Differential Pair System

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application claims the benefit of, and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent

Application No. 61/288,493 filed on December 21, 2009 entitled, "Digital, Small Signal and RF Microwave Coaxial Subminiature Push-on Differential Pair System", the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Field of the Invention

[0002]The present invention relates generally to a digital, small signal and RF microwave frequency coaxial differential pair connector sleeve and connectors that includes a push-on interface.

Technical Background

[0003] Within the technical field of digital, small signal and RF microwave frequency coaxial connectors there exists a sub-set of connector interface designs engageable without the aid of external coupling mechanisms such as split keying dielectric components. These

interconnect systems are known in the industry as Twin axial TNC's and BNC's. Twin axial, differential pair interconnects are used to attach coaxial cables or modules to another object, such as a corresponding connector on an appliance or junction having a terminal, or port, adapted to engage the connector.

[0004] Typically existing differential pair connectors utilize a coupling system that includes a female with spring fingers and a corresponding male port configured to receive the female connector with the use of a coupling nut that is either slotted or threaded. However, when confronted with two electrical conductors in the system, the use of a coupling nut becomes impractical.

[0005] It would be an advantage, therefore, to provided a streamlined, cost competitive push- on, self aligning interconnect locking system integral to the connector that provides for easy installation and removal with the use of tools yet be positively mated during use. It would also be advantageous to provide the interconnect system to reduce the footprint taken up by the much larger interconnects in the market.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In one aspect, a push-on high frequency differential connector sleeve includes an outer body having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining an internal opening between a first end and a second end, and a first opening and a second opening in the outer body between the inner and outer surfaces, the first opening extending from the first end toward a center portion and the second opening extending from the second end toward the center portion of the outer body, a tubular body disposed in the internal opening in the outer body, the tubular body engaging the inner surface of the outer body, a dielectric member disposed in the tubular body, the dielectric member having two openings therein to receive two electrical conductors, and two electrical conductors disposed in the two openings in the dielectric member.

[0007] In some embodiments, the tubular body has a first end and a second end, the first end and second end are segmented and biased radially outward to engage and retain a

corresponding connector.

[0008] In other embodiments, the first and second openings in the outer body generally increase in width to allow for gimbaling of connectors inserted therein.

[0009] In some embodiments, the two openings in the dielectric member and the openings in the outer body lie on a single plane.

[0010] In yet another aspect, a push-on high frequency differential connector includes an outer body having an outer surface, an inner surface, a front end, and a back end, the inner surface defining an opening extending between the front end and the back end, a dielectric member inserted into the opening at the back end of the outer body, the dielectric member having two openings therein, two electrical contacts disposed in the openings in the dielectric member, the electrical contacts extending from the back end towards the front end and beyond a front end of dielectric member, the electric contacts extending radially outward from the opening beyond the outer surface, a dielectric spacer engaging the two electrical contacts beyond the outer surface of the outer body, and an alignment member extending radially upward from the outer surface of the outer body to engage a corresponding opening on a connector sleeve to align the electrical contacts with the connector sleeve. [0011] In still yet another aspect, a push-on high frequency differential pair system that includes a push-on high frequency differential connector sleeve, the connector sleeve further includes a outer body having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining an internal opening between a first end and a second end, and a first opening and a second opening in the outer body between the inner and outer surfaces, the first opening extending from the first end toward a center portion and the second opening extending from the second end toward the center portion of the outer body, a tubular body disposed in the internal opening in the outer body, the tubular body engaging the inner surface of the outer body, a dielectric member disposed in the tubular body, the dielectric member having two openings therein to receive two electrical conductors, and two electrical conductors disposed in the two openings in the dielectric member, and a push-on high frequency differential connector, the connector further includes an outer body having an outer surface, an inner surface, a front end, and a back end, the inner surface defining an opening extending between the front end and the back end, a dielectric member inserted into the opening at the back end of the outer body, the dielectric member having two openings therein, two electrical contacts disposed in the openings in the dielectric member, the electrical contacts extending from the back end towards the front end and beyond a front end of dielectric member, the electric contacts extending radially outward from the opening beyond the outer surface, a dielectric spacer engaging the two electrical contacts beyond the outer surface of the outer body, and an alignment member extending radially upward from the outer surface of the outer body to engage a corresponding opening on a connector sleeve to align the electrical contacts with the connector sleeve.

[0012] Accordingly, a simple connector is disclosed herein that can easily be produced from a small number of components. The connector preferably forms a reliable electrical RF microwave connection with low mechanical engage and disengage forces. Furthermore, the connector disclosed herein provides an improved electrical performance up to 40 GHz.

[0013] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the invention as described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

[0014] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present embodiments of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operations of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a connector sleeve and connectors according to the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a top view of the connector sleeve of FIG. 1 ;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the connector sleeve of FIG. 1 ;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a front view of the connector sleeve of FIG. 1 ;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the connector sleeve of FIG. 1 ;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a top view of one of the connectors of FIG. 1 ;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 6;

[0022] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 6;

[0023] FIG. 9 is a front view of the connector of FIG. 6;

[0024] FIG. 10 is a front view of the other of the connectors of FIG. 1 ;

[0025] FIG. 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 10;

[0026] FIG. 12 is a top view of the connector of FIG. 10;

[0027] FIG. 13 is an exploded, cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a connector and connector sleeve according to the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 14 is a front view of the alternative embodiment of a connector sleeve according to the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the connector sleeve of FIG. 14;

[0030] FIG. 16 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a connector according to the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 17 is a top view of the connector of FIG. 16;

[0032] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 16;

[0033] FIG. 19 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a second connector to be used with the connector sleeve of FIG. 14;

[0034] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the second connector of FIG. 19;

[0035] FIG. 21 is a side view of the second connector of FIG. 19; [0036] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of a connector sleeve according to the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a connector sleeve and connectors according to the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 24 illustrates an embodiment of a socket contact that can be used as an electrical conductor in an alternate embodiment as disclosed herein; and

[0039] FIG. 25 illustrates another embodiment of a coaxial connector as disclosed herein with the socket contact of FIG. 24.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1 -12, a connector assembly 100 includes a connector sleeve 102, a first connector 104, and a second connector 106. Generally, the connector assembly 100 allows for the connection, and in particular, the blind mating of the first connector 104 and the second connector 106. As can be seen from the figures, as well as being described above, the connector assembly 100 provides for a quick way to engage and disengage differential pair interconnects that use push-on technology.

[0042] Turning now to FIGS. 2-5, the connector sleeve 102, which is a push-on high frequency differential connector sleeve, includes an outer body 110, an outer surface 112, and inner surface 114, the inner surface 114 defining an internal opening 116 that extends between the first end 118 and the second end 120. The outer body 110 has two sets of openings 122, 124 between the outer surface 112 and the inner surface 114. The openings 122,124 extend from the first end 118 and the second end 120, respectively, towards the middle 126 of the outer body 110. As described in detail below, the openings 122, 124 aid in aligning the first connector 104 and the second connector 106, respectively, with the connector sleeve 102. The connector sleeve 102 has an annular projection 126 extending from the inner surface 114 into the internal opening 116 to engage other portions of the connector sleeve 102 as described in detail below. The connector sleeve 102 is preferably made from metallic material, for example, beryllium copper, and is preferably plated with a corrosion-resistant, conductive material such as gold.

[0043] The connector sleeve 102 also includes a tubular body 130 that is disposed in the internal opening 116. An outer portion 132 of the tubular body 130 engages the annular projection 126, typically by being press-fit into the connector sleeve 102. The tubular body 130 has at either end 134, 136 segmented portions 138. Segmented portions 138 are typically finger type portions to engage the first connector 104 and the second connector 106. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the segmented portions 138, which are preferably biased radially outward, engaging an inner portion of the connectors 104, 106 to maintain physical and electrical engagement of the connectors 104,106 with the connector sleeve 102. While six segmented portions 138 are illustrated, any number of segmented portions 138 may be present and still fall within the scope of the present invention. The tubular body 130 is preferably made from a metallic material, for example, beryllium copper, and is plated with a corrosion-resistant, conductive material such as gold.

[0044] Also included in the connector sleeve 102 is a dielectric member 150 that is in a center portion of the tubular body 130. The dielectric member 150 has two openings 152,154 to receive two electrical conductors 162, 164. As illustrated best in FIG. 5, the two electrical conductors 162,164 have a female configuration. As discussed below, however, the electrical conductors 162, 164 may also have a male configuration. The tubular body 130 preferably has a projection 140 (see FIG. 2) that engages a corresponding depression 142 (FIG. 4) in the inner surface of the connector sleeve 102. The cooperation of the projection 140 and the corresponding depression 142 helps to align the openings 152,154 with the openings 122, 124 in the connector sleeve 102. In this regard, the two openings 152,154 of the dielectric member 150 lie in the same plane A as the openings 122,124. This allows for the blind mating of the connectors 104,106 with the connector sleeve 102.

[0045] Turning now to FIGS. 6-9, the first connector 104 will be discussed in detail. First connector 104 has an outer body 202, the outer body 202 having an outer surface 204 and inner surface 206. The outer body 202 has a front end 208 and a back end 210 and is generally cylindrical in its configuration. The inner surface 206 defines an opening 212 extending between the front end 208 and the back end 210. The opening 212 is divided into a front portion 212a and a rear portion 212b, the rear portion 212b having a dielectric member 214 inserted therein. [0046] The dielectric member 214 has two openings 216,218 to receive two electrical contacts 220, 222. As best illustrated in FIG. 8, the electrical contacts 220, 222 extend from the back end 210 through the dielectric member 214 and into the front portion 212a of the opening 212. The two electrical contacts 220, 222 make a turn at the back end 210 of about 90° and project beyond the outer surface 204 of the outer body 202. See FIGS. 6 and 7. A dielectric spacer 224 surrounds the electrical contacts 220, 222 beyond the outer surface 204 of the outer body 202 to insulate the electrical contacts 220,222 from the outer body 202.

[0047] The outer body 202 of the first connector 104 has two holes 230, 232, into which alignment members 234,236, respectively, are inserted. The alignment members 234, 236 are configured to engage and slide into the opening 122 of the connector sleeve 102 as the first connector 104 is inserted into the connector sleeve 102. Thus, the alignment members 234, 236 provide a key for inserting the first connector 104 into the connector sleeve 102 in a correct orientation and eliminate the possibility of stubbing the electrical contacts 220, 222 on the connector sleeve 102. Additionally, the alignment members 234,236 allow for axial and rotational alignment of the electrical conductors 220, 222 with the electrical conductors 162, 164 in the connector sleeve 102. It should also be noted that the openings 122, 124 are preferably wider toward the center portion 126 than they are at the first end 118 and the second end 120. The increasingly wider openings 122, 124 allow the connectors 104,106 the necessary freedom to gimbal as needed when connected to the connector sleeve 102.

[0048] The second connector 106 will now be described in conjunction with FIGS. 10-12. The second connector 106 has an outer body 302 with an outer surface 304 and an inner surface 306. The second connector 106 has a front end 308, a back end 310 and is generally cylindrical in configuration. The inner surface 306 defines an opening 312 extending between the front end 308 and the back end 310. The opening 312 is divided into a front portion 312a and a rear portion 312b, the rear portion 312b having a dielectric member 314 inserted therein. The dielectric member 314 has two openings 316, 318 to receive two electrical contacts 320,322. The electrical contacts 320,322 extend beyond the back end 310 and into the front portion 312a. Electrical contacts 320,322 also have insulators 330,332 to further insulate the electrical contacts 320,322 and to also provide an alignment mechanism for insertion of the second connector 106 into a blind panel (not shown).

[0049] The outer surface 304 has a hole 334 into which an alignment pin 336 has been inserted to provide alignment with the opening 124 in the connector sleeve 102. As with the first connector 104, the alignment pin 336 functions as a key to ensure the correct positioning of the second connector 106 so that the electrical contacts in the second connector 106 and the connector sleeve 102 are appropriately aligned. The segmented portions 138 engage the inner surface 306 when the connector 106 is installed into the connector sleeve 102.

[0050] An alternative embodiment of a connector assembly 100a according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 13. A first connector 104a and a connector sleeve 102a make up the connector assembly 100a. However, a second connector can also be modified as noted below to be included in the connector assembly 100a. Connector assembly 100a is similar to connector assembly 100 as described above, but the configuration of the electrical conductors have been reversed. That is, the electrical conductors 162a,164a in connector sleeve 102a have a male configuration, while the electrical conductors 220a,222a have a female configuration.

[0051] An alternative configuration for the connector sleeve 102b is illustrated in FIGS. 14-15. The internal configuration of connector sleeve 102b is illustrated as being the same as connector sleeve 102. That is, connector sleeve 102b has an annular projection 126b extending from the inner surface 114b into the internal opening 116b to engage other portions of the connector sleeve 102b. The connector sleeve 102b also includes a tubular body 130b that is disposed in the internal opening 116b and a dielectric member 150b.

However, the internal opening 116b has two flat portions 144b [FIG. 14 needs a b after 144] to orient a corresponding connector with regard to the connector sleeve 102b. As can be seen in the figures, the openings 122,124 are not present in the outer body 110 since the internal flat portions 144b act as the key for the corresponding connector, making the openings

122,124 unnecessary.

[0052] Further in this regard, a corresponding first connector 104b is illustrated in FIGS. 16-18. The connector 104b is similar to the connector 104 discussed above, but rather being substantially circular in cross section (see FIG. 9), connector 104b has two corresponding flat portions 244b in the outer body 202b. The flat portions 244b correspond to and align the connector 104b with flat portions 144b of the connector sleeve 102b. As a result, the connector 104b does not need the alignment members of connector 104.

[0053] Similarly, a second connector 106b, illustrated in FIGS. 19-21 and an alternative embodiment of second connector 106, also has two flat portions 344b, which align the second connector 106b with the sleeve 102b. The other elements of second connector 106b are identical with those of second connector 106, but the outer body 302b has the two flat portions 344b that extend along only a portion of the outer body 302b.

[0054] FIG. 22 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a connector sleeve 102c. The connector sleeve 102c has an annular projection 126c extending from the inner surface 114c into the internal opening 116c to engage other portions of the connector sleeve 102c. The connector sleeve 102c also includes a tubular body 130c that is disposed in the internal opening 116c and a dielectric member 150c with two electrical conductors 160c,162c. While the electrical conductors 160c,162c are illustrated as having a female configuration, they may also have a male configuration and alignment. See, e.g., FIG. 13. Connector sleeve 102c has a through-hole 146c that is filled with an epoxy plug 148c to maintain the components of connector sleeve 102c in the appropriate configuration. As a result, the projection 140 and depression 142 of connector sleeve 102 are not needed for alignment of the connector sleeve components. The epoxy plug 148c is illustrated as penetrating through the electrical conductors 160c,162c, but the epoxy plug 148c is not electrically conductive, thereby maintaining the electrical integrity of the connector sleeve 102 c.

[0055] An alternative connector assembly lOOd is illustrated in FIG. 23 and includes a connector sleeve 102d, a first connector 104d, and a second connector 106d. As illustrated, the first and second connectors 104d,106d are similar to those discussed above. However, rather than having the holes 230,232,334 and corresponding alignment members

234,236,336, the connectors 104d,106d have integral projections 234d,236d, respectively, to align the connectors 104d,106d with the openings 122d,124d in the connector sleeve 102d.

[0056] An alternative socket contact 900 that can be used as an electrical conductor in embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated in FIG. 24, which includes a main body 902 extending along a longitudinal axis. The main body 902 has a proximal portion 904, a distal portion 908, and an elongated central portion 906 that is axially between the proximal portion 904 and the distal portion 908. The main body 902 also has a first end 910 disposed on proximal portion 904 and an opposing second end 912 disposed on distal portion 908. Main body 902 is comprised of electrically conductive and mechanically resilient material having spring-like characteristics that extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis.

Preferred materials for main body 902 include beryllium copper (BeCu), stainless steel, or gold plated nickel. A particularly preferred material for main body 902 is beryllium copper (BeCu). [0057] The material used for main body 902 is patterned to define a plurality of openings and at least a portion of the plurality of openings extend along a longitudinal length of proximal and distal portions 904, 908. However, the elongated central portion 906 constitutes a majority of the length of the main body 902.

[0058] The alternative socket contact 900 is illustrated in an embodiment of a coaxial connector 920 illustrated in FIG. 25. Coaxial connector 920 includes outer conductor portion 922, insulator 924, and two socket contacts 900 illustrated in FIG. 24. Outer conductor portion 922 extends substantially circumferentially about a longitudinal axis and defines a first central bore 926. Insulator 924 is disposed within the first central bore 926 and extends about the longitudinal axis. Insulator 924 includes first insulator component 928 and second insulator component 930 and defines two openings 932 extending along the length of the insulator 924 (and therefore also along the length of the first and second insulator components 928, 930). A socket contact 900 is disposed within each of the openings 932. Outer conductor portion 922 has a first end 934 and a second end 936. A plurality of first slots 938 extend substantially along a longitudinal direction from the first end 934, and a plurality of second slots 940 extend substantially along a longitudinal direction from the distal end to define a plurality of first cantilevered beams 942 and a plurality of second cantilevered beams 944, wherein the plurality of first cantilevered beams 942 extend substantially circumferentially around first end 934 and the plurality of second cantilevered beams 944 extend substantially circumferentially around second end 936. Two of the cantilevered beams 942, 944 on each side of the outer conductor portion 922 are biased radially outward to provide a keying feature for the differential pair interconnect (not shown). Since there are two openings 932 that are not on a central axis, there must be a method for aligning the contacts in the differential pair interconnect with the openings 932. The two outwardly projecting cantilevered beams 942, 944 on each side match with a corresponding structure on the interconnect to align the contacts with the openings 932.

[0059] Openings 932 in the insulator 924 include reduced diameter portions 946 that allow insulator 924 to retain socket contacts 900. In addition, reduced diameter portions 946 provide a lead in feature for mating contacts on the differential pair interconnect.

[0060] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.