Coaxial Connector Compensating Tab for Impedance Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coaxial connector assemblies face impedance matching issues due to the size, orientation, and placement of cables, center contacts, and plug and receptacle assemblies, particularly as transmission rates increase.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial cable connector design featuring a connector housing with a ground shield and center contact in a stripline geometry, where at least one wall includes a compensating tab to position proximate the center contact, and the connector housing has a bottom wall with an opening aligned with the center contact, enhancing mechanical stability and electrical shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coaxial connector assemblies are used, then basic connectivity is achieved, but impedance matching deteriorates due to size, orientation, and placement variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing a compensating tab at a specific location within the connector housing, adjacent to the center contact. This localized structural modification creates a controlled capacitance effect that compensates for impedance variations caused by different cable sizes and orientations, while leaving the rest of the connector structure adaptable to various configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The compensating tab changes the electrical parameters (capacitance) of the connector assembly to compensate for impedance mismatches. By adjusting the physical presence and positioning of the tab, the electrical characteristics are modified to maintain consistent impedance matching across different cable types and transmission rates.
2Productivity
If transmission rates increase, then data throughput improves, but impedance matching problems worsen due to size and orientation variations
Solution Approach 1:
As transmission rates increase, the patent uses the compensating tab to adjust electrical parameters (capacitance) that become increasingly important at higher frequencies. The tab's positioning and dimensions are designed to provide optimal compensation for the specific transmission rate requirements, maintaining impedance matching even as data throughput increases.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cable size and orientation vary, then adaptability improves, but impedance matching deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compensating tab is strategically positioned adjacent to the center contact where it can locally influence the electrical field and capacitance. This localized intervention compensates for the effects of varying cable sizes and orientations, allowing the connector to maintain consistent impedance matching across different configurations without restricting adaptability.
4Reliability
If compensating tab is added to control capacitance, then impedance matching improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compensating tab is integrated directly into the connector housing structure, merging the impedance compensation function with the existing mechanical support structure. This integration approach adds the necessary capacitance control while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity, as the tab serves both structural and electrical compensation purposes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design improves impedance matching and mechanical stability, ensuring consistent electrical performance across varying cable sizes and transmission rates by controlling capacitance and other electrical characteristics through the compensating tab's positioning.
Implementation Method 1
the compensating tab configured to be positioned proximate the center contact and the connector housing includes a plurality of walls including a bottom wall, one of the walls of the ground shield extending along the bottom wall, the bottom wall including an opening substantially aligned with the center contact, the compensating tab received within the opening
Data Source
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AI summary
A coaxial cable connector (280, 322) includes a connector housing (326) configured to receive a coaxial cable (332) having inner and outer conductors, and a ground shield (260, 328) including a plurality of walls cooperating to define a shielded chamber (342). The connector housing is received within the shielded chamber, and the walls are configured to be connected to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable. The coaxial cable connector (280, 322) also includes a center contact (240, 324), wherein the center contact is configured to be connected to the inner conductor of the coaxial cable. The center contact (240, 324) is supported by the connector housing between the walls of the ground shield (260, 328) in a stripline geometry. At least one of the walls includes a compensating tab (290, 350) extending inward therefrom, wherein the compensating tab is configured to be positioned proximate at least one of the center contact and the inner conductor of the coaxial cable.