Contact-to-contact integration into standard RF and electrical connectors

Abstract

A contact design configuration for standard electrical connectors having individual contacts replaced with constant impedance (PkZ®) style contacts. Multiple constant impedance (PkZ®) center contacts, and insulators replace standard contacts of existing connectors, such as MIL-C-38999, MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel (ARINC), or D-Subminiature. An internal metal body acts as the outer body (ground connection) for the constant impedance contacts. Designs are appropriate for connectors in multiple applications including quantum cryogenic systems. Other exemplary designs include the adaptation of 50-ohm and 75-ohm impedance connectors, which can be implemented within a wide range of markets, including telecommunications, military, aerospace, audio - video, test, broadcast, and quantum technologies.

Description

CONTACT-TO-CONTACT INTEGRATION INTO STANDARD RF AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention

[0001] This invention relates to electrical connectors, predominantly transmission line connectors, and more specifically connectors for flexible, conformable, and semi-rigid coaxial cables and printed circuit boards (PCB). A connector design configuration is presented where multiple constant impedance (PkZ®) center contacts, insulators, and ground contacts are integrated into multiple cavities of existing larger contacts by using an internal metal body to act as the outer body (ground connection) for the constant impedance (PkZ®) contacts within a standard coaxial contact body. The invention further relates to utilizing these specialized connectors for telecommunications, military applications, aerospace applications, audio & video applications and also for cryogenically cooled environmental applications, such as, for example, a cryostat system or for quantum computer architecture. Specialized constant impedance connections are embedded in the overall connector housing within an oversized external body. Other exemplary designs include the adaptation of 50-ohm and 75-ohm impedance connectors, which can be implemented within a wide range of markets, including video, test, broadcast, and quantum technologies.2. Description of Related Art

[0002] Connectors link the various conductors of transmission lines to equipment or other cables. A coaxial cable connector provides for an electrically conductive contact between conductors of electricity, wherein the joint connection is of a type that may be readily made and broken repeatedly by attachment and detachment of contact supporting structure on each conductor.

[0003] The connectors usually include a small projecting male center conductor or pin and a corresponding female center conductor or socket made to mechanically and electrically receive the male portion or pin.

[0004] The center conductor portion of the connector is quite fragile and prone to damage. The center conductor portion can become damaged when, for example, the connector is misaligned during a connection. This is likely to happen during "blind-mate" connections, remotely located connections, and quick connect / disconnect applications. Generally, the center conductor is made -1- PHNXl 10007099of a bendable copper wire of finite diameter, having little or no mechanical support to resist bending or other forces. In typical coaxial connectors, the male portion of the center conductor projects and extends out beyond the outer conductor for insertion into the female socket portion. Thus, the center conductor tip of a coaxial cable connector is exposed and vulnerable to handling and deforming during insertion. Furthermore, any connection that is not thoroughly and appropriately attached may have the signal line impedance adversely affected.

[0005] A coaxial cable or connector as identified above has a characteristic impedance determined by the geometry of the cable or connector structure and the corresponding dielectric material between the conductors. The characteristic impedance may be represented by the formula:Z= I38 (c)1 2log(D / d),where,Z is the impedance of the line;D is the inner diameter of the outer conductor;d is the outer diameter of the inner conductor; ands is the relative dielectric constant.

[0006] Importantly, the connector must also exhibit this same impedance. Otherwise, signal disruption and reflections will degrade the signal quality due to the impedance mismatch. This is especially true in the higher frequency regimes - in applications where the signal frequency is on the order of 1 gigahertz and higher.Summary of the Invention

[0007] Bearing in mind the problems and deficiencies of the prior art, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a connector design configuration where multiple constant impedance (PkZ®) center contacts, insulators, and ground contacts are integrated into multiple cavities of existing larger contacts by using an internal metal body to act as the outer body (ground connection) for the constant impedance (PkZ®) contacts within a standard coaxial contact body.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide an integrated constant impedance plug contact for an electrical connector which incorporates a conductive plug contact housing enclosure having a partially stepped, cylindrical internal cavity that is formed to receive a plug contact inner body.-2- PHNXl 10007099

[0009] A further object of the invention is to provide an integrated constant impedance receptacle contact for an electrical connector that is complementary to the integrated constant impedance plug contact, which incorporates a conductive receptacle contact housing enclosure having a partially stepped, cylindrical internal cavity that is formed to receive a receptacle contact inner body.

[0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide integrated constant impedance contacts that incorporate reverse polarity contacts.

[0011] Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification.

[0012] The above and other objects, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, are achieved in the present invention which is directed to in a first aspect, an integrated constant impedance plug contact for an electrical connector comprising: a conductive plug contact housing enclosure having a partially stepped, cylindrical internal cavity that is formed to receive a plug contact inner body, the conductive plug contact housing enclosure forming a first annular extension at a forward end, and having a rearward end partially stepped cavity; the conductive plug contact inner body having a cavity therethrough, being insertable within and encased by the plug contact housing enclosure, and forming a second annular extension at the forward end, internal to, and coaxial with, the first annular extension of the plug contact housing enclosure, the plug contact inner body having a stepped diameter outer surface complementary to the plug contact housing enclosure rearward end partially stepped cavity; an electrical insulator insertable into and circumferentially encased by the hollow cavity of the plug contact inner body, the insulator having a cavity therethrough; and a conductive socket contact slidably insertable within the insulator cavity and electrically isolated from the plug contact inner body; such that the plug contact housing enclosure, the plug contact inner body, the insulator, and the socket contact are coaxial with one another.

[0013] The cavity of the conductive plug contact inner body is cylindrical and slidably receives the insulator, and is preferably cylindrical and slidably receives the socket contact.

[0014] The conductive plug contact inner body may provide an electrical ground reference for the socket contact. It also forms an internal component for a standard coaxial contact body, and is in electrical communication with the conductive plug contact housing enclosure.-3- PHNXl 10007099

[0015] The plug contact is adaptable to be insertable into connectors including MIL-DTL-38999 connector housings, MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel connector housings, or D-Subminiature connector housings.

[0016] The socket contact in conjunction with the insulator and the plug contact inner body form a step diameter construct for a constant impedance (PkZ®) connection using the cavity of the conductive plug contact inner body as an outer contact body for the constant impedance connection.

[0017] The integrated constant impedance plug contact may be configured for an RF contact having 50-ohm or 75-ohm impedance.

[0018] In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to an integrated constant impedance plug contact for an electrical connector comprising: a conductive plug contact housing enclosure having a partially stepped, cylindrical internal cavity that is formed to receive an electrical insulator, the conductive plug contact housing enclosure forming a first annular extension at a forward end, and a second annular extension at the forward end internal to, and coaxial with, the first annular extension, and having a rearward end partially stepped cavity; the insulator slidably insertable into and circumferentially encased by the rearward end partially stepped cavity of the plug contact housing enclosure, the insulator having a cavity therethrough; and a conductive socket contact slidably insertable within the insulator cavity and electrically isolated from the plug contact housing enclosure; such that the plug contact housing enclosure, the insulator, and the socket contact are coaxial with one another.

[0019] The rearward end partially stepped cavity of the plug contact housing enclosure is preferably cylindrical and slidably receives the insulator.

[0020] The cavity of the insulator is cylindrical and slidably receives the socket contact.

[0021] The plug contact inner body is in electrical communication with the conductive plug contact housing enclosure.

[0022] The plug contact may be insertable into connectors including MIL-DTL-38999 connector housings, MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel connector housings, or D-Subminiature connector housings.

[0023] The socket contact in conjunction with the insulator, the plug contact inner body, and the plug contact housing enclosure are configured to form a step diameter construct for a constant impedance (PkZ®) connection.-4- PHNXl 10007099

[0024] In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to an integrated constant impedance receptacle contact for an electrical connector comprising: a conductive receptacle contact housing enclosure having a partially stepped, cylindrical internal cavity that is formed to receive a receptacle contact inner body, the conductive receptacle contact housing enclosure forming a first annular extension at a forward end, and having a rearward end partially stepped cavity; the conductive receptacle contact inner body having a stepped cavity therethrough, being insertable within and encased by the receptacle contact housing enclosure, and forming a second annular extension at the forward end, internal to, and coaxial with, the first annular extension of the receptacle contact housing enclosure, the receptacle contact inner body having a stepped diameter outer surface complementary to the receptacle contact housing enclosure rearward end partially stepped cavity; an electrical insulator insertable into and circumferentially encased by the cavity of the receptacle contact inner body, the insulator having a cavity therethrough; an outer contact at a forward end of the insulator, having an aperture therethrough; a conductive pin contact slidably insertable within the insulator cavity and through the outer contact aperture, and electrically isolated from the receptacle contact inner body; such that the receptacle contact housing enclosure, the receptacle contact inner body, the insulator, the outer contact, and the pin contact are coaxial with one another.

[0025] The conductive receptacle contact inner body is in electrical communication with the conductive receptacle contact housing enclosure. The pin contact in conjunction with the insulator and the receptacle contact inner body are configured to form a step diameter construct for a constant impedance (PkZ®) connection.

[0026] In a fourth aspect, the present invention is directed to an integrated constant impedance receptacle contact for an electrical connector comprising: a conductive receptacle contact housing enclosure having a partially stepped, cylindrical internal cavity that is formed to receive an electrical insulator, the conductive receptacle contact housing enclosure forming a first annular extension at a forward end, and a second annular extension at the forward end internal to, and coaxial with, the first annular extension, and having a rearward end partially stepped cavity; the electrical insulator slidably insertable into and circumferentially encased by the rearward end partially stepped cavity of the receptacle contact housing enclosure, the insulator having a cavity therethrough; and a conductive pin contact slidably insertable within the insulator cavity and-5- PHNXl 10007099electrically isolated from the receptacle contact housing enclosure; such that the receptacle contact housing enclosure, the insulator, and the pin contact are coaxial with one another.

[0027] In a fifth aspect, the present invention is directed to an integrated, multi-connection, constant impedance plug contact for an electrical connector comprising: a conductive plug contact outer body having a plurality of apertures, each aperture having a partially stepped cylindrical cavity configured to receive an insulator; the electrical insulator insertable into and circumferentially encased by each cavity of the conductive plug contact outer body, the insulator having a cavity therethrough; and a conductive socket contact slidably insertable within each of the insulator cavities and electrically isolated from the conductive plug contact outer body; such that the conductive plug contact outer body, the insulators, and the socket contacts are coaxial with one another.

[0028] The plug contact outer body is adaptable for, and insertable within, a MIL-C-38999 housing connector, a MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel housing connector, or a D-Subminiature housing connector, and may be of a solid metal construction.

[0029] The socket contact in conjunction with the insulator and the conductive plug contact outer body may be configured to form a step diameter construct for a constant impedance (PkZ®) connection using the cavity of the conductive plug contact outer body as an outer contact body for the constant impedance connection.

[0030] In a sixth aspect, the present invention is directed to an integrated, multi-connection, constant impedance receptacle contact for an electrical connector comprising: a conductive receptacle contact outer body having a plurality of apertures, each aperture having a forward end with a first partially stepped cylindrical cavity and a rearward end with a second partially stepped cylindrical cavity, wherein each of said second partially stepped cylindrical cavities is configured to receive an insulator and a conductive pin contact, said conductive receptacle contact outer body forming a first annular extension at said forward end, and a plurality of second annular extensions at said rearward end; each of said electrical insulators insertable into and circumferentially encased by said second partially stepped cylindrical cavity of said receptacle contact outer body, each of said insulators having a cavity therethrough; an outer contact at a forward end of each of said insulators, having an aperture therethrough; a conductive pin contact slidably insertable within each of said insulator cavities and through said conductive receptacle contact outer body aperture, and electrically isolated from said conductive receptacle contact outer body; such that each of said -6- PHNXl 10007099insulators, each respective said outer contacts, and each respective said pin contact are coaxial with one another.

[0031] The stepped cavity of the conductive receptacle contact outer body is preferably cylindrical in part, and slidably receives the insulator, and the insulator is cylindrical and slidably receives the pin contact.

[0032] The pin contact in conjunction with the insulator and the conductive receptacle contact outer body may be configured to form a step diameter construct for a constant impedance (PkZ®) connection.

[0033] The integrated, multi -connection, constant impedance receptacle contact may be adapted to include a print circuit board attachment mount in electrical communication with the conductive receptacle contact outer body.

[0034] In a seventh aspect, the present invention is directed to an integrated constant impedance plug contact for an electrical connector comprising: a conductive plug contact housing enclosure having a partially stepped, cylindrical internal cavity that is formed to receive a conductive receptacle contact inner body, the plug contact housing enclosure forming a first annular extension at a forward end, and having a rearward end partially stepped cavity; the conductive receptacle contact inner body having a stepped cavity therethrough, being insertable within and encased by the plug contact housing enclosure, and forming a second annular extension at the forward end, internal to, and coaxial with, the first annular extension of the plug contact housing enclosure, the receptacle contact inner body having a stepped diameter outer surface complementary to the plug contact housing enclosure rearward end partially stepped cavity; an electrical insulator insertable into and circumferentially encased by the cavity of the receptacle contact inner body, the insulator having a cavity therethrough; an outer contact at a forward end of the insulator, having an aperture therethrough; a conductive pin contact slidably insertable within the insulator cavity and through the outer contact aperture, and electrically isolated from the receptacle contact inner body; such that the plug contact housing enclosure, the receptacle contact inner body, the insulator, the outer contact, and the pin contact are coaxial with one another.

[0035] In an eighth aspect, the present invention is directed to an integrated constant impedance receptacle contact for an electrical connector comprising: a conductive receptacle contact housing enclosure having a partially stepped, cylindrical internal cavity that is formed to receive a plug contact inner body, the conductive receptacle contact housing enclosure forming a first annular -7- PHNXl 10007099extension at a forward end, and having a rearward end partially stepped cavity; the conductive plug contact inner body having a cavity therethrough, being insertable within and encased by the receptacle contact housing enclosure, and forming a second annular extension at the forward end, internal to, and coaxial with, the first annular extension of the receptacle contact housing enclosure, the plug contact inner body having a stepped diameter outer surface complementary to the receptacle contact housing enclosure rearward end partially stepped cavity; an electrical insulator insertable into and circumferentially encased by the cavity of the plug contact inner body, the insulator having a cavity therethrough; and a conductive socket contact slidably insertable within the insulator cavity and electrically isolated from the plug contact inner body; such that the receptacle contact housing enclosure, the plug contact inner body, the insulator, and the socket contact are coaxial with one another.

[0036] The receptacle contact outer body may be adaptable for, and insertable within, a MIL-C-38999 housing connector, a MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel housing connector, or a D-Subminiature housing connector.

[0037] The stepped cavity of the conductive plug contact inner body is cylindrical in part, and slidably receives the insulator, and the insulator is preferably cylindrical and slidably receives the socket contact.

[0038] The conductive plug contact inner body is preferably in electrical communication with the conductive receptacle contact housing enclosure.

[0039] The socket contact in conjunction with the insulator and the plug contact inner body are configured to form a step diameter construct for a constant impedance (PkZ®) connection.

[0040] The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact may be configured for an RF contact in 50-ohm or 75-ohm impedance.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0041] The features of the invention believed to be novel and the elements characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The figures are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. The invention itself, however, both as to organization and method of operation, may best be understood by reference to the detailed description which follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:-8- PHNXl 10007099

[0042] Fig. 1A depicts an isometric view of an illustrative example of a single integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) plug contact of the present invention having a conductive plug contact housing enclosure and a plug contact inner body, which may be adaptable for, and insertable within, but not limited to, a MIL-C -38999 housing connector, a MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel housing connector (ARINC), or a D-Subminiature connector housing connector, enhancing the shielding of an inner constant impedance (PkZ®) contact;

[0043] Fig. IB is an exploded view of the integrated constant impedance plug contact of Fig.1A;

[0044] Fig. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the integrated constant impedance integrated plug contact of Fig. 1A, depicting the constituent components integrated in this single coaxial plug contact construct;

[0045] Fig. ID depicts an exploded view of an alternative single integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) plug contact having housing plug contact enclosure that houses an insulator;

[0046] Fig. IE is a cross-sectional view of the alternative integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) plug contact of Fig. ID;

[0047] Fig. 2A depicts an isometric view of a single integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) receptacle contact that is complementary to, and configured to be in slidable mechanical communication with, the plug contact of Fig. 1A, and includes an integrated constant impedance center conductor, and insertable within, but not limited to, a MIL-C-38999 housing connector, a MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel housing connector (ARINC), or a D-Subminiature connector housing connector, enhancing the shielding of an inner constant impedance (PkZ®) contact;

[0048] Fig. 2B depicts an exploded view of the single integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of Fig. 2 A;

[0049] Fig. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the integrated constant impedance receptacle contact, depicting the constituent components integrated in this single coaxial receptacle construct;

[0050] Fig. 2D depicts an exploded view of an alternative single constant impedance receptacle contact having an integrated constant impedance contact assembly;

[0051] Fig. 2E is a cross-sectional view of the alternative integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) receptacle contact of Fig. 2D;

[0052] Fig. 3A depicts an isometric view of the mated integrated constant impedance contacts of housing plug contact and housing receptacle contact shown in Figs. 1 A and 2A;-9- PHNXl 10007099

[0053] Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the mated integrated constant impedance contact of Fig. 3 A;

[0054] Fig. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the mated integrated constant impedance contact of Fig. 3B delineating the different respective diameters at each portion of the contact constructed to achieve a constant impedance throughout;

[0055] Fig. 3D is the cross-sectional view of the mated integrated constant impedance contact of Fig. 3C identifying the different dielectric sections of the contact;

[0056] Fig. 4A depicts integrated Size-5 ARINC constant impedance (PkZ®) contacts (single connection) implemented within a connector scheme with other size contacts depicted, specifically Size- 16 contacts and Size- 12 contact;

[0057] Fig. 4B depicts integrated Size-5 ARINC constant impedance (PkZ®) contacts (multi connection) implemented within a connector scheme with other size contacts depicted, specifically Size- 16 contacts and Size- 12 contact;

[0058] Fig. 5 depicts a graph of a gated voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) as a function of frequency for comparing the gated VSWR of the standard Size-5 contact to the gated VSWR of the integrated Size-5 contact of the present invention, measuring a transmission line matching to a load;

[0059] Fig. 6A depicts an isometric view of a multi-connection integrated constant impedance plug contact, adaptable for any particular size, and having a plug contact outer body presenting multiple apertures to accommodate a multi-contact (multi -connect! on) configuration for a standardized plug housing;

[0060] Fig. 6B is an exploded view of the constant impedance multi-connection plug contact of Fig. 6A;

[0061] Fig. 6C is a cross-sectional view of the integrated constant impedance multi-connection plug contact, depicting the constituent components integrated in this single coaxial plug contact construct;

[0062] Fig. 7A depicts an isometric view of an integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) multiconnection receptacle contact that is complementary to, and configured to be in slidable mechanical communication with, the multi-connection plug contact of Fig. 6A;

[0063] Fig. 7B depicts an exploded view of the integrated multi-connection constant impedance receptacle contact of Fig. 7A;-10- PHNXl 10007099

[0064] Fig. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the integrated multi-connection constant impedance receptacle contact of Fig. 7A;

[0065] Fig. 8A depicts an isometric view of the mated integrated constant impedance multiconnection plug and receptacle contacts shown in Figs. 6A and 7A;

[0066] Fig. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the mated integrated constant impedance multiconnection plug and receptacle contacts of Fig. 8A;

[0067] Fig. 9A depicts an integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) plug contact having reverse contact polarity to the constant impedance plug contact of Fig. 1A;

[0068] Fig. 9B is an exploded view of the integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) plug contact having reverse contact polarity to the constant impedance plug contact of Fig. 1A;

[0069] Fig. 9C is a cross-sectional view of the integrated single-connection reverse polarity constant impedance plug contact of Fig. 9A;

[0070] Fig. 10A depicts an isometric view of an integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) receptacle contact having reverse contact polarity to the constant impedance receptacle contact of Fig. 2A;

[0071] Fig. 10B is an exploded view of the integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) receptacle contact having reverse contact polarity to the constant impedance receptacle of Fig. 10A;

[0072] Fig. 10C is a cross-sectional view of the integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of Fig. 10A, depicting the constituent components of an integrated constant impedance contact design in this receptacle construct;

[0073] Fig. 11 A is an isometric view of a mated integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) contact having reverse polarity to the design of Fig. 8A, and depicting the slidable connection of integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) receptacle contact of Fig. 10A with integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) plug contact of Fig. 9A;

[0074] Fig. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the mated integrated constant plug and receptacle reverse polarity contacts of Fig. 11 A;

[0075] Fig. 12A is an isometric view of an integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) multiconnection receptacle contact having an outer receptacle contact housing body for a printed circuit board attachment mount;

[0076] Fig. 12B depicts an exploded view of the integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) multiconnection receptacle contact of Fig. 12A;-11- PHNXl 10007099

[0077] Fig. 12C is a cross-sectional view of the integrated multi -connection constant impedance receptacle contact of Fig. 12A having a printed circuit board attachment mount;

[0078] Fig. 13 A is an isometric view of an integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) multiconnection receptacle contact with an outer receptacle contact housing body configured for a print circuit board attachment mount of Fig. 12A, mated with a multi-connection integrated constant impedance plug contact of Fig. 6A;

[0079] Fig. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the mated integrated constant impedance contacts ofFig. 13A;

[0080] Fig. 14 depicts graph of a gated voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) as a function of frequency for MIL-DTL-38999 and (Mighty Mouse) Size-8 housings having integrated contacts, measuring a transmission line matching to a load utilizing the constant impedance contacts of the present invention; and

[0081] Fig. 15 depicts a graph of the measured performance of a design having integrated PkZ® contacts of a gated voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) as a function of frequency for MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel (ARINC 404 / 600) Size-5 housings, measuring a transmission line matching to a load.Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0082] Embodiments of the present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0083] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated -12- PHNXl 10007099listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "include" and / or "including" when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0084] Relative terms such as "below," "above," "upper," "lower," "horizontal," "vertical," "top," "bottom," "rear," "front," "side," or the like may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element or component to another element or component as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0085] Additionally, in the subject description, the words "exemplary," "illustrative," or the like are used to mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" or "illustrative" is not necessarily intended to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or design. Rather, use of the words "exemplary" or "illustrative" is merely intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion.

[0086] In describing the embodiment of the present invention, reference will be made herein to FIGS. 1 - 15 of the drawings in which like numerals refer to like features of the invention.

[0087] Standardized constant impedance contacts accommodate large radial and axial misalignment tolerances found in modular applications. Constant impedance technology, as that found in the PkZ® contacts of The Phoenix Company of Chicago (Naugatuck, Connecticut) ensures constant impedance with low insertion forces.

[0088] A high frequency coaxial connector will generally include at least some portion wherein the region between the inner and outer conductors is fdled with air and another region wherein the space between the inner and outer conductors is fdled with an insulating dielectric solid, such as Teflon, to hold the inner conductor in coaxial alignment with the outer conductor. The dielectric constant of the Teflon is different from that of air which may in turn be different from the insulating dielectric material used in the coaxial cable.

[0089] However, so long as the impedance as set forth by the characteristic impedance formula remains constant, signal disruption is minimized. Within the connector, this requires that the dimensions d and D be adjusted relative to each other at each point where the dielectric constant changes such that the impedance Z remains constant.-13- PHNXl 10007099

[0090] The present invention employs a novel design wherein the inner and outer contacts on the male and female plugs do not need to "butt" into each other. Instead, the contacts are designed to form an overlap region between the two connector halves which roughly corresponds to the gap in a typical prior art connector, the overlap region being intentionally designed so that it may form part of the signal pathway and have an impedance which matches the rest of the connector.

[0091] Accordingly, the connector contacts form a constant impedance along the entire length from the moment the connector's two halves are first electrically engaged, and effectively, the size of the "gap" or overlap region may be made as large as desired without affecting the impedance of the connector.

[0092] The contacts are shaped, particularly in their relative diameters d and D, and the dielectric material of the spacers is chosen such that along the axis of the partially engaged connector, particularly within the overlap region, the effective outer diameter of the inner conductor (d) and the effective inner diameter of the outer conductor (D) and the dielectric constant of the medium therebetween (a) satisfy the characteristic impedance equation for Z.

[0093] Adapting a modified constant impedance (PkZ®) contact within a standardized coaxial contact, such as those used in but not limited to, MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel connector housings (ARINC 404 / 600), MIL-DTL-38999 connector housings, or D-Subminiature connector housings, allows for easy connect / disconnect attachments by a user. Providing a design to accommodate multiple PkZ® contacts within a standard contact scheme can allow for a multiple connection situation that can enhance higher frequency applications, including applications with rigorous environmental and space restrictions, such as in cryogenically cooled systems, while decreasing the footprint of the connector assemblies.

[0094] Applications for this modified contact -to-contact integration include, but are not limited to: avionic systems, in-flight entertainment (IFE) and cabin systems; military and defense aviation; industrial applications; fiber optic systems; space and satellite systems; ground-based military equipment; flight simulators and instrumentation; and cryogenic and quantum computing, to name a few.

[0095] Coaxial cables are a popular choice because their shielded design allows the center conductor to transmit data quickly while being protected from damage and interference. Coaxial cables are mainly built up of four different layers:-14- PHNXl 10007099a) a center conductor which is usually a copper wire, where signal information travels through;b) a dielectric plastic insulator surrounding the copper wire;c) a braided mesh made from copper to help shield the cable from electromagnetic interference (EMI); andd) an external layer which is generally a plastic coating, which protects the internal layers from damage.

[0096] A coaxial cable works by carrying a signal in the center conductor, while the surrounding layers of shielding stop any signal loss (also called attenuation loss) and help reduce EMI.

[0097] The first layer, the dielectric plastic insulator, provides distance between the core conductor and the outer layers, as well as some insulation. The next layers, collectively referred to as the shield, keep electrical impulses and radio transmissions out.

[0098] The present invention provides for the inclusion of multiple PkZ® contacts into larger existing standard cable contacts, such as the coaxial contacts described above, and allows for the adaptation of constant impedance connections to existing contact designs without the need for an additional PkZ® outer body. Elimination of the PkZ® outer body allows for a high density of PkZ® contacts within a standard coaxial contact body, such as a MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel (ARINC 404 / 600) Size 5 contact.

[0099] Exemplary designs include the adaptation of 50-ohm and 75-ohm impedance connectors, which can be implemented within a wide range of markets, including video, test, broadcast, and quantum technologies. The contact-to-contact integration of the present invention may be utilized for Size "5" and "8" single coaxial designs, but is not limited to any single coaxial design size, and can be adapted for a multitude of contact sizes, and may be extended to a plurality of connector types, without degradation to the effective contribution of the constant impedance (PkZ®) contact replacement.[000100] As an illustrative example, a "size 5 or 8" reference in the context of coaxial cable refers to the RG-58 and RG-8 designations, which are commonly used for 50-ohm coax cables. There are different types of coaxial cable, which vary by gauge and impedance. Gauge refers to the cable's thickness and is measured by the radio guide measurement or RG number. The higher the RG number, the thinner the central conductor core is. RG-58 is a smaller, more flexible cable,-15- PHNXl 10007099while RG-8 is thicker and offers lower signal loss, making it suitable for longer cable runs or high-frequency application.[0001011 RG-58 is typically used for general -purpose RF applications, particularly at lower frequencies and shorter distances. It's known for its flexibility and is often used in systems where space is limited. RG-8 is a thicker cable designed to minimize signal loss, especially at higher frequencies or over longer distances. It is often preferred in applications like amateur radio where power handling is important.[000102] In some preferred embodiments, a standard connector contact is replaced with a constant impedance contact, which includes a constant impedance (PkZ®) body. This contact configuration may be adaptable for a standard MIL -DTL-38999 Size-8 contact, a MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel (ARINC 404 / 600) Size-5 contact, or a D-Subminiature connector contact.[000103] Unlike contact-to-connector schemes, a contact-to-contact concept utilizes a stand-alone constant impedance (PkZ®) contact structure within an industry standard contact body to achieve high frequency, constant impedance performance in a compact assembly. The internal constant impedance contact has its own body within the standardized connector's outer body.[000104] Since many aerospace applications require the use of a MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel ARINC connector with a standard arrangement of contacts, which typically calls for multiple Size-5 contacts, invariably a Size-5 contact must be used; however, this restriction hinders high frequency performance.[000105] Transitioning a high frequency cable, which by necessity is a smaller diameter cable, to incorporate a larger contact provides for poor signal transmission and performance. The present invention provides for a smaller internal constant impedance (PkZ®) contact within a larger contact body, which is matched in size to a smaller high-frequency cable. This type of integrated design provides high frequency performance in the otherwise larger body size requirement established for aerospace applications. Moreover, this same condition exists for MIL-DTL-38999 contacts, and other applications, which the present design is capable of accommodating.[000106] Fig. 1A depicts an isometric view of an illustrative example of a single integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) plug contact 14 having a conductive plug housing enclosure 12 and a plug contact inner body 10 which may be adaptable for, and insertable within but not limited to, a MIL-C-38999 housing connector, a MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel (ARINC 404 / 600) housing connector, or a D-Subminiature housing connector, enhancing the shielding of an inner constant -16- PHNXl 10007099impedance (PkZ®) contact. Fig. IB is an exploded view of the integrated constant impedance plug contact 14 of Fig. 1A. Conductive plug contact housing enclosure 12 has a stepped, cylindrically hollow internal cavity therethrough that is formed to encompass the plug contact inner body 10, which in turn has a cavity therethrough for housing an electrical insulator 16. Insulator 16 is substantially cylindrical and has an internal cavity that receives a conductive socket contact 18, and electrically isolates socket contact 18 from the plug contact inner body 10.[000107] Fig. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the integrated constant impedance housing plug contact 14, depicting the constituent components integrated in this single coaxial plug contact construct. The stepped internal formations for the slidably inserted components establishes a constant impedance relationship during operation.[000108] In this embodiment, the plug contact inner body 10 forms an internal extension 17 coaxial with an annular extension 15 of the forward end of plug contact housing enclosure 12. The conductive plug contact housing enclosure 12 forms a forward end partially stepped, cylindrical internal cavity 19a and a rearward end partially stepped cavity 19b. The internal annular extension 17 is coaxial with the plug contact housing enclosure internal cavity 19a and forms an internal cavity through said plug contact housing enclosure terminating at the rearward end cavity 19b.[000109] In this integrated constant impedance plug contact embodiment, the plug contact is slidably insertable into a standardized connection scheme such as a MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel ARINC connector, a MIL-C-38999 housing, or a D-Subminiature connector housing.[000110] Fig. ID depicts an exploded view of an alternative single integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) plug contact 14a having plug contact housing enclosure 12a that houses an insulator 16a. The plug contact housing enclosure includes a partially stepped, cylindrically hollow cavity for receiving the insulator. Insulator 16a has an internal cavity that receives socket contact 18a, and electrically isolates socket contact 18a from housing plug contact enclosure 12a. Absent in this integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) plug contact design is the plug contact inner body 10 of the embodiment represented by Figs. lAand IB.[000111] In this embodiment, the function of the plug contact inner body is performed by an internal extension 17a coaxial with an annular extension of the forward end 15a of plug contact housing enclosure 12a. The conductive plug contact housing enclosure 12a forms a forward end partially stepped, cylindrical internal cavity 19c and a rearward end partially stepped, cylindrical cavity 19d. The internal annular extension 17a is coaxial with the plug contact housing enclosure -17- PHNXl 10007099internal cavity 19c and forms an internal cavity through said plug contact housing enclosure terminating at the rearward end cavity 19d.[0001121 Fig- IE is a cross-sectional view of the alternative integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) plug contact 14a of Fig. ID.[000113] Fig. 2A depicts an isometric view of a single integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) receptacle contact 20 that is complementary to, and configured to be in slidable mechanical communication with, the plug contact 14 of Fig. 1A, and includes an integrated constant impedance center conductor (pin contact 28). This subassembly may be adaptable for, but not limited to, a MIL-C-38999 housing receptacle, a MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel (ARINC 404 / 600) receptacle, or a D-Subminiature connector housing, enhancing the shielding of the inner constant impedance (PkZ®) pin contact 28. A contact outer body 26 extends the ground potential of the integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) pin contact 28.[000114] Fig. 2B depicts an exploded view of the single integrated constant impedance receptacle contact 20 of Fig. 2A. A conductive receptacle housing enclosure 22 has a stepped, cylindrically hollow internal cavity that is formed to encompass the receptacle contact inner body 26, which in turn houses insulator 30. Insulator 30 has an internal cavity that receives pin contact 28, and electrically isolates pin contact 28 from receptacle contact outer body 26. Outer ground contact 24 is secured to the insulator 30 and provides a constituent part of the coaxial electrical interface for the pin contact 28.[000115] Fig. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the integrated constant impedance housing receptacle connector 20, depicting the constituent components integrated in this single coaxial receptacle construct.[000116] In this embodiment, the receptacle contact inner body 26 forms an internal, annular extension 27 coaxial with an annular extension 25 of the forward end of receptacle contact housing enclosure 22. The conductive receptacle contact housing enclosure 22 forms a forward end partially stepped, cylindrical internal cavity 21a and a rearward end partially stepped cavity 21b. The internal annular extension 27 is coaxial with the receptacle contact housing enclosure internal cavity 21a and forms an internal cavity through said receptacle contact housing enclosure terminating at the rearward end cavity 21b. The receptacle outer contact 24 caps insulator 30, and has an aperture for pin contact 28 to pass therethrough.-18- PHNXl 10007099[000117] Fig. 2D depicts an exploded view of an alternative single constant impedance receptacle contact 20a having an integrated constant impedance center conductor (pin contact 28a). Pin contact 28a is encompassed by, and is housed within, an insulator 30a. Insulator 30a has an internal cavity that receives pin contact 28a, and electrically isolates pin contact 28a from housing receptacle enclosure 22a that is unified and of integral construction with receptacle outer contact 24a. Absent in this integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) receptacle contact design is the receptacle contact outer body.[000118] Fig. 2E is a cross-sectional view of the alternative integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) receptacle contact 20a of Fig. 2D.[000119] In this embodiment, the function of the plug contact inner body is performed by an internal extension 27a coaxial with an annular extension of the forward end 25a of receptacle contact housing enclosure 22a. The conductive receptacle contact housing enclosure 22a forms a forward end partially stepped, cylindrical internal cavity 21c and a rearward end partially stepped, cylindrical cavity 2 Id. The internal annular extension 27a is coaxial with the receptacle contact housing enclosure internal cavity 21c and forms an internal cavity through said receptacle contact housing enclosure terminating at the rearward end cavity 2 Id.[000120] Fig. 3A depicts an isometric view of the mated integrated constant impedance contacts of housing plug contact 14 and housing receptacle contact 20 shown in Figs. 1A and 2 A. These mated contacts provide for a constant impedance connection in a standard coaxial contact by simply replacing the internal components of the standard contact with the inner body components 14, 20. Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the mated integrated constant impedance contact of Fig. 3A. This integrated contact design for a single coaxial contact allows for the combining of multiple constant impedance contacts.[000121] The constant impedance construction (socket and pin contacts) can be fabricated for any number of different sizes, such as a Size-5 single coaxial PkZ® plug contacts for a MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel (ARINC 404 / 600) housings, respectively.[000122] The PkZ® contacts are integrated within the standard contacts of the original connector, and allow for high frequency and high performance without altering the specified, restricted housing configurations required for certain applications. This contact-to-contact design can replace existing low frequency contacts within military standard connector housings without having to replace the connector outer shell. For example, a typical SMA connector used in Quantum -19- PHNXl 10007099computing applications can be replaced with, or modified for multiple integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) contacts. This can increase the number of contacts for a given application, providing additional efficiency and reducing the overall footprint of the connector assemblies.[000123] Fig. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the mated integrated constant impedance contact of Fig. 3B delineating the different respective diameters at each portion of the contact indicating the dielectric demarcation through the contact. Fig. 3D is the cross-sectional view of the mated integrated constant impedance contact of Fig. 3C identifying the different dielectric sections of the contact. The dielectric sections are not limited to any particular dielectric material, provided the material is capable of performing a dielectric / insulator function.[000124] In the various embodiments, a multi-outer contact configuration is configured to ensure mating. For the aforementioned contacts of Figs. 1-3, optimum and consistent performance can be achieved over a range of DC to 40-60 GHz or even higher frequency with a standard 50-ohm impedance response.[000125] For illustrative purposes, Fig. 4A depicts a MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel (ARINC) housing with two Size 16 pins 32, one Size 12 pin 34, and two integrated Size 5 constant impedance (PkZ®) single coax pins 36. Fig. 4B depicts a MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel (ARINC) housing having two Size 16 pins 32, one Size 12 pin 34, and two integrated Size 5 constant impedance (PkZ®) multi-coax pins 35.[000126] A comparison of a standard Size-5 contact to the integrated Size-5 contact of the present invention yields a significant change in gated voltage wave ratio (VSWR). A Voltage Standing Wave Ratio measures how efficiently radio frequency (RF) power travels from a source (like a transmitter) through a cable to a load (like an antenna) by quantifying impedance mismatch, indicating how much power is reflected versus delivered; a perfect match is 1:1 (ideal), while higher numbers (e.g., 2:1, 3:1) mean more energy is lost, reducing transmission performance.[000127] Fig. 5 depicts a graph of a gated voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) as a function of frequency for comparing the gated VSWR 31 of the standard Size-5 contact to the gated VSWR 33 of the integrated Size-5 contact of the present invention, measuring a transmission line matching to a load. Such a measurement essentially quantifies the amount of signal reflected back along the line due to impedance mismatch.[000128] In this illustrative example, the measured gated VSWR of the configured, integrated constant impedance contact in the Size-5 contact is significantly improved over the standard Size- -20- PHNXl 100070995 contact. The standard Size-5 contact exhibited a gated VSWR of 3.14 at 18 GHz in comparison to the constant impedance integrated Size-5 contact, which has a gated VSWR of 1.14 at 18 GHz.[0001291 Multiple contact-to-contact designs are depicted in Figs. 6-8. Fig. 6A depicts an isometric view of a multi-connection integrated constant impedance plug contact 40, adaptable for any particular size, and having a plug contact outer body 42 presenting multiple apertures 44 to accommodate a multi -contact (multi-connection) configuration for a standardized plug housing.[000130] Fig. 6B is an exploded view of the constant impedance multi-connection plug contact 40 of Fig. 6A. The plug contact outer body 42 may be adaptable for, and insertable within, but not limited to, a MIL-C-38999 housing connector, a MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel (ARINC) housing connector, or a D-Subminiature connector housing connector, enhancing the shielding of an inner constant impedance (PkZ®) contact. Plug contact outer body 42 houses multiple insulators 46, each receiving a socket center contact 48. Insulators 46 isolate their respective socket center contact 48 from the plug contact outer body 42. In this illustrative embodiment, four multiple connections are formed within a single plug contact outer body.[000131] Fig. 6C is a cross-sectional view of the integrated constant impedance housing plug contact 40, depicting the constituent components integrated in this single coaxial plug contact construct. The stepped internal formations for the slidably inserted components establishes a constant impedance relationship when matched to a complementary receptacle.[000132] Fig. 7A depicts an isometric view of a coaxial integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) multi -connection receptacle contact 50 that is complementary to, and configured to be in slidable mechanical communication with, the multi-connection plug contact 40 of Fig. 6A, having conductive receptacle contact outer body 52. Receptacle contact outer body 52 houses integrated constant impedance center conductors orpin contacts. This subassembly may be adaptable for, but not limited to, a MIL-C-38999 housing receptacle, a MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel (ARINC) housing receptacle, or a D-Subminiature housing receptacle, enhancing the shielding of inner constant impedance (PkZ®) pin contacts.[000133] Fig. 7B depicts an exploded view of the integrated multi-connection constant impedance receptacle contact 50 of Fig. 7A. The receptacle contact outer body 52 has a stepped, cylindrically internal cavity that is formed to encompass multiple insulators 56. Insulator 56 each have an internal cavity 55 that receives a pin contact 58, and electrically isolates pin contact 58 from outer-21- PHNXl 10007099receptacle contact body 52. Outer contacts 54 are secured to the receptacle contact outer body 52 and provide a constituent part of the coaxial electrical interface for the pin contact 58.[0001341 Fig- C is a cross-sectional view of the integrated multi-connection constant impedance receptacle contact 50 of Fig. 7A, depicting the constituent components of a multi-contact design integrated in this single receptacle construct.[000135] In this embodiment, conductive receptacle contact outer body 52 includes a plurality of apertures, the receptacle contact outer body 52 having a forward end with a first partially stepped cylindrical cavity 53a and a rearward end with a plurality of second partially stepped cylindrical cavities 53b, wherein the second partially stepped cylindrical cavities are each configured to receive an insulator 56 and a conductive pin contact 58. The conductive receptacle contact outer body 52 forming a first annular extension 57a at the forward end, and a plurality of second annular extensions 57b at the rearward end. An outer contact 54 is located at the forward end of each insulator 56, and has an aperture therethrough for receiving conductive pin contact 58.[000136] The integrated constant impedance multi-connection plug contact 40 is slidably connected to the integrated multi -connection constant impedance receptacle contact 50.[000137] Fig. 8A depicts an isometric view of the mated integrated constant impedance multiconnection plug and receptacle contacts shown in Figs. 6A and 7A. These mated multi -connection contacts provide for a constant impedance connection within a standard coaxial contact by replacing the inner components of the standard connector with the integrated contacts 40, 50. Fig.8B is a cross-sectional view of the mated integrated constant impedance multi -connection plug and receptacle contacts of Fig. 8 A.[000138] In these exemplary embodiments, symmetric multi-sockets and multi-pin contacts are configured to ensure mating. For the aforementioned connectors with integrated contacts, optimum and consistent performance can be achieved over a range of DC to 40-60 GHz or even higher frequency with a constant impedance response. Embodiments of the present invention include incorporating multi-center contacts on larger contact bodies, and achieving a high density of contacts in a standard connector housing. In such designs, there is a common ground. Embodiments of the present invention include having the entire outer body acting as a common ground.[000139] Fig. 9A depicts an integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) plug contact 60 having reverse contact polarity to the constant impedance plug contact of Fig. 1 A. The forward end of a receptacle -22- PHNXl 10007099contact inner body 63 is visible at the forward end of the conductive plug contact housing enclosure 62.[0001401 Fig- 9B is an exploded view of the integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) plug contact 60 having reverse contact polarity to the constant impedance plug contact of Fig. 1A. A housing plug enclosure 62 has a stepped, cylindrically hollow internal cavity that is formed to encompass the plug contact outer body 63, which in turn houses an insulator 66. Insulator 66 has an internal cavity 65 that receives a pin contact 68, and electrically isolates pin contact 68 from the plug contact outer body 63. Outer contact 64 is secured to the plug contact outer body 63 and provides a constituent part of the electrical interface for the pin contact 68.[000141] Fig. 9C is a cross-sectional view of the integrated constant impedance receptacle contact 60 of Fig. 9A, depicting the constituent components of an integrated constant impedance contact design in this receptacle construct.[000142] In this embodiment, the receptacle contact inner body 63 forms an internal annular extension 61 coaxial with an annular extension 67 of the forward end of plug contact housing enclosure 62. The conductive plug contact housing enclosure 62 forms a forward end partially stepped, cylindrical internal cavity 69a and a rearward end partially stepped cavity 69b. The internal annular extension 61 is coaxial with the plug contact housing enclosure internal cavity 69a and forms an internal cavity through said plug contact housing enclosure terminating at the rearward end cavity 69b.[000143] Fig. 10A depicts an isometric view of an integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) receptacle contact 70 having reverse contact polarity to the constant impedance receptacle contact of Fig. 2A, and is complementary to, and configured to be in slidable mechanical communication with, the plug contact 60 of Fig. 9A, and includes an integrated constant impedance center conductor (socket contact 78).[000144] Fig. 10B is an exploded view of the integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) receptacle contact 70 of Fig. 10A. A receptacle contact housing enclosure 72 has a stepped, cylindrically hollow internal cavity that is formed to encompass a plug contact inner body 73. This subassembly may be adaptable for but not limited to, a MIL-C-38999 housing receptacle, a MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel (ARINC) housing receptacle, or a D-Subminiature connector housing receptacle, enhancing the shielding of the inner constant impedance (PkZ®) pin contact 78.-23- PHNXl 10007099[000145] Fig. 10C is a cross-sectional view of the integrated constant impedance receptacle contact 70 of Fig. 9A, depicting the constituent components of an integrated constant impedance contact design in this receptacle construct.[000146] In this embodiment, the plug contact inner body 73 forms an internal extension 71 coaxial with an annular extension 74 of the forward end of receptacle contact housing enclosure 72. The receptacle contact housing enclosure 72 forms a forward end partially stepped, cylindrical internal cavity 75a and a rearward end partially stepped cavity 75b. The internal extension 71 is coaxial with the receptacle contact housing enclosure internal cavity 75a. Plug contact inner body 73 forms an internal cavity 77 terminating at the rearward end cavity 75b.[000147] Fig. 11 A is an isometric view of a mated integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) contact having reverse polarity to the design of Fig. 8A, and depicting the slidable connection of integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) receptacle contact 70 of Fig. 10A with integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) plug contact 60 of Fig. 9A. Fig. 1 IB is a cross-sectional view of the mated integrated constant plug and receptacle reverse polarity contacts of Fig. 11 A.[000148] Fig. 12A is an isometric view of an integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) multiconnection receptacle contact 80 having a receptacle contact outer body 82 for a printed circuit board attachment mount 84. Fig. 12B depicts an exploded view of the integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) multi-connection receptacle contact 80 of Fig. 12A. The receptacle contact outer body 82 has a stepped, cylindrically hollow internal cavity that is formed to encompass multiple insulators 86. Insulators 86 each have an internal cavity 85 that receives a pin contact 88, and electrically isolates pin contact 88 from receptacle contact outer body 82. Outer ground contacts 87 provide a constituent part of the coaxial electrical interface for the pin contact 88. Print circuit board attachment mount 84 is in electrical communication with receptacle contact outer body 82.[000149] Fig. 12C is a cross-sectional view of the integrated multi -connection constant impedance receptacle contact 80 of Fig. 12A having a printed circuit board attachment mount 84.[000150] Fig. 13 A is an isometric view of the mated integrated multi-connection PCB contact 80 having an integrated constant impedance (PkZ®) multi -connection receptacle contact 80 with an outer receptacle contact housing body 82 configured for a print circuit board attachment mount 84. Constant impedance multi -connect! on receptacle contact 80 is mated with its complementary-24- PHNXl 10007099multi -connection plug contact 90. Fig. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the mated integrated multiconnection PCB contact 80 having the mated integrated constant impedance contacts of Fig. 13 A.[0001511 This design techniques of the present invention are also applicable to any coaxial connector having different size contacts. Its implementation achieves a multi -connector constant impedance (PkZ®) design to a standard contact. The constant impedance contact essentially replaces a standard contact as a substitute contact, which allows for multiple constant impedance connections in a single connector outer shell. The same standardized contact body is used; however, internally, the constant impedance (PkZ®) design is integrated. As an example, it is possible to incorporate a Size- 16 PkZ® contact within a Size-5 body by replacing each of the existing inner components with the above-described constant impedance contacts.[000152] The measured performance of a design having integrated constant impedance contacts is demonstrated in Figs. 14 and 15. Fig. 14 depicts graph 100 of a gated voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) as a function of frequency for MIL-DTL-38999 and (Mighty Mouse) Size-8 housings having an integrated contact, measuring a transmission line matching to a load utilizing the constant impedance contacts of the present invention. Such a measurement essentially quantifies the amount of signal reflected back along the line due to impedance mismatch. (A VSWR of 1.0 indicates a perfect match, meaning no signal is reflected, while higher values indicate a mismatch and a higher amount of reflected power.)[000153] As shown, the results are predominantly stable over a wide range of frequencies, peaking at 36.65 GHz with a ratio of approximately 1.22.[000154] Fig. 15 depicts a graph 102 of the measured performance of a design having integrated PkZ® contacts of a gated voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) as a function of frequency for a MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel (ARINC 404 / 600) Size-5 housings, measuring a transmission line matching to a load. As shown, the results are predominantly stable over a wide range of frequencies, peaking at 12.6 GHz with a ratio of approximately 1.14, and at 36.65 GHz with a ratio of approximately 1.24.[000155] While the present invention has been particularly described, in conjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variations as falling within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.-25- PHNXl 10007099[000156] Thus, having described the invention, what is claimed is:-26- PHNX110007099

Claims

1. Claims1. An integrated constant impedance plug contact for an electrical connector comprising: a conductive plug contact housing enclosure having a partially stepped, cylindrical internal cavity that is formed to receive a plug contact inner body, said conductive plug contact housing enclosure forming a first annular extension at a forward end, and having a rearward end partially stepped cavity;said conductive plug contact inner body having a cavity therethrough, being insertable within and encased by said plug contact housing enclosure, and forming a second annular extension at said forward end, internal to, and coaxial with, said first annular extension of said plug contact housing enclosure, said plug contact inner body having a stepped diameter outer surface complementary to said plug contact housing enclosure rearward end partially stepped cavity;an electrical insulator insertable into and circumferentially encased by said hollow cavity of said plug contact inner body, said insulator having a cavity therethrough; anda conductive socket contact slidably insertable within said insulator cavity and electrically isolated from said plug contact inner body;such that said plug contact housing enclosure, said plug contact inner body, said insulator, and said socket contact are coaxial with one another.

2. The integrated constant impedance plug contact of claim 1 wherein said cavity of said conductive plug contact inner body is cylindrical and slidably receives said insulator.

3. The integrated constant impedance plug contact of claim 1 wherein said cavity of said insulator is cylindrical and slidably receives said socket contact.

4. The integrated constant impedance plug contact of claim 1 wherein said conductive plug contact inner body is a solid metal construction.

5. The integrated constant impedance plug contact of claim 1 wherein said conductive plug contact inner body provides an electrical ground reference for said socket contact.-27- PHNX1100070996. The integrated constant impedance plug contact of claim 1 wherein said constant impedance plug contact inner body forms an internal component for a standard coaxial contact body.

7. The integrated constant impedance plug contact of claim 6 wherein said conductive plug contact inner body is in electrical communication with said conductive plug contact housing enclosure.

8. The integrated constant impedance plug contact of claim 7 wherein said plug contact is insertable into connectors including MIL -DTL-38999 connector housings, MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel connector housings, or D-Subminiature connector housings.

9. The integrated constant impedance plug contact of claim 1 wherein said socket contact in conjunction with said insulator and said plug contact inner body form a step diameter construct for a constant impedance (PkZ®) connection using said cavity of said conductive plug contact inner body as an outer contact body for said constant impedance connection.

10. The integrated constant impedance plug contact of claim 1 configured for an RF contact having 50-ohm or 75-ohm impedance.

11. An integrated constant impedance plug contact for an electrical connector comprising: a conductive plug contact housing enclosure having a partially stepped, cylindrical internal cavity that is formed to receive an electrical insulator, said conductive plug contact housing enclosure forming a first annular extension at a forward end, and a second annular extension at said forward end internal to, and coaxial with, said first annular extension, and having a rearward end partially stepped cavity;said insulator slidably insertable into and circumferentially encased by said rearward end partially stepped cavity of said plug contact housing enclosure, said insulator having a cavity therethrough; anda conductive socket contact slidably insertable within said insulator cavity and electrically isolated from said plug contact housing enclosure;-28- PHNXl 10007099such that said plug contact housing enclosure, said insulator, and said socket contact are coaxial with one another.

12. The integrated constant impedance plug contact of claim 11 wherein said rearward end partially stepped cavity of said plug contact housing enclosure is cylindrical and slidably receives said insulator.

13. The integrated constant impedance plug contact of claim 11 wherein said cavity of said insulator is cylindrical and slidably receives said socket contact.

14. The integrated constant impedance plug contact of claim 11 wherein said plug contact housing enclosure is a solid metal construction.

15. The integrated constant impedance plug contact of claim 11 wherein said plug contact housing enclosure provides an electrical ground reference for said socket contact.

16. The integrated constant impedance plug contact of claim 11 wherein said constant impedance plug contact forms an internal component for a standard coaxial contact body.

17. The integrated constant impedance plug contact of claim 16 wherein said plug contact inner body is in electrical communication with said conductive plug contact housing enclosure.

18. The integrated constant impedance plug contact of claim 17 wherein said plug contact is insertable into connectors including MIL -DTL-38999 connector housings, MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel connector housings, or D-Subminiature connector housings.

19. The integrated constant impedance plug contact of claim 11 wherein said socket contact in conjunction with said insulator, said plug contact inner body, and said plug contact housing enclosure form a step diameter construct for a constant impedance (PkZ®) connection.-29- PHNXl 1000709920. The integrated constant impedance plug contact of claim 11 configured for an RF contact in 50-ohm or 75-ohm impedance.

21. An integrated constant impedance receptacle contact for an electrical connector comprising:a conductive receptacle contact housing enclosure having a partially stepped, cylindrical internal cavity that is formed to receive a receptacle contact inner body, said conductive receptacle contact housing enclosure forming a first annular extension at a forward end, and having a rearward end partially stepped cavity;said conductive receptacle contact inner body having a stepped cavity therethrough, being insertable within and encased by said receptacle contact housing enclosure, and forming a second annular extension at said forward end, internal to, and coaxial with, said first annular extension of said receptacle contact housing enclosure, said receptacle contact inner body having a stepped diameter outer surface complementary to said receptacle contact housing enclosure rearward end partially stepped cavity;an electrical insulator insertable into and circumferentially encased by said cavity of said receptacle contact inner body, said insulator having a cavity therethrough;an outer contact at a forward end of said insulator, having an aperture therethrough;a conductive pin contact slidably insertable within said insulator cavity and through said outer contact aperture, and electrically isolated from said receptacle contact inner body; such that said receptacle contact housing enclosure, said receptacle contact inner body, said insulator, said outer contact, and said pin contact are coaxial with one another.

22. The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 21 wherein said stepped cavity of said conductive receptacle contact inner body is cylindrical in part, and slidably receives said insulator.

23. The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 21 wherein said cavity of said insulator is cylindrical and slidably receives said pin contact.-30- PHNXl 1000709924. The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 21 wherein said conductive receptacle contact inner body is a solid metal construction.

25. The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 21 wherein said conductive receptacle contact inner body provides an electrical ground reference for said pin contact.

26. The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 21 wherein said constant impedance receptacle contact forms an internal component for a standard coaxial contact body.

27. The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 26 wherein said conductive receptacle contact inner body is in electrical communication with said conductive receptacle contact housing enclosure.

28. The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 27 wherein said receptacle contact is insertable into connectors including MIL-DTL-38999 connector housings, MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel connector housings, or D-Subminiature connector housings.

29. The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 21 wherein said pin contact in conjunction with said insulator and said receptacle contact inner body form a step diameter construct for a constant impedance (PkZ®) connection.

30. The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 21 configured for an RF contact in 50-ohm or 75-ohm impedance.

31. An integrated constant impedance receptacle contact for an electrical connector comprising:a conductive receptacle contact housing enclosure having a partially stepped, cylindrical internal cavity that is formed to receive an electrical insulator, said conductive receptacle contact housing enclosure forming a first annular extension at a forward end, and a second annular extension at said forward end internal to, and coaxial with, said first annular extension, and having a rearward end partially stepped cavity;-31- PHNXl 10007099said electrical insulator slidably insertable into and circumferentially encased by said rearward end partially stepped cavity of said receptacle contact housing enclosure, said insulator having a cavity therethrough; anda conductive pin contact slidably insertable within said insulator cavity and electrically isolated from said receptacle contact housing enclosure;such that said receptacle contact housing enclosure, said insulator, and said pin contact are coaxial with one another.

32. The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 31 wherein said stepped cavity of said conductive receptacle contact housing enclosure is cylindrical in part, and slidably receives said insulator.

33. The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 31 wherein said cavity of said insulator is cylindrical and slidably receives said pin contact.

34. The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 31 wherein said conductive receptacle contact housing enclosure is a solid metal construction.

35. The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 31 wherein said conductive receptacle contact housing enclosure provides an electrical ground reference for said pin contact.

36. The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 31 wherein said constant impedance receptacle contact forms an internal component for a standard coaxial contact body.

37. The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 36 wherein said conductive receptacle contact inner body is in electrical communication with said conductive receptacle contact housing enclosure.

38. The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 37 wherein said receptacle contact is insertable into connectors including MIL-DTL-38999 connector housings, MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel connector housings, or D-Subminiature connector housings.-32- PHNXl 1000709939. The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 31 wherein said pin contact in conjunction with said insulator and said conductive receptacle contact housing enclosure form a step diameter construct for a constant impedance (PkZ®) connection.

40. The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 31 configured for an RF contact in 50-ohm or 75-ohm impedance.

41. An integrated, multi -connection, constant impedance plug contact for an electrical connector comprising:a conductive plug contact outer body having a plurality of apertures, each aperture having a partially stepped cylindrical cavity configured to receive an insulator;said electrical insulator insertable into and circumferentially encased by said cavity of said conductive plug contact outer body, said insulator having a cavity therethrough; and a conductive socket contact slidably insertable within each of said insulator cavities and electrically isolated from said conductive plug contact outer body;such that said conductive plug contact outer body, said insulators, and said socket contacts are coaxial with one another.

42. The integrated, multi -connection, constant impedance plug contact of claim 41 wherein said plug contact outer body is adaptable for, and insertable within, a MIL-C-38999 housing connector, a MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel housing connector, or a D-Subminiature housing connector.

43. The integrated, multi-connection, constant impedance plug contact of claim 41 wherein said conductive plug contact outer body is a solid metal construction.

44. The integrated, multi-connection, constant impedance plug contact of claim 41 wherein said conductive plug contact outer body provides an electrical ground reference for said socket contact.-33- PHNXl 1000709945. The integrated, multi -connection, constant impedance plug contact of claim 41 wherein said constant impedance plug contact forms an internal component for a standard coaxial contact body.

46. The integrated, multi-connection, constant impedance plug contact of claim 41 wherein said socket contact in conjunction with said insulator and said conductive plug contact outer body form a step diameter construct for a constant impedance (PkZ®) connection using said cavity of said conductive plug contact outer body as an outer contact body for said constant impedance connection.

47. The integrated, multi -connect! on, constant impedance plug contact of claim 41 configured for an RF contact in 50-ohm or 75-ohm impedance.

48. An integrated, multi-connection, constant impedance receptacle contact for an electrical connector comprising:a conductive receptacle contact outer body having a plurality of apertures, each aperture having a forward end with a first partially stepped cylindrical cavity and a rearward end with a second partially stepped cylindrical cavity, wherein each of said second partially stepped cylindrical cavities is configured to receive an insulator and a conductive pin contact, said conductive receptacle contact outer body forming a first annular extension at said forward end, and a plurality of second annular extensions at said rearward end;each of said electrical insulators insertable into and circumferentially encased by said second partially stepped cylindrical cavity of said receptacle contact outer body, each of said insulators having a cavity therethrough;an outer contact at a forward end of each of said insulators, having an aperture therethrough; a conductive pin contact slidably insertable within each of said insulator cavities and through said conductive receptacle contact outer body aperture, and electrically isolated from said conductive receptacle contact outer body;such that each of said insulators, each respective said outer contacts, and each respective said pin contact are coaxial with one another.-34- PHNXl 1000709949. The integrated, multi -connection, constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 48 wherein said receptacle contact outer body is adaptable for, and insertable within, a MIL-C-38999 housing connector, a MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel housing connector, or a D-Subminiature housing connector.

50. The integrated, multi -connection, constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 48 wherein said stepped cavity of said conductive receptacle contact outer body is cylindrical in part, and slidably receives said insulator.

51. The integrated, multi -connection, constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 48 wherein said cavity of said insulator is cylindrical and slidably receives said pin contact.

52. The integrated, multi-connection, constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 48 wherein said conductive receptacle contact outer body is a solid metal construction.

53. The integrated, multi-connection, constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 48 wherein said conductive receptacle contact outer body provides an electrical ground for said pin contact.

54. The integrated, multi -connection, constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 48 wherein said constant impedance receptacle contact forms an internal component for a standard coaxial contact body.

55. The integrated, multi-connection, constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 48 wherein said pin contact in conjunction with said insulator and said conductive receptacle contact outer body form a step diameter construct for a constant impedance (PkZ®) connection.

56. The integrated, multi -connection, constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 48 including a print circuit board attachment mount in electrical communication with said conductive receptacle contact outer body.-35- PHNXl 1000709957. The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 48 configured for an RF contact in 50-ohm or 75-ohm impedance.

58. An integrated constant impedance plug contact for an electrical connector comprising: a conductive plug contact housing enclosure having a partially stepped, cylindrical internal cavity that is formed to receive a conductive receptacle contact inner body, said plug contact housing enclosure forming a first annular extension at a forward end, and having a rearward end partially stepped cavity;said conductive receptacle contact inner body having a stepped cavity therethrough, being insertable within and encased by said plug contact housing enclosure, and forming a second annular extension at said forward end, internal to, and coaxial with, said first annular extension of said plug contact housing enclosure, said receptacle contact inner body having a stepped diameter outer surface complementary to said plug contact housing enclosure rearward end partially stepped cavity;an electrical insulator insertable into and circumferentially encased by said cavity of said receptacle contact inner body, said insulator having a cavity therethrough;an outer contact at a forward end of said insulator, having an aperture therethrough;a conductive pin contact slidably insertable within said insulator cavity and through said outer contact aperture, and electrically isolated from said receptacle contact inner body; such that said plug contact housing enclosure, said receptacle contact inner body, said insulator, said outer contact, and said pin contact are coaxial with one another.

59. The integrated constant impedance reverse polarized plug contact of claim 58 wherein said plug contact outer body is adaptable for, and insertable within, a MIL-C-38999 housing connector, a MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel housing connector, or a D-Subminiature housing connector.

60. The integrated constant impedance plug contact of claim 58 wherein said conductive receptacle contact inner body is a solid metal construction.

61. The integrated constant impedance plug contact of claim 58 wherein said conductive receptacle contact inner body provides an electrical ground for said socket contact.-36- PHNXl 1000709962. The integrated constant impedance plug contact of claim 58 wherein said constant impedance plug contact forms an internal component for a standard coaxial contact body.

63. The integrated constant impedance plug contact of claim 62 wherein said conductive receptacle contact inner body is in electrical communication with said conductive plug contact housing enclosure.

64. The integrated constant impedance plug contact of claim 58 wherein said pin contact in conjunction with said insulator and said receptacle contact inner body form a step diameter construct for a constant impedance (PkZ®) connection using said cavity of said conductive receptacle contact inner body as an outer contact body for said constant impedance connection.

65. The integrated constant impedance plug contact of claim 58 for an RF connector having 50-ohm or 75-ohm impedance.

66. An integrated constant impedance receptacle contact for an electrical connector comprising:a conductive receptacle contact housing enclosure having a partially stepped, cylindrical internal cavity that is formed to receive a plug contact inner body, said conductive receptacle contact housing enclosure forming a first annular extension at a forward end, and having a rearward end partially stepped cavity;said conductive plug contact inner body having a cavity therethrough, being insertable within and encased by said receptacle contact housing enclosure, and forming a second annular extension at said forward end, internal to, and coaxial with, said first annular extension of said receptacle contact housing enclosure, said plug contact inner body having a stepped diameter outer surface complementary to said receptacle contact housing enclosure rearward end partially stepped cavity;an electrical insulator insertable into and circumferentially encased by said cavity of said plug contact inner body, said insulator having a cavity therethrough; and-37- PHNXl 10007099a conductive socket contact slidably insertable within said insulator cavity and electrically isolated from said plug contact inner body;such that said receptacle contact housing enclosure, said plug contact inner body, said insulator, and said socket contact are coaxial with one another.

67. The integrated constant impedance reverse polarized receptacle contact of claim 66 wherein said plug contact outer body is adaptable for, and insertable within, a MIL-C-38999 housing connector, a MIL-DTL-83527 Rack and Panel housing connector, or a D-Subminiature housing connector.

68. The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 66 wherein said stepped cavity of said conductive plug contact inner body is cylindrical in part, and slidably receives said insulator.

69. The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 66 wherein said cavity of said insulator is cylindrical and slidably receives said socket contact.

70. The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 66 wherein said conductive plug contact inner body is a solid metal construction.

71. The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 66 wherein said conductive plug contact inner body provides an electrical ground reference for said socket contact.

72. The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 66 wherein said constant impedance receptacle contact forms an internal component for a standard coaxial contact body.

73. The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 72 wherein said conductive plug contact inner body is in electrical communication with said conductive receptacle contact housing enclosure.-38- PHNXl 1000709974. The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 66 wherein said socket contact in conjunction with said insulator and said plug contact inner body form a step diameter construct for a constant impedance (PkZ®) connection.

75. The integrated constant impedance receptacle contact of claim 66 configured for an RF contact in 50-ohm or 75-ohm impedance.-39- PHNXl 10007099

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