Patent ID: 9118095
Filing Date: 2015-08-25
Classification: H01P

Abstract:
1. A capacitive RF coupler arranged in a parallel plate configuration for use in utility Smart meter radio frequency communications, comprising: a first RF coupling assembly including a substantially planar conductive first signal patch having an outer edge, a substantially planar conductive first ground ring co-planar with said first signal patch and having an inner edge equidistantly spaced apart from said outer edge of said first signal patch so as to create an insulating air gap between said first signal patch and said first ground ring, said first ground ring having an outer edge that corresponds to the geometrical shape of said outer edge of said first signal patch; a second RF coupling assembly including a substantially conductive planar second signal patch having an outer edge, a substantially planar conductive second ground ring co-planar with said second signal patch and having an inner edge equidistantly spaced apart from said outer edge of said second signal patch so as to create an insulating air gap between said second signal patch and said second ground ring, said second ground ring having an outer edge that corresponds to the geometrical shape of said outer edge of said second signal patch; a dielectric layer disposed between said first and second RF coupling assemblies such that said first signal patch and said first ground ring of said first RF coupling assembly and said second signal patch and said second ground ring of said second RF coupling assembly are in a conformational parallel relationship to one another; a grounded RF input cable having a ground portion connected to said first ground ring and a signal conductor portion connected said first signal patch; and a grounded RF output cable having a ground portion connected to said second ground ring and a signal conductor portion connected to said second signal patch; wherein said RF coupler provides electrical isolation in both the RF signal and RF ground paths.