Casing for RF filter

1. An RF filter casing, comprising:

an internal frame;

first and second interface ends connected to the frame; and

a protective casing connected to the internal frame and to the first and second interface ends;

the internal frame including a support structure for a plurality of bosses, wherein the plurality of bosses are effective for supporting a circuit board and for providing ground connection for at least one circuit on the circuit board;

wherein the internal frame contains no cross-members; and

wherein the support structure of the internal flame is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the internal frame and the protective casing.

2. An RF filter casing according to claim 1 , wherein the frame is one-piece with at least one of the first and second interface ends.

3. An RF filter casing according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of bosses includes at least six bosses.

4. An RF filter casing according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of bosses includes a triangular portion and a flat portion.

5. An RF filter casing according to claim 4 , wherein the flat portions of the plurality of bosses are part of at least one support ledge.

6. An RF filter casing according to claim 1 , wherein the support structure includes two beams extending axially from one end of the frame to another end of the frame.

7. An RF filter casing according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second interface ends are connected to the frame by a press-fit connection between the protective casing, the frame, and the first and second interface ends.

8. An RF filter casing according to claim 1 , further comprising an elastomeric seal between each of the first and second interface ends and the protective casing.

9. An RF filter casing, comprising:

support means for supporting a circuit board and for providing a ground connection for at least one circuit on the circuit board;

first and second interface means for electrically connecting the support means to external components; and

protection means for protecting the at least one circuit from an external environment.

10. An RF filter casing according to claim 9 , further comprising means for permitting tuning the at least one circuit on the circuit board.

11. An RF filter casing according to claim 10 , further comprising means for minimizing a path length of ground traces on the circuit board.

12. An RF filter casing according to claim 11 , further comprising means for mechanically and electrically connecting the first and second interface means, the support means, and the protection means to each other.

13. An RF filter casing according to claim 9 , wherein the support means and at least one of the first and second interface means are one-piece.

14. An RF filter casing according to claim 9 , wherein the protection means includes an elastomeric seal between each of the first and second interface means and a portion of the support means.

15. A method for assembling an RF filter casing, comprising the steps of:

providing an internal frame wherein the internal frame contains no cross-members;

providing a support structure as part of the internal frame, wherein the support structure of the internal frame is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the internal frame;

providing a plurality of bosses on the support structure of the internal frame;

providing two interface ends;

providing a protective outer casing; and

when the internal frame and at least one of the interface ends are one-piece, press-fitting another of the interface ends and the protective outer casing onto the internal frame, such that mechanical and electrical connectivity is formed between the interface ends, the protective outer casing, and the internal frame;

and when the internal frame and both interface ends are one-piece, press-fitting only the protective outer casing onto the internal frame such that mechanical and electrical connectivity is formed between the interface ends, the protective outer casing, and the internal frame.

16. A method according to claim 15 , wherein the plurality of bosses includes at least six bosses.

17. A method according to claim 15 , wherein the support structure includes two beams extending axially along the frame.

18. A method according to claim 15 , wherein the internal frame includes two support ledges extending axially along the frame.

19. A method according to claim 15 , further comprising the step of providing an elastomeric seal between each of the first and second interface ends and the protective casing.

20. A method according to claim 15 , further comprising the step of connecting two circuit boards to the support structure via the plurality of bosses, wherein the step of connecting includes soldering the circuit boards to the plurality of bosses.