PCB-to-PCB RF Coaxial Connector Structure for Stable Low-PIM Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication device connectors, such as radio frequency coaxial cables and board-to-board connectors, often suffer from poor Passive Inter-Modulation (PIM) performance due to loose soldering and complex, high-cost structures.

Innovation Solution

An internal printed circuit board-to-printed circuit board connector featuring a radio frequency coaxial cable with interfaces that include a housing with flange parts and protruding portions for secure soldering, along with axial through holes for improved mechanical stability and signal transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If radio frequency coaxial cable with soldering is used to connect printed circuit boards, then electrical connection is achieved, but the soldering easily loosens resulting in poor PIM performance

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePIM performanceVSAvoidsoldering stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional soldering mechanical connection system with a integrated housing system that mechanically clamps and secures the coaxial cable connections. The housing includes clamping structures and mounting features that provide stable mechanical retention without relying on solder joints, thereby eliminating the loosening problem while maintaining electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is constructed from composite materials combining metallic components for structural strength and electrical conductivity with insulating materials for electrical isolation. This composite structure provides both mechanical stability to prevent loosening and proper electrical characteristics for maintaining PIM performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If board-to-board connector is used to connect two printed circuit boards, then connection is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the connector housing, cable management, and mounting functions into a single integrated structure. The housing simultaneously serves as the connector body, cable clamp, and mounting bracket, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the connector enclosure and the mounting structure for securing the coaxial cable and connecting to the circuit board. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into one component, reducing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If traditional connector with multiple components is used, then connection functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connector into modular components: a main housing, removable cable clamp, and mounting bracket. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual parts using standard processes, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining assembly flexibility and connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing incorporates cost-effective materials and design features that eliminate the need for expensive precision-machined components. The design accepts simplified manufacturing methods that reduce cost while maintaining sufficient durability for the application lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 solution provides a simple, cost-effective connector with enhanced PIM performance by ensuring secure connections between circuit boards, reducing the likelihood of loose soldering and improving overall connectivity.

Implementation Method 1

two printed circuit boards are connected together by a radio frequency coaxial cable... an inner conductor and an outer conductor of an end of the radio frequency coaxial cable are respectively soldered to the surface of each printed circuit board

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a protruding portion of the first interface is configured to connect the first interface to the first circuit board, and a protruding portion of the second interface is configured to connect the second interface to the second circuit board

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSoldering: Soldering

Data Source

PatentUS12170427B2Internal printed circuit board-to-printed circuit board connector for wireless communication device
Publication Date: 2024.12.17 OUTDOOR WIRELESS NETWORKS LLC
  • US12170427B2 patent drawing
  • US12170427B2 patent drawing
  • US12170427B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A board-to-board connector for wireless communication devices connects first and second circuit boards. The circuit board connector includes: a radio frequency coaxial cable; and a first interface and a second interface respectively connected to two opposing ends of the radio frequency coaxial cable, wherein each of the first interface and the second interface includes a housing, the housing includes a hollow main body part and a flange part located at a first end of the main body part, the main body part receives one end of the radio frequency coaxial cable at a second end opposite to the first end, the flange part is provided with one or more protruding portions, a protruding portion of the first interface is configured to connect the first interface to the first circuit board, and a protruding portion of the second interface is configured to connect the second interface to the second circuit board.