Sealed and serviceable RF modular interconnect

Abstract

A sealed and serviceable radio frequency (RF) modular interconnect system is described with an interconnect body and a plurality of RF modules positioned in the plurality of interconnect body cavities. The interconnect body may include at least one guiding pin, at least one fastener, and a plurality of cavities. Each RF module may include a self-guiding, self-mating RF connector, a spring to spring-load the RF connector, a sealing boot to encompass a rear portion of the RF connector and an RF cable, where the sealing boot is affixed over a rear protrusion of the interconnect body aligned with each cavity, and a fastening mechanism to fasten the sealing boot over the rear protrusion of the interconnect body.

Description

Docket No. 3100.0161WOU1SEALED AND SERVICEABLE RE MODULAR INTERCONNECTCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63 / 719,772 filed on November 13, 2024. The disclosures of the Provisional Application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted as prior art by inclusion in this section.

[0003] Connector systems provide electrical interconnection between different devices allowing exchange of data, control information, power, and other electrical signals. Depending on implementation, size, shape, pin numbers, and other characteristics of the connectors may vary. Some connector systems are for special environments such as hazardous environments, and may therefore include special sealing properties. Others may be shielded against electromagnetic interference. Pin numbers and sizes may also differ depending on the implementation such as expected current levels, number of signals to be exchanged, etc.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure generally describes a sealed and serviceable radio frequency (RF) modular interconnect system.

[0005] According to some examples, a sealed and serviceable radio frequency (RF) modular interconnect system may include an interconnect body and a plurality of RF modules positioned in the plurality of interconnect body cavities. The interconnect body may include at least one guiding pin, at least one fastener, and a plurality of cavities. Each RF module may include a self-guiding, self-mating RF connector, a spring to spring-load the RF connector, a sealing boot to encompass a rear portion of the RF connector and an RF cable, where the sealing boot is affixed over a rear protrusion of the interconnect body aligned with each cavity, and a fastening mechanism to fasten the sealing boot over the rear protrusion of the interconnect body.Docket No. 3100.0161WOU1

[0006] According to other examples, a radio frequency (RF) module for a sealed and serviceable RF modular interconnect system may include a self-guiding, self-mating RF connector, a spring to spring-load the RF connector, a sealing boot to encompass a rear portion of the RF connector and an RF cable, where the sealing boot is affixed over a rear protrusion of an interconnect body aligned with a cavity within the interconnect body to house the RF connector, and a fastening mechanism to fasten the sealing boot over the rear protrusion of the interconnect body. The RF connector may include an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve partially encompassing the inner sleeve, a dielectric inside the inner sleeve, a center conductor inside the dielectric, a socket inside a front portion of the inner sleeve, and a center contact inside the socket, the center contact electrically coupled to the center conductor.

[0007] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The foregoing and other features of this disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings, in which:FIG. 1A and IB illustrate front and back perspective views of an example sealed and serviceable RF modular interconnect system;FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section view of a sealed and serviceable spring-loaded RF port; FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-section view of the RF connector portion in a sealed and serviceable spring-loaded RF port;FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-section view of the RF connector contacts and wiring in a sealed and serviceable spring-loaded RF port;FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a sealed and self-retained spring-loaded RF port; andDocket No. 3100.0161WGU1FIG. 5 illustrates various clamp types that may be used with a sealed and serviceable spring-loaded RF port,all arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. The aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

[0010] This disclosure is generally drawn, inter alia, to a sealed and serviceable RF modular interconnect system.

[0011] FIG. 1A and IB illustrate front and back perspective views of an example sealed and serviceable RF modular interconnect system, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.

[0012] Diagram 100A shows a six-gang RF interconnect system with an interconnect body 110, six RF connectors 112, guide pins 108, fasteners 114, RF cables 106, sealing boots 104, and boot clamps 102 (e.g., zip ties). The individual RF connectors are self-guiding, self-mating. The sealing boots provide environmental sealing against elements and are affixed to the interconnect body through clamps. Thus, individual connectors may be removed through the rear of the interconnect system and serviced (e.g., replaced) without having to remove / replace the entire interconnect system.

[0013] The interconnect system can be fastened to a mating set of connectors (e.g., on a chassis) through threaded fasteners 114. In addition to the shown threaded fasteners, the interconnect system may be fastened through bayonet, latch, lever, push-pull, screw, snap-in, or similar mechanisms. In some examples, the interconnect body 110 may be made from conductive material (e.g., brass, a lightweight aluminum alloy, electroless or sulfamate nickel,Docket No. 3100.0161WOU1black or zinc nickel) and act as additional shield (and ground) electrically coupling to the shields of the cables on both sides. In other examples, the interconnect body may be made from dielectric material such as plastic, ceramic, etc.

[0014] Diagram 100B shows the rear view of the six-gang RF interconnect system with sealing boots 104 and RF cables 106 for each connector along with zip ties 102 to fasten the sealing boots to the interconnect body 110.

[0015] While the interconnect system is shown in a six-gang configuration, it may be implemented with any practical number of RF connectors. Furthermore, the RF connectors may be laid out in linear or other configurations (e.g., two parallel sets, circular, elliptical, and any other). A shape of the interconnect body may also be other than substantially rectangular as shown.

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section view of a sealed and serviceable spring-loaded RF port, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.

[0017] Diagram 200 shows a spring-loaded RF connector 204 within an interconnect body 208 cavity. The body of the RF connector 204 is held within the cavity through a rear release retaining clip 214 allowing removal of the RF connector 204 through the rear for servicing purposes. A sealing boot 212 with cable strain relief may encompass a back portion of the RF connector 204 and a rear protrusion of the interconnect body 208. The sealing boot 212 is fastened onto the rear protrusion of the interconnect body 208 through a clamp 210 sealing the RF connector port and providing strain relief to the RF cable 216.

[0018] The RF connector 204 may include a self-guiding BMA socket (shield / ground) surrounding the center pin contact. A BMA (blind mate attachment) connector is used to transmit RF signals between electronic devices or components. They are commonly used in applications that require high frequency stability and efficiency, such as satellite communications, radar systems, test equipment, communication systems, and wireless infrastructure. Diagram 200 also shows the guide pins 202 and threaded fasteners 218 of the interconnect system. In some examples, a face sealing peripheral flat gasket 206 may be used to seal the coupled interconnect system. The gasket 206 may be conductive or non-conductive depending on the application (i.e., if the body is conductive or not).Docket No. 3100.0161WOU1

[0019] FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-section view of the RF connector portion in a sealed and serviceable spring-loaded RF port, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.

[0020] Diagram 300A shows details of the RF connector 305 inside the interconnect system. The RF connector 305 may include a self-guiding BMA socket 304 acting as shield and / or ground surrounding the center pin contact 302 which is coupled to one end of the center conductor 308. An exposed center conductor 320 of the RF cable 310 is coupled to the other end of the center conductor 308. The RF connector may be encased inside an inner sleeve 314 and partially encased inside an outer sleeve 316. When the connector is mated with a corresponding male connector, the inner sleeve 314 may move toward the rear spring-loaded through the spring 306 that pushes the inner sleeve 314 and the outer sleeve 316.

[0021] FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-section view of the RF connector contacts and wiring in a sealed and serviceable spring-loaded RF port, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.

[0022] Diagram 300B shows another view of the RF connector cross-section, where the RF cable 310 is held in place through a rear portion of the inner sleeve 314 acting as a small strain relief (a secondary strain relief being the sealing boot itself). A stripped portion 322 of the cable is inside the RF connector dielectric with the center conductor being electrically coupled to the connector’s center conductor and therethrough to the center contact (socket). A shield of the cable 310 is electrically coupled to the BMA socket through the inner sleeve 314. The inner sleeve may be made from a conductive material or plated with a conductive material as mentioned herein.

[0023] Diagram 300B also shows (partially) a rear end 324 of a threaded fastener affixed to the interconnect body 330. On the front surface of the interconnect body 330, the face sealing peripheral flat gasket 332 is shown. As mentioned above, when the connector is mated with a corresponding male connector, the inner sleeve 314 may move toward the rear spring-loaded through the spring 306 that pushes the inner sleeve 314 and the outer sleeve 316.

[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a sealed and self-retained spring-loaded RF port, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.

[0025] Diagram 400 includes the cable 426 being held in place and sealed through the sealing boot 424, which is fastened to the interconnect body 402 through a clamp 422. On theDocket No. 3100.0161WOU1front surface of the interconnect body 402, threaded portion 406 of the fastener 412, front end extrusion of the RF connector 408, guide pin 410, and front face sealing gasket 404 are shown. As mentioned herein, the gasket 404 may be conductive or non-conductive depending on whether the interconnect body 402 is conductive or non-conductive.

[0026] Diagram 400 further shows details of the fastener 412 for the interconnect system. The threaded fastener 412 may also be inserted through the rear of the interconnect body 402 and be held in place through a retaining clip 414. The fastener 412 may also include an O-ring seal 416 that may work as a friction washer in addition to sealing the interconnect body 402. The rear end 418 of the fastener may have a hex socket, Philips head, or any other screw mechanism. In some examples, the fastener may also include latch, lever, push-pull, screw, snap-in, or similar mechanisms.

[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates various clamp types that may be used with a sealed and serviceable spring-loaded RF port, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.

[0028] Diagram 500 shows example fastening mechanisms (clamps) to hold the sealing boot in place (and ensure sealing) over the rear protrusion of the interconnect body. Such mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, a zip tie, a band-and-buckle clamp 502, a bolt clamp 512, a pinch clamp 504, a quick release clamp 514, a shrink-to-fit clamp 506, a snap grip clamp 516, a spring clamp 508, and a worm drive clamp 518.

[0029] According to some examples, a sealed and serviceable radio frequency (RF) modular interconnect system may include an interconnect body and a plurality of RF modules positioned in the plurality of interconnect body cavities. The interconnect body may include at least one guiding pin, at least one fastener, and a plurality of cavities. Each RF module may include a self-guiding, self-mating RF connector, a spring to spring-load the RF connector, a sealing boot to encompass a rear portion of the RF connector and an RF cable, where the sealing boot is affixed over a rear protrusion of the interconnect body aligned with each cavity, and a fastening mechanism to fasten the sealing boot over the rear protrusion of the interconnect body.

[0030] According to other examples, the RF connector may include an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve partially encompassing the inner sleeve, a dielectric inside the inner sleeve, a center conductor inside the dielectric, a socket inside a front portion of the inner sleeve, and a center contact inside the socket, the center contact electrically coupled to the center conductor. TheDocket No. 3100.0161WOU1inner sleeve and the outer sleeve may be pushed apart by the spring. The inner sleeve may further encompass a stripped portion of an RF cable providing electrical coupling between cable shield and RF connector socket. The center conductor of the RF connector may be electrically coupled to a center conductor of the RF cable. The RF connector may be held in place inside an interconnect body cavity through a rear release retaining clip.

[0031] According to further examples, the sealing boot may provide strain relief to the RF cable. The RF modular interconnect system may further include a face sealing peripheral flat gasket to seal a mated interconnect system. The fastener may be a threaded fastener. The fastener may include a retaining clip, and an O-ring seal. A rear end of the fastener may include one of a hex socket, a Philips head socket, a latch mechanism, a lever mechanism, a push-pull mechanism, or a snap-in mechanism.

[0032] According to other examples, a radio frequency (RF) module for a sealed and serviceable RF modular interconnect system may include a self-guiding, self-mating RF connector, a spring to spring-load the RF connector, a sealing boot to encompass a rear portion of the RF connector and an RF cable, where the sealing boot is affixed over a rear protrusion of an interconnect body aligned with a cavity within the interconnect body to house the RF connector, and a fastening mechanism to fasten the sealing boot over the rear protrusion of the interconnect body.

[0033] According to yet other examples, the RF connector may include an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve partially encompassing the inner sleeve, a dielectric inside the inner sleeve, a center conductor inside the dielectric, a socket inside a front portion of the inner sleeve, and a center contact inside the socket, the center contact electrically coupled to the center conductor. The inner sleeve and the outer sleeve may be pushed apart by the spring. The inner sleeve may further encompass a stripped portion of an RF cable. The RF connector may be held in place inside the cavity through a rear release retaining clip. The sealing boot may provide strain relief to an RF cable. The fastening mechanism to fasten the sealing boot may include a clamp with one of following types: zip tie, band-and-buckle, bolt, pinch, quick release, shrink-to-fit, snap grip, spring, or worm drive. Methods of assembling a sealed and serviceable RF modular interconnect system as described herein are also discussed.

[0034] The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. ManyDocket No. 3100.0161WOU1modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope.Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, are possible from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0035] The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. Such depicted architectures are merely examples, and in fact, many other architectures may be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality may be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermediate components. Likewise, any two components so associated may also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or “operably coupled”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated may also be viewed as being “operably couplable”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited to physically connectable and / or physically interacting components and / or wirelessly interactable and / or wirelessly interacting components and / or logically interacting and / or logically interactable components.

[0036] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and / or application. The various singular / plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[0037] In general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, andDocket No. 3100.0161WOU1in the absence of such recitation, no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., “a” and / or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).

[0038] Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A andB.”

[0039] For any and all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” and the like include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges asDocket No. 3100.0161WOU1discussed above. Finally, a range includes each individual member. Thus, for example, a group having 1-3 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3 cells. Similarly, a group having 1-5 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells, and so forth.

[0040] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are possible. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

Docket No. 3100.0161WOU1CLAIMSI / WE Claim:

1. A sealed and serviceable radio frequency (RF) modular interconnect system, comprising:an interconnect body havingat least one guiding pin;at least one fastener; anda plurality of cavities; anda plurality of RF modules positioned in the plurality of interconnect body cavities, each RF module havinga self-guiding, self-mating RF connector;a spring to spring-load the RF connector;a sealing boot to encompass a rear portion of the RF connector and an RF cable, wherein the sealing boot is affixed over a rear protrusion of the interconnect body aligned with each cavity; anda fastening mechanism to fasten the sealing boot over the rear protrusion of the interconnect body.

2. The RF modular interconnect system of claim 1, wherein the RF connector comprises:an inner sleeve;an outer sleeve partially encompassing the inner sleeve;a dielectric inside the inner sleeve;a center conductor inside the dielectric;a socket inside a front portion of the inner sleeve; anda center contact inside the socket, the center contact electrically coupled to the center conductor.

3. The RF modular interconnect system of claim 2, whereinthe inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are pushed apart by the spring.Docket No. 3100.0161WOU14. The RF modular interconnect system of claim 2, whereinthe inner sleeve further encompasses a stripped portion of an RF cable providing electrical coupling between cable shield and RF connector socket.

5. The RF modular interconnect system of claim 2, whereinthe center conductor of the RF connector is electrically coupled to a center conductor of the RF cable.

6. The RF modular interconnect system of claim 2, whereinthe RF connector is held in place inside an interconnect body cavity through a rear release retaining clip.

7. The RF modular interconnect system of claim 1, whereinthe sealing boot provides strain relief to the RF cable.

8. The RF modular interconnect system of claim 1, further comprising:a face sealing peripheral flat gasket to seal a mated interconnect system.

9. The RF modular interconnect system of claim 1, whereinthe fastener is a threaded fastener.

10. The RF modular interconnect system of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises:a retaining clip; andan O-ring seal.

11. The RF modular interconnect system of claim 1, whereina rear end of the fastener includes one of a hex socket, a Philips head socket, a latch mechanism, a lever mechanism, a push-pull mechanism, or a snap-in mechanism.

12. A radio frequency (RF) module for a sealed and serviceable RF modular interconnect system, comprising:Docket No. 3100.0161WOU1a self-guiding, self-mating RF connector;a spring to spring-load the RF connector;a sealing boot to encompass a rear portion of the RF connector and an RF cable, wherein the sealing boot is affixed over a rear protrusion of an interconnect body aligned with a cavity within the interconnect body to house the RF connector; anda fastening mechanism to fasten the sealing boot over the rear protrusion of the interconnect body.

13. The RF module of claim 12, wherein the RF connector comprises:an inner sleeve;an outer sleeve partially encompassing the inner sleeve;a dielectric inside the inner sleeve;a center conductor inside the dielectric;a socket inside a front portion of the inner sleeve; anda center contact inside the socket, the center contact electrically coupled to the center conductor.

14. The RF module of claim 13, whereinthe inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are pushed apart by the spring.

15. The RF module of claim 13, whereinthe inner sleeve further encompasses a stripped portion of an RF cable.

16. The RF module of claim 13, whereinthe RF connector is held in place inside the cavity through a rear release retaining clip.

17. The RF module of claim 12, whereinthe sealing boot provides strain relief to an RF cable.

18. The RF module of claim 12, the fastening mechanism to fasten the sealing boot comprises a clamp with one of following types:Docket No. 3100.0161WOU1zip tie, band-and-buckle, bolt, pinch, quick release, shrink-to-fit, snap grip, spring, or worm drive.

19. A method of assembling a sealed and serviceable RF modular interconnect system according to anyone of the claims 1 through 11.

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