Microwave circuit package connector

Abstract

A sealed, electrically conducting package having a strip transmission line disposed therein. The package comprises a connector mounted in a wall of the package at a first end of the connector, with a second end of the connector protruding into the package. The connector has an electrically conductive shell which is substantially cylindrical at the first end of the connector and secured to the wall. A center conductor is disposed longitudinally through the connector, the center conductor having a generally circular cross-section at the first end of the connector and having a generally semicircular cross section, comprising a rounded portion and a planar portion, at the second end of the connector. The shell is disposed about substantially only the rounded portion of the center conductor at the second end of the connector. An electrically conductive member is coupled between the planar portion of the center conductor and the strip transmission line. With such arrangement, the connector itself provides electrical transition between a coaxial transmission line mode (at the first end of the connector) and a strip transmission line mode (at the second end of the connector) thereby decreasing the overall size and complexity of the package due to the elimination of the conventional input/output circuit section for providing transition between a coaxial transmission line mode and a strip transmission line mode.