Abstract:
A coaxial radio frequency (RF) isolator is disclosed. The isolator includes a first connector that conducts an RF signal received from a first device connected to the isolator. The isolator also includes a conductive body including a second connector and a conductive outer shield that form a first internal cavity. The isolator further includes a dielectric sleeve between the outer shield and the conductive body. In addition, the isolator includes a conductive coupling/filtering member inside the outer shield and the dielectric sleeve. The conductive coupling/filtering member has a cylindrical shape forming a second internal cavity. Moreover, the isolator includes a thru-RF signal transmission path through the first internal cavity and the second internal cavity. The thru-RF signal transmission path receives the RF signal from the first device, conditions the RF signal, and outputs the RF signal to a second device. Further, the isolator includes a coaxial coupling element in the first internal cavity and has a cylindrical shape. The coaxial coupling element connects the conductive body, the conductive filtering/coupling member, and the conductive outer shield. Additionally, the isolator includes a magnetic toroid in the first cavity that surrounds the conductive coupling/filtering member.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    In a typical building, ground potential in the electrical systems of the building needs to be equalized for all networks so that different networks function properly. For example, a power line and cable television (CATV) network require equal ground potentials as they utilize common equipment. For developed countries, the ground installation and setup may be regulated, and thus the networks in a building may not experience issues. On the other hand, other jurisdictions where regulation is less, improper grounding may become an issue when different networks have different ground potentials. 
         [0002]    When two networks are connected, for example, when a cable is connected to the CATV set top box, a current will flow from CATV network to a neutral line of the set top box or vice versa if the ground potentials are not equal. In some cases, this current may reach levels that damage the set top box, and may even become hazardous to the user or installer. Therefore, the neutral lines of these networks need to be isolated to prevent current flow. 
         [0003]    Currently, there are isolators available to address this problem. However, the available isolators are bulky and expensive. For example, in some isolators, isolation is achieved on a printed circuit board that has two ground metallization: one side of the metalization connected to a female connector side and the other side of the metalization to a male connector. The coupling between two ground metalizations is achieved via a coupling capacitor and electromagnetic interference (EMI) filtering is achieved on the printed circuit board from one side metalization to the other using ferrites. This configuration results in large and bulky isolators. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure provide a coaxial radio frequency (RF) isolator. The isolator includes a first connector that conducts an RF signal received from a first device connected to the isolator. The isolator also includes a conductive body including a second connector and a conductive outer shield that form a first internal cavity. The isolator further includes a dielectric sleeve between the outer shield and the conductive body. In addition, the isolator includes a conductive coupling/filtering member inside the outer shield and the dielectric sleeve. The conductive coupling/filtering member has a cylindrical shape forming a second internal cavity. Moreover, the isolator includes a thru-RF signal transmission path through the first internal cavity and the second internal cavity. The thru-RF signal transmission path receives the RF signal from the first device, conditions the RF signal, and outputs the RF signal to a second device. Further, the isolator includes a coaxial coupling element in the first internal cavity and has a cylindrical shape. The coaxial coupling element connects the conductive body, the conductive filtering/coupling member, and the conductive outer shield. Additionally, the isolator includes a magnetic toroid in the first cavity that surrounds the conductive coupling/filtering member. 
         [0005]    Additionally, embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure provide an isolator device. The isolator includes a body having an input connector and an output connector. The isolator can also include an outer shield positioned to surround a portion of the body. The isolator can further include a coupling member electrically coupled to the outer shield and positioned within the outer shield to form a cavity between the outer shield and the coupling member. Additionally, the isolator can include a coaxial circuit surrounding a first portion of the coupling member within the cavity. Further, the isolator can include a toroid surrounding a second portion of the coupling member and positioned within the cavity. Still further the isolator can include a printed circuit board electrically coupled between the input connector and the output connector, wherein the printed circuit board is configured to condition signals communicated between the input connector and the output connector. 
         [0006]    Further, embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure provide an isolator including an outer shield, an input connector, and an output connector. The isolator also includes a conditioning circuit that conditions signals communicated between the input connector and the output connector. The isolator further includes a coupling member electrically connected to the output connector. In addition, the isolator includes a coaxial circuit electrically connecting the outer shield to the coupling member, and the coaxial circuit provides ground isolation between the input connector and the output connector. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    Various features of the implementations can be more fully appreciated, as the same become better understood with reference to the following detailed description of the implementations when considered in connection with the accompanying figures, in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1A  illustrates an exploded perspective view of example of an isolator, according to various implementations consistent with the present disclosure; 
           [0009]      FIG. 1B  illustrates an exploded side view of an example of an isolator, according to various implementations consistent with the present disclosure; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a perspective view of an example of a filtering and coupling element, according to various implementations consistent with the present disclosure; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a cutaway perspective view of an example of a filtering and coupling element, according to various implementations consistent with the present disclosure; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a perspective view of an example of a coaxial printed circuit board (PCB), according to various implementations consistent with the present disclosure; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a perspective view of an example of a coaxial PCB, according to various implementations consistent with the present disclosure; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3C  illustrates a front view of an example of a coaxial PCB, according to various implementations consistent with the present disclosure; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3D  illustrates a rear view of an example of a coaxial PCB, according to various implementations consistent with the present disclosure; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a cutaway side view of an example of an isolator, according to various implementations consistent with the present disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a cutaway side view of an example of an isolator, according to various implementations consistent with the present disclosure; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4C  illustrates a cutaway side view of an example of an isolator, according to various implementations consistent with the present disclosure; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4D  illustrates a cutaway side view of an example of an isolator, according to various implementations consistent with the present disclosure; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded perspective of an example of an isolator, according to various implementations consistent with the present disclosure; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6A  illustrates a cutaway side view of an example of an isolator, according to various implementations consistent with the present disclosure; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 6B  illustrates a cutaway side view of an example of an isolator, according to various implementations consistent with the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying figures, which illustrate specific examples of various implementations. Electrical, mechanical, logical and structural changes can be made to the examples of the various implementations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present teachings. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and the scope of the present teachings is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
         [0024]    According to aspects of the present disclosure, an isolator can be implemented that provides flexibility with EMI filtering, ground coupling, and surge protection outside a main printed circuit board (PCB) assembly. In some implementations, the isolator can be provided with a coaxial PCB with metal contacts plated on the edges of the coaxial PCB. The arrangement of the coaxial PCB allows it to be press-fit in the isolator, which reduces assembly time in manufacturing the isolator. Additionally, because the PCB includes a coaxial design, space utilized by the coaxial PCB in the isolator is reduced. Further, the coaxial PCB can be designed to provide ground connections between two isolated cavities. In some implementations, the isolator includes an EMI filtering cavity, which can include the coaxial PCB and one or more toroids. 
         [0025]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate an example of an isolator  100 , according to various implementations. In particular,  FIG. 1A  illustrates an exploded, perspective view of the isolator  100 , and  FIG. 1B  illustrates a side view of the isolator  100 . While  FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate various components contained in the isolator  100 , it is understood that other implementations can include additional components can be added and existing components can be removed. 
         [0026]    The isolator  100  can include a body  102  that includes a connector  104 , a threaded nut  105 , and an outer shield  106 . In some implementations, the connector  104  can be a female connector that includes one or more threads that can connect to, for example, a male connector of a RG-6 coaxial cable. The threaded nut  105  can be screwed onto the threads of the connector. The outer shield  106  can be configured to slide over a portion of the body  102  up to a lip  110 . In some implementations, the body  102  and the outer shield  106  to form an internal cavity for the components within the isolator  100 . In some implementations, the outer shield  106  can be compression fitted over the body  102  such that the two can be securely attached without the use of, for example, an adhesive material or solder. The body  102  and the outer shield  106  can be formed of a conductor material, for example, a metal or metal alloy. In some implementations, the isolator  100  can also include a spacer  108 . The spacer  108  can be formed as a cylindrical ring to be placed over a portion of the body  102 . The spacer  108  can be formed a dielectric material, such as a plastic insulator. When the outer shield  106  is compression-fitted over the body  102 , the spacer  108  can fit between the lip  110  of the body  102  and an inner lip  112  of the outer shield  106 . 
         [0027]    In some implementations, the isolator  100  can include a sleeve  114  that includes a peripheral lip  116 . The peripheral lip  116  can be formed such that an outer diameter of the sleeve  114  at the peripheral lip  116  is smaller than an outer diameter the remaining portion of the sleeve  114 , while the inner diameter of the sleeve  114  is substantially the same over the length of the sleeve  114 . The peripheral lip  116  can be configured to receive the spacer  108 . The sleeve  114  can be formed of a dielectric material, for example, a plastic insulator. The sleeve  114  can be placed between the outer shield  106  and the body  102 . In embodiments, the outer diameter of the peripheral lip  116  can be substantially the same as an inner diameter of the spacer  108 . The spacer  108  and the sleeve can create an electrically-insulative barrier between the body  102  and the outer shield  106  that electrically isolates the body  102  from the outer shield  106  when the shield is compression fitted on the body  102 . 
         [0028]    In some implementations, the isolator  100  can include a coupling/filtering member  118 . The coupling/filtering member  118  can be pressed inside the outer shield  106  to form a smaller internal cavity that is used for the components of the isolator  100 , as further described below with reference to  FIGS. 2A and 2B . The coupling/filtering member  118  can be formed of a conductive material, for example, a metal or metal alloy. 
         [0029]      FIG. 2A  illustrates an example of the filtering/coupling member  118 , according to various implementations. As shown, filtering/coupling member  118  can be formed in a generally-cylindrical shape with increasing outer diameters  202 ,  204 , and  206 . The coupling/filtering member  118  can be hollow, forming a cavity  207  therein. The coupling/filtering member  118  can also include slots  208  proximal to an axial end thereof. The slots  208  may be configured to receive and hold a PCB assembly (e.g., PCB  120 ) stable, for example, to prevent such PCB assembly from rotating freely in the cavity  207  with respect to the filter/coupling member  118 , or to be used as a ground contact for the PCB assembly. 
         [0030]    With continuing reference to  FIG. 2A ,  FIG. 2B  illustrates the filtering/coupling member  118  received into the outer shield  106 . As shown, the outer shield  106  can be at least partially formed as a cylindrical member  210  including a first opening  212  and a second opening  214 . The first and second openings  212 ,  214  may be axially oriented and separated apart. In an embodiment, the first opening  212  can define a larger diameter than the second opening  214 . The second opening can be configured to receive the filtering/coupling member  118 . Accordingly, the filtering/coupling member  118  can, in some embodiments, be received into the outer shield  106  through the first opening  212  and seated into the second opening  214 . When the filtering/coupling member  118  is received into the second opening  214 , an annular cavity  216  can be defined between (e.g., by) the outer shield  106  and the coupling/filtering member  118 . The cylindrical member  210  can also include one or more (e.g., internal) threads  218  to receive a cable or device connected to the output of the isolator  100 . 
         [0031]    Returning to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the isolator  100  can include a PCB  120 . The PCB  120  can be coupled between a PCB coupler  122  and an output pin  124 . The PCB coupler  122  can be configured to receive a male pin from a device or cable connected to the connector  104 . The output pin  124  can be configured to conduct signals to/from devices or cables connected to the isolator  100 . The isolator  100  can include a support and sealing member  128  at or proximal to an axial end of the outer shield  106 . The support and sealing member  128  can be formed in a cylindrical shape with a hole to receive the output pin  124 . The support and sealing member  128  can be configured to hold the output pin  124  in place for connection of devices or cables to the isolation device  100 . 
         [0032]    The PCB  120  can be configured to condition signals passing from the PCB coupler  122  to the output pin  124 . The PCB  120  can include any type of circuitry  126  to provide filtering and conditioning to the signals passing from the PCB coupler  122  to the output pin  124 . For example, the PCB  120  can include one or more low-pass filters, bandpass filters, band reject filters, high-pass filters, amplifiers, diplexers, Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) filters, and the like. The PCB  120 , the PCB coupler  122 , and the output pin  124  comprise a RF signal transmission path through the coupling/filtering member  118  that conductively couples devices and/or cables connected at the input (e.g., connector  104 ) and the output (e.g., threads  218 ) of the isolator  100 . In implementations, the PCB  120  (including the circuitry  126 ), the PCB coupler  122 , and the output pin  124  can be combined into a single assembly. 
         [0033]    In implementations, the isolator  100  includes a coaxial PCB  130 . The coaxial PCB  130  can be configured to provide a connection between the body  102  and the filtering/coupling member  118  and the outer shield  106 . While coaxial PCB  130  is illustrated as having cylindrical shape, the coaxial PCB  130  can be formed using other profiles (e.g., rectangular, triangular, oval, etc.). 
         [0034]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate examples of the coaxial PCB  130 , according to various implementations. In particular,  FIG. 3A  illustrates a perspective view of a front  300  of the coaxial PCB  130 , and  FIG. 3B  illustrates a perspective view of a rear  302  of the coaxial PCB  130 . As illustrated, the coaxial PCB  130  can include an isolator ring  304  positioned between a outer conductor layer  306  and inner conductor layer  308 . The isolator ring  304  can be formed of a dielectric material, for example, a plastic insulator. The outer conductor layer  306  and the inner conductor layer  308  can be formed of a conductor material, for example, a metal or metal alloy. The outer conductor layer  306  may be positioned at or proximal to an outer diameter of the PCB  130 , and the inner conductor layer  308  may be positioned at or proximal to an inner diameter thereof. 
         [0035]    The coaxial PCB  130  can include one or more surface mounted circuits  310  (e.g., a surface mounted technology (SMT) circuit) placed on the isolator ring  304  and a plated via a hole  312  formed axially in (e.g., through) the isolator ring  304 . The plated via hole  312  can be formed at least partially from conductor material, for example, a metal or metal alloy. In some implementations, for example, the one or more surface mounted circuits  310  can include capacitive circuits, inductive circuits, resistive circuits, filtering circuits, and the like. The outer conductor layer  306  and the inner conductor layer  308  can be electrically coupled through the one or more surface mounted circuits  310 . 
         [0036]      FIGS. 3C and 3D  illustrate examples of another example of coaxial PCB  130 , according to various implementations. In particular,  FIG. 3C  illustrates a view of a front  350  of the coaxial PCB  30 , and  FIG. 3D  illustrates a view of a rear  352  of the coaxial PCB  130 . The coaxial PCB  130  can include an isolator ring  354  positioned between two layers: an outer conductor layer  356  and an inner conductor layer  358 . The top layer  356  can include one or more surface mounted circuit footprints  362  (e.g., four footprints), which can receive one or more surface mounted circuits. The isolator ring  354  can be formed of a dielectric material, for example, a plastic insulator. The outer conductor layer  356  and the inner conductor layer  358  can be formed of a conductor material, for example, a metal or metal alloy. 
         [0037]    The coaxial PCB  130  illustrated in  FIGS. 3C and 3D  can include one or more surface mounted circuits (not shown) placed on the isolator ring  354  and one or more plated via holes  360  formed in the isolator ring  304  and electrically coupled to the circuit footprints  362 . The plated via holes  360  can be formed of a conductor material, for example, a metal or metal alloy. The outer conductor layer  356  and the inner conductor layer  358  can be electrically coupled through the one or more surface mounted circuits. 
         [0038]    Returning to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , in some implementations the coaxial PCB  130  illustrated in  FIGS. 3C and 3D  can function as a filter that blocks direct current (“DC”) flow between the body  102 , and the outer shield  106  and coupling/filtering member  118  by deploying capacitive coupling elements such as capacitors. For example, the coaxial PCB  130  can be placed in the isolator  100  so that the outer conductor layer  306  (or the outer conductor layer  356 ) is in electrical contact with the body  102  and the inner conductor layer  308  (or inner conductor layer  358 ) is in electrical contact with the coupling/filtering member  118 . For example, the inner diameter of the coaxial PCB  130  can be configured to fit over any of the diameters  202 ,  204 , and  206  of the coupling/filtering member  118  depending on the configuration of the isolator  100 , as further discussed below in reference to  FIGS. 4A-4D . 
         [0039]    Still referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the isolator  100  can include one or more toroids  132  configured to filter and/or attenuate RF signal ingress into the isolator  100  or RF signal egress from the isolator  100  that may be induced by signals traveling through the isolator  100 . The toroids  132  can be formed of a magnetic material (e.g., ferrite) having for example, a cylindrical shape. In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the one or more toroids  132  can be positioned axially adjacent to the coaxial PCB  130  and surrounding a portion of the coupling/filtering member  118  within the EMI filtering cavity (e.g., inner cavity  216 ). In implementations, the inner diameter of the toroid  132  can be formed to any of the diameters  202 ,  204 ,  206  of the coupling/filtering member  118 . 
         [0040]    In implementations, the isolator  100  incudes a support member  134  configured to hold the PCB coupler  122  in place for connection of devices or cables to the input of the isolation device  100  at the connector  104 . The support member  134  can be formed in a cylindrical shape with a hole to receive the PCB coupler  122  and sized to fit within a diameter of the connector  104 . 
         [0041]    Further, implementations of the isolator  100  can include a compression member  136  configured to provide axially-directed force on the components of the isolator  100  to improve the mechanical connections of the components. For example, the compression member  136  can be configured to provide force on the coaxial PCB  130  and/or the toroid  132 . In some implementations, for example, the compression member  136  can be a spring or any other resilient member. 
         [0042]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a cutaway side view of an example of the isolator  100  according to various implementations. As shown, the toroid  132  can be positioned after the coaxial PCB  130 . For example, the toroid  132  can be “after” the PCB  130  in that the toroid  132  is positioned on an axial side of the isolator  100 , around the output pin  124 , such that the toroid  132  is farther from the connector  104  than the coaxial PCB  130 . In other implementations, the positioning of the toroid  132  and the coaxial PCB  130  can be reversed, as shown in  FIG. 1A , for example. 
         [0043]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a cutaway side view of an example of the isolator  100  according to another implementation. In this implementation, the toroid  132  is placed between two coaxial PCBs  130 . In some implementations, the isolator  100  can include two different versions of the coaxial PCB  130 . For example, one of the coaxial PCBs  130  can be the coaxial PCB  130  of  FIG. 3A  and the other can be the coaxial PCB  130  of  FIG. 3B . In other implementations, the coaxial PCBs  130  of  FIG. 4B  can both be versions of either of the coaxial PCBs  130  shown in  FIGS. 3A or 3B . Moreover, the two coaxial PCBs  130  can include the surface mounted circuits  310 , different surface mounted circuits  310 , or combinations thereof. 
         [0044]      FIG. 4C  illustrates a cutaway side view of an example of the isolator  100  according to various implementations. As illustrated, the isolator  100  can include two toroids  132 . For example, the toroids  132  can be positioned along the axis of the isolator  100 , around the coupling/filtering member  118  and the output pin  124 . For example, an inner diameter of the toroids  132  can be formed to fit over the diameters  202  and  204  of the coupling/filtering member  118 . The isolator  100  can also include coaxial PCB  130  positioned along the axis of the isolator  100 , around the coupling/filtering member  118  and the output pin  124 , such that the coaxial PCB  130  is farther from the connector  104  than the toroids  132 . For example, the coaxial PCB  130  can be the coaxial PCB  130  as described in  FIG. 3A . The coaxial PCB  130  can also be the coaxial PCB  130 , as described in  FIG. 3B . While  FIG. 4C  illustrates the positioning of the toroids  132  and the coaxial PCB  130 , in some implementations, the positioning of the toroids  132  and the coaxial PCB  130  can be reversed. 
         [0045]      FIG. 4D  illustrates a cutaway side view of an example of an isolator according to various implementations. As shown, implementations of the isolator  100  can include a symmetrical sides  403  and  405 . For example, as illustrated, the isolator  100  can include two female input sides with the PCB  120  coupled between. In this example, each side of the sides  403  and  405  can include a body  102 , an outer shield  106 , and a coupling/filtering member  118 . Additionally, each side can include one or more coaxial PCBs  130  and one or more toroids  132 . For example, each side of the isolator  100  can includes a configuration of one or more coaxial PCB  130  and one or more toroids  132 , as described above in  FIGS. 4A-4C . In the implementations discussed above, the isolator  100  can be designed and configured to address any type of application. 
         [0046]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded perspective of an example of an isolator  100 , according to various implementations consistent with the present disclosure. The various components of the isolator  100  illustrated in the examples shown in  FIG. 5  can be the same or similar to those previously described herein. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the isolator  100  can include a PCB  120  that provides signal conditioning for a Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) signals. For example, in some implementations, the PCB  120  can include a one or more RF filters where a passband is 5 MHz-1002 MHz and a reject band is 1125 MHz to 1675 MHz ii). For example, in some implementations, the PCB  120  can include a one or more filters where a passband is 5 MHz-1194 MHz and a reject band is 1218 MHz to 1675 MHz. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate examples of another example of an isolator  100 , according to various implementations consistent with the present disclosure.  FIG. 6A  illustrates a cutaway side view of an example of the isolator  100 , and  FIG. 6B  illustrates an exploded perspective view of an example of the isolator  100 . The various components of the isolator  100  illustrated in the examples shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B  can be the same or similar to those previously described herein. In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the isolator  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 6A and 6B  combines coupling/filtering member (e.g., coupling/filtering member  118  and cylindrical member  210 ) into a single element, connector/filtering member  610 . Accordingly, instead of assembling the isolator  100  by compressing a coupling/filtering member (e.g., coupling/filtering member  118 ) and the cylindrical member (e.g., cylindrical member  210 ), implementations consistent with  FIGS. 6A and 6B  provide a unitary connector/filtering member  610  configured to be solely compression-fitted into an outer shield  106  such that the connector/filtering member  610  securely mates with the outer shield  106 , e.g., without additional physical couplings (e.g., mechanical or adhesive). 
         [0048]    Additionally or alternatively, the body  102  can be comprised of three separate elements: first body element  615 , second body element  620 , and third body element  625  configured to be press-fit together during assembly of the isolator  100 . In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the body  102  is configured to provide electrical isolation of the isolator  100  via insulative sleeve  114 , and EMI filtering via and coaxial PCBs  130  and toroids  132 . 
         [0049]    In implementations of the isolator  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , there are at least two coaxial PCBs  130  and at least two toroids  132  arranged in alternating positions along the central axis of the isolator (e.g., toroid  132 —coaxial PCB  130 —toroid  132 —coaxial PCB  130 , or vice versa). As illustrated in  FIG. 6A , such physical arrangement inside the outer shield  106  and the sleeve  114  provides a U-shaped signal channel  630  along the sleeve  114 , coaxial PCBs  130  and the toroids  132 . Doing so increases EMI filtering of the isolator  100  by eliminating any straight signal paths (e.g., perpendicular to the axis of the outer shield  106 ) between the body  102  and the components (e.g., surface mounted circuits  310 ) of the coaxial PCBs  130 . 
         [0050]    In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the connector/filtering member  610 , the first body element  615 , second body element  620 , and third body element  625  can be securely press-fit together during manufacture without using any solder or adhesives. For example, the following elements can be serially assembled within the outer shield  106 : a spacer  108 , connector  104  and body element  625 , threaded nut  105 , support member  134 , PCB coupler  122 , PCB  120 , output pin  124 ; sleeve  114 , a coaxial PCB  130 , a toroid  132 , body element  620 , a coaxial PCB  130 , body element  625 , toroid  132 , a spacer  108 , connector/filtering member  610 , and support and sealing member  128 . As discussed previously, the connector/filtering member  610  can be configured to be securely press-fitted into an outer shield  106  to hold the securely hold the forgoing elements of the isolator  100 . While the elements are described as being assembled in a particular order, it is understood the some of the elements can be assembled together before being assembled. For example, the PCB coupler  122 , PCB  120 , and the output pin  124  can be assembled prior to insertion into the support member  134 . The assembled elements, as shown in  FIG. 6A , provide an isolator  100  having a small size, simple assembly, and minimal RF leakage with respect to similar devices. 
         [0051]    While the teachings have been described with reference to examples of the implementations thereof, those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications to the described implementations without departing from the true spirit and scope. The terms and descriptions used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. In particular, although the method has been described by examples, the steps of the method may be performed in a different order than illustrated or simultaneously. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “including”, “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” As used herein, the terms “one or more of” and “at least one of” with respect to a listing of items such as, for example, A and B, means A alone, B alone, or A and B. Further, unless specified otherwise, the term “set” should be interpreted as “one or more.” Also, the term “couple” or “couples” is intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection, or through an indirect connection via other devices, components, and connections.