RF circuit module
View Patent ↗A module for radio frequency signal circuits includes an electrically conductive housing. Coax connectors are secured to the rear face of the housing. A circuit board is contained within the interior spaced between sidewalls of the housing. A ground side of the circuit board includes a layer of electrically conductive material which is electrically connected to the housing. Coax cables extend within the interior of the housing from the coax connectors and between the ground side of the circuit board and an opposing sidewall. An opposite side of the circuit board contains circuit components inter-connected with one another through a plurality of circuit paths.
1. A device for segmenting a radio frequency network, the device comprising:
a module for receiving and segmenting radio frequency network signals, said module having a housing defining an interior;
said housing having a back of electrically conductive material and a front;
a plurality of coax connectors mounted at said back of said housing with outer shields of said connectors electrically coupled to said back of the housing;
radio frequency circuitry for performing segmenting functions, said radio frequency circuitry at least partially within said interior of said housing, said radio frequency circuitry being electrically interconnected with said coax connectors;
said radio frequency circuitry further including at least one removable plug for modifying network signals;
said plug being accessible from said front of said housing;
wherein said housing includes front face structure; said front face structure defining an opening; said at least one removable plug being sized to pass through said opening;
wherein a guiding member is provided adjacent to said opening to assist in guiding said plug as it is inserted through said opening;
wherein said front face structure, while providing an opening that exposes said plug, otherwise generally covers said radio frequency circuitry;
a removable cover mounted to said housing for covering said plug;
a chassis, said chassis having receiving locations for receiving and holding a plurality of modules;
a monitor coax connector mounted to said housing, wherein said radio frequency circuitry further comprises at least one coupler for diverting a portion of a radio frequency signal to said monitor coax connector;
wherein said monitor coax connector is accessible from said front of said housing.
2. The device for segmenting a radio frequency network according to claim 1 wherein said module housing includes flanges extending from housing; and wherein said chassis receiving locations includes grooves corresponding to said flanges with each flange of said module being received in a groove.
3. The device for segmenting a radio frequency network according to claim 1 wherein said guiding member is a support member that is mounted to said front face structure.
4. The device for segmenting a radio frequency network according to claim 1 further including a threaded connection mounted to said cover for mounting said cover to said housing.
5. The device for segmenting a radio frequency network according to claim 1 further including projecting tabs on said module, each projecting tab including a locking screw for locking said module to said chassis.
6. The device for segmenting a radio frequency network according to claim 1 wherein said cover is formed of electrically conductive material.
7. The device for segmenting a radio frequency network according to claim 1 wherein said front face structure is formed of electrically conductive material.
8. The device for segmenting a radio frequency network according to claim 7 wherein said cover is formed of electrically conductive material.
9. The device for segmenting a radio frequency network according to claim 8 further including projecting tabs on said module, each projecting tab including a locking screw for looking said module to said chassis.
10. The device for segmenting a radio frequency network according to claim 9 further including a threaded connection mounted to said cover for mounting said cover to said housing.
11. A device for segmenting a radio frequency network, the term segmenting defined herein to be limited to certain passive circuit functions including one or more of the functions of splitting, combining, diverting, adding, equalizing, and directional coupling of radio frequency network signals, the device comprising:
at least one module for receiving and segmenting radio frequency network signals, said module having a housing defining an interior;
said housing having a back of electrically conductive material and a front;
a plurality of coax connectors mounted on said back of said housing with outer shields of said connectors electrically coupled to said back of the housing;
radio frequency circuitry for performing segmenting functions, said radio frequency circuitry at least partially within said interior of said housing, said radio frequency circuitry being electrically interconnected with said coax connectors;
front face structure defining a plurality of openings, wherein said front face structure otherwise generally covers said radio frequency circuitry;
said radio frequency circuitry further including a plurality of removable plugs for modifying the network signals;
each of said plugs being accessible from said front of said housing;
a removable cover mounted to said housing for covering said plurality of plugs.
12. A device for segmenting a radio frequency network, the term segmenting defined herein to be limited to certain passive circuit functions including one or more of the functions of splitting, combining, diverting, adding, equalizing, and directional coupling of radio frequency network signals, the device comprising:
a chassis defining a plurality of openings;
at least one module for receiving and segmenting radio frequency network signals, said module having a housing defining an interior, said module sized for receipt into one of said plurality of openings, said module having mounting structure for retainably engaging said module within said chassis;
said housing having a back of electrically conductive material and a front;
a plurality of coax connectors mounted on said back of said housing with outer shields of said connectors electrically coupled to said back of the housing;
radio frequency circuitry for performing segmenting functions, said radio frequency circuitry at least partially within said interior of said housing, said radio frequency circuitry being electrically interconnected with said coax connectors;
front face structure defining a plurality of openings, wherein said front face structure otherwise generally covers said radio frequency circuitry;
said radio frequency circuitry further including a plurality of removable plugs for modifying the network signals;
each of said plugs being accessible from said front of said housing;
a removable cover mounted to said housing for covering said plurality of plugs.