Low Profile RF Coaxial to Planar Interface via Stepped Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF coaxial to planar transmission line interfaces have a high profile, which limits their compactness and efficiency in connecting coaxial cables to printed wiring boards, and they often require complex structures that increase the distance between the cable and the board.
Innovation Solution
A low profile compact RF coaxial to planar transmission line interface is designed with a stepped opening in the interface block and an adapter with matching steps, allowing for a low profile configuration that reduces the distance between the coaxial cable and the printed wiring board, enabling a more compact and efficient connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional COTS interface structure is used, then reliable electrical coupling is achieved, but the profile height increases and compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is nested within the interface block cavity, with the adapter's outer diameter fitting within the cavity and the interface block's outer housing portion enclosing the adapter. This nested arrangement allows the coaxial cable connection to be integrated within the interface block's footprint, reducing the overall profile height while maintaining reliable electrical coupling between the center conductor and printed wiring board.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a traditional high-profile vertical arrangement to a low-profile configuration by utilizing the lateral dimensions of the interface block. The stepped opening and adapter create a compact three-dimensional structure that accommodates the coaxial cable connection within a reduced height envelope, effectively redistributing the connection geometry across multiple dimensions.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact low profile configuration is implemented, then space efficiency is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface block is segmented into functional regions: an outer housing portion, a cavity, and a stepped opening with distinct steps. The adapter is similarly segmented with an outer diameter, inner diameter, and positioned center conductor. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill multiple functions within a compact volume while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the coaxial cable connection, establishes electrical coupling between the center conductor and printed wiring board, and defines the low-profile geometry. The stepped opening similarly provides both structural definition and guidance for component alignment, reducing the need for separate alignment features.
Data Source
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AI summary
A compact, low profile coaxial to printed wiring board interface includes an interface block and an adapter. The interface block has a stepped opening for receiving the adapter and a coaxial cable. The adapter includes an outer profile with a series of steps that align and mate with the stepped opening of the interface block. An inner insulator of the coaxial cable is positioned entirely within the interface block and lies substantially flush with a first outside surface of the interface block, an outer conductor of the coaxial cable is positioned at an approximate midpoint interface of the adapter, an outer insulator of the coaxial cable lies flush with an external surface of the adapter, and a portion of the adapter positioned outside the interface block comprises a low profile such that the coaxial cable can be positioned away from a perpendicular to the interface block.