Variable Impedance Coaxial Connector Tapered Cavity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional RF connectors face challenges in maintaining 50 ohm impedance throughout their length, especially in complex connectors and at higher frequency ranges, leading to signal degradation due to impedance discontinuities at connector interfaces and transitions between coaxial connectors and printed circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
A variable impedance coaxial connector interface device with a tapered housing and multiple mating positions, allowing for adjustable impedance based on the location and dimensions of the mating position, dielectric material, and structural features like grooves, to accommodate impedance differences between the connector and external components, reducing signal degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional 50 ohm connectors are used, then impedance matching is maintained at the connector interface, but signal degradation occurs due to impedance discontinuities at the interface between the connector and external PCB
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a tapered cavity with varying impedance along its length. The cavity transitions from a first impedance at the PCB interface to a second impedance at the connector interface, allowing each section to be optimized for its specific function: the wider section near the PCB provides better impedance matching with the board, while the narrower section near the connector reduces signal degradation at the connector interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the physical dimensions of the cavity (cross-sectional area) along its length to change the electrical impedance. The tapered geometry creates a continuous impedance transition, and the position of the mating plane within the cavity can be adjusted to achieve different impedance values at the connector interface, allowing optimization for both impedance matching and signal integrity.
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 variable impedance interface device effectively reduces signal loss by matching impedance characteristics, improving signal transmission and reducing voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), as demonstrated by simulations showing improved TDR and VSWR plots compared to standard 50 ohm connectors.
Implementation Method 1
The center conductor is electrically insulated from the housing by a dielectric
Implementation Method 2
The inner surface tapers radially inwardly between the cavity first end and the cavity second end. A mating position in the cavity has a certain dimension due to the taper of the inner surface. An impedance of the housing is based on the mating position and may be varied due to the impedance of the interface
Data Source
AI summary
A variable impedance interface device for connecting a coaxial connector to an external component is disclosed. The interface device has a housing having a first end adapted to receive a coaxial connector and a second end having an interface where the housing is attachable to an external component, such as a printed circuit board. A cavity within the housing is defined by an inner surface and has a cavity first end and a cavity second end. The inner surface tapers between the cavity first end and the cavity second end. A mating position in the cavity has a certain dimension due to the taper of the inner surface. The mating position defines a location at which a coaxial connector received by the housing positions. An impedance of the housing is based on the mating position and may be varied due to the impedance of the interface such that signal degradation at the interface is reduced.