RF DC connector - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: idpromnut
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 20, 2014, 04:49:24 pm
content: I have seen on many fully enclosed RF modules that require power two DC power connectors: the "feedthru capacitor" for DC power in, and a grounding post. I have been unable to figure out what the name of the grounding post is (I assume they should be available for purchase somewhere). Does anyone know what name/search terms I should be using for these two connectors? Thanks!As a bonus question, is there any "cheap-ish" place to find project boxes that have these DC power connectors already installed, with perhaps SMA connectors already mounted?

author: GEuser
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2014, 04:53:55 pm
content: Feed though connector I thinkhttp://www.bing.com/images/search?q=feedthrough+capacitor&qpvt=feedthrough+capacitor&FORM=IGREsomething like those above ...

author: Alexei.Polkhanov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2014, 06:58:44 pm
content: Those capacitors have different values. They are soldered inside to the board so you have to install them after you inserted and fastened the the board - same for SMA connectors. I have not seen standard RF enclosures - only way you can find one that fits your design is to shop around for already made assemblies and then design your board around old enclosure that you have. You will have to make sure that PCB material you use is of same thickness as well.

author: fpliuzzi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2014, 07:46:14 pm
content: Quote from: idpromnut on September 20, 2014, 04:49:24 pmIf you need a chassis-ground terminal to use along with your feedthrough capacitor, maybe something like this would work. It's a turret terminal that is affixed to the chassis with a #4-40 nut (or a tapped hole if the chassis is thick enough).http://www.newark.com/keystone/1563/terminal-turret-4-40-thread/dp/96B6599

author: VK5RC
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 21, 2014, 09:22:47 am
content: As for a RF box, real guys use an Altoids tin! LOL.

author: idpromnut
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 21, 2014, 08:47:32 pm
content: Quote from: fpliuzzi on September 20, 2014, 07:46:14 pmBingo! This is exactly what I was looking for! Thanks!

author: fpliuzzi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2014, 09:21:10 pm
content: Your welcome idpromnut, glad you found the link useful.Also, it's funny that VK5RC mentioned the use of Altoids tins for RF enclosures. I've been buying tins that are the same size as the Altoids tins but come in silver, white, and black from this hobby/craft site in Pennsylvania. The tins are handy to have around.www.clayalley.com/tins.htm

author: VK5RC
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 22, 2014, 08:28:07 am
content: Where is the fun in buying an empty tin? A mint or two while you solder or fault trace and getting your next project box all at the same time! HiHiMost boxes are not predrilled as position of the rf traces at decent frequencies are pretty critical, often mounting/soldering the sma connector +/- its coupling capacitor is the last act.Sources for tin plate boxes might include Kuhne db6nt (EU) MiniKits (Aus) or Down East Microwave ('murica).