In system that requires negligible loss, it may be necessary to adjust cable length to exact multiple of transmitted wavelength. Adjustable cable connector saves time and cost by eliminating need to add to or cut from cable. Device was especially designed for use with high frequencies. For particular application, connector of suitable dimensions should be used

Doyle, J. D.

Stringer, E. J.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

March 1973	 B73-10097 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
Marshall Space Flight Center 
NASA Tech Briefs announce new technology derived from the U.S. space program. They are issued to encourage 
commercial application. Tech Briefs are available on a subscription basis from the National Technical Information 
Service, Springfield, Virginia 22151. Requests for individual copies or questions relating to the Tech Brief program may 
be directed to the Technology Utilization Office, NASA, Code KT, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
A Proposed Adjustable RF Cable Connector 
.
Insulated Contact 
(Insulation Can Be Grommet (Can 
Teflon Or Silicone Be Teflon Or 
Rubber-RF Shielding Silicone Rubber) 
Material Rining eta 
Grommet	 Nut 
Coupling - Conductor	 Shield 
eAdded 
Nut  ___________
Adjustable
Contact Sleeve Inner _________
Insulated 	 Insulation	 Outer 
Shield	 Contact	 Insulation 
Contac Retainer 
Securing Nut Cable Connector
Coaxial 
Cable 
n
The problem: 
RF transmission through impedance mismatched 
lines will result in power loss. In systems that require 
negligible loss, it may be necessary to adjust the cable 
length to an exact multiple of the transmitted wave-
length. Thus, reflected waves will be in phase with the 
transmission, and no destructive interference will occur. 
The adjustment involves the time-consuming process of 
adding to and cutting from the cable until trial and 
error result in the exact required length. 
The solution: 
A proposed adjustable cable connector could save 
considerable time and cost by eliminating the need to 
add to or cut from the cable. 
How it's done: 
The connector is shown in the accompanying illus-
tration. To make the proper adjustment, one first cal-
culates the approximate length. The connector is as-
sembled and installed, and the correct impedance is 
found by turning an adjusting screw to move the con-
tact sleeve in or out.
After the exact cable length is reached, the securing 
nut is tightened to fix the position of the assembly. 
The device was especially designed for use with 
high frequencies (i.e., UHF, VHF). For any particular 
application, a connector of suitable dimensions should 
be used. 
Note: 
Requests for further information may be directed to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Marshall Space Flight Center 
Code A&PS-TU 
Marshall Space Flight Center, Alabama 35812 
Reference: B73-10097 
Patent status: 
NASA has decided not to apply for a patent. 
Source: E. J. Stringer and
J. D. Doyle of
Rockwell International Corp.
under contract to

Marshall Space Flight Center
(MFS-2427 1) 
Category 01 
This docume twas prepared under the sponsorship of the National	 Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the
	 - 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States 	 will be free from privately owned rights. 
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A proposed adjustable RF cable connector

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