Patent Publication Number: US-9853372-B2

Title: Center conductor tip

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This application is a Continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/849,146, filed Sep. 9, 2015, which is the Non-Provisional Utility Patent Application of, and claims the benefit and priority of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/084,042, filed on Nov. 25, 2014. The specifications of all such applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Coaxial cables are typically connected to interface ports, or corresponding connectors, for the operation of various electronic devices, such as cellular communications towers. Many coaxial cables are installed on cell towers which expose the coaxial cables to harsh weather environments including wind, rain, ice, temperature extremes, vibration, etc. 
     A typical coaxial cable/connector includes inner and outer conductors each having several interconnected, internal components. Over time, due to certain harsh environmental conditions, these internal components can lose mechanical and/or electrical contact with the interconnected components resulting in a decrease/loss of performance. For example, loose internal parts can cause undesirable levels of passive intermodulation (PIM) which, in turn, can impair the performance of electronic devices. PIM can occur when signals, at two or more frequencies, mix in a non-linear manner to produce spurious signals. The spurious signals can interfere with, or otherwise disrupt, the proper operation of the electronic devices. Unacceptably high levels of PIM in terminal sections of the coaxial cable can disrupt communication between sensitive receiver and transmitter equipment on the tower and lower-powered cellular devices. Disrupted communication can result in dropped calls or severely limited data rates. 
     An example of such component integration relates to the prepared end of a coaxial cable where the tip end of a center conductor engages a female RF cable connector. More specifically, the center conductor typically comprises an aluminum core having a copper outer cladding. This combination of materials is used to minimize costs by manufacturing the core (constituting 99% of the center conductor), from a low cost aluminum, and the outer cladding (constituting a small fraction of the total conductor weight), from a highly conductive, but significantly more expensive copper material. To augment the electrical contact at the tip, an electrically compatible end cap or contact can be attached to the outermost tip end of the center conductor. The female RF cable connector which engages the end cap may be fabricated from the same material as that used in the manufacture of the copper outer cladding, or other electrically compatible material such as brass. 
     While the addition of a highly conductive end cap can improve performance, difficulties can be encountered when attaching the end cap to the copper clad aluminum center conductor. That is, the outer cladding, which is relatively thin to minimize cost, is easily removed when connecting a tip end contact to the terminal end of the conductor. As such, it can be difficult to prepare the tip end of the center conductor without removing all or most of the thin conductive cladding. Accordingly, it can be difficult to produce a robust mechanical connection while maintaining a highly conductive electrical path from the center conductor to the tip end contact, i.e., without effecting a weld between the components due to current induced heat or micro-arcing therebetween. 
     Additionally, dimensional changes within the connector can adversely impact the impedance and, consequently, the passive intermodulation (PIM) produced within the coaxial cable. That is, an increase in diameter can alter the impedance of the connector which must, in turn, be compensated by the structure of the connector, i.e., the outer dimensions of the connector. Since the cable dimensions are essentially fixed, few options are available to the designer to main the impedance along the length of the connector. Accordingly, to maintain low levels of PIM, the designer can do little more than introduce new materials having different material properties when such materials become available. 
     Therefore, there is a need to overcome, or otherwise lessen the effects of, the disadvantages and shortcomings described above. 
     SUMMARY 
     A tip end conductor is provided for an inner conductor of a coaxial cable, comprising a first portion engaging a first region of the outermost tip to mechanically engage the inner conductor and a second portion, axially inboard of the first portion, engaging a second region of the outermost tip to electrically engage the inner conductor. The first and second portions define first and second diameter dimensions, respectively, wherein the first diameter dimension is less than the second diameter dimension, and wherein the first portion of the tip end conductor includes a mechanically irregular surface for being press fit onto, and producing, a mechanical interlock along a first region of the terminal end of the inner conductor. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Brief Description of the Drawings and Detailed Description. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of one embodiment of an outdoor wireless communication network. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of one embodiment of an indoor wireless communication network. 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of one embodiment of a base station illustrating a tower and ground shelter. 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of one embodiment of a tower. 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of one embodiment of an interface port. 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view of another embodiment of an interface port. 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of yet another embodiment of an interface port. 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric, cut-away view of one embodiment of a cable connector and cable. 
         FIG. 9  is an isometric, exploded view of one embodiment of a cable assembly having a water resistant cover. 
         FIG. 10  is an isometric view of one embodiment of a cable connector covered by a water resistant cover. 
         FIG. 11  is a broken-away profile view of a coaxial cable employing a tip end conductor or pin for a center conductor which is configured for providing enhanced mechanical and electrical properties. 
         FIG. 12  is an isolated side view of the tip end conductor disposed in combination with a super-flex hardline coaxial cable. 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the tip end conductor which is press fit onto a stepped center conductor of the coaxial cable. 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the tip end conductor which is threadably connected to a stepped end of center conductor. 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the c tip end conductor which is connected by peening the stepped end of the center conductor to connect a conductive conductor tip. 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the tip end conductor which is connected by welding/fusing/bonding the stepped end of the center conductor to connect a conductive conductor tip. 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the tip end conductor wherein the second portion includes a plurality of complaint fingers and wherein each finger includes an tapered step configured to engage a tapered aperture of an interface port to urge the fingers into frictional engagement with the second region of the inner conductor. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the tip end conductor shown in  FIG. 17  wherein the elongate slots extend through, or past, the stepped surface of the complaint fingers. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Overview—Wireless Communication Networks 
     In one embodiment, wireless communications are operable based on a network switching subsystem (“NSS”). The NSS includes a circuit-switched core network for circuit-switched phone connections. The NSS also includes a general packet radio service architecture which enables mobile networks, such as 2G, 3G and 4G mobile networks, to transmit Internet Protocol (“IP”) packets to external networks such as the Internet. The general packet radio service architecture enables mobile phones to have access to services such as Wireless Application Protocol (“WAP”), Multimedia Messaging Service (“MSS”) and the Internet. 
     A service provider or carrier operates a plurality of centralized mobile telephone switching offices (“MTSOs”). Each MTSO controls the base stations within a select region or cell surrounding the MTSO. The MTSOs also handle connections to the Internet and phone connections. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an outdoor wireless communication network  2  includes a cell site or cellular base station  4 . The base station  4 , in conjunction with cellular tower  5 , serves communication devices, such as mobile phones, in a defined area surrounding the base station  4 . The cellular tower  5  also communicates with macro antennas  6  on building tops as well as micro antennas  8  mounted to, for example, street lamps  10 . 
     The cell size depends upon the type of wireless network. For example, a macro cell can have a base station antenna installed on a tower or a building above the average rooftop level, such as the macro antennas  5  and  6 . A micro cell can have an antenna installed at a height below the average rooftop level, often suitable for urban environments, such as the street lamp-mounted micro antenna  8 . A picocell is a relatively small cell often suitable for indoor use. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , an indoor wireless communication network  12  includes an active distributed antenna system (“DAS”)  14 . The DAS  14  can, for example, be installed in a high rise commercial office building  16 , a sports stadium  8  or a shopping mall. In one embodiment, the DAS  14  includes macro antennas  6  coupled to a radio frequency (“RF”) repeater  20 . The macro antennas  6  receive signals from a nearby base station. The RF repeater  20  amplifies and repeats the received signals. The RF repeater  20  is coupled to a DAS master unit  22  which, in turn, is coupled to a plurality of remote antenna units  24  distributed throughout the building  16 . Depending upon the embodiment, the DAS master unit  22  can manage over one hundred remote antenna units  24  in a building. In operation, the master unit  22 , as programmed and controlled by a DAS manager, is operable to control and manage the coverage and performance of the remote antenna units  24  based on the number of repeated signals fed by the repeater  20 . It should be appreciated that a technician can remotely control the master unit  22  through a Local Area Network (LAN) connection or wireless modem. 
     Depending upon the embodiment, the RF repeater  20  can be an analog repeater that amplifies all received signals, or the RF repeater  20  can be a digital repeater. In one embodiment, the digital repeater includes a processor and a memory device or data storage device. The data storage device stores logic in the form of computer-readable instructions. The processor executes the logic to filter or clean the received signals before repeating the signals. In one embodiment, the digital repeater does not need to receive signals from an external antenna, but rather, has a built-in antenna located within its housing. 
     Base Stations 
     In one embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the base station  4  includes a tower  26  and a ground shelter  28  proximal to the tower  26 . In this example, a plurality of exterior antennas  6  and remote radio heads  30  are mounted to the tower  26 . The shelter  28  encloses base station equipment  32 . Depending upon the embodiment, the base station equipment  32  includes electrical hardware operable to transmit and receive radio signals and to encrypt and decrypt communications with the MTSO. The base station equipment  32  also includes power supply units and equipment for powering and controlling the antennas and other devices mounted to the tower  26 . 
     In one embodiment, a distribution line  34 , such as coaxial cable or fiber optic cable, distributes signals that are exchanged between the base station equipment  32  and the remote radio heads  30 . Each remote radio head  30  is operatively coupled, and mounted adjacent, a group of associated macro antennas  6 . Each remote radio head  30  manages the distribution of signals between its associated macro antennas  6  and the base station equipment  30 . In one embodiment, the remote radio heads  30  extend the coverage and efficiency of the macro antennas  6 . The remote radio heads  30 , in one embodiment, have RF circuitry, analog-to-digital/digital-to-analog converters and up/down converters. Antennas 
     The antennas, such as macro antennas  6 , micro antennas  8  and remote antenna units  24 , are operable to receive signals from communication devices and send signals to the communication devices. Depending upon the embodiment, the antennas can be of different types, including, but not limited to, directional antennas, omni-directional antennas, isotropic antennas, dish-shaped antennas, and microwave antennas. Directional antennas can improve reception in higher traffic areas, along highways, and inside buildings like stadiums and arenas. Based upon applicable laws, a service provider may operate omni-directional cell tower signals up to a maximum power, such as 100 watts, while the service provider may operate directional cell tower signals up to a higher maximum of effective radiated power (“ERP”), such as 500 watts. 
     An omni-directional antenna is operable to radiate radio wave power uniformly in all directions in one plane. The radiation pattern can be similar to a doughnut shape where the antenna is at the center of the donut. The radial distance from the center represents the power radiated in that direction. The power radiated is maximum in horizontal directions, dropping to zero directly above and below the antenna. 
     An isotropic antenna is operable to radiate equal power in all directions and has a spherical radiation pattern. Omni-directional antennas, when properly mounted, can save energy in comparison to isotropic antennas. For example, since their radiation drops off with elevation angle, little radio energy is aimed into the sky or down toward the earth where it could be wasted. In contrast, isotropic antennas can waste such energy. 
     In one embodiment, the antenna has: (a) a transceiver moveably mounted to an antenna frame; (b) a transmitting data port, a receiving data port, or a transceiver data port; (c) an electrical unit having a PC board controller and motor; (d) a housing or enclosure that covers the electrical unit; and (e) a drive assembly or drive mechanism that couples the motor to the antenna frame. Depending upon the embodiment, the transceiver can be tiltably, pivotably or rotatably mounted to the antenna frame. One or more cables connect the antenna&#39;s electrical unit to the base station equipment  32  for providing electrical power and motor control signals to the antenna. A technician of a service provider can reposition the antenna by providing desired inputs using the base station equipment  32 . For example, if the antenna has poor reception, the technician can enter tilt inputs to change the tilt angle of the antenna from the ground without having to climb up to reach the antenna. As a result, the antenna&#39;s motor drives the antenna frame to the specified position. Depending upon the embodiment, a technician can control the position of the moveable antenna from the base station, from a distant office or from a land vehicle by providing inputs over the Internet. 
     Data Interface Ports 
     Generally, the networks  2  and  12  include a plurality of wireless network devices, including, but not limited to, the base station equipment  32 , one or more radio heads  30 , macro antennas  6 , micro antennas  8 , RF repeaters  20  and remote antenna units  24 . As described above, these network devices include data interface ports which couple to connectors of signal-carrying cables, such as coaxial cables and fiber optic cables. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the tower  36  supports a radio head  38  and macro antenna  40 . The radio head  38  has interface ports  42 ,  43  and  44  and the macro antenna  40  has antenna ports  45  and  47 . In the example shown, the coaxial cable  48  is connected to the radio head interface port  42 , while the coaxial cable jumpers  50  and  51  are connected to radio head interface ports  44  and  45 , respectively. The coaxial cable jumpers  50  and  51  are also connected to antenna interface ports  45  and  47 , respectively. 
     The interface ports of the networks  2  and  12  can have different shapes, sizes and surface types depending upon the embodiment. In one embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the interface port  52  has a tubular or cylindrical shape. The interface port  52  includes: (a) a forward end or base  54  configured to abut the network device enclosure, housing or wall  56  of a network device; (b) a coupler engager  58  configured to be engaged with a cable connector&#39;s coupler, such as a nut; (c) an electrical ground  60  received by the coupler engager  58 ; and (d) a signal carrier  62  received by the electrical grounder  60 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the base  54  has a collar shape with a diameter larger than the diameter of the coupler engager  58 . The coupler engager  58  is tubular in shape, has a threaded, outer surface  64  and a rearward end  66 . The threaded outer surface  64  is configured to threadably mate with the threads of the coupler of a cable connector, such as connector  68  described below. In one embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the interface port  53  has a forward section  70  and a rearward section  72  of the coupler engager  58 . The forward section  70  is threaded, and the rearward section  72  is non-threaded. In another embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the interface port  55  has a coupler engager  74 . In this embodiment, the coupler engager  74  is the same as coupler engager  58  except that it has a non-threaded, outer surface  76  and a threaded, inner surface  78 . The threaded, inner surface  78  is configured to be inserted into, and threadably engaged with, a cable connector. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-8 , in one embodiment, the signal carrier  62  is tubular and configured to receive a pin or inner conductor engager  80  of the cable connector  68 . Depending upon the embodiment, the signal carrier  62  can have a plurality of fingers  82  which are spaced apart from each other about the perimeter of the signal carrier  80 . When the cable inner conductor  84  is inserted into the signal carrier  80 , the fingers  82  apply a radial, inward force to the inner conductor  84  to establish a physical and electrical connection with the inner conductor  84 . The electrical connection enables data signals to be exchanged between the devices that are in communication with the interface port. In one embodiment, the electrical ground  60  is tubular and configured to mate with a connector ground  86  of the cable connector  68 . The connector ground  86  extends an electrical ground path to the ground  64  as described below. 
     Cables 
     In one embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 8-10 , the networks  2  and  12  include one or more types of coaxial cables  88 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the coaxial cable  88  has: (a) a conductive, central wire, tube, strand or inner conductor  84  that extends along a longitudinal axis  92  in a forward direction F toward the interface port  56 ; (b) a cylindrical or tubular dielectric, or insulator  96  that receives and surrounds the inner conductor  84 ; (c) a conductive tube or outer conductor  98  that receives and surrounds the insulator  96 ; and (d) a sheath, sleeve or jacket  100  that receives and surrounds the outer conductor  98 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outer conductor  98  is corrugated, having a spiral, exterior surface  102 . The exterior surface  102  defines a plurality of peaks and valleys to facilitate flexing or bending of the cable  88  relative to the longitudinal axis  92 . 
     To achieve the cable configuration shown in  FIG. 8 , an assembler/preparer, in one embodiment, takes one or more steps to prepare the cable  90  for attachment to the cable connector  68 . In one example, the steps include: (a) removing a longitudinal section of the jacket  104  to expose the bare surface  106  of the outer conductor  108 ; (b) removing a longitudinal section of the outer conductor  108  and insulator  96  so that a protruding end  110  of the inner conductor  84  extends forward, beyond the recessed outer conductor  108  and the insulator  96 , forming a step-shape at the end of the cable  68 ; (c) removing or coring-out a section of the recessed insulator  96  so that the forward-most end of the outer conductor  106  protrudes forward of the insulator  96 . 
     In another embodiment not shown, the cables of the networks  2  and  12  include one or more types of fiber optic cables. Each fiber optic cable includes a group of elongated light signal guides or flexible tubes. Each tube is configured to distribute a light-based or optical data signal to the networks  2  and  12 . 
     Connectors 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the cable connector  68  includes: (a) a connector housing or connector body  112 ; (b) a connector insulator  114  received by, and housed within, the connector body  112 ; (c) the inner conductor engager  80  received by, and slidably positioned within, the connector insulator  114 ; (d) a driver  116  configured to axially drive the inner conductor engager  80  into the connector insulator  114  as described below; (e) an outer conductor clamp device or outer conductor clamp assembly  118  configured to clamp, sandwich, and lock onto the end section  120  of the outer conductor  106 ; (f) a clamp driver  121 ; (g) a tubular-shaped, deformable, environmental seal  122  that receives the jacket  104 ; (h) a compressor  124  that receives the seal  122 , clamp driver  121 , clamp assembly  118 , and the rearward end  126  of the connector body  112 ; (i) a nut, fastener or coupler  128  that receives, and rotates relative to, the connector body  112 ; and (j) a plurality of  0 -rings or ring-shaped environmental seals  130 . The environmental seals  122  and  130  are configured to deform under pressure so as to fill cavities to block the ingress of environmental elements, such as rain, snow, ice, salt, dust, debris and air pressure, into the connector  68 . 
     In one embodiment, the clamp assembly  118  includes: (a) a supportive outer conductor engager  132  configured to be inserted into part of the outer conductor  106 ; and (b) a compressive outer conductor engager  134  configured to mate with the supportive outer conductor engager  132 . During attachment of the connector  68  to the cable  88 , the cable  88  is inserted into the central cavity of the connector  68 . Next, a technician uses a hand-operated, or power, tool to hold the connector body  112  in place while axially pushing the compressor  124  in a forward direction F. For the purposes of establishing a frame of reference, the forward direction F is toward interface port  55  and the rearward direction R is away from the interface port  55 . 
     The compressor  124  has an inner, tapered surface  136  defining a ramp and interlocks with the clamp driver  121 . As the compressor  124  moves forward, the clamp driver  121  is urged forward which, in turn, pushes the compressive outer conductor engager  134  toward the supportive outer conductor engager  132 . The engagers  132  and  134  sandwich the outer conductor end  120  positioned between the engagers  132  and  134 . Also, as the compressor  124  moves forward, the tapered surface or ramp  136  applies an inward, radial force that compresses the engagers  132  and  134 , establishing a lock onto the outer conductor end  120 . Furthermore, the compressor  124  urges the driver  121  forward which, in turn, pushes the inner conductor engager  80  into the connector insulator  114 . 
     The connector insulator  114  has an inner, tapered surface with a diameter less than the outer diameter of the mouth or grasp  138  of the inner conductor engager  80 . When the driver  116  pushes the grasp  138  into the insulator  114 , the diameter of the grasp  138  is decreased to apply a radial, inward force on the inner conductor  84  of the cable  88 . As a consequence, a bite or lock is produced on the inner conductor  84 . 
     After the cable connector  68  is attached to the cable  88 , a technician or user can install the connector  68  onto an interface port, such as the interface port  52  illustrated in  FIG. 5 . In one example, the user screws the coupler  128  onto the port  52  until the fingers  140  of the signal carrier  62  receive, and make physical contact with, the inner conductor engager  80  and until the ground  60  engages, and makes physical contact with, the outer conductor engager  86 . During operation, the non-conductive, connector insulator  114  and the non-conductive driver  116  serve as electrical barriers between the inner conductor engager  80  and the one or more electrical ground paths surrounding the inner conductor engager  80 . As a result, the likelihood of an electrical short is mitigated, reduced or eliminated. One electrical ground path extends: (i) from the outer conductor  106  to the clamp assembly  118 , (ii) from the conductive clamp assembly  118  to the conductive connector body  112 , and (iii) from the conductive connector body  112  to the conductive ground  60 . An additional or alternative electrical grounding path extends: (i) from the outer conductor  106  to the clamp assembly  118 , (ii) from the conductive clamp assembly  118  to the conductive connector body  112 , (iii) from the conductive connector body  112  to the conductive coupler  128 , and (iv) from the conductive coupler  128  to the conductive ground  60 . 
     These one or more grounding paths provide an outlet for electrical current resulting from magnetic radiation in the vicinity of the cable connector  88 . For example, electrical equipment operating near the connector  68  can have electrical current resulting in magnetic fields, and the magnetic fields could interfere with the data signals flowing through the inner conductor  84 . The grounded outer conductor  106  shields the inner conductor  84  from such potentially interfering magnetic fields. Also, the electrical current flowing through the inner conductor  84  can produce a magnetic field that can interfere with the proper function of electrical equipment near the cable  88 . The grounded outer conductor  106  also shields such equipment from such potentially interfering magnetic fields. 
     The internal components of the connector  68  are compressed and interlocked in fixed positions under relatively high force. These interlocked, fixed positions reduce the likelihood of loose internal parts that can cause undesirable levels of passive intermodulation (“PIM”) which, in turn, can impair the performance of electronic devices operating on the networks  2  and  12 . PIM can occur when signals at two or more frequencies mix with each other in a non-linear manner to produce spurious signals. The spurious signals can interfere with, or otherwise disrupt, the proper operation of the electronic devices operating on the networks  2  and  12 . Also, PIM can cause interfering RF signals that can disrupt communication between the electronic devices operating on the networks  2  and  12 . 
     In one embodiment where the cables of the networks  2  and  12  include fiber optic cables, such cables include fiber optic cable connectors. The fiber optic cable connectors operatively couple the optic tubes to each other. This enables the distribution of light-based signals between different cables and between different network devices. 
     Supplemental Grounding 
     In one embodiment, grounding devices are mounted to towers such as the tower  36  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . For example, a grounding kit or grounding device can include a grounding wire and a cable fastener which fastens the grounding wire to the outer conductor  106  of the cable  88 . The grounding device can also include: (a) a ground fastener which fastens the ground wire to a grounded part of the tower  36 ; and (b) a mount which, for example, mounts the grounding device to the tower  36 . In operation, the grounding device provides an additional ground path for supplemental grounding of the cables  88 . 
     Environmental Protection 
     In one embodiment, a protective boot or cover, such as the cover  142  illustrated in  FIGS. 9-10 , is configured to enclose part or all of the cable connector  88 . In another embodiment, the cover  142  extends axially to cover the connector  68 , the physical interface between the connector  68  and the interface port  52 , and part or all of the interface port  52 . The cover  142  provides an environmental seal to prevent the infiltration of environmental elements, such as rain, snow, ice, salt, dust, debris and air pressure, into the connector  68  and the interface port  52 . Depending upon the embodiment, the cover  142  may have a suitable foldable, stretchable or flexible construction or characteristic. In one embodiment, the cover  142  may have a plurality of different inner diameters. Each diameter corresponds to a different diameter of the cable  88  or connector  68 . As such, the inner surface of cover  142  conforms to, and physically engages, the outer surfaces of the cable  88  and the connector  68  to establish a tight environmental seal. The air-tight seal reduces cavities for the entry or accumulation of air, gas and environmental elements. 
     Materials 
     In one embodiment, the cable  88 , connector  68  and interface ports  52 ,  53  and  55  have conductive components, such as the inner conductor  84 , inner conductor engager  80 , outer conductor  106 , clamp assembly  118 , connector body  112 , coupler  128 , ground  60  and the signal carrier  62 . Such components are constructed of a conductive material suitable for electrical conductivity and, in the case of inner conductor  84  and inner conductor engager  80 , data signal transmission. Depending upon the embodiment, such components can be constructed of a suitable metal or metal alloy including copper, but not limited to, copper-clad aluminum (“CCA”), copper-clad steel (“CCS”) or silver-coated copper-clad steel (“SCCCS”). 
     The flexible, compliant and deformable components, such as the jacket  104 , environmental seals  122  and  130 , and the cover  142  are, in one embodiment, constructed of a suitable, flexible material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), synthetic rubber, natural rubber or a silicon-based material. In one embodiment, the jacket  104  and cover  142  have a lead-free formulation including black-colored PVC and a sunlight resistant additive or sunlight resistant chemical structure. In one embodiment, the jacket  104  and cover  142  weatherize the cable  88  and connection interfaces by providing additional weather protective and durability enhancement characteristics. These characteristics enable the weatherized cable  88  to withstand degradation factors caused by outdoor exposure to weather. 
     2.0 Tip End Contact For Center Conductor 
     Significant investigation/study had gone into the interface between a signal-carrying center, or inner conductor and a conductive receptacle/pin engager of a connector/interface port. Important variables include: (a) the impedance at, or along, the interface which is a function of the electrical properties of the materials between the inner and outer conductors, (b) the electrical conductivity at the interface between the inner conductor and the inner conductor engager, and (c) the mechanical properties holding the coaxial cable to the connector/interface port. 
       FIG. 11  depicts a broken-away section view of a connector  200  coupling to a spiral superflex coaxial cable  202 . The cable  202  includes: (i) a center or inner, signal-carrying conductor  204 , (ii) a spiral outer grounding conductor  208  surrounding/circumscribing the inner conductor  204 , and (iii) a dielectric core  212  interposing the inner and outer conductors  204 ,  208 . An electrically-augmenting pin, tip, or tip-end contact  214  couples to the outermost tip or terminal end  216  of the inner conductor  204  and comprises a highly conductive copper/copper alloy material. Copper alloys such as brass, i.e., a mixture of copper and tin, may also be used. The electrically-augmenting tip end contact  214  of the inner conductor  204  receives, and engages, a plurality of resilient fingers  218  of an inner conductor engager  220 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the inner conductor engager  220  electrically connects to a threaded interface port (not shown) or may be centered by a spool-shaped retainer (also not shown) within a forward end portion of a threaded coupling connection. The outer conductor  208  is a corrugated spiral having a regular pitch dimension between peeks, similar to an external thread. The outer conductor  208  electrically connects to an annular ring  222  which, in turn, engages a conductive outer body  224  of the connector  200 . 
     In the described embodiment, the center conductor  204  comprises an aluminum/aluminum alloy core  225 C having an outer layer  225 L of a copper/copper alloy cladding. The thickness of the clad outer layer  225 L is about 0.00055 to 0.00060 but may be thinner or thicker depending upon the electrical properties sought and the manufacturing process employed. The tensile strength of the copper clad aluminum/aluminum alloy is greater than about 800 MPa and has a conductivity of greater than about 0.4 mho/cm. The electrically-augmenting tip end contact  214  has a shear strength approximately equal to the shear strength of the mating aluminum center conductor  204  and has a conductivity of greater than about 0.6 mho/cm. 
       FIGS. 12-15 , depict several embodiments of the tip end contacts  214 ,  314 ,  414 ,  514  configured to engage the respective mating aluminum center conductor  204 . Each of the tip end contacts  214 ,  314 ,  414 ,  514  segregate the mechanical and electrical paths to improve the mechanical and electrical properties of the connector  200 , i.e., the mechanical tensile strength, electrical conductivity, resistance and impedance at the interface between the center conductor  204  and each of the tip end contacts  214 ,  314 ,  414 ,  514 . 
     In  FIGS. 11-13 , the terminal end  216  of the aluminum inner conductor  204  is stepped to define a first or inboard region  228  proximal to the inner conductor engager  220  ( FIG. 11 ) and a second or outboard region  232  away from the inner conductor engager  220  and toward the outer conductor  208  of the coaxial cable  202 . The first and second regions  228 ,  232  are configured such that the first region  228  has a diameter D 1  which is less than the diameter D 2  of the second region  232 . The diameter D 2  generally corresponds to the full diameter of the aluminum inner conductor  204  of the coaxial cable  202 . 
     The tip end conductor  214  comprises first and second portions  214   a,    214   b  corresponding to the first and second regions  228 ,  232  of the terminal end  216  of the inner conductor  204 . The first and second portions  214   a,    214   b  include a machined bore  240  having a stepped internal geometry which complements the stepped outer geometry of the terminal end  216  of the inner conductor  202 . More specifically, the machined bore  240  includes first and second aligned cavities  248 ,  252  which correspond to, and compliment, the first and second regions  228 ,  232 , respectively, of the outermost tip  216  of the aluminum inner conductor  204 . In the described embodiment, the second portion  214   b  includes a plurality of axial slots  253  forming a plurality of engagement fingers  254  each having a slightly inward bend or bias. 
     The terminal end  216  of the inner conductor  204  is press-fit into the first portion  214   a,  i.e., into the first aligned cavity  248  of the tip end conductor  214  to produce a robust mechanical connection along the first region  228 , or diameter D 1 , of the inner conductor  204 . As the terminal end  216  is pressed into the cavity  248 , the engagement fingers  254  of the second cavity  252 , along the second region  232 , or diameter D 2 , produces a highly efficient electrical connection. More specifically, the step produced along the first region  228 , or diameter D 1 , removes the copper cladding  225 L to facilitate the creation of the strong press/friction fit connection while allowing for the bias of the fingers  254  to firmly engage the inner conductor  204  along the second region  232 , or diameter D 2  thereof. Furthermore, the step produced in the first region  228  reduces (i) the diameter of the conductive outer body  224  (to maintain a desired impedance value), and (ii) the diameter of the coaxial cable  202 . Moreover, the second cavity  252  of the tip end conductor  214  mates with the layer  225 L of cladding along the external surface of the inner conductor  204 . This copper to copper interface, i.e., the interface between the tip end conductor  214  and the copper cladding, decreases electrical resistance and improves RF performance across the interface. 
     In  FIG. 14 , a first cavity  348  of the tip end conductor  314  is threaded to threadably engage a threaded first region  328  of an aluminum inner conductor  304 . The second cavity  352  frictionally engages a cylindrical second region  332  of the aluminum inner conductor  304  as the tip end conductor  314  threadably engages the first region  328 . In the described embodiment, and similar to the previous embodiment, the second cavity  352  includes a plurality of axial slots  353  forming a plurality of engagement fingers  354  each having a slightly inward bend or bias. The threaded interface, along the first region  328 , mechanically couples the tip end conductor  314  to the inner conductor  304  while the engagement fingers  353  frictionally engage the second region  332  of the inner conductor  304 . While this embodiment shows a threaded interface along the first region, it will be appreciated that other irregular surfaces, e.g., teeth, may be employed to enhance the axial retention along the first region  328 . 
     The threads  328  along the first region  328  of the inner conductor  304  threadably engage the threaded root diameter D 31  of the tip end conductor  314 . The threaded connection produces a robust mechanical connection along the first region  328  of the inner conductor  304 . Furthermore, as the tip end conductor  314  is rotated to form the threaded connection, the engagement fingers  354  slide along the second region  332 , along the diameter D 22 , to produce a highly efficient electrical connection. Moreover, the step produced along the first region  328 , or diameter D 31 , removes the copper cladding  325 L to facilitate the creation of the strong threaded connection while the biased fingers  354  firmly engage the inner conductor  304  along the second region  332 , or diameter D 32  thereof. 
     Similar to the previous embodiment, the step produced in the first region  328  reduces (i) the diameter of the conductive outer body  224  (to maintain a desired impedance value), and (ii) the diameter of the coaxial cable  202 . Moreover, the second cavity  352  of the tip end conductor  314  mates with the layer  325 L of cladding along the external surface of the inner conductor  304 . This copper-to-copper interface, i.e., the interface between the tip end conductor  314  and the copper cladding  325 L, decreases electrical resistance and improves RF performance across the interface. 
     In  FIG. 15 , a tip end conductor  414  includes a stepped bore  460  having first and second diameters D 41 , D 42  corresponding to first and second diameters D 1 , D 2  of an inner conductor  404 . The forward, or open end, of the stepped bore  460  receives the terminal end  416  of the inner conductor  404  such that it is accessible from the forward end  462 , i.e., the end proximal to the center conductor engager  220  (see  FIG. 11 ). The tip end conductor  414  is subject to peening deformation to axially deform the terminal end  416  such that the ductile aluminum inner conductor  404  radially deforms against the inner surface of the stepped bore  460 . Radial deformation produces a mechanical friction-fit connection between the terminal end  416  of the inner conductor  404  and the tip end conductor  414 . In the described embodiment, the aft end of the stepped bore  460  also includes a plurality of axial slots forming a plurality of engagement fingers  454  each having a slightly inward bend or bias. 
     The peened end  462  produces a robust mechanical connection while the engagement fingers  454  produce an efficient electrical interface between the center conductor tip end conductor  414  and the terminal end  416  of the inner conductor  404 . Similar to the prior embodiments, the diameter of the tip end conductor  414  may be reduced to decrease the impedance and, in turn, the diameter of the coaxial cable  202  ( FIG. 11 ). The electrical properties are enhanced by the copper-to-copper interface between the conductive tip end  414  and the aluminum center conductor  404 . 
     In  FIG. 16 , a center conductor tip end conductor  514  also includes a stepped bore  560  having first and second diameters D 51 , D 52  corresponding to the first and second diameters D 1 , D 2  of an inner conductor  504 . The forward, or open end, of the stepped bore  560  receives the terminal end  516  of the inner conductor  504  such that it is accessible from the forward end  562 , i.e., the end proximal to the center conductor engager  220  (see  FIG. 11 ). The terminal end  516  is welded/fused/bonded to the tip end conductor  514  through the open end  562  to produce an integral connection between the terminal end  516  of the inner conductor  504  and the tip end conductor  514 . In the described embodiment, the aft end of the stepped bore  560  also includes a plurality of axial slots forming a plurality of engagement fingers  554  each having a slightly inward bend or bias. 
     The metal bonded/welded end  562  produces a robust mechanical connection while the engagement fingers  554  produce an efficient electrical interface between the center conductor tip end conductor  514  of the inner conductor  504 . Similar to the prior embodiments, the diameter of the tip end conductor  514  may be reduced to decrease the impedance and, in turn, the diameter of the coaxial cable  202  ( FIG. 11 ). The electrical properties are enhanced by the copper-to-copper interface between the conductive tip end  514  and the aluminum center conductor  504 . 
       FIGS. 17 and 18  depict another embodiment of the tip end conductor  614  wherein the second portion  614   b  thereof includes a plurality of compliant fingers  620  each including a tapered step  624  configured to engage a tapered aperture (not shown) of an interface port (also not shown) to urge the compliant fingers  620  into frictional engagement with the second region  604   b  of the inner conductor  604 . In the described embodiment, the elongate slots  630  forming the fingers  620  are cut through or past the outboard edge  628  of the tapered step  624  of each finger  620 , into the first portion  614   a  of the tip end conductor  614 . By cutting the elongate slots  630  into the first portion  614   a  the fingers are sufficiently compliant to allow the tapered aperture to drive the fingers  620  into frictional engagement with the second region  614   b  of the inner conductor  604 . 
     Additional embodiments include any one of the embodiments described above, where one or more of its components, functionalities or structures is interchanged with, replaced by or augmented by one or more of the components, functionalities or structures of a different embodiment described above. 
     It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims. 
     Coaxial Cable Connector Having An RF Shielding Member Although several embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to which the disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein above, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the present disclosure, nor the claims which follow.