There is an inescapable relationship between power, voltage, and current in electrical/electronic systems. In cases where it is desirable to carry the highest amount of power possible with the lowest conductive losses, then high voltages are needed. However, high voltage operation comes at the cost of risking arcing if the high voltage systems aren’t designed properly, and the right materials aren’t used. High voltage applications require specific design techniques and materials to ensure that voltage breakdown doesn’t happen, even after all matting surfaces have been connected to specification. This is where high voltage RF coaxial connectors and adapters come into play.
Some transmitters, magnetrons, klystrons, and other high voltage and high-power RF devices, operate at extreme high voltages. These voltages are well beyond the threshold of most coaxial connectors and adapters, and it takes specially designed high voltage connectors and adapters to provide interconnect for these types of devices. Some example high voltage applications include nuclear instruments or test and measurement equipment designed for high voltage applications. High voltage connectors and adapters may also be used in applications that have high peak pulse voltage.
Key Features
- Operating Voltage (DC) [kV]
- Test Voltage (DC) [kV]
- Insulation Resistance [MOhm]
- Inner Conductor DC Resistance [mOhms]
- Outer Conductor DC Resistance [mOhms]
- Maximum Frequency [Hz]
- Sealing Grade
There are a few key design features that help to extend the voltage operation of coaxial connector and adapter designs that aren’t necessary or otherwise undesirable to do for lower voltage operation. For instance, to avoid arcing and shock hazards, center contacts for these connectors are well recessed into the connector body and insulated. Moreover, these connectors are typically designed with a ground contact that engages prior to the center contacts engaging. This allows for a grounded shield to be present prior to a potential live center conductor coming within proximity to another center conductor.
Many of these types of connectors are either crimp/solder or solder on the contact leads to prevent any potential contact issues that could allow for arcing. Many of these types of connectors/adapters are hermetically sealed, which enables control of the internal environment of the connector/adapter and prevents outside contaminant ingress. Dielectric materials such as polyethylene (PE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are often used as insulators for high voltage applications due to their relatively high voltage breakdown, low dielectric constant, and low dielectric loss.