Compressible coaxial interconnection with integrated environmental seal

摘要

A coaxial IF interconnect structure that is compressible in the z-axis and provides its own environmental seal against moisture and coolant. The structure (50) includes three components, a center conductor (60), dielectric spacer structure (70), and outer conductor shield (80), all fabricated of compressible materials. The center conductor is a compressible metal interconnection element formed by die compressing 1 mil diameter fine wire to a desired shape and density. The coaxial dielectric structure supports the compressible center conductor, and is fabricated from a fluorinated elastomer (FM) known as fluorosilicone. The compressible coaxial outer conductor shield functions as an IF gasket in the form of an round flat washer surrounding the dielectric structure and center conductor.