RF Connector Shielded Modules Minimize Centerline Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coaxial cable connector designs fail to meet the miniaturization requirements for stripline applications, particularly in maintaining impedance matching and reducing centerline spacing between communication devices and antennas.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial cable connector assembly featuring a shield with planar side panels and a dielectric that interlocks with adjacent connectors, along with a cable strain relief mechanism to ensure electrical connectivity and minimize centerline spacing, utilizing tabs and gaps for a flush fit and dimples for reliable contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional coaxial cable connector designs are used, then impedance matching can be maintained, but centerline spacing cannot be reduced sufficiently for miniaturization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The shield of one connector is received within the side panels of the adjacent connector, creating a nested configuration where the shield extends beyond the outer housing of the mating connector. This nesting allows the shields of adjacent connectors to be substantially coplanar, minimizing centerline spacing while maintaining impedance matching through proper shield-to-shield alignment and electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield is designed with planar opposed side panels that extend perpendicular to the axis of the coaxial cable, creating a two-dimensional expansion in the radial direction. This dimensional change allows adjacent shields to be positioned coplanarly, reducing the centerline spacing requirement from a traditional cylindrical arrangement to a more compact planar configuration.
2Volume of moving object
If centerline spacing is reduced for miniaturization, then space is conserved, but impedance matching and electrical connectivity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The nested shield configuration within side panels ensures that adjacent shields maintain precise coplanar alignment, which is critical for impedance matching in miniaturized stripline applications. The physical nesting structure provides inherent alignment guidance that reduces manufacturing precision requirements compared to traditional designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield design incorporates specific local features including planar side panels for coplanar positioning, tabs with gaps for precise mechanical engagement and alignment, and dimples for assured electrical connectivity. These localized quality enhancements ensure impedance matching is maintained in the critical shield interface regions while allowing overall connector miniaturization.
3Length of moving object
If adjacent shields are positioned coplanarly, then centerline spacing is minimized, but mechanical engagement and electrical connectivity must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The shield of one connector is received within the side panels of the adjacent connector in a nested arrangement, with the shield extending beyond the outer housing. This nesting provides both mechanical support and electrical connectivity while maintaining coplanar positioning, reducing the need for additional complex engagement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield includes pre-formed tabs with gaps and dimples that are configured in advance to engage with corresponding features on adjacent connectors. The tabs with outward flares are preliminarily shaped to fit into gaps of adjacent side panels, and dimples are pre-positioned to assure electrical connectivity, simplifying the overall engagement process during assembly.
4Shape
If tabs with gaps are used for shield engagement, then flush fit is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs with gaps are pre-formed as integral features of the shield during the shielding fabrication process, rather than being added as separate components. The outward flares on the tabs are preliminarily shaped to match the gap geometry of adjacent side panels, ensuring flush fit configuration is achieved through the inherent geometry of the tab-gap interface without requiring additional assembly steps.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a shield having opposed planar side panels. The shield is configured to receive a shield of a mating connector within the side panels. A dielectric is attached to the shield. The dielectric is configured to receive the coaxial cable and the shield is electrically connected to an outer conductor of the coaxial cable. The side panels are configured to abut and engage side panels of an adjacent connector with a substantially flush fit to form a row of connectors to be located in an outer housing. A separate strain relief member may be attached to the shield. Each of the shield and the strain relief member may include an IDC feature that pierces the cable insulation.