Radio frequency connectors for passive intermodulation (PIM) prevention
AssigneeSprint Communications Company L.P.
InventorEugene S. Mitchell, Jr.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus, system, and method for preventing passive intermodulation (PIM) in radio frequency (RF) connectors are provided. RF connectors that function in a telecommunication environment are re-designed and forged to have tags or portions that extend from the body. The tags or portions have holes that can receive screws to secure RF connectors together are secure an RF connector to a device. The screws are placed in the RF connectors and are connected together with safety wire such that a loosening motion of one screw causes a tightening motion on another screw.
Claims13
An apparatus for passive intermodulation (PIM) prevention at a radio frequency (RF) connector, comprising:
- the RF connector functions in a wireless telecommunication network;
- a metallic portion is integrated into the RF connector and extends outward perpendicular from a lengthwise portion of the RF connector, wherein the metallic portion is comprised of a same metal as the RF connector;
- and
- one or more holes are located in the metallic portion such that a screw can pass through a hole and secure the RF connector to another connector or device, wherein the one or more holes are located around a circumference of the RF connector.
A system for passive intermodulation (PIM) prevention, comprising:
- a male radio frequency (RF) connector and a female RF connector operate connected together in a wireless telecommunication network;
- each of the male RF connector and the female RF connector has an integrated metallic portion that extends outward around a circumference of each of the male RF connector and the female RF connector, wherein the metallic portion is comprised of a same metal as the RF connector;
- and
- the metallic portion of the male RF connector and the female RF connector has one or more hole such that when the male RF connector and the female RF connector are connected, the one or more holes in each of the metallic portion of both connectors align together.
A method for implementing passive intermodulation (PIM) prevention, comprising:
- operating a radio frequency (RF) connector in a wireless telecommunication network;
- integrating a metallic portion into the RF connector, wherein the metallic portion is comprised of a same metal as the RF connector;
- extending the metallic portion outward from a circumference of the RF connector;
- implementing one or more holes in the metallic portion, wherein the one or more holes are located in proximity around the circumference of the RF connector;
- and
- fastening a screw through a hole of the one or more holes, which secures the RF connector to another connector or device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.