Broadband directional coupler using cables

A method of constructing a broadband directional coupler from a first and second flexible coaxial cable each having an inner conductor surrounded by an insulating material and a semi-rigid outer conductive shielding sleeve about said insulating material, said method comprising:

• (i) cutting an elongated opening in said conductive shielding sleeve along a predetermined axial length;
• (iii) forming a flat mating surface in said insulating material along a predetermined length in said elongated opening with said mating surface spaced from said inner conductor and extending substantially parallel to said inner conductor and disposed a predetermined distance by said insulating material from said inner conductor;
• (iii) placing said mating surface of said first and second coaxial cables in facial juxtaposed contact with said first and second flexible coaxial cables being disposed in parallel alignment to one another along said predetermined axial length whereby said inner conductors are spaced a predetermined distance to achieve a desired coupling characteristic;
• and
• (iv) connecting said first and second coaxial cables to each other along said predetermined length of said flat mated surfaces with said shielding sleeve of said first and second cables in shielding contact with one another about said elongated openings.