some cases, the width of the air gap 605 can vary along the length of the air gap 605. For example, the air gap 605 can be narrow in width over a distance corresponding to the first trace length 612A (or a portion of the first trace length 612A) and wide over a distance corresponding to the second trace length 612C (or a portion of the second trace length 612C).

[0100] Additionally, the depth of the air gap 605 can vary along the length of the air gap 605. For example, the air gap 605 can be large in thickness or depth over a distance corresponding to the first trace length 612A and the second trace length 612C and small or shallow in thickness over a distance corresponding to the tapered trace length 612B. In another example, the air gap 605 can be large in thickness or depth under the portions of the traces 610, 612 where the conductors of the cable 10 and the cable 10A are terminated to the traces 610, 612 and small or shallow in thickness under the portions of the traces 610, 612 where the conductors of the cable 10 and the cable 10A are not terminated to the traces 610, 612. Air gap 605 can be deeper below the area where the conductors of cable 10 and cable 10A terminate at traces 610 , 612 to compensate for changes in impedance at the termination area between the conductors of cable 10 and cable 10A and traces 610 , 612 .

[0101] The electrical connection provided by adapter plug 600 provides an improved impedance or dielectric constant transition between the conductors of cable 10 and cable 10A as compared to other technologies for joining two conductors, such as other styles of connectors and interconnect technologies. Adapter plug 600 can reduce unwanted or undesirable effects that can be imparted on data signals communicated on cables 10 and cable 10A when the conductors in cable 10 and the conductors in cable 10A are electrically joined together. As an example, the improved transition provided by adapter plug 600 can reduce signal reflections, reduce interference and crosstalk, reduce distortion, increase signal-to-noise ratio, and increase bandwidth in the transition of conductors of different diameters, such as conductors of different diameters in a twinaxial cable.

[0102] Terms such as "top", "bottom", "side", "front", "back", "right", and "left" are not intended to provide an absolute frame of reference. Instead, these terms are relative and are intended to identify certain features that are related to each other, as the posture of the structures described herein can vary. The terms "comprising", "including", "having", etc. are synonymous, used in an open manner, and do not exclude additional elements, features, behaviors, operations, etc. In addition, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense, rather than in its exclusive sense, so that, for example, when used to connect a list of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Unless otherwise specified, transitional language such as "at least one of X, Y, and Z" is generally used to express that a matter, term, etc. can be X, Y, or Z or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and / or Z). Thus, such transitional language is generally not intended to and should not imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to be present individually.

[0103] The above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are merely examples of implementation, to provide a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. In essence, many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. In addition, the components and features described for one embodiment may be included in another embodiment. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included in the scope of the present disclosure herein.

Claims

1. A transitional cable adapter, comprising: an adapter insert including a conductive through-hole including a first through-hole length for a first conductor, a second through-hole length for a second conductor, and a transition between the first through-hole length and the second through-hole length; as well as A housing surrounds the adapter plug.

2. The transitional cable adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The adapter insert includes a dielectric insulating material; and The conductive through-hole of the adapter insert includes a lining of conductive material on an inner surface of the through-hole within the adapter insert.

3. The transitional cable adapter according to claim 2, wherein: The lining of conductive material comprises at least one layer of a lining of metal or metal alloy.

4. The transitional cable adapter according to claim 1, wherein: A first through-hole length of the conductive through-hole comprises a first diameter of a first standard size for the first conductor; and The second through-hole length of the conductive through-hole includes a second diameter of a second standard size for the second conductor.

5. The transitional cable adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The conductive through-hole includes a plurality of conductive through-holes, each conductive through-hole of the plurality of conductive through-holes including a first diameter of a first standard size for the first conductor and a second diameter of a second standard size for the second conductor.

6. The transitional cable adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The transition between the first through-hole length of the conductive through-hole and the second through-hole length of the conductive through-hole is located between a front surface of the adapter plug and a rear surface of the adapter plug.

7. The transitional cable adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The transition between the first through-hole length of the conductive through-hole and the second through-hole length of the conductive through-hole includes a tapered through-hole length having a tapered diameter that tapers from a first diameter of the first through-hole length to a second diameter of the second through-hole length.

8. The transitional cable adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The adapter insert includes a lining of conductive material on a region of an outer surface of the adapter insert.

9. The transitional cable adapter according to claim 8, wherein: The adapter housing is formed of a metal or a metal alloy; The adapter housing includes a first opening at one end of the housing and a second opening at another end of the housing; and The first opening is larger than the second opening.

10. The transitional cable adapter according to claim 9, wherein: An inner surface of the housing contacts and is electrically coupled to the lining of conductive material on the area of ​​the outer surface of the adapter insert.

11. The transitional cable adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes a gap; and The adapter insert includes an interlocking feature sized to fit within the gap in the housing to secure and position the adapter insert with the housing.

12. The transitional cable adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes a first pawl on a first side of the housing and a second pawl on a second side of the housing.

13. A transitional cable adapter, comprising: an adapter insert including a conductive transition including a first conductive length for a first conductor, a second conductive length for a second conductor, and a transition between the first conductive length and the second conductive length; and A housing surrounds the adapter plug.

14. The transitional cable adapter of claim 13, wherein: The conductive transition includes a plurality of conductive transitions, each conductive transition in the plurality of conductive transitions including a first conductive length, a second conductive length, and a transition between the first conductive length and the second conductive length.

15. The transitional cable adapter of claim 13, wherein: The transition between the first conductive length and the second conductive length includes a gradient width from a first width of the first conductive length to a second width of the second conductive length.

16. The transitional cable adapter of claim 13, wherein: The adapter card also includes a printed circuit board (PCB); and The first conductive length, the second conductive length, and the transition are formed with traces on a first side of the PCB.

17. The transitional cable adapter of claim 16, wherein: The PCB also includes a ground plane on a second side of the PCB; and The first conductive length, the second conductive length, and the transition are formed with a microstrip trace on a first side of the PCB.

18. The transitional cable adapter of claim 17, wherein the adapter insert further comprises an air gap beneath the PCB.

19. A cable assembly, comprising: A cable; as well as A transitional cable adapter, at one end of the cable, the transitional cable adapter comprising: an adapter insert including a conductive through-hole including a first through-hole length for a first conductor, a second through-hole length for a second conductor, and a transition between the first through-hole length and the second through-hole length; as well as A housing surrounds the adapter plug.

20. The cable assembly according to claim 19, wherein: The conductive through-hole includes a lining of conductive material on an inner surface of the through-hole within the adapter insert.

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