Push-On Differential Pair Connector for RF Microwave Interconnects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing differential pair connectors for RF microwave frequencies require external coupling mechanisms like coupling nuts, which are impractical for two electrical conductors and result in a larger footprint, making them difficult to install and remove without tools and leading to inefficient connections.

Innovation Solution

A push-on high frequency differential interconnect system with a tubular body having segmented portions and a dielectric member with openings for electrical conductors, featuring gaps for keying and alignment, allowing for self-aligning and tool-free engagement and disengagement, while maintaining reliable electrical connections up to 40 GHz.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a coupling nut is used to connect differential pair connectors, then the connection can be secured, but the footprint increases and tool installation is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnector footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connector body is divided into segmented portions that can radially expand to engage with the corresponding connector, eliminating the need for an external coupling nut while maintaining secure connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector uses radial expansion in a different dimension to achieve secure engagement instead of using a coupling nut that extends the footprint in the axial direction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a coupling nut is used to connect differential pair connectors, then the connection can be secured, but tool installation is required making it difficult to install and remove

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector performs self-alignment and self-engagement through its segmented portions that automatically expand to lock onto the corresponding connector without requiring external tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The segmented portions are designed to be dynamically expandable, allowing the connector to transition from a compact state during insertion to an expanded locked state during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If external coupling mechanisms are used, then connection can be achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnector system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling function is merged into the connector body itself through the segmented portions, eliminating the need for separate external coupling mechanisms like nuts or keys

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism is extracted from being a separate external component and integrated directly into the connector structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS8568163B2Digital, small signal and RF microwave coaxial subminiature push-on differential pair system

Publication Date: 2013.10.29 CORNING OPTICAL COMM RF LLC

AI summary

The differential pair system includes a push-on high frequency differential interconnect and push-on high frequency differential connector. The system allows for blind mating of the two components, using a keying system for the two electrical conductors to be axially and radially aligned.