Extension housing for RF multi-tap

Details Extension housing for RF multi-tap Extension housing for RF multi-tap

1998-12-09

2001-07-17

Abrams, Neil (Department: 2839)

Electrical connectors

Including or for use with coaxial cable

Having means for interconnecting outer conductors of three...

Reexamination Certificate

active

06261125

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND AND FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to RF signal distribution devices and more particularly relates to a novel and improved extension housing for multi-taps employed in the field of cable television.
As the traditional cable television providers offer new advanced services throughout the existing network of transmission plants, it is often necessary to upgrade each plant with wider bandwidth subscriber multi-taps. In doing so, it is desirable to replace the electronics and the coaxial connectors but leave the existing coaxial cable in place. The common practice is to cut the existing connectors and the electronics out of the circuit, and then to utilize new subscriber multi-taps of wider bandwidth and a longer “extension” coaxial connector to span the distance between coaxial cable ends.
Extension coaxial connectors typically perform poorly. The additional connector in series adds additional insertion loss into the circuit and the added connection points add increased return loss. Therefore, the entire RF performance of the cascaded multi-tap feeder system is compromised.
Accordingly, there is a need for a multi-tap housing which can be extended in length without affecting RF performance and will keep the signal connector in proximity to the housing in order to achieve RF impedance matching characteristics.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide for a novel and improved multi-tap extension housing for coaxial cable.
It is another object of the present invention to provide for a novel and improved multi-tap extension housing which will optimize RF performance characteristics and facilitate assembly of the connection points while maintaining optimum RF impedance matching throughout the interface.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved RF signal connector adapted for use in a multi-tap extension housing incorporating a circuit board to establish a uniform resistance over a predetermined distance between the RF connector and faceplate connector of the housing.
In accordance with the present invention, a multi-tap housing has been devised which eliminates the need for external extension connectors when rebuilding a traditional broadband transmission plant. The multi-tap housing incorporates a full 9″ length from end to end, and features integral coaxial connection points which are designed to minimize insertion loss and maximize return loss characteristics of the circuit; for example, when it is necessary to compensate for the increased spacing between the connecting ends of the TV cable into the multi-tap.
The invention is directed to a die cast housing of extended length which holds an RF signal connector and its dielectric insulator(s). The RF signal connector is comprised of a machined, hollow metal tube having an inward shrinking contact section and an outward expanding section. When a pin-type coaxial connector is inserted into the central axis opening of the RF signal connector, it is first guided by the outward expanding section and then smoothly enters into the radially inward resilient contact section without bias. Excellent contact is achieved by the circular contact surfaces between the cable conductor pin and the equal radius contact section of the signal connector.
In one form, a pair of dielectric insulators are sized to accommodate the signal connector and to keep the signal connector in designed proximity to the grounded housing in order to achieve optimum RF impedance matching throughout the interface, thus optimizing RF performance characteristics. In addition, the insulator closest to the pin connector interface is fashioned as a guide for ease of insertion of the coaxial cable pin connector to the signal connector.
In an alternate but preferred form, a first conductor pin extends from an open end of the housing or tube through a dielectric insulator into the central access opening of the RF signal connector as in the one form above described; however, the opposite end of the RF signal connector is inserted into a slotted end of a printed circuit board. A second conductor pin extends from a slotted portion at the opposite end of the circuit board so as to be in end-to-end relation to the connector body for insertion into the main housing. The circuit board is so constructed and arranged as to establish the desired impedance in the signal connector.
The close tolerances and interfitting relationship between conductive elements of the coaxial cable connector and RF signal connector and housing are critical to the efficient RF transmission performance of the subscriber multi-tap.
The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of preferred and modified forms of the present invention when taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:


REFERENCES:
patent: 3374449 (1968-03-01), Moore et al.
patent: 3676744 (1972-07-01), Pennypacker
patent: 3845454 (1974-10-01), Hayward et al.
patent: 5505636 (1996-04-01), Blum
patent: 5788535 (1998-08-01), Stinsky et al.
patent: 5906512 (1999-05-01), Reynolds

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Extension housing for RF multi-tap does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Extension housing for RF multi-tap, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Extension housing for RF multi-tap will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2480487