Terminal assembly for a coaxial cable

Abstract

A terminal for a coaxial cable includes an electrically conductive core mounted in a dielectric member. The dielectric member along with the conductive core are positioned within an electrically conductive ground shield. The ground shield includes two identical split-barrel housing members which are joined together. When joined, the housing members form a cylindrical channel having surfaces which intimately contact an exposed length of cable outer conductor layer, creating a conductive connection between the outer conductor layer and the ground shield and structurally maintaining the outer conductor layer concentric to the dielectric sheath and inner conductor of the cable.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to electrical terminals for connection to coaxial cable and more particularly relates to a terminal having a two-piece ground shield. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] A typical coaxial cable for signal transmission includes a center conductive core or inner conductor surrounded by an inner dielectric sheath. An outer conductor or conductive shield surrounds the inner dielectric sheath and typically is a metal braid. The conductive shield is surrounded by an outer dielectric sheath of the cable. [0003] Electrical terminals are known for terminating a coaxial cable so that the cable can be connected to another connecting device, such as a complementary mating connector, a printed circuit board, and the like. Such terminals typically include a core conductor or contact for mechanically and electrically connecting to an end of the inner conductor of the cable, a dielectric sleeve therearound, and an outer conductor or ground shield ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein, a terminal assembly for a coaxial cable is provided which includes a ground shield with surfaces defining an internal passageway. In the preferred embodiment, the ground shield includes a strain relief portion having protruding ribs for engaging an outer dielectric sheath of the coaxial cable and a contact portion for electrically and mechanically bonding an outer conductor of the coaxial cable to the ground shield. As a result, it is not necessary to crimp the outer conductor to the ground shield.

Problems solved by technology

RF leakage results from radiation loss through holes or seams in the terminal or cable.

Such known methods for assembling a terminal to a coaxial cable are labor intensive and technique sensitive.

These methods require significant manual manipulation of the shielding braid which deforms the outer conductor causing reflection and insertion loss.

Crimping also deforms the outer conductor causing reflection and insertion loss.

Variation in assembly technique impacts the integrity of the connection and results in variation in performance.

It is difficult to apply a uniform plating to inside surfaces of such a design.

Plating voids thereby result which increase reflection and leakage losses.

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