Axially adjustable length radio frequency interconnect
AssigneeNorthrop Grumman Systems Corporation
InventorsPhilip A.L. Lovell, Michael R. Cortina, Curt E. Forst, Eric Anders Lindquist
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An axially adjustable length radio frequency (RF) interconnect for facilitating the transmission of RF signals between RF components within an assembly such as an antenna system. An integral threading structure including a coupling nut and floating pin extends the RF interconnect to alleviate axial misalignment between components. A hollow threaded shank having a partially hollow center conductor allows the floating pin to translate within the center conductor upon radial movement of the coupling nut. A coaxial connector is employed on both ends to transfer the RF energy.
Claims17
A radio frequency (RF) interconnect comprising:
- a main body defining an axis and threaded at a first end of the main body, the main body comprising a central conductor that extends along the axis, and wherein the central conductor is at least partially hollow;
- a coupling nut having interior threads configured to be threadably coupled to the main body;
- a first RF connector, wherein the first RF connector is adapted to be coupled to the coupling nut;
- a floating pin, held by a surrounding dielectric material, that extends through a central aperture of the first RF connector and is electrically coupled to and moves axially within the central conductor of the main body;
- and
- a second RF connector at a second end of the main body.
A method of manufacturing an axially adjustable RF interconnect, the method comprising:
- providing a main body defining an axis and threaded at a first end of the main body, the main body comprising a central conductor that extends along the axis, and wherein the central conductor is at least partially hollow;
- providing a coupling nut having interior threads configured to be threadably coupled to the main body;
- providing a first RF connector, wherein the first RF connector is adapted to be coupled to the coupling nut;
- providing a floating pin, held by a surrounding dielectric material, that extends through a central aperture of the first RF connector and is electrically coupled to and moves axially within the central conductor of the main body;
- and
- providing a second RF connector at a second end of the main body.
A system comprising:
- an antenna for receiving and transmitting communications data;
- a communications component comprising a radio frequency (RF) module;
- and
- an axially adjustable RF interconnect for coupling the antenna to the communications component, the axially adjustable RF interconnect comprising:
- a main body defining an axis and threaded at a first end of the main body, the main body comprising a central conductor extends along the axis, and wherein the central conductor is at least partially hollow,
- a coupling nut having interior threads configured to be threadably coupled to the main body,
- a first RF connector, wherein the first RF connector is adapted to be coupled to the coupling nut,
- a floating pin, held by a surrounding dielectric material, that extends through a central aperture of the first RF connector and is electrically coupled to and moves axially within the central conductor of the main body, and
- a second RF connector at a second end of the main body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.