Coaxial, plug and socket connectors with precision centering means

Abstract

A coaxial connector system comprises a coaxial plug connector and socket connector. The coaxial connectors have a center conductor defining a center axis of the connector and an outer conductor coaxial to the center conductor. The plug connector's outer conductor has a cylindrical shape with slits forming a plurality of spring loaded contact elements, while the socket connector's outer conductor is a cylindrical shape forming a contact surface. Furthermore, the connectors have a mechanical contact surface at a right angle to their center axis and distant from the spring loaded contact elements and the contact surface. Cylindrically precision centering means are provided at the connectors, which fit into each other and precisely align the center axis of the connectors resulting in reduced passive intermodulation. This design allows for further reducing contact gaps between the outer and inner conductors to further improve return loss at high frequencies.