Industry-first connector dedicated to RF-Energy applications

4th June 2018

HUBER+SUHNER

Enaie Azambuja

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HUBER+SUHNER has announced it will showcase its RF-Energy connector for power handling and performance, for the first time at IMS in Philadelphia. A first of its kind, the RFEX offers users a record low-cost solution for high volume RF-Energy applications. Designed to handle the mandatory high-power levels in peak demand applications and avoid unnecessary heat generation, the RFEX will provide customers with a long-life solution which, due to its design, also simplifies the previous assembly processes.

Previous antenna connectivity issues involving RF-connectors and cables no longer apply, as the RFEX features an antenna which is mounted to the topside of the amplifier housing, making it suitable for connecting rectangular waveguides, dielectric filled waveguides and cooking cavities.

“The RFEX is a product of not just research and development but also a close cooperation with partners in the RF-Energy domain. It combats the limitations RF-Energy as a new technology has,” said Hannes Grubinger, Market Manager at HUBER+SUHNER.

“We are absolutely certain that this solution for the high-power RF-output will support the breakthrough and uptake of RF-Energy in all the relevant markets, which will in the future include medical, industrial heating and drying, engine ignition and light.”

While a significant number of components were previously needed to support RF-Energy related building blocks in applications like RF-Ovens and microwaves, the RFEX is directly integrated into the amplifier housing, significantly reducing size and the number of parts required.

“The connector utilises a coaxial structure in the housing body, eliminating gaps caused by separate mounted connectors, or feedthroughs, minimising RF leakage dramatically. The connector-footprint on the PCB (printed circuit board) is also reduced to the minimum possible and in this way, compact application designs of RF-Energy modules are supported,” added Grubinger.

The RFEX will be presented in combination with dielectric filled waveguides, which as compared to traditional waveguides, bring advantages such as smaller size, lighter weight and higher flexibility. This is specifically important for RF-Energy applications, since they typically feature two or more amplifiers, requiring an efficient RF-power distribution to the optimal feeding points of the application.

He concluded: “We are very much looking forward to showcasing this product for the first time to visitors at IMS. The event is ideal for the debut of the RFEX, as it is the prominent annual gathering of the RF and microwave community from industry leaders.”

The RFEX connector, alongside HUBER+SUHNER’s extensive RF portfolio, will be on display at booth 116 at IMS 2018, 10th to 15th June in Pennsylvania.