Ultraminiature low loss coaxial delay line

Abstract

An ultraminiature delay line assembly for use with an electronic system. The delay line is utilized for producing and introducing a known controllable time delay to an electrical signal without the accompanying signal attenuation normally associated with traditional coaxial delay lines. The ultraminiature delay line utilizes miniature coaxial transmission cable which is smaller in diameter than the coaxial transmission cable traditionally used. An ultraminiature delay line includes a thin substrate supporting base plate. Mounted on the thin substrate supporting base plate are numerous concentrically wound miniature coaxial cable assemblies. Coupled to the middle of each miniature coaxial cable assembly is a signal amplifying device having variable programmable gain which offsets signal attenuation caused by the length of miniature coaxial cable. Signal switching devices may be included to route the delayed signal from one miniature coaxial cable assembly to another miniature coaxial cable assembly or the delayed signal may be transferred to an output signal connector. Each coaxial cable assembly may be configured to provide different delays. Various combinations of coaxial cable assemblies may be selected to provide various, numerous different total delays.