Low cost, high performance RF connector

摘要

An RF connector module and associated printed circuit board providing high isolation and controlled impedance at RF frequencies. The connector module may be manufactured using conventional manufacturing techniques, such as stamping, insert molding, multi-shot molding and interference fit between components, to provide low cost. A connector module constructed with these techniques may implement a co-planar waveguide structure, with conductive shields for isolation and lossy material to enforce co-planar propagation modes. The printed circuit board may similarly be manufactured using conventional manufacturing techniques, including drilling to form vias. As a result, an interconnection system may be manufactured with low cost. These techniques may be applied to provide performance, including in the form of isolation between RF signals, comparable to that provided by more expensive components.

主权项

1. An electrical connector module adapted for RF signals, comprising:
a lead frame providing a coplanar waveguide structure, the lead frame comprising:
at least one signal conductor; anda plurality of ground conductors disposed adjacent the at least one signal conductor, wherein the conductors are arranged in an order comprising a first ground conductor of the plurality of ground conductors, the at least one signal conductor, and a second ground conductor of the plurality of ground conductors; andat least one shield member parallel to the lead frame; andat least one lossy region, each lossy region adjacent to a ground conductor of the plurality of ground conductors and adjacent and in contact with a planar shield member of the at least one planar shield members,wherein greater than 85% of the energy of an RF signal propagates along the coplanar waveguide structure.