MAGNETIC RF CONNECTORS
Connector systems that may be easy to use, may be used to make connections in a limited area, may provide a stable and consistent connection, may provide good impedance matching, and may provide a good user experience. Various embodiments of the present invention may provide connector systems for conveying radio frequency (RF) signals.
1 . A magnetic radio frequency (RF) connector system comprising:
a connector insert comprising:
a coaxial connector having barrel positioned concentrically around a center conductor, the barrel terminating in a contact;
a magnet positioned concentrically around the coaxial connector; and
a cable having a conductor coupled to the center conductor of the coaxial connector; and
a connector receptacle comprising:
a pin to electrically connect to the center conductor when the connector insert and the connector receptacle are mated;
an insulating layer positioned concentrically around the pin;
a ground contact positioned concentrically around the insulating layer and having a center passage to accept the contact of the connector insert when mated, wherein the pin and the insulating layer are located in the center passage; and
a magnetic target positioned concentrically around the pin.
2 . The connector system of claim 1 wherein the contact is a tulip-shaped contact.
3 . The connector system of claim 2 wherein the center conductor comprises a recess at a leading edge of the center conductor, the recess to accept the pin when the connector insert and the connector receptacle are mated.
4 . The connector system of claim 3 wherein the connector insert further comprises a housing formed around the magnet.
5 . The connector system of claim 4 wherein the connector insert further comprises a protective layer between the housing and the magnet.
6 . The connector system of claim 5 further wherein a trailing edge of the center conductor includes a second recess, and wherein the conductor of the cable is located in the second recess.
7 . The connector system of claim 6 wherein a trailing edge of the barrel is electrically connected to a shield of the cable.
8 . A magnetic radio frequency (RF) connector insert comprising:
a coaxial connector having barrel positioned concentrically around a center conductor, the barrel terminating in a contact;
a magnet positioned concentrically around the coaxial connector; and
a cable having a conductor coupled to the center conductor of the coaxial connector and a shield coupled to the barrel.
9 . The connector insert of claim 8 wherein a leading edge of the barrel terminates in a tulip-shaped contact.
10 . The connector insert of claim 9 wherein the center conductor comprises a recess at a leading edge of the center conductor.
11 . The connector insert of claim 10 wherein the connector insert further comprises a housing formed around the magnet.
12 . The connector insert of claim 11 wherein the connector insert further comprises a protective layer between the housing and the magnet.
13 . The connector insert of claim 12 wherein a trailing edge of the center conductor includes a second recess, and wherein the conductor of the cable is located in the second recess.
14 . The connector insert of claim 13 wherein a trailing edge of the barrel is electrically connected to a shield of the cable.
15 . The connector insert of claim 14 further comprising a strain relief around a portion of the cable behind the housing.
16 . A magnetic radio frequency (RF) connector receptacle comprising:
a pin;
an insulating layer positioned concentrically around the pin;
a ground contact positioned concentrically around the insulating layer and having a center passage to accept a contact of a connector insert, wherein the pin and the insulating layer are located in the center passage; and
a magnetic target positioned concentrically around the pin.
17 . The connector receptacle of claim 16 further comprising a board to support the pin.
18 . The connector receptacle of claim 17 wherein the ground contact is attached to the board.
19 . The connector receptacle of claim 18 wherein the magnetic target is formed of a ferromagnetic material.
20 . The connector receptacle of claim 19 wherein a front opening of center passage is tapered to allow an insertion of the connector insert contact.