A standard radio frequency coaxial connector is modified so that a plastic insulating sleeve can be mounted in the wall of a vacuum chamber. This eliminates ground loops and interference from cable connections

Weiner, D.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

Vacuum 
Chamber 
Wall 
ad 
Plastic 
0-F 
May 1964
	 Brief 64-10010 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
This NASA Tech Brief is issued by the Technology Utilization Division to acquaint industry 
with the technical content of an innovation derived from the NASA space program. 
Modified RF Coaxial Connector Ends Vacuum Chamber Wiring Problem 
The problem: Tests conducted in a vacuum en-
vironment may require that radio-frequency signals 
be sent through the wall of the vacuum chamber. It is 
essential to eliminate ground loops and interference 
pickups when coaxial cables are connected from the 
inside to the outside of a metal chamber wall. 
The solution: Modification of a standard radio-
frequency coaxial connector so that a plastic insulat-
ing sleeve can be mounted in the wall of the vacuum 
chamber. Only a modest amount of machining, or 
other work, is required.
How it's done: A standard rf coaxial connector is 
modified by removing the outer threads of the con-
nector. A molded plastic sleeve is pressed over the 
connector and then threaded. At the collar portion 
of the plastic sleeve a V-shaped ring, 1/32-inch high 
is machined to serve as a retainer for an 0-ring. The 
0-ring assembled around the insulator seals the joint 
and preserves the vacuum in the chamber. Outside the 
chamber wall there is a retainer for the plastic 
insulator. A ceramic bead is soldered around the 
retainer for additional sealing.
(continued overkal) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States Govern-
ment, nor NASA, nor any person acting on behalf of NASA: A. Makes 
any warranty or representation, express or implied, with respect to the 
accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information contained in
this document, or that the use of any information, apparatus, method, 
or process disclosed in this document may not infringe privately-owned 
rights or B. Assumes any liabilities with respect to the use of, or for 
dama g es resulting from the use of, any information, apparatus, method, 
or process disclosed in this document.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19640000006 2020-03-11T17:06:55+00:00Z
Notes: 
1. This innovation would be of interest to labora-
tories equipped with vacuum chambers and to 
manufacturers of connectors, cables, or vacuum 
equipment. 
2. For some applications, additional development 
would be required. It would be necessary, for 
example, to protect against the shock hazard from 
radio-frequency current.
3. For further information about this innovation 
inquiries may be directed to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Goddard Space Flight Center 
Greenbelt, Maryland 
Reference: B64-10010 
Patent status: NASA encourages the commercial 
use of this innovation. No patent action is contem-
plated.  
Source: David Weiner 
(GSFC- 150) 
Brief 64-10010


Modified RF coaxial connector ends vacuum chamber wiring problem

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