COMPRESSIBLE COAXIAL INTERCONNECTION WITH INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL SEAL

摘要

A coaxial RF 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 (FPM) known as fluorosilicone. The compressible coaxial outer conductor shield functions as an RF gasket in the form of a round flat washer surrounding the dielectric structure and center conductor.