Patent Publication Number: US-2023133043-A1

Title: Bnc with intergrated switch

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
     The present application claim priority over the U.S. provisional application No. 63/274,735, entitled “BNC RA WITH INTEGRATED SWITCH”, filed on Nov. 2, 2021, which is incorporated in this disclosure in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a communication connector, and more particularly to a Bayonet Neill-Concelman (BNC) connector. 
     BACKGROUND 
     BNC connectors are commonly used in communications. However, existing BNC connectors either cannot provide flexibility to control signal received, or often have a complex structure for manufacture and assembly. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure discloses a BNC connector with an integrated switch to selectively connect the BNC connector to different circuits. With the switch within the BNC connector, the need for external switches, linkages between the switches and the connectors and additional Radio Frequency (RF) shielding around the external components are eliminated. 
     The BNC connector in the present disclosure has a simplified structure and significantly simplifies manufacturing and assembling process of the BNC connector. In an aspect, the BNC connector is a signal pass-through with 2 isolated switches that are activated via a double throw action when a mating BNC plug is inserted to the BNC connector. The configuration of the BNC connector allows multiple variations of the received signal path to be connected to one or more of circuits on a PCB, or have the circuits act as isolated circuits by the insertion and removal of the mating BNC plug. 
     In another aspect, there is provided a Bayonet Neill-Concelman (BNC) connector, which comprises: an insulating housing; a signal receiver mounted in the housing for receiving a signal from a BNC plug; and a switch mounted in the housing and configured to connect to a first circuit, and when the BNC plug is connected to the BNC connector, the switch configured to connect to a second circuit for the second circuit. 
     In another aspect, in the BNC connector of preceding aspects, the switch comprises a left arm and a right arm configured to selectively connect to the first circuit and the second circuit. 
     In another aspect, in the BNC connector of preceding aspects, each of the left arm and the right arm has a rear portion for connecting to a first pin, a front portion for connecting to a second pin, and a protruded portion between the rear portion and the front portion. 
     In another aspect, in the BNC connector of preceding aspects, the front portion is substantially straight, and the rear portion is curved to a left or a right side. 
     In another aspect, in the BNC connector of preceding aspects, the switch further comprises a first pair of fixed arms configured for connecting to the first circuit, a second pair of fixed arms configured for connecting to the second circuit, and wherein the left arm and the right arm are configured to selectively connect to the first pair of fixed arms and the second pair of fixed arms. 
     In another aspect, in the BNC connector of preceding aspects, each of the first pair of fixed arms and the second pair of fixed arms has a contact point. 
     In another aspect, in the BNC connector of preceding aspects, the switch further comprises a pusher, and wherein when the BNC plug is connected to the BNC connector, the pusher is configured to be slidable in relation to the left arm and the right arm to cause the left arm and the right arm to connect from the first circuit to the second circuit. 
     In another aspect, in the BNC connector of preceding aspects, the pusher comprises a left prong and a right prong, each having a protrusion, wherein when the BNC plug is connected to the BNC connector, the protrusion of the left prong is configured to engages the protruded portion of the left arm, and the protrusion of the right prong is configured to engages the protruded portion of the right arm. 
     In another aspect, in the BNC connector of preceding aspects, the switch further comprises a biasing means for biasing the pusher, the biasing means configured to be in a compressed state when the BNC plug is connected to the BNC connector, and in an uncompressed state when the BNC plug is disconnected from the BNC connector. 
     In another aspect, in the BNC connector of preceding aspects, the biasing means is a spring. 
     In another aspect, in the BNC connector of preceding aspects, the pusher comprises a front portion received in the spring. 
     In another aspect, in the BNC connector of preceding aspects, the pusher comprises a front inner edge between the left prong and the right prong. 
     In another aspect, in the BNC connector of preceding aspects, the front inner edge is substantially straight. 
     In another aspect, in the BNC connector of preceding aspects, the front inner edge comprises a left protrusion for receiving a rear end of the left arm, and a right protrusion for receiving a rear end of the right arm. 
     In another aspect, in the BNC connector of preceding aspects, the left protrusion and the rear end of the left arm are curved, and the right protrusion and the rear end of the right arm are curved. 
     In another aspect, in the BNC connector of preceding aspects, each of the left prong and the right prong has a rear end configured to engage an edge of the BNC plug. 
     In another aspect, the BNC connector of preceding aspects further comprise a plurality conductive pins connecting to the signal receiver, the left arm, the right arm, the first pair of fixed arms, and the second pair of fixed arms. 
     In another aspect, in the BNC connector of preceding aspects, first two conductive pins are configured to connect to a first circuit on a PCB (Printed Circuit Board), and wherein second two conductive pins are configured to connect to a second circuit on the PCB. 
     In another aspect, in the BNC connector of preceding aspects, the insulating housing comprises first and second insulators configured to securely receive the signal receiver and the switch. 
     In another aspect, the BNC connector of preceding aspects further comprises a locking mechanism for retaining the spring in a compressed state when the BNC plug is secured to the BNC connector. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show example embodiments of the present application, and in which: 
         FIG.  1 A  is a right perspective view of a BNC connector, according to an embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG.  1 B  is a bottom perspective view of the BNC connector in  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  1 C  is a side view of the BNC connector in  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  2    is an exploded perspective view of the BNC connector in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C ; 
         FIG.  3 A  is a side view of a left switch arm in  FIG.  2   , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  3 B  is a side view of a left switch arm in  FIG.  2   , according to another embodiment; 
         FIG.  4 A  is a side view of a right switch arm in  FIG.  2   , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  4 B  is a side view of a right switch arm in  FIG.  2   , according to another embodiment; 
         FIG.  5 A  is a plan view of a pusher in  FIG.  2   , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  5 B  is a plan view of a pusher in  FIG.  2   , according to another embodiment; 
         FIG.  6 A  is a cross-sectional view of the BNC connector in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C  in a default position, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  6 B  is an enlarged partial view of portion A in  FIG.  6 A ,; 
         FIG.  7 A  is a bottom view of the BNC connector in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C ; 
         FIG.  7 B  is a switch diagram of the BNC connector in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C ; 
         FIG.  8 A  is a cross-sectional view of the BNC connector in 
         FIGS.  1 A- 1 C  connected to a BNC plug, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  8 B  is a cross-sectional view of the BNC connector in  FIG.  1 A  connected to the plug and before locking to the BNC connector; 
         FIG.  8 C  is a switch diagram of the BNC connector in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C , after the BNC plug connected and locked to the BNC connector, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  9 A  is a bottom view of the BNC connector in  FIG.  1 A  illustrating connectors for assembling the BNC connector, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  9 B  is a partial cross-sectional view of the BNC connector in  FIG.  8 A  using a riveting, according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS.  10 A and  10 B  are enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the BNC connector in  FIG.  1 A  before and after riveting, according to an embodiment; and 
         FIG.  11    is a right perspective view, illustrating the BNC connector in  FIGS.  1 A  assembled on a printed circuit board (PCB), according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     Similar reference numerals may have been used in different figures to denote similar components. 
     DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS.  1 A,  1 B,  1 C and  2    illustrate an example of a BNC connector  100 . The BNC connector  100  include a dielectric housing  102 , a signal receiver  104 , and a switch  106 . 
     The BNC connector  100  may be used to quickly connect to or disconnect from a radio frequency signal BNC plug used for coaxial cable. The BNC connector  100  may be a coaxial BNC connector and may have an impedance of 50 Ohm or 75 Ohm. The impedance of the BNC connector  100  may be selected to match for the characteristic impedance of the BNC plug. For example, the BNC connector  100  may be 75 Ohm for video or High Definition (HD) video signals and DS3 Telco central office applications can, and may be 50 Ohm for data and radio frequency signals. The BNC connector  100  can be used for communications or data and/or voice applications, such as a DSX-3 Cross-connect application. 
     The housing  102  is made from insulating material, and is configured to operably receive the signal receiver  104  and the switch  106 . As illustrated in the example of  FIG.  2   , the housing  102  includes a first cover  102   a,  a first insulator  102   b,  a second insulator  102   c,  and a second cover  102   d.  The first and second insulators  102   b  and  102   c  are configured to securely receive the signal receiver  104  and the switch  106  therein. The second insulator  102   c  is configured to be securely mounted on the second cover  102   d.  The first cover  102   a  is configured to cover the first insulator  102   b.  The second cover  102   d  is configured to cover the second insulator  102   b.  The first cover  102   a  and the second cover  102   d  are configured to protect the signal receiver  104  and the switch  106  in an assembled state. 
     The first insulator  102   b  and the second insulator  102   c  are configured to securely receive the signal receiver  104 . The signal receiver  104 , such as a signal pin, is configured to be securely mounted on the second insulator  102   c  and covered by the first insulator  102   b.  The signal receiver  104  is made from conductive material, such as metal, including copper. The signal may be a data signal or a radio frequency signal. The signal receiver  104  can be configured to electrically connect to pin P 1  ( FIG.  7 A ). P 1  may be configured to electrically connect to a signal circuit on a PCB. The signal receiver  104  is configured to receive a signal from a BNC plug  802  ( FIGS.  8 A and  8 B ) when the BNC connector  100  is connected to the BNC plug. The signal receiver  104  may then transmit the signal from the BNC plug  802  to a circuit on the PCB. 
     The second cover  102   d  has a cylindrical connector  202  at the front edge of the second cover  102   d  for receiving the portion of the signal receiver  104  extended from the first insulator  102   b  and second insulator  102   b.  The cylindrical connector  202  is configured to be received in the BNC plug  802 . The cylindrical connector  202  includes a locking pin  204 . In the example of  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B , the locking pin  204  coordinates with a locking slot  806  of the BNC plug  802  to lock the BNC plug  802  to the BNC connector  100 , and thus to maintain the connection between the BNC plug  802  and the BNC connector  100 . 
     The switch  106  is configured to be mounted in the housing  102 . The switch  106  is configured to transmit signals received from the BNC plug  802  to a circuit on the PCB, when the BNC plug  802  is connected to the BNC connector  100 . 
     As illustrated in the example of  FIG.  2   , the switch  106  may include a left arm  108 , a right arm  110 , and a plurality of fixed arms  112 , a switch pusher  114 , and a biasing means  116 , such as a spring. The left arm  108 , right arm  110 , and fixed arms  112  are made from electrical conductive materials, such as metal. 
     The left arm  108  and the right arm  110  are configured to electrically switch from the first circuit on a PCB to the second circuit on the PCB. As illustrated in the example of  FIG.  2   , the left arm  108  is securely mounted on a base  118  and the right arm  110  is securely mounted on a base  120 . The bases  118  and  120  are securely mounted on the second insulator  102   c.  The first and second insulators  102   b  and  102   c  are configured to securely enclose left arm  108  and the right arm  110  therein. 
       FIG.  3 A  illustrates an embodiment of a left arm  108 A, and  FIG.  3 B  illustrates another embodiment of the left arm  108 B. In  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , the left arm  108  has a rear portion  108   a   1  or  108   b   1 , a protruded portion  108   c,  and a front portion  108   d  for connecting to pin P 2  ( FIG.  7 A ). When assembled, the protruded portion  108   c  extends to a left side of the BNC connector  100 . In the embodiment in  FIG.  3 A , the rear portion  108   a   1  is curved to a left side. In the embodiment in  FIG.  3 B , the front portion  108   b   1  is substantially straight. As illustrated in  FIG.  6 B , the curved rear portion  108   a   1  enhances electrical connection with the contact point  602   a  of the fixed arm  112   a  by maintaining the curved rear portion  108   a   1  in the corresponding groove  502   a,  when the BNC connection  100  is not connected to a BNC plug  802 . 
       FIG.  4 A  illustrates an embodiment of a right arm  110 A, and  FIG.  4 B  illustrates another embodiment of the left arm  110 B. In  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B , the right arm  110  has a rear portion  110   a   1  or  110   b   1 , a protruded portion  110   d,  and a front portion  110   e  for connecting to pin P 3  ( FIG.  7 A ). When the right arm  110  is assembled, protruded portion  110   d  extends to a right side of the BNC connector  100 . In the embodiment in  FIG.  4 A , the front portion  110   a   1  is slightly curved toward a right side. In the embodiment in  FIG.  4 B , the front portion  110   b   1  is substantially straight. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  6 B , the curved rear portion  110   a   1  enhances electrical connection with the contact point  602   d  of the fixed arm  112   d  by maintaining the curved rear portion  110   a   1  in the corresponding groove  502   d,  when the BNC connection  100  is not connected to a BNC plug  802 . 
     The fixed arms  112  may include a plurality of conductive arms securely mounted on the second insulator  102   c,  and covered by the first insulator  102   b.  The fixed arms  112  are configured to be electrically connected to first and second circuits on a PCB. In the example of  FIG.  2   , the fixed arms  112  include four arms  112   a - 112   d  ( FIG.  6 B ), with two arms configured to connect to a first circuit and the other two arms configured to connect to a second circuit. The left arm  108  and the right arm  110  are configured to respectively connect to two of the four fixed arms  112 . The rear portion  108   a   1  or  108   b   1  of the left arm  108  is configured to electrically connect to arm  112   a  or  112   b  depending on the position of the switch pusher  114 . The arm  112   a  is electrically connected to pin P 4  ( FIG.  7 A ) and the arm  112   b  is electrically connected to pin P 5  ( FIG.  7 A ). The rear portion  110   a   1  or  110   b   1  of the right arm  110  is configured to electrically connect to arm  112   d  or  112   c  depending on the position of the switch pusher  114 . The arm  112   c  is electrically connected to pin P 6  ( FIG.  7 A ) and the arm  112   d  is electrically connected to pin P 7  ( FIG.  7 A ). For example, fixed arms  112   a  and  112   d  are configured to connect to a first circuit on a PCB via P 4  and P 7 , and fixed arms  112   b  and  112   c  are configured to connect to a second circuit on a PCB via P 5  and P 6 . The first and second circuits may be one or more switch circuits, LED, and alternate circuits on a PCB. As illustrated in FIGS.  6 A and  6 B, each of the fixed arms  112   a - 112   d  may include a respective contact point  602   a - 602   d.    
     The switch pusher  114  is mounted on the second insulator  102   c  and covered by the first insulator  102   b.  The switch pusher  114  configured to be slidable in relation to the left arm  108  and the right arm  110 .  FIG.  5 A  illustrates an embodiment of a switch pusher  114 A, and  FIG.  5 B  illustrates another embodiment of the switch pusher  114 B. The switch pushers  114 , including switch pushers  114 A and  114 B, are configured to be slidably mounted between the first insulator  102   b  and the second insulator  102   c.  Each of the switch pusher  114 A and  114 B includes a front portion  504  and a fork body  506 . 
     As illustrated in the example of  FIG.  6 A , the front portion  504  is configured to be received in an end of the spring  116 . For example, the front portion  504  may be a cylinder configured to be received within the spring  116 . The spring  116  is securely received in a cylindrical bore  604  formed by the first insulator  102   b  and the second insulator  102   c.  When the BNC connector  100  is in a default position, the spring  116  may be in an initial uncompressed state. 
     The fork body  506  includes a front inner edge, and two prongs having two rear ends  510   a  and  510   b.  The front inner edge may be the front inner edge  512  in the switch pusher  114 A, or a front inner edge  514  in the switch pusher  114 B. The front inner edge  512  may include a plurality protrusions, such as protrusions  508   a  and  508   b  each for receiving a rear end of the left arm  108  or the right arm  110 . The two rear ends  510   a  and  510   b  of the two prongs are configured to extend outside the edge  610  of the first cover  102   a.  When the BNC plug  802  is connected to the BNC connector  100 , the edge  804  of the BNC plug  802  pushes the rear ends  510   a  and  510   b  of the switch pusher  114  and thus pushes front portion  504  inside the cylindrical bore  604 . As such, connecting to the BNC plug  802  to the BNC connector  100  makes the switch pusher  114  move in relation to left arm  108  and right arm  110 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG.  5 A , the inner front edge  512  of the switch pusher  114 A comprises a plurality of the groves  502   a  and  502   d,  and two protrusions  502   b  and  502   c.  As illustrated in  FIG.  6 A , the curved rear portions  108   a   1  and  110   a   1  are configured to be respective received in grooves  502   a  and  502   d  of the switch pusher  114 A, when the BNC connector  100  is not connected to a BNC plug  802  or at a default position, to enhance electrical connection with the contact point of the fixed arm  112   d  and  112   a.    
     As illustrated in  FIG.  6 A , when the BNC connector  100  is in a default position, the protrusions  508   a  and  508   b  are on a left side of the protruded portion  108   c  of the left arm  108  and the protruded portion  110   d  of and the right arm  110 . As illustrated in  FIG.  6 B , when the BNC connector  100  is in a default position, the left arm  108  and right arm  110  are biased to respectively connect to the contact point  602   a  of fixed arm  112   a,  and the contact point  602   d  of the fixed arm  112   d.  In addition to the bias force generated by the protrusions  508   a  and  508   b,  the grooves  502   a  and  502   d  and the curved rear portions  108   a   1  and  110   a   1  additionally maintain the connection between the contact points  602   a  and  602   d  and the fixed arms  112   a  and  112   d,  respectively. 
     In the example of  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B , the fixed arm  112   b  is mounted on a left side of the protrusion  502   b,  and the contact point  602   b  faces contact point  602   a.  The fixed arm  112   c  is mounted on a right side of the protrusion  502   c,  and the contact point  602   c  faces contact point  602   d.    
     In the embodiment of  FIG.  5 B , the inner front edge  512  of the switch pusher  114 B is substantially straight. When the BNC connector  100  is in a default position, the left arm  108  and right arm  110  are biased to respectively connect to the contact point  602   a  of fixed arm  112   a,  and the contact point  602   d  of the fixed arm  112   d,  by the biasing force generated by the protrusions  508   a  and  508   b  on the left arm  108  and right arm  110 . The fixed arm  112   b  is mounted to be adjacent to the fixed arm  112   a,  and the contact point  602   b  faces contact point  602   a.  The fixed arm  112   c  is mounted to be adjacent to the fixed arm  112   d,  and the contact point  602   c  faces contact point  602   d.    
     As illustrated in  FIG.  7 A , the BNC connector  100  has a plurality conductive pins P 1 -P 7  for connecting to the signal receiver  104 , the left arm  108 , right arm  110  and the fixed arms  112 , and to circuits on a PCB. P 1 -P 7  can be metal pins. The signal receiver  104  is configured to electrically connect to pin  1  (P 1 ). The front end  108   d  of the left arm  108  is connected to pin P 2 . The rear end  108   a   1  or  108   b   1  is connected to either fixed arm  112   a,  which is connected to pin P 4 , or  112   b,  which is connected to pin P 5 , depending on the position of the switch pusher  114 . The front end  110   e  of the right arm  110  is connected to Pin P 3 . The rear end  110   a   1  or  110   b   1  of the right arm  110  is connected to either fixed arm  112   d,  which is connected to pin P 7 , or  112   c,  which is connected to pin P 6 , depending on the position of the pusher. P 4  and P 7  are configured to connect to a first circuit on the PCB, and P 5  and P 6  are configured to connect to a second circuit on the PCB. In some examples, P 1  may electrically connect to P 2 , P 3 , or P 2  and P 3  via one or more circuits on the PCB. As such, the signal from the receiver  104  may be transmitted via P 1  to the left arm  108  connected to P 2 , and/or the right arm  110  connected to P 3 , to the first and/or second circuit. Pins P 1 -P 7  may be through-hole pins for printed circuit board application. 
     The configuration of the BNC connector  100  allows multiple variations of the received signal path to be connected to one or more of circuits on a PCB, as illustrated in  FIG.  11   , or have the circuits, such as first circuit and second circuit, act as isolated circuits that are dictated by the insertion and removal of the mating BNC plug  802 . An example of an isolated circuit, such as the first circuit or second circuit, can be the activation of an LED or alternate circuit when a BNC plug  802  is plugged into the BNC connector  100 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  7 B , when the BNC connector  100  is in a default position, the left arm  108  is configured to connect P 2  to P 4 , and the right arm  110  is configured to connection P 3  to P 7 . P 4  and P 7  are configured to connect to a first circuit on a PCB. The first circuit may be one or more switch circuits, LED circuits, and alternate circuits on the PCB.). 
       FIG.  8 A  illustrates that a BNC plug  802  is connected to the BNC connector  100 .  FIG.  8 B  illustrates that the BNC plug  802  is to be turned counter-clockwise for locking on the BNC connector  100 . As illustrated in the embodiment in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 C , when the BNC plug  802  is connected to the BNC connector  100 , the edge  804  of the BNC plug  802  pushes the ends  510   a  and  510   b  and thus push the switch pushers  114 A and  114 B inside to the cylindrical bore  604 . The front potion  504  in turn compresses the spring  116  to a compressed state. 
     As well, when the switch pusher  114 A or  114 B is pushed inside toward the cylindrical bore  604 , the protrusion  508   a  is configured to bias the protruded portion  108   c  of the left arm  108 , and the protrusion  508   b  is configured to bias the protruded portion  110   d  of the right arm  110 . As such, when the BNC connector  100  is connected to the BNC plug  802 , as illustrated in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 B , the rear portion  108   a   1  of the left arm  108 A electrically is connected to the contact point  602   b  of the fixed arm  112   b,  and the rear portion  110   a   1  of the right arm  110 A electrically is connected to the contact point  602   c  of the fixed arm  112   c.    
     Similarly, when the left arm  108   b  and right arm  110   b  are used in the BNC connector  100 , when the BNC connector  100  is connected to the BNC plug  802 , the rear portion  108   b   1  of the left arm  108 B electrically connected to the contact point  602   b  of the fixed arm  112   b,  and the rear portion  110   b   1  of the right arm  110 B electrically connected to the contact point  602   c  of the fixed arm  112   c.    
     When the BNC connector  100  is connected to the BNC plug  802 , as illustrated in  FIG.  8 C , the left arm  108  is configured to connect P 2  to P 5 , and the right arm  110  is configured to connection P 3  to P 6 . P 5  and P 6  are configured to connect to a second circuit on a PCB. The second circuit may be one or more switch circuits, LED, and alternate circuits on the PCB. 
     When the BNC plug  802  is removed from the BNC connector  100 , the spring  116  pushes the switch pusher  114  outward away from the bore  604  until the spring  116  resumes to its initial state. Accordingly, the protrusion  508   a  moves outward in relation to the protruded portion  108   c  of the left arm  108 , and the protrusion  508   b  moves outward in relation to the protruded portion  110   d  of the right arm  110 , and the BNC connector  100  resumes to the default position. As such, the left arm  108  is configured to connect P 2  to P 4 , and the right arm  110  is configured to connect P 3  to P 7 . P 4  and P 7  are configured to connect to the first circuit on a PCB. 
     As described above, the first cover  102   a  and the second cover  102   d  are configured to protect the signal receiver  104  and the switch  106  in an assembled state. As illustrated in  FIG.  9 A , the first cover  102   a  and the second cover  102   d  may connect with each other at selected connection points  902  with connectors. The connectors may be rivets or screws.  FIG.  9 B  illustrates an example where a rivet B is used to securely connect the first cover  102   a  to the second cover  102   d  at a connection point  902 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  7 A , the BNC connector  100  may include a plurality of connectors on the second cover  102   d,  such as R 7 , for securely connecting the BNC connector  100  to a PCB board. 
       FIG.  10 A  illustrates an example where a rivet  1002  is inserted into a connection point  902 .  FIG.  10 B  illustrates an example where the rivet  1002  is fixed at the connection point  902 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  11   , one or more assembled BNC connectors  100  may be mounted on a PCB  1100 . For example, the PCB  1100  may be a DSX- 3  Cross-connect application to simplify the functional operation. Simplification is achieved by the elimination of external switches, linkages between switches and BNC plug  802 , RF shielding of external components and the need for space on the PCB  1100 . A BNC connector  100  may be mounted on the PCB  1100  by soldering the P 1 -P 7  on the PCB board. 
     Certain adaptations and modifications of the described embodiments can be made. Therefore, the above discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive.