Radio frequency connector for reducing passive inter-modulation effects

摘要

A radio frequency connector for coupling radio frequency energy into or out of an antenna apparatus includes a ground portion that is both capacitively and conductively coupled to a ground structure within the antenna apparatus. The connector is designed so that radio frequency (RF) signals within the operative frequency range of the antenna apparatus flow predominantly through the capacitive ground connection of the connector, rather than through the conductive ground connection of the connector. Direct current signals and other low frequency signals within the antenna apparatus, on the other hand, have a direct path to ground through the conductive ground connection. Because the RF signals flow predominantly through the capacitive ground connection, the likelihood that passive inter-modulation (PIM) products will be generated within the metal-to-metal junctions of the conductive ground connection is significantly reduced.