Apparatus for coupling RF signals

摘要

A unique apparatus for coupling radio frequency (RF) signals from a wireless communication device (200) to an external device by way of an I/O port (116). In particular, a connector having three adjacent contact elements (238) couples signals to an external device wherein the first and third contact elements (239, 241) are electrically coupled to a ground plane (302) and wherein the second or middle contact element (240) is electrically coupled to a conductive RF signal path (344). The ground plane and the conductive path (334) are preferably on a printed circuit (pc) board which is preferably a three layer board with the conductive path (334) located between two ground planes (302, 352). The connector is substantially covered with a shield (230) coupled by legs (248) to the ground plane (302) at apertures (332). A mating connector (400) also includes a shield (430) which is commonly grounded. The mating connector preferably includes an internally located coaxial connector (412) and cable (414) to minimize loss of RF communication signals. Components of the connectors (116, 400) are selectively grounded to eliminate RF interference and establish a reliable RF ground reference to a pc board (300) of the wireless communication device and the coaxial connector. The connectors also include latching members (405) and apertures (250) for firm coupling therebetween.