An antenna for an electronic arrangement

Abstract

A mechanism for providing an antenna for a load device of an electronic arrangement. The antenna is formed as a part of a multi-conductor cable connecting the load device to a driving device of the electronic arrangement. In particular, the antenna is formed in a free segment of a conductor that is disconnected from the driving device, but formed in the multi-conductor cable that includes another conductor that connects to the driving device and carries power form the driving device to the load device. The other conductor also provides RF shielding to a portion of the conductor that has the free segment.

Description

[0001] An antenna for an electronic arrangement

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of electronics, and in particular to antennae for use in electronic arrangements.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] There is an increasing demand for providing electronic arrangements with radiofrequency communication functionality. To this end, many electronic arrangements will include a radiofrequency (RF) circuit for controlling radiofrequency communications. An RF circuit needs to be electrically connected to an antenna in order to receive and transmit radiofrequency communications.

[0006] One area of particular interest in providing RF communication functionality is in smart lighting applications. In such applications, a luminaire will comprise an RF circuit and be able to control one or more properties of emitted light responsive to received communications and / or be able to transmit sensed information in the vicinity of the luminaire.

[0007] However, luminaires are becoming increasingly compact, and there is an increased demand for reducing an amount of plastic used in luminaires (e.g., for improved heat dissipation and / or environmental considerations). Thus, more metal parts are being used. The blocking of radiofrequencies by metals or other conductive structures is also becoming increasingly problematic.

[0008] In many lighting products, the driving device and the load device are somewhat separated and displaced from each other. Sometimes it is more convenient to put the RF circuits close to the load / LED side such that the RF circuit can directly control the load / LED. But the load / LED side has quite some metal / conductive material as mentioned above. Thus there is therefore a desire for an alternative antenna arrangement for facilitating RF communications, even with the increased use of RF blocking material such as material, in an electronic arrangement. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The underlying idea of the present invention is to carry an antenna wire or conductor is a same cable as a power conductor, e.g., a ground voltage conductor, that connects a driving device to a load device (which would benefit from the antenna wire). This allows the antenna for the load device to be distanced from the load device without significantly increasing the complexity or difficulty of installing an electronic arrangement comprising such a driving device and load device. More specifically, the power conductor is re-used as a RF ground for the antenna wire thus the power inductor has double function in both transmitting DC power and serving as a RF grounding structure. This provides a compact design.

[0010] The proposed technique thereby allows RF blocking material to be used for the load device, e.g., to house or encapsulate elements of the load device, and is displaced away from the antenna wire in the cable between the load device and the driving device, without significantly affecting the sensitivity or signal-to-noise ratio of an antenna for the load device. Moreover, the proposed approach may even improve the characteristics of the antenna, by distancing the antenna from potential sources of noise or electromagnetic interference in the load device.

[0011] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0012] According to examples in accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided an electronic arrangement comprising a driving device adapted to supply a power; a load device adapted to receive the power from the driving device, said load device comprising a radiofrequency circuit having an active feeding terminal and a ground terminal; and a multi -conductor cable adapted to connect said driving device to said load device.

[0013] The multi -conductor cable is partially interrupted between the driving device and the load device by comprising a first conductor, connecting the driving device and the load device and configured to carry the power and adapted to connect to the ground terminal of the radiofrequency circuit; and a second conductor. The second conductor comprises a connection segment, configured to connect to the active feeding terminal of the radiofrequency circuit; a shielded segment, connecting the connection segment and positioned alongside the first conductor such that the first conductor is able to provide RF shielding to the shielded segment; and a free segment, connecting the shielded segment opposite from the connection segment, wherein the free segment is unshielded by the first conductor and electrically isolated from the driving device such that it is adapted to act as a radiating element of an antenna. The present approach therefore proposes to form the radiating element of an antenna (i.e., the free segment of the second conductor) in a same cable as a conductor configured to carry a power (e.g., a ground or reference voltage) to a load device. This provides a mechanism for distancing the radiating element of the antenna away from the load device, e.g., away from any RF blocking material of the load device, to thereby improve the sensitivity, signal-to-noise and robustness of the radiating element. This also combines the antenna in the existing power cable, and mitigates a need of using another dedicated cable for carrying the antenna. The lighting device becomes more compact.

[0014] The first conductor also acts to perform RF shielding on a portion of the second conductor. This further improves the effectiveness of the second conductor as an antenna for the load device. This shielding structure also helps to displace the antenna far from the load device so as to prevent interference.

[0015] In the context of the present disclosure, a radiating element of an antenna is a portion of the antenna that, when provided with appropriately configured electrical signals, will generate radiofrequency waves. Of course, a radiating element is similarly responsive to incoming radiofrequency waves, so as to generate electrical signal responsive thereto. In short, the antenna could be a transmission antenna, a receiving antenna, or a transceiver antenna.

[0016] The second conductor acts as an antenna (arrangement) for the load device. In particular, the free segment acts as a radiating element. The shielded segment and / or connection segment act as a transmission or feedline for connecting the radiating element to the radiofrequency circuit. The radiofrequency circuit comprises a transmitter and / or receiver for generating, processing and / or receiving radiofrequency alternating currents. Generated alternating currents can be transmitted through the second conductor to be radiated by the free segment. Received alternating current (generated by the free segment of the second conductor) can be processed or analyzed to identify any information carried by the radiofrequency waves that produce the received alternating current.

[0017] In some examples, the first conductor is adapted to enclose the shielded segment of the second conductor thereby shielding the shielded segment, and the first conductor is adapted to expose the free segment.

[0018] In this way, enclosing is a good structure to provide RF shielding, and the shielded segment acts to distance the free segment (i.e., the radiating element of an antenna) away from the load device. In some examples, the first conductor and the shielded segment of the second conductor are coaxial with one another and the shielded segment of the second conductor is wrapped by the first conductor. Coaxial is a good structure to provide RF shielding and this approach increases or improves the shielding of the shielded segment by the first conductor, improving the signal-to-noise of any electrical signals (e.g., for generating radiofrequency waves or generated responsive to incoming radiofrequency waves) carried by the second conductor.

[0019] In some examples, the first conductor and at least the shielded segment of the second conductor are enclosed in a same sheath. This increases an ease of installing and manipulating the components of the electronic arrangement, and reduces a risk of damaging the first and second conductors.

[0020] The driving device may be adapted to supply the power via a power terminal and a negative or ground terminal, and the load device is adapted to receive the power via a positive terminal and a negative or ground terminal.

[0021] The first connector may be adapted to connect to the negative or ground terminal of the driving device and to the negative or ground terminal of the load device.

[0022] The electronic arrangement may further comprise a positive conductor configured to carry the power and adapted to connect to the positive terminal of the driving device and to the positive terminal of the load device, said positive conductor is electrically isolated from the first and second conductors.

[0023] The negative or ground connection of the power is usually easier to be referred / grounded by other circuits thus this embodiment is easier to implement.

[0024] In some examples, the electronic arrangement may further comprise a capacitor connected between the first conductor and the ground terminal of the radiofrequency circuit, the capacitor being configured to block or reduce DC interference introduced by the power from entering the radiofrequency circuit.

[0025] This embodiment provides an isolation to prevent or reduce the risk of the power signal from influencing the RF signal.

[0026] The load device may comprise a main load, separate to the radiofrequency circuit. The first conductor may be adapted to carry the power to the main load. This ensures that the first conductor has a dual purpose of RF grounding and powering other components of the load device, to reduce the number of conductors that need to connect the driving device to the load device. The load device may comprise a RF shielding structure. Preferably, the separation between the free segment and the RF shielding structure of the load device is no less than 5 mm. This embodiment increases the sensitivity of the free segment to incoming radiofrequency waves, and reduces blocking of any generated radiofrequency waves.

[0027] In some examples, the multi -conductor cable comprises a non-shielding clearance portion configured to wrap the free segment, wherein the thickness of the nonshielding clearance portion is no less than least 5mm. Use of such a low conductivity shielding ensures that the free segment still has at least 5mm clearance even if the connection arrangement is put close to a metal such as an external metal fixture like a housing or ceiling. This helps maintain the performance of the free segment, as an antenna element, even in proximity to a metal or other RF shielding structure.

[0028] The multi -conductor cable may comprise a junction portion, from which the free segment of the second conductor starts to extend out of so as to be unshielded by the first conductor. In such embodiments, the first conductor, at the junction portion, is adapted to act as a ground element for the antenna. Thus, the first conductor (at the junction portion) can effectively act as a ground plane for the free segment (acting as the radiating part of an antenna).

[0029] Preferably, dimension of the first conductor at the junction portion is greater than at other portions of the first conductor. This acts to effectively increase the size / area of the ground plane for the free segment, thereby improving the reliability and robustness of the free segment in performing the functions of a radiating element of an antenna.

[0030] The driving device and the load device may be separate devices or may form modules within a single (integral) housing.

[0031] This means the embodiments of the invention can be applied to either a splittype luminaire or an integral-type luminaire.

[0032] The multi -conductor cable may comprise a free segment housing configured to house the free segment and the first conductor and to maintain the clearance between each other. This approach provides a dedicated structure for accommodating the free segment, e.g., and maintaining the displacement between the free segment wit the first conductor so as to prevent the RF shielding at the free segment and ensure the RF performance.

[0033] In some examples, the multi -conductor cable comprises: a driver cable segment connected to the driving device and comprising a first connector head; and a load device cable segment connected to the load device and comprising a second connecter head adapted to connect to the first connector head. This provides an embodiment to implement the multi -conductor cable in an attachable and detachable way. Therefore the driving device and the load device can be flexibly disconnect and exchanged.

[0034] The driver cable segment may be adapted to carry a first portion of the first conductor and the load device cable segment may be adapted to carry a second portion of the first conductor to be connected to said first portion of the first conductor via the first and second connector heads, and at least the connection segment and the shielded segment of the second conductor.

[0035] This approach effectively splits the multi -conductor cable into two portions. This can increase an ease and flexibility of installing the electronic arrangement, e.g., as the driving device and the load device can be positioned separately and later connected together via the connector heads.

[0036] In some examples, only the load device cable segment comprises the second conductor. In other examples, the load device cable segment comprises a first portion of the second conductor and the driving device cable segment comprises a second portion of the second conductor to be connected to the first portion of the second conductor for form a complete second conductor via the connector heads.

[0037] The free segment may be positioned and offset from the first conductor within at least one of the connector heads. The size of the connector heads is usually be larger than other parts of the multi -conductor cable thus is a nice location to accommodating the free segment and provide the offset / clearance.

[0038] In some examples, the driving device is an LED driver; and the load device is an LED lamp.

[0039] The driving device and the load device may be integrated in a single luminaire.

[0040] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment s) described hereinafter.

[0041] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] Fig. 1 illustrates a proposed electronic arrangement;

[0044] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a proposed electronic arrangement; Fig. 3 illustrates a multi -conductor cable for use in proposed embodiments;

[0045] Fig. 4 illustrates a portion of the multi -conductor cable;

[0046] Fig. 5 illustrates a portion of an alternative version of the multi -conductor cable;

[0047] Fig. 6 illustrates a pair of connector heads for use with a multi -conductor cable;

[0048] Fig. 7 illustrates one of the connector heads; and

[0049] Fig. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the first head and second head in a connected state.

[0050] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0051] The invention will be described with reference to the Figures.

[0052] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, systems and methods, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the Figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the Figures to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0053] The invention provides a mechanism for providing an antenna for a load device of an electronic arrangement. The antenna is formed as a part of a multi -conductor cable connecting the load device to a driving device of the electronic arrangement. In particular, the antenna is formed in a free segment of a conductor that is disconnected from the driving device, but formed in the multi -conductor cable that includes another conductor that connects to the driving device and carries power form the driving device to the load device. The other conductor also provides RF shielding to a portion of the conductor that has the free segment.

[0054] Embodiments are based on the realization that it possible to integrate an antenna into a cable connecting the driving device to the load device, and that this cable can also carry a conductor that is able to perform a dual function of carrying a power to the load device and RF grounding for a transmission line of the antenna. Figure 1 illustrates an electronic arrangement 100 for improved contextual understanding. The electronic arrangement 100 comprises a driving device 110, a load device 120 and a multi -connector cable 130 adapted to connect the driving device 110 to the load device 120.

[0055] The driving device 110 is adapted to supply a power. By way of example, the driving device may connect to a mains power supply and convert the mains power into a supply power.

[0056] The load device 120 is adapted to receive the power from the driving device. The load device 120 comprises a radiofrequency circuit having an active feeding terminal and a ground terminal.

[0057] A radiofrequency circuit is a circuit or electronic component that is configured to process signals responsive to radiofrequency waves and / or configured to generate radiofrequency waves (e.g., if passed through an antenna). Thus, the radiofrequency circuit may be or comprise a (radio) transmitter and / or (radio) receiver. Examples of suitable radiofrequency circuits are well known in the art.

[0058] The multi -connector cable comprises a first conductor that electrically connects the driving device and the load device and carries the power. Even more, the first conductor is adapted to connect to the ground terminal of the radiofrequency circuit. The multi -connector cable also comprises a second conductor, configured to connect to the active feeding terminal of the radiofrequency circuit.

[0059] In the illustrated example, the driving device and the load device are formed as separate devices. Alternatively, the driving and load devices may form modules of a single device.

[0060] As a working example, the driving device 110 may be an LED driver. The load device 120 may be an LED lamp (driven by the LED driver). More specifically, this is a ceiling light of a split-type. In some alternative examples, the LED driver and LED lamp may be integrally formed in a single luminaire.

[0061] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of the electronic arrangement 100, which more clearly illustrates the connections between the various components.

[0062] The first conductor 131 of the multi -conductor cable 130 is adapted to electrically connect the driving device 110 and the load device 120 for transferring power from the driving device to the load device.

[0063] As previously mentioned, the load device 120 comprises a radiofrequency circuit 121 having an active feeding terminal 121 A and a ground terminal 12 IB. The first conductor 121 is also connected to the ground terminal 12 IB. The second conductor 132 of the multi -conductor cable 130 is adapted to connect to the active feeding terminal 121 A.

[0064] More particularly, the second conductor 132 comprises a connection segment 132A configured to connect to the active feeding terminal of the radiofrequency circuit.

[0065] The second conductor 132 also comprises a shielded segment 132B. The shielded segment is positioned alongside the first conductor 131 such that the first conductor 131 is adapted to provide radiofrequency (RF) shielding to the shielded segment. Approaches for achieving RF shielding using the first conductor will be described later. In some examples, the first conductor is configured to wrap around, cover, or enclose the shielded segment 132B of the second conductor 132.

[0066] The second conductor 132 also comprises a free segment 132C, at an opposite of the second conductor to the connection segment 132A, that is unshielded by the first conductor 131. Thus, the free segment 132C is exposed with respect to the first conductor 131. In this way, the free segment 132C acts as a radiating element of an antenna.

[0067] Correspondingly, the connection segment and / or shielded segment act as the transmission line connecting the radiating element (i.e., the free segment 132C) to the radiofrequency circuit 121.

[0068] By the above structure, the multi -conductor cable is partially interrupted between the driving device and the load device such that the second conductor is electrically isolated from the driving device. In particular, the free segment 132C is unconnected e.g., exposed or floating from the driving device 110.

[0069] Thus, the second conductor 132 is effectively floating, so as to act in the manner of a radiating element of an antenna, e.g., a monopole antenna. The connection of the second conductor to the active feeding terminal (via the connection segment 132A) provides an antenna feed to the radiofrequency circuit 121.

[0070] The shielded segment 132B is positioned between the free segment and the connection segment. The first conductor 131 is adapted to enclose the shielded segment 132B of the second conductor thereby shielding the shielded segment 132B. The first conductor is adapted to expose the free segment 132C by for example not enclosing it.

[0071] As conceptually illustrated in Figure 2, the first conductor 131 and at least the shielded segment of the second conductor 132 may be enclosed or sheathed in a same sheath 139. Preferably the free segment 132C as well as the clearance between the free segment 132C and the first conductor 131 are also enclosed or sheathed in a same sheath 139 as an integral cable easy to handle. Alternatively, the free segment can extend out of the sheath 139 as shown by the dot and dash line 132C’. Here clearance means the free segment is substantially not shielded by a relating structure.

[0072] The free segment 132C may be positioned and offset (or provided with suitable clearance) from the first conductor 131.

[0073] Further possible features for the electronic arrangement are illustrated in Figure 2.

[0074] For instance, the driving device may be configured to supply the power via a power terminal 118 and a negative / ground terminal 119. Similarly, the load device 120 may comprise a corresponding positive terminal 128 and negative / ground terminal 129. The negative ground / terminal 129 may be coupled to the ground terminal 121B of the radiofrequency circuit 120.

[0075] In such instances, the first connector 131 is adapted to connect the negative / ground terminals 119, 129 of the driving and load devices to one another. Thus, the first connector is configured to connect the negative / ground terminal 119 of the driving device to the ground terminal 129 of the load device.

[0076] The electronic arrangement may further comprise a positive conductor 133 (i.e., a third conductor) that is configured to connect the positive terminals 118, 128 of the driving 110 and load 120 devices to one another. Thus, the positive conductor 133 is configured to connect the positive terminal 118 of the driving device 110 to the positive terminal 128 of the load device 120.

[0077] Preferably, and as illustrated in Figure 1, the positive conductor is formed in the same multi -conductor cable as the first and second conductors. This increases an ease of manipulating and installing the electronic arrangement. This, however, is not essential, and the positive conductor may form or define a separate cable configured to connect the driving device to the load device.

[0078] Turning back to Figure 2, the load device 120 may further comprise a capacitor CB connected between the first conductor and the ground terminal of the radiofrequency circuit. For instance, the capacitor CB may be connected between the ground terminal 129 of the load device 120 and the ground terminal 121B of the radiofrequency circuit (of the load device 120). The capacitor CB being configured to block or reduce (any) DC interference introduced by the power from entering the radiofrequency circuit 121, and pass the radiofrequency signal for the antenna.

[0079] The illustrated load device 120 also comprises a main load 122. The main load 122 is separate to the radiofrequency circuit 121. The main load 122 receives the power carried by the multi -conductor cable 130. Thus, the main load 122 may connect to the positive terminal 128 of the load device 120 and the negative / ground terminal 129 of the load device 120. The main load 122 can thereby be powered by the driving device 110.

[0080] The main load 122 may, for instance, be responsive to information produced by the radiofrequency circuit responsive to radiofrequency waves received at the free segment of the second conductor from a remote controller. In some examples, the main load 122 may also produce information to be encoded, by the radiofrequency circuit, in radiofrequency waves produced by the free segment of the second conductor for transmitting to a remote controller.

[0081] The driving device 110 may be configured to generate the power for the main load, e.g., designed for powering the main load. As an example, the main load may comprise a light emitting element (e.g., an LED load) and the driving device may comprise a driver for powering the light emitting element. The main load may optionally include a further DC-DC converter to convert the power across the positive and negative terminal into a LED driving current for the LED load.

[0082] In this way, the connector that carries the ground / negative voltage provided to the main load 122 also acts as the shielding for an antenna portion for a radiofrequency circuit of the same load device.

[0083] Figures 3 and 4 illustrates an example of a multi -conductor cable 130 for use in proposed embodiments. The left side of the cable 130 is connected to the driving device and the right side of the cable 130 is connected to the load device.

[0084] The shielded segment (not visible in Figure 3) of the second conductor is enclosed or encapsulated by the first conductor 131. The free segment 132C of the second conductor extends out of the encapsulation of / by the first conductor. The free segment 132C can thereby act as an effective radiation length or portion of an antenna.

[0085] More particularly, the multi -conductor cable comprises a junction portion 305, from which the free segment 132C of the second conductor begins to extend out of (and away from) the first conductor 131, so as to be unshielded by the first conductor. Thus, the free segment 132C of the second conductor may extend from the junction portion to a free or floating end 132D of the second conductor.

[0086] It will be appreciated that the free segment 132C of the second conductor is able to act as an antenna. Thus, the portion of the second conductor that is not shielded (e.g., wrapped) by the first conductor is able to act as an antenna. The second conductor will be as antenna when the outside conductor is longer wrapping it. The first conductor will be positioned or separated away from antenna and can supply a negative or ground power V- to supply power for the main load of the load device.

[0087] The length L of the free segment (e.g., acting as a monopole antenna) can be calculated using the below equation:

[0088] A c L-4 - 4f where X is a desired wavelength, c is the speed of light and f is a desired frequency. Use of equation (1) means that the free segment is designed to act as a quarter wave antenna. Other design approaches can be used in alternative examples, e.g., a 5 / 8 wave antenna (in which the value % of equation (1) is replaced by 5 / 8). Yet other examples will be apparent to the skilled person in the field of antenna design.

[0089] The first conductor 131, at the junction portion 305, is adapted to act as a ground element for the antenna. This improves the sensitivity of the free segment 132C (in its role as an antenna) as well as improving a signal-to-noise ratio.

[0090] The first conductor 131 and the shielded segment may be located coaxially with respect to one another. In particular, the first conductor 131 may wrap the shielded segment of the second conductor. Thus, the shielded segment of the second conductor acts as an inner conductor of a coaxial cable and the first conductor acts as an outer conductor of the coaxial cable.

[0091] In the shielded segment of the second conductor, the main mode of propagation of any incoming or outgoing radiofrequency signals is as a transverse electromagnetic (TEM) wave. As the first conductor is configured to a ground, the electromagnetic field is controlled, such that the shielded segment has negligible radiation loss and negligible interference from external signals.

[0092] In some examples, a portion of the free segment 131C proximate to the first conductor 131 is partially encapsulated in a second conductor sheath 310. In particular, the second conductor sheath 410 may cover the free segment up to a point which a distance between said point and the first conductor is greater than a predetermined value (e.g., 5mm). This reduces noise in any received or emitted radiofrequency signals.

[0093] The free segment may be wrapped by another sheath preferably a nonshielding clearance portion. Preferably, the thickness of the non-shielding clearance portion is no less than least 5mm. This ensures that, even when the multi-core cable is placed close to an external shielding material, the free segment is still distanced from the external shielding material by at least 5mm due to this sheath.

[0094] Thus, the free segment 132C of the second conductor and the first conductor may (at least initially) diverge or extend away from one another.

[0095] The multi -conductor cable 130 further comprises the power / third conductor 133. The power-third conductor may be (partially) encapsulated or sheathed in a power conductor sheath 320.

[0096] Figure 5 illustrates a view of a portion of a variant to the multi -conductor cable.

[0097] In this variant, a dimension of the first conductor at the junction portion is greater than at other portions of the first conductor. In particular, a radius R of the first conductor 131 may be larger at the junction portion 305 than at (e.g., any of the) other portions of the first conductor.

[0098] This approach effectively increases the area of a reference ground at the beginning of the free portion, (e.g., acting as an antenna). This allows the length of the free portion to be shortened and increases a speed at which the antenna reaches a desired resonance frequency.

[0099] It has been identified that the resonant frequency is not only affected by antenna, but also the ground. More particularly, the greater the need for accuracy in monitoring for a particular wavelength (e.g., achieving a particular resonant frequency in the free segment acting as an antenna), the greater the requirement for a large ground. If the ground is too small, will not get accurate resonance frequency.

[0100] Turning back to Figure 1, a further variant for the multi -conductor cable is hereafter explained. In this variant, the multi -conductor cable is formed in two separable parts that can be coupled together so as to form the multi -conductor cable connection between the driving device and the load device.

[0101] In particular, the multi -conductor cable 130 may comprise a driver cable segment 140 adapted to connect to the driving device 110 and a load device cable segment 150 adapted to connect to the load device 120.

[0102] The drive cable segment 140 may comprise a first connector head 141 and the load device cable segment may comprise a second connector head 142. The first and second connector heads are configured to connect to one another, i.e., to form a connection between the driver cable segment 140 and the load device cable segment 150. The driver cable segment carries a first portion of the first conductor. The load device cable segment carries a second portion of the first conductor. The first and second portions are connected together via the first and second connector heads, when said connector heads are connected together.

[0103] The load device cable segment also carries at least the connection segment and the shielded segment of the second conductor.

[0104] Similarly, if the power / third conductor is present, the driver cable segment will carry a first portion of the power conductor and the load device cable segment will carry a second portion of the power conductor. When the first and second connector heads are connected together, the first portion of the power conductor connects to the second portion of the power conductor.

[0105] Figure 6 illustrates a portion of a proposed multi -conductor cable, further illustrating the driver cable segment 140 and the load device cable segment 150.

[0106] In the illustrated example, the multi -conductor cable carries the first conductor, the second conductor and the positive (third) conductor.

[0107] In the illustrated example, the free portion 132C of the second conductor is configured to extend out of the second connector head and into the first connector head when the two connector heads are connected together. In this way, the two connector heads can effectively encapsulate or enclose the free portion 132C of the second conductor.

[0108] In particular, the two connector heads (when connected together) define a free segment housing configured to house the free segment and the first conductor such that they are offset and / or define a clearance from each other.

[0109] In an alternative example, the free portion of the second conductor is housed entirely by the second connector head of the load device cable segment 150 without extending into the first connector head of the driving device cable segment 140.

[0110] In another example, the free portion of the second conductor may be divided into a first free portion segment and a second free portion segment. The first free portion segment may be carried by the driver cable segment. The second free portion segment may be carried by the load device cable segment. The first and second free portion segments may connect together (when the connector heads connect to one another), to thereby define the free portion of the multi -connector cable. This can advantageously extend the antenna length for the radiofrequency circuit. Notably, the free portion 132C is still floating in the first connector head without electrically connecting to the driving device. From Figure 6, it will be apparent that the first connector head 141 is in the form of a female connector head, and the second connector head 151 is in the form of a male connector head. This precise configured is not essential and may, for example, be reversed.

[0111] Figure 7 illustrates another view of the second connector head, for improved contextual understanding. Portions of the first 131 and power 133 conductors are (also) visible.

[0112] The first connector head and the second connector head may connect using any known connection means in the art, e.g., any suitable UHF connector such as a BNC connector, a PL259 connector and so on.

[0113] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of the multi -conductor cable including the first head and second head in connected state.

[0114] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. For example, the multi-core cable is not necessarily implemented in two part with the driver cable segment and the load device cable segment, but could be an integral cable, i.e., a single cable. Even more, using coaxial cable structure to implement the first conductor and the second conductor is neither necessarily, any other structure as long as the first conductor can shield the shielded segment of the second conductor can be used. For example, the first conductor can be a wrap outside of the shielded segment of the second conductor.

[0115] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0116] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0117] If the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or description, it is noted the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to". If the term "arrangement" is used in the claims or description, it is noted the term "arrangement" is intended to be equivalent to the term "system", and vice versa.

[0118] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An electronic arrangement comprising a driving device adapted to supply a power; a load device adapted to receive the power from the driving device, said load device comprising a radiofrequency circuit having an active feeding terminal and a ground terminal; and a multi -conductor cable adapted to connect said driving device to said load device, wherein the multi -conductor cable is partially interrupted between the driving device and the load device by comprising: a first conductor, adapted to connect said driving device and said load device and configured to carry the power and adapted to connect to the ground terminal of the radiofrequency circuit; and a second conductor comprising: a connection segment, configured to connect to the active feeding terminal of the radiofrequency circuit; a shielded segment, connecting the connection segment and positioned alongside the first conductor such that the first conductor is able to provide RF shielding to the shielded segment, and a free segment, connecting the shielded segment opposite from the connection segment, wherein the free segment is unshielded by the first conductor and is electrically isolated from the driving device such that it is adapted to act as a radiating element of an antenna.

2. The electronic arrangement of claim 1, the first conductor is adapted to enclose the shielded segment thereby shielding the shielded segment, and the first conductor is adapted to expose the free segment.

3. The electronic arrangement of claim 2, wherein the first conductor and the shielded segment of the second conductor are coaxial with one another and the shielded segment is wrapped by the first conductor.

4. The electronic arrangement of claim 3, wherein the first conductor and at least the shielded segment of the second conductor are enclosed in a same sheath.

5. The electronic arrangement of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein: the driving device is adapted to supply the power via a power terminal and a negative or ground terminal, and the load device is adapted to receive the power via a positive terminal and a negative or ground terminal; the first connector is adapted to connect to the negative or ground terminal of the driving device and to the negative or ground terminal of the load device; and the electronic arrangement further comprises a positive conductor configured to carry the power and adapted to connect to the positive terminal of the driving device and to the positive terminal of the load device, said positive conductor is electrically isolated from the first and second conductors.

6. The electronic arrangement of claim 5, further comprising a capacitor connected between the first conductor and the ground terminal of the radiofrequency circuit, the capacitor being configured to block or reduce DC interference introduced by the power from entering the radiofrequency circuit.

7. The electronic arrangement of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the load device comprises a main load, separate to the radiofrequency circuit, and the first conductor is adapted to carry the power to the main load.

8. The electronic arrangement of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein: the load device comprises a RF shielding structure and the separation between the free segment and the RF shielding structure of the load device is no less than 5 mm; and / or the multi -conductor cable comprises a non-shielding clearance portion configured to wrap the free segment, wherein the thickness of the non-shielding clearance portion is no less than least 5mm.

9. The electronic arrangement of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein:the multi -conductor cable comprises a junction portion, from which the free segment of the second conductor starts to extend out of so as to be unshielded by the first conductor; and the first conductor, at the junction portion, is adapted to act as a ground element for the antenna.

10. The electronic arrangement of claim 9, wherein a dimension of the first conductor at the junction portion is greater than at other portions of the first conductor.

11. The electronic arrangement of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the driving device and the load device are separate devices, or are modules within a single integral housing.

12. The electronic arrangement of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the multiconductor cable comprises a free segment housing configured to house the free segment, the first conductor and the offset or clearance therebetween.

13. The electronic arrangement of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the multiconductor cable comprises: a driver cable segment connected to the driving device and comprising a first connector head; and a load device cable segment connected to the load device and comprising a second connecter head adapted to connect to the first connector head, wherein said driver cable segment is adapted to carry a first portion of the first conductor and the load device cable segment is adapted to carry a second portion of the first conductor to be connected to said first portion of the first conductor via the first and second connector heads, and at least the connection segment and the shielded segment of the second conductor.

14. The electronic arrangement of claim 13, wherein the free segment is positioned and offset / clearance from the first conductor within at least one of the connector heads.

15. The electronic arrangement of any of claims 1 to 14, as a lighting device, wherein: the driving device is an LED driver; and the load device is an LED arrangement.

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