Patent Publication Number: US-8113876-B1

Title: Electrical connector for providing electrical power to an antenna

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject matter described and/or illustrated herein relates generally to electrical connectors, and more particularly, to electrical connectors for providing electrical power to antennas. 
     Antennas are used to transmit and receive radio waves for a variety of different purposes. For example, antennas are used in cellular communication networks for transmitting and receiving cellular phone communications. One example of an antenna used within cellular communication networks is a remote radio head. Antennas such as those used in the cellular communication networks require electrical power to transmit radio waves. Electrical power is delivered to the antenna via an electrical power cable that extends from a power source to the antenna. 
     Electrical power cables are often electrically connected to antennas using an electrical connector assembly. However, electrical connector assemblies used to interconnect electrical power cables to antennas are not without disadvantages. For example, at least some known electrical connector assemblies that interconnect electrical power cables and antennas are inadequately sealed from environmental conditions. Inadequate sealing of such connector assemblies may expose the internal structure of the connector assembly, such as electrical contacts thereof, to adverse environmental conditions, which may damage the connector assembly. 
     Moreover, electrical power cables sometimes include a ground shield that extends around the power conductors of the cable. The electrical connector assembly includes an electrical connector that terminates the electrical power cable. The electrical connector typically includes a housing holding electrical contacts, and inner and outer ferrules that capture an end of the ground shield therebetween. A cover that is threadably connected to the housing extends over the inner and outer ferrules. However, rotation of the cover during connection of the cover to the housing may also rotate the inner ferrule, the outer ferrule, and/or the ground shield. Rotation of the ground shield may damage the ground shield, which may cause the ground shield to be less effective. Rotation of the inner and/or outer ferrules may cause the ground shield to become disconnected from the ferrules, thereby possibly rendering the ground shield less effective and/or breaking a ground path through the electrical connector. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, an electrical connector is provided for terminating an electrical cable having an insulated conductor surrounded by a ground shield. The electrical connector includes a housing, an electrical contact held by the housing, an inner ferrule configured to extend between the ground shield and the insulated conductor of the electrical cable, and an outer ferrule extending around the inner ferrule such that the ground shield of the electrical cable extends between the inner and outer ferrules when the electrical connector terminates the electrical cable. A rear cover is connected to the housing. The rear cover extends around and compresses the outer ferrule such that the ground shield of the electrical cable is captured between the inner and outer ferrules when the electrical connector terminates the electrical cable. 
     In another embodiment, an electrical connector assembly includes a mating connector and an electrical connector for terminating an electrical cable having an insulated conductor surrounded by a ground shield. The electrical connector includes a housing configured to mate with the mating connector, an electrical contact held by the housing, an inner ferrule configured to extend between the ground shield and the insulated conductor of the electrical cable, and an outer ferrule extending around the inner ferrule such that the ground shield of the electrical cable extends between the inner and outer ferrules when the electrical connector terminates the electrical cable. A rear cover is connected to the housing. The rear cover extends around and compresses the outer ferrule such that the ground shield of the electrical cable is captured between the inner and outer ferrules when the electrical connector terminates the electrical cable. 
     In another embodiment, an electrical connector is provided for terminating an electrical cable having an insulated conductor surrounded by a ground shield. The electrical connector includes a housing comprising a keying member, an electrical contact held by the housing, an inner ferrule configured to extend between the ground shield and the insulated conductor of the electrical cable, the inner ferrule comprising a keying element, and an outer ferrule extending around the inner ferrule such that the ground shield of the electrical cable extends between the inner and outer ferrules when the electrical connector terminates the electrical cable. A rear cover is connected to the housing. The rear cover extends around the outer ferrule. The keying member of the housing and the keying element of the inner ferrule cooperate to prevent relative rotation of at least one of the inner ferrule, the outer ferrule, or the ground shield of the electrical cable during connection of the rear cover to the housing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a radio wave transmission and reception system. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an electrical connector assembly for use within the system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector assembly shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an electrical connector of the electrical connector assembly shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating a cross section of the electrical connector shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  as a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of another electrical connector of the electrical connector assembly shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary embodiment of a housing of the electrical connector shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an inner ferrule and an exemplary embodiment of an outer ferrule of the electrical connector shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating a cross section of the electrical connector assembly shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a portion of the electrical connector shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  is schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of radio wave transmission and reception system  10 . The system  10  includes an antenna  12 , a source  14  of electrical power, and an optional tower  16 . The antenna  12  transmits and receives radio waves. The electrical power source  14  is electrically connected to the antenna  12  for powering operation of the antenna  12 . The electrical power source  14  is electrically connected to the antenna  12  via an electrical power cable  18  that includes one or more electrical conductors  20  ( FIGS. 2 and 9 ) for transmitting electrical power to the antenna  12 . As well be described in more detail below, the electrical power cable  18  is electrically connected to the antenna  12  using an electrical connector assembly  22 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the antenna  12  is a remote radio head used for cell phone communication. But, the subject matter described and/or illustrated herein is not limited to remote radio heads. Rather, the subject matter described and/or illustrated herein may be used with any type of antenna. Accordingly, the antenna  12  may alternatively be any other type of antenna for transmitting and receiving radio waves for any purpose. Moreover, although shown as being mounted on a top  24  of the tower  16 , the antenna  12  may alternatively be mounted at any other location on the tower  16  or at any location on another structure. For example, other structures on which the antenna  12  may be mounted include, but are not limited to, within a building, on the roof of a building, on a pole, on a wall, at ground level, and/or the like. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the electrical connector assembly  22 . An end  26  of the electrical power cable  18  is also shown in  FIG. 2 . A portion of the electrical power cable  18  has been broken away in  FIG. 2  to illustrate the structure of the cable  18 . In the exemplary embodiment, the electrical power cable  18  includes three insulated electrical conductors  20  surrounded by an electrically conductive ground shield  28 , which is surrounded by a cable jacket  31 . The electrical power cable  18  may include any other number of the insulated electrical conductors  20 . 
     The electrical connector assembly  22  includes two electrical connectors  30  and  32  that mate together along a mating axis  34 . The electrical connector  32  terminates the end  26  of the electrical power cable  18  such that the electrical connector  32  is electrically connected to the electrical conductors  20  of the cable  18 . The electrical connector  30  is configured to be electrically connected to the antenna  12  ( FIG. 1 ). When the connectors  30  and  32  are mated together, the electrical connector assembly  22  provides an electrical pathway from the electrical power cable  18  to the antenna  12 . The electrical connector  30  includes a mounting flange  36  that is electrically conductive. As will be described in more detail below, when the connectors  30  and  32  are mated together, the mounting flange  36  is electrically connected to the ground shield  28  of the cable  18  to provide an electrical ground path through the assembly  22 . Each of the electrical connectors  30  and  32  may be referred to herein as a “mating connector”. 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector assembly  22 .  FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the electrical connector  30 .  FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating a cross section of the electrical connector  30 . The electrical connector  30  is shown in  FIG. 4  being mounted to a housing panel  72  of the antenna  12  ( FIG. 1 ). Referring now to  FIGS. 3-5 , the electrical connector  30  includes a housing  40 , one or more electrical contacts  42 , and the mounting flange  36 . The housing  40  extends a length from a mating end  44  to a mounting end  46 . The housing  40  includes an interior cavity  48  within which the electrical contacts  42  are held. The mating end  44  of the housing  40  is threaded for connection to a twist ring  108  ( FIGS. 3 ,  6 ,  9 , and  10 ) of the electrical connector  32  ( FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  6 ,  9 , and  10 ). In the exemplary embodiment, the housing  40  is electrically non-conductive. More particularly, the exemplary embodiment of the housing  40  is formed entirely from dielectric materials. Alternatively, a portion of the housing  40  is electrically conductive. For example, in some alternative embodiments, an exterior of the housing  40  includes an electrically conductive layer (not shown). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 5 , each of the electrical contacts  42  includes a mating segment  50  and a mounting segment  52 . The mating segment  50  of each electrical contact  42  is configured to mate with a corresponding electrical contact  54  (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) of the electrical connector  32  (not shown in  FIG. 5 ). The mounting segment  52  of each electrical contact  42  is configured to be electrically connected to the antenna  12 . More particularly, the mounting segments  52  of the electrical contacts  42  are configured to engage corresponding electrical contacts (not shown) of the antenna  12 . For example, the antenna  12  may include a complementary connector (not shown) that holds the electrical contacts of the antenna  12  and mates with the electrical connector  30  to electrically connect the electrical connector  30  to the antenna  12 . Although three are shown, the electrical connector  30  may include any number of the electrical contacts  42  for mating with any number of electrical contacts  54  of the electrical connector  32  and any number of electrical contacts of the antenna  12 . In the exemplary embodiment, the mating segments  50  of the electrical contacts  42  include opposing fingers that define a receptacle therebetween for receiving a finger of the corresponding electrical contact  54  therein. But, the mating segments  50  of the electrical contacts  42  may additionally or alternatively include any other structure for mating with an electrical contact  54  having any structure. Similarly, the mounting segment  52  of each electrical contact  42  may include any other structure, in addition or alternative to that shown herein, for mating with an electrical contact of the antenna  12  having any structure. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the mating end  44  of the housing  40  includes a receptacle  60  that is configured to receive a plug  62  ( FIG. 6 ) of a housing  64  ( FIGS. 3 ,  6 ,  7 , and  9 ) of the electrical connector  32  ( FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  6 ,  9 , and  10 ) therein. The mating segments  50  of the electrical contacts  42  extend within the receptacle  60  for mating with the electrical contacts  54  ( FIGS. 6 and 9 ) of the electrical connector  32 . Optionally, a gasket  66  is held within the receptacle  60  for sealing engagement between the housings  40  and  64 . Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the housing  40  includes an optional groove  68  for holding the gasket  66 . In an alternative embodiment, the mating end  44  of the housing  40  includes a plug (not shown) that is configured to be received within a receptacle (not shown) of the housing  64  of the electrical connector  32 . 
     The exemplary embodiment of the mounting end  46  of the housing  40  includes a plug  70  that is configured to be received within a receptacle (not shown) of the antenna  12  ( FIG. 1 ). For example, the receptacle of the antenna  12  may be a receptacle formed within a housing (not shown) of the complementary connector of the antenna  12 . The mounting segments  52  of the electrical contacts  42  extend within the plug  70  for mating with the electrical contacts of the antenna  12 . More particularly, the mounting segments  52  of the electrical contacts  42  extend within one or more corresponding ports  74  that extend into the plug  70 . The electrical contacts of the antenna  12  are received within corresponding ones of the ports  74  for mating with the mounting segments  52  of the electrical contacts  42  therein. The mounting end  46  of the housing  40  alternatively includes a receptacle (not shown) that is configured to receive a plug of the antenna  12  therein. For example, the plug of the antenna  12  may be a plug of the housing of the complementary connector of the antenna  12 . 
     The mounting flange  36  includes a base  76  having a mating side  78  and an opposite mounting side  80 . An opening  82  extends through the base  76 . The housing  40  of the electrical connector  30  is held within the opening  82  of the base  76 . When the housing  40  is held in the opening  82 , the base  76  of the mounting flange  36  extends outwardly from a periphery of the housing  40 . The housing  40  may be held within the opening  82  of the mounting flange  36  using any suitable type of connection. In the exemplary embodiment, the housing  40  is held within the opening  82  using an interference fit connection. Other examples of connections for holding the housing  40  within the opening  82  include, but are not limited to, an adhesive, a snap-fit connection, a latch, a threaded fastener, another type of fastener, and/or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the electrical connector  30  is configured to be mounted to the housing panel  72  of the antenna  12 . More particularly, the mounting flange  36  of the electrical connector  30  is configured to be mounted to the housing panel  72 . The mounting flange  36  includes one or more mounting components  84  for securing the mounting flange  36  to the housing panel  72 . In the exemplary embodiment, the mounting components  84  include mounting openings  84   a  that extend through the base  76 . Each mounting opening  84   a  receives a threaded fastener  88  that extends through a corresponding opening  90  within the housing panel  72 . In the exemplary embodiment, the openings  90  within the housing panel  72  are threaded and the threaded fasteners  88  are threadably connected to the threads of the openings  90  to secure the mounting flange  36  to the housing panel  72 . Alternatively, the threaded fasteners  88  threadably connect to threads of the mounting openings  84   a  of the mounting flange  36  to secure the mounting flange  36  to the housing panel  72 . In still other alternative embodiments, the threaded fasteners  88  are threadably connected to corresponding nuts (not shown) that engage the housing panel  72  or the mating side  78  of the mounting flange  36 . In addition or alternative to the mounting components  84 , the threaded fasteners  88 , the threads, and/or the nuts, the mounting flange  36  may be secured to the housing panel  72  using any other suitable connection, fastener, and/or the like. Examples of other connections for securing the mounting flange  36  to the housing panel  72  include, but are not limited to, an adhesive, a snap-fit connection, a press-fit connection, a latch, another type of fastener, and/or the like. 
     When the mounting flange  36  of the electrical connector  30  is secured to the housing panel  72  of the antenna  12 , the mounting side  80  of the base  76  of the mounting flange  36  is engaged with the housing panel  72 . The engagement between the mounting flange  36  and the housing panel  72  creates an electrical connection between the mounting flange  36  and the housing panel  72 . As will be described in more detail below, the mounting flange  36  thereby provides an electrical ground path between the electrical connector  32  ( FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  6 ,  9 , and  10 ) and the housing panel  72 . In addition or alternative to the engagement between the mounting flange  36  and housing panel  72 , the threaded fasteners  88 , the nuts, and/or the other exemplary connections may create the electrical connection between the mounting flange  36  and housing panel  72 . For example, is some alternative embodiments, the mounting side  80  of the base  76  of the mounting flange  36  is not engaged with the housing panel  72  when the mounting flange  36  is secured to the housing panel  72 , but the threaded fasteners  88  provide the electrical connection between the mounting flange  36  and the housing panel  72 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , optionally, the electrical connector  30  includes a gasket  92  engaged between the mounting flange  36  and the housing panel  72  of the antenna  12 . In the exemplary embodiment, the mounting side  80  of the mounting flange  36  includes a recess  94  for receiving the gasket  92  therein. Optionally, the gasket  92  and the recess  94  are relatively sized such that the gasket  92  extends flush with the mounting side  80  of the mounting flange  36  when the gasket  92  is received within the recess  94 . Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment, the mounting side  80  of the mounting flange  36  engages the housing panel  72  even when the gasket  92  is held therebetween. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 4 , and as briefly described above, the mounting flange  36  of the electrical connector  30  is electrically conductive and is configured to be electrically connected to the ground shield  28  ( FIGS. 2 and 9 ) of the electrical power cable  18  ( FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  6 , and  9 ). In the exemplary embodiment, the electrical connection between the mounting flange  36  and the ground shield  28  is partially provided by one or more ground tabs  96  of the mounting flange  36 . The ground tabs  96  extend outwardly from the mating side  78  of the base  76  of the mounting flange  36 . Each ground tab  96  includes a radially inner surface  98 . As will be as described in more detail below, the radially inner surfaces  98  of the ground tabs  96  engage corresponding ground fingers  100  ( FIGS. 3 and 9 ) of the electrical connector  32 . The ground fingers  100  of the electrical connector  32  are electrically connected to the ground shield  28  of the electrical cable  18  such that the engagement between the ground tabs  96  and the ground fingers  100  electrically connects the ground tabs  96  to the ground shield  28 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the mounting flange  36  includes two ground tabs  96  that extend from opposite ends  102  and  104  of the mounting flange  36 . The ground tabs  96  are spaced apart along the base  76  to define a gap  106  therebetween. The mounting flange  36  is configured to receive a twist ring  108  ( FIGS. 3 ,  6 ,  9 , and  10 ) of the electrical connector  32  within the gap  106  between the ground tabs  96  when the electrical connectors  30  and  32  are mated together. Optionally, the radially inner surfaces  98  of the ground tabs  96  have a shape that is complementary with an exterior surface of the twist ring  108 . Although two are shown, the mounting flange  36  may include any number of the ground tabs  96  for engagement with any number of ground fingers  100  of the electrical connector  32 . Each ground tab  96  may have any location on the mounting flange  36 , including any location relative to other ground tabs  96 . 
       FIG. 6  as a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the electrical connector  32  illustrating the electrical connector  32  terminating the electrical power cable  18 . Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 6 , the electrical connector  32  includes the housing  64 , one or more of the electrical contacts  54 , an inner ferrule  112  (not visible in  FIG. 6 ), an outer ferrule  114  (not visible in  FIG. 6 ), a rear cover  116 , the twist ring  108 , an optional wire gland  118  (not visible in  FIG. 6 ), and an optional screw cap  120 . The housing  64  extends a length from a mating end  122  to a mounting end  124  (not visible in  FIG. 6 ). The housing  64  includes interior cavities  126  within which the electrical contacts  54  are held. In the exemplary embodiment, the housing  64  is electrically non-conductive. More particularly, the exemplary embodiment of the housing  64  is formed entirely from dielectric materials. Alternatively, a portion of the housing  64  is electrically conductive. For example, in some alternative embodiments, an exterior of the housing  64  includes an electrically conductive layer (not shown). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , each of the electrical contacts  54  includes a mating segment  128  and a mounting segment  130 . The mating segment  128  of each electrical contact  54  is configured to mate with the mating segment  50  of the corresponding electrical contact  42  of the electrical connector  30 . The mounting segment  130  of each electrical contact  54  is configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding one of the insulated conductors  20  ( FIGS. 2 and 9 ) of the electrical power cable  18  ( FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  6 , and  9 ). Although three are shown, the electrical connector  32  may include any number of the electrical contacts  54  for mating with any number of electrical contacts  42  of the electrical connector  30  and any number of insulated conductors  20  of the electrical power cable  18 . In the exemplary embodiment, the mating segments  128  of the electrical contacts  54  include opposing fingers that define a receptacle therebetween for receiving a finger of the corresponding electrical contact  42  therein. But, the mating segments  128  of the electrical contacts  54  may additionally or alternatively include any other structure for mating with an electrical contact  42  having any structure. Similarly, the mounting segment  130  of each electrical contact  54  may include any other structure, in addition or alternative to that shown herein, for being electrically connected to the insulated conductors  20  of the electrical power cable  18 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 6 , in the exemplary embodiment, the mating end  122  of the housing  64  includes the plug  62  that is configured to be received within the receptacle  60  ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ) of the housing  40  ( FIGS. 3-5  and  9 ) of the electrical connector  30  ( FIGS. 2-5  and  9 ). The mating segments  128  of the electrical contacts  54  extend within the plug  62  for mating with the electrical contacts  42  (FIGS.  3 - 5  and  9 ) of the electrical connector  30 . More particularly, the mating segments  128  of the electrical contacts  54  extend within one or more corresponding ports  132  that extend into the plug  62 . The electrical contacts  42  of the electrical connector  30  are received within corresponding ones of the ports  132  for mating with the mating segments  128  of the electrical contacts  54  therein. In an alternative embodiment, the mating end  122  of the housing  64  includes a receptacle (not shown) that is configured to receive a plug (not shown) of the housing  40  of the electrical connector  30 . 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a portion of the housing  64  of the electrical connector  32  illustrating the mounting end  124  of the housing  64 . The mounting end  124  of the housing  64  includes one or more ports  134  that receive the insulated conductors  20  ( FIGS. 2 and 9 ) of the electrical power cable  18  therein. Each interior cavity  126  communicates with a corresponding one of the ports  132  ( FIG. 6 ) and a corresponding one of the ports  134 . The mounting segments  130  of the electrical contacts  54  ( FIGS. 2 ,  6 , and  9 ) are arranged within corresponding interior cavities  126  of the housing  64  for engagement, and thus electrical connection, with the insulated conductor  20  received within the corresponding port  134 . The mounting end  124  of the housing  64  is threaded for connection to the rear cover  116 . Optionally, the mounting end  124  of the housing  64  includes a ledge  136  that engages an optional gasket  139  ( FIG. 3 ) that extends around the mounting end  124  of the housing  64  for sealing engagement between the housing  64  and the rear cover  116 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the mounting end  124  of the housing  64  includes one or more keying components  138  that cooperate with corresponding keying components  140  ( FIG. 8 ) of the inner ferrule  112  ( FIGS. 3 ,  8 , and  9 ), as will be described below. In the exemplary embodiment, the keying components  138  include keying slots  138   a  that extend into the mounting end  124  of the housing  64  and receive keying tabs  140   a  of the inner ferrule  112  therein. Alternatively, the keying components  138  include keying tabs (not shown) that are received within keying slots (not shown) of the inner ferrule  112 . Although three are shown, the housing  64  may include any number of the keying components  138  for cooperating with any number of keying components  140  of the inner ferrule  112 . Each keying component  138  may have any location on the housing  64 , including any location relative to other keying components  138 . Each of the keying components  138  may be referred to herein as a “keying element” and/or a “keying member”. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating the inner and outer ferrules  112  and  114 , respectively, of the electrical connector  32  ( FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  6 ,  9 , and  10 ). As will be described below, the inner and outer ferrules  112  and  114 , respectively, are configured to capture an end  149  of the ground shield  28  ( FIGS. 2 and 9 ) of the electrical power cable  18  therebetween. The inner ferrule  112  includes a cylindrical body  142  that extends a length along a central longitudinal axis  144  from an end  146  to an opposite end  148 . The body  142  includes a central opening  150  that is configured to receive the insulated conductors  20  ( FIGS. 2 and 9 ) of the electrical power cable  18  therethrough. When the electrical connector  30  terminates the electrical power cable  18 , the inner ferrule  112  extends between the ground shield  28  and the insulated conductors  20  of the electrical power cable  18 . 
     The inner ferrule  112  includes the keying components  140  that cooperate with the keying components  138  ( FIG. 7 ) of the housing  64  ( FIGS. 3 ,  6 ,  7 , and  9 ). In the exemplary embodiment, the keying components  140  include the keying tabs  140   a , which extend outwardly along the central longitudinal axis  144  at the end  146  of the body  142 . Alternatively, the keying components  140  include keying slots (not shown) that receive keying tabs (not shown) of the housing  64 . Although three are shown, the inner ferrule  112  may include any number of the keying components  140  for cooperating with any number of keying components  138  of the housing  64 . Each keying component  140  may have any location on the body  142 , including any location relative to other keying components  140 . Each of the keying components  140  may be referred to herein as a “keying element” and/or a “keying member”. 
     The outer ferrule  114  includes a cylindrical electrically conductive body  152  that extends a length along a central longitudinal axis  154  from an end  156  to an opposite end  158 . The body  152  includes a central opening  160  that is configured to receive the inner ferrule  112  and the ground shield  28  therein. When the electrical connector  30  terminates the electrical power cable  18 , the outer ferrule  114  extends around the inner ferrule  112  and the end  149  of the ground shield  28  such that the end  149  of the ground shield  28  extends between the inner and outer ferrules  112  and  114 , respectively. In the exemplary embodiment, a flange  162  extends radially outwardly (relative to the central longitudinal axis  154 ) at each of the ends  156  and  158  of the body  152 . Although two are shown, the body  152  may include any number of the flanges  162 . Moreover, the flanges  162  are not limited to being located at the ends  156  and/or  158 . Rather, each flange  162  may have any location along the length of the body  152 . 
     The inner and outer ferrules  112  and  114  also include keying components  164  and  166 , respectively, that cooperate with each other. In the exemplary embodiment, the keying component  164  of the inner ferrule  112  includes a keying tab  164   a  that extends radially outwardly (relative to the central longitudinal axis  144 ) from the body  142 , and the keying component  166  of the outer ferrule  114  includes a keying slot  166   a  that receives the keying tab  164   a  of the inner ferrule  112 . Alternatively, the keying component  164  includes a keying slot (not shown) that receives a keying tab (not shown) of the outer ferrule  114 . Although only one is shown, the inner ferrule  112  may include any number of the keying components  164  and the outer ferrule  114  may include any number of the keying components  166 . Each keying component  164  and  166  may have any location on the respective body  142  and  152 . Each of the keying components  164  may be referred to herein as a “keying element” and/or a “keying member”. Each of the keying components  166  may be referred to herein as a “keying element” and/or a “keying member”. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating a cross section of the electrical connector assembly  22 . The rear cover  116  of the electrical connector  32  includes an electrically conductive body  167  that extends a length from an end  168  to an opposite end  170 . The end  170  is threaded for connecting the rear cover  116  to the screw cap  120 . The rear cover  116  includes an optional flange  171  that extends radially outwardly (relative to the mating axis  34 ) at the end  168 . The rear cover  116  includes an opening  172  that extends through the length thereof. The opening  172  is defined by an interior wall  174  of the rear cover  116  and receives the outer ferrule  114  therein. A portion of the interior wall  174  is threaded for threadably connecting the rear cover to the housing  64 . Optionally, the interior wall  174  includes a tapered segment  176  that tapers radially inwardly (relative to the mating axis  34 ). When the electrical connector  30  terminates the electrical power cable  18 , the tapered segment  176  engages the ground shield  28  to facilitate guiding the end  149  of the ground shield  28  between the inner and outer ferrules  112  and  114 , respectively. 
     As will be described below, when the electrical connector  32  terminates the electrical power cable  18 , the rear cover  116  extends around and compresses the outer ferrule  114  such that the end  149  of the ground shield  28  is compressed between the inner and outer ferrules  112  and  114 , respectively. The compression of the outer ferrule  114  is applied thereto by engagement of the interior wall  174  with the flanges  162  of the outer ferrule  114 . Optionally, the interior wall  174  includes a ledge  178  that engages one of the flanges  162  of the outer ferrule  114  to, for example, facilitate holding the outer ferrule  114  in position relative to the rear cover  116 , the ground shield  28 , and/or the inner ferrule  112 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 3 , the electrical connector  32  includes the twist ring  108 , which connects to the housing  40  of the electrical connector  30  to facilitate holding the connectors  30  and  32  together in the mated state. The twist ring  108  includes a cylindrical body  180 . The body  180  includes a central opening  186  that is configured to receive the rear cover  116  and the mating end  44  of the housing  40  of the electrical connector  30  therein. The central opening  186  is defined by an interior wall  188  of the twist ring  108 . 
     The twist ring  108  includes the ground fingers  100  that engage the mounting flange  36  of the electrical connector  30 . The ground fingers  100  are held by the body  180  of the twist ring  108  such that the ground fingers  100  extend radially outwardly (relative to the mating axis  34 ) from the body  180 . Each ground finger  100  extends radially outwardly from the body  180  to a tip  190  that engages the radially inner surface  98  of the corresponding ground tab  96  of the mounting flange  36  when the connectors  30  and  32  are mated together. The ground fingers  100  are resilient springs such that the tips  190  are resiliently deflected radially inward (relative to the mating axis  34 ) when engaged with the ground tabs  96  of the mounting flange  36 . The ground fingers  100  are electrically conductive such that the ground fingers are electrically connected to the mounting flange  36  when engaged with the ground tabs  96  thereof. 
     The ground fingers  100  extend through slots  194  within the body  180  of the twist ring  108  and into the central opening  186  of the twist ring  108 . Each ground finger  100  extends from the tip  190  to a base  196  that extends within the central opening  186 . The bases  196  of the ground fingers  100  are configured to engage the rear cover  116  at the end  168  of the rear cover  116  to electrically connect the ground fingers  100  to the rear cover  116 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the ground fingers  100  are defined by a single spring member, such that the ground fingers  100  are connected to each other. Alternatively, the ground fingers  100  are discrete components from each other that are not mechanically interconnected. Whether or not the ground fingers  100  are defined by the single spring member or are discrete components, the ground fingers  100  may or may not be integrally formed with each other. Although three are shown, the twist ring  108  may include any number of the ground fingers  100 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 9 , the interior wall  188  of the twist ring  108  includes a threaded portion for threadably connecting the twist ring  108  to the mating end  44  of the housing  40  of the electrical connector  30 . Optionally, the interior wall  188  of the twist ring  108  includes a ledge  192 . The ledge  192  engages the flange  171  of the rear cover  116 , for example, to facilitate holding the twist ring  108  over the rear cover  116  and/or to facilitate pulling the housings  40  and  64  together as the twist ring  108  is connected to the housing  40 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 3 , the wire gland  118  includes a base  198  and a sealing member  200  held by the base  198 . The base  198  and sealing member  200  include central openings that extend therethrough. The sealing member  200  of the wire gland  118  includes a plurality of resilient spring fingers  202  that extend around the base  198 . The screw cap  120  includes a central opening  204  that is defined by an interior wall  206  of the screw cap  120 . As can be seen in  FIG. 9 , the interior wall  206  of the screw cap  120  includes a threaded portion for threadably connecting the screw cap  120  to the end  170  of the rear cover  116 . The interior wall  206  also includes a tapered segment  208  that tapers radially inwardly (relative to the mating axis  34 ). When the electrical connector  32  terminates the electrical power cable  18 , the electrical power cable  18  is configured to extend through the central openings within the base  198  and the sealing member  200  of the wire gland  118  such that the wire gland  118  extends around the cable jacket  31  of the cable  18 . The wire gland  118  is received within the central opening  204  of the screw cap  120 . As the screw cap  120  is connected to the rear cover  116 , the tapered segment  208  of the screw cap  120  engages the spring fingers  202  of the wire gland  118  to deflect the spring fingers  202  radially inwardly and thereby compress the wire gland  118  between the cable jacket  31  and the interior wall  206  of the screw cap  120 . 
     When the connector  32  terminates the end  26  of the electrical power cable  18  as shown  FIG. 9 , the electrical contacts  54  are engaged with and thereby electrically connected to corresponding ones of the insulated conductors  20  of the cable  18 . The end  149  of the ground shield  28  of the electrical power cable  18  is captured between the inner and outer ferrules  112  and  114 , respectively. More particularly, during connection of the rear cover  116  to the housing  64 , the interior wall  174  of the rear cover  116  engages the flanges  162  of the outer ferrule  114  and compresses the outer ferrule  114  radially inwardly (relative to the mating axis  34 ). Compression of the outer ferrule  114  by the rear cover  116  compresses the end  149  of the ground shield  28  between the inner and outer ferrules  112  and  114 , respectively. During connection of the rear cover  116  to the housing  64 , the keying tabs  140   a  ( FIG. 8 ) of the inner ferrule  112  are received within the keying slots  138   a  ( FIG. 7 ) of the housing  64 . Cooperation of the keying tabs  140   a  and the keying slots  138   a  may facilitate preventing relative rotation of the inner ferrule  112 , the outer ferrule  114 , and/or the ground shield  28  during connection of the rear cover  116  to the housing  64 . Similarly, the keying tab  164   a  ( FIG. 8 ) of the inner ferrule  112  is received within the keying slot  166   a  ( FIG. 8 ) of the outer ferrule  114 . Cooperation of the keying tab  164   a  and the keying slot  166   a  may facilitate preventing relative rotation of the inner ferrule  112 , the outer ferrule  114 , and/or the ground shield  28  during connection of the rear cover  116  to the housing  64 . 
     When the connectors  30  and  32  are mated together as shown in  FIG. 9 , the electrical contacts  42  of the electrical connector  30  are mated with, and thereby electrically connected to, the electrical contacts  54  of the electrical connector  32 . The electrical contacts  42  and  54  thereby provide an electrical path through the connector assembly  22  from the insulated conductors  20  of the electrical power cable  18  to the electrical contacts (not shown) of the antenna  12  ( FIG. 1 ). The engagement between the outer ferrule  114  and the ground shield  28  electrically connects the ground shield  28  to the outer ferrule  114 . The outer ferrule  114  is electrically connected to the rear cover  116  via the engagement of the flanges  162  of the outer ferrule  114  with the interior wall  174  of the rear cover  116 . The bases  196  ( FIG. 3 ) of the ground fingers  100  ( FIGS. 3 and 9 ) of the twist ring  108  are engaged with the flange  171  of the rear cover  116  to electrically connect the rear cover  116  to the ground fingers  100 .  FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a portion of the electrical connector  32  illustrating a portion of the twist ring  108  and the rear cover  116 . As can be seen in  FIG. 10 , the bases  196  of the ground fingers  100  of the twist ring  108  are engaged with the flange  171  of the rear cover  116  to electrically connect the rear cover  116  to the ground fingers  100 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 9 , the tips  190  of the ground fingers  100  are engaged with the radially inner surfaces  98  of the ground tabs  96  of the mounting flange  36 . Accordingly, the spring fingers  100  are electrically connected to the mounting flange  36 , which is electrically connected to the housing panel  72  ( FIG. 4 ) of the antenna  12  as described above. As should be apparent from the description above, a ground path from the ground shield  28  of the electrical power cable  18  to the housing panel  72  of the antenna  12  is defined through the connector assembly  22 . Specifically, the ground path is defined from the ground shield  28 , through the outer ferrule  114 , the rear cover  116 , the ground fingers  110 , and the mounting flange  36  to the housing panel  72 . 
     In some embodiments, the electrical connector  30  is backwards compatible with electrical connectors (not shown) that are similar to the electrical connector  32  but do not carry an electrical ground connection from the ground shield  28 . In other words, despite including the ground tabs  96  of the mounting flange  36 , the electrical connector  30  is configured to mate with an electrical connector that is similar to the electrical connector  32  but does not include the ground fingers  100 . 
     It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the subject matter described and/or illustrated herein without departing from its scope. Dimensions, types of materials, orientations of the various components, and the number and positions of the various components described and/or illustrated herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments, and are by no means limiting and are merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description and the drawings. The scope of the subject matter described and/or illustrated herein should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.