RF Coaxial Terminator With Planar Impedance Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coaxial terminators are limited by their cylindrical design, leading to long assemblies with limited electrical tuning and increased component length, which can result in a less robust system prone to breakage, and often require specialized tools for installation, while also not effectively mimicking the diameter of the cable center conductor for optimal electrical communication.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial terminator design with a reduced number of components and length, featuring a housing with an external threaded area and internal body with slots for secure assembly, utilizing an impedance match element with a pin that mimics the diameter of a Series 6 cable center conductor, allowing for improved electrical and mechanical communication and tunability, and optionally incorporating a seal ring for enhanced security and weather sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cylindrical carbon type resistive element is used in the terminator assembly, then the terminator can provide impedance matching, but the assembly becomes relatively long and requires correspondingly long components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a cylindrical (1D axial) resistive element to a planar (2D) circuit board layout with chip or film resistors. This dimensional change allows the impedance matching function to be achieved in a compact planar configuration rather than requiring long axial components, thereby reducing overall assembly length while maintaining electrical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses chip or film resistors mounted on a circuit board as a simplified copy of the traditional cylindrical carbon resistive element. These chip resistors replicate the impedance matching function of the cylindrical element but in a much more compact form factor, eliminating the need for long axial components and reducing assembly length.
2Reliability
If a cylindrical carbon type resistive element is used in the terminator assembly, then the terminator can provide impedance matching, but electrical tuning is limited by the structural arrangement and nature of the resistive element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic electrical tuning by replacing the fixed cylindrical resistive element with a circuit board configuration that allows for adjustable component values and arrangements. The circuit board platform permits easy modification of resistor values, positions, and configurations to optimize impedance matching for different electrical conditions, providing adaptability and tuning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows electrical tuning by changing the parameters of the circuit board configuration, including resistor values, trace geometries, and component placements. This enables optimization of impedance matching characteristics for different applications without being constrained by the fixed structural parameters of a cylindrical resistive element.
3Ease of manufacture
If the resistive element is mounted in a separate holder attached by solder joint and press fit, then the assembly can be constructed, but the diameter of the electrical lead must be less than the cable center conductor diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the resistive element mounting function directly into the circuit board structure, eliminating the need for a separate holder component. The circuit board itself serves as the mounting platform, with solder joints providing both electrical connection and mechanical support, thereby removing the diameter constraint imposed by separate holder designs and allowing better matching to cable center conductor dimensions.
Data Source
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Figure 3~3A
AI summary
An RF coaxial terminator includes an impedance match element mounted within a housing. The impedance match element includes a central conductive pin, a supportive element, and a resistor, wherein the resistor longitudinally extends in a direction that is not coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the central conductive pin.