Noncontact RF connector

#The present invention relates generally to noncontact RF connectors, and more particularly, to a noncontact RF connector that transmits RF power through a dielectric seal without a metal to metal contact.

#Noncontact connectors are used in applications where metallic corrosion or marine growth is a critical problem. This type of situation is experienced in a harsh environment such as salt water, for example, and particularly in applications involving submarines, and the like. For low frequency applications, such as at frequencies below 100 MHz, noncontact connectors using inductive and capacitive coupling have heretofore been used. However, at higher RF and microwave frequencies, the performance of conventional inductive and capacitive noncontact connectors is not acceptable, manifested by high reflections and leakage.

#Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide for an improved noncontact RF connector that transmits RF power at RF and microwave frequencies through a dielectric seal without requiring metal to metal contact. It is a further objective of the present invention to provide for a noncontact RF connector whose design is based on a TEM radial field distribution in the connector.

#The various features and advantages of the present invention may be more readily understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

#FIG. 1 illustrates a cross sectional view of a first embodiment of a coaxial noncontact RF connector in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 illustrates an end view of the connector of FIG. 1 in the direction of the lines 2--2;

#Referring to the drawing figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a cross sectional view of a first embodiment of a coaxial noncontact RF connector 10 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates an end view of the connector 10 of FIG. 1. The design of the coaxial noncontact RF connector 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is based on a TEM radial field distribution that provides a wide band impedance match. The coaxial noncontact RF connector 10 transmits RF power through a dielectric seal 11, such as a glass window in a submarine, or other underwater vehicle, for example.

#Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the noncontact RF connector 10 has an input connector portion 12 comprising an outer conductor 15 coaxially disposed around an inner conductor 13. Dielectric material 14 is disposed between the inner and outer conductors 13, 15. An impedance matching input transition portion 16 abuts an input side of the dielectric seal 11, and is tapered in the embodiment of FIG. 1. The impedance matching input transition portion 16 has a relatively large diameter adjacent the dielectric seal 11 and transitions to a relatively small diameter distal from the dielectric seal 11.

#The noncontact RF connector 10 has an output connector portion 22 comprising an outer conductor 25 coaxially disposed around an inner conductor 23. Dielectric material 14 is disposed between the inner and outer conductors 23, 25. An impedance matching output transition portion 26 that is also tapered abuts an output side of the dielectric seal 11 that has a relatively large diameter adjacent the dielectric seal 11 and transitions to a relatively small diameter distal from the dielectric seal 11.