ULTRA-BROADBAND CONNECTOR

Abstract

 The invention relates to a broadband connector (100) for broadband communication, comprising: a housing (101), wherein the housing (101) comprises a cavity (106);a dielectric rod waveguide (103) arranged at least partially inside the cavity (106); at least one dielectric component (104) arranged inside the cavity (106), wherein the at least one dielectric component (104) is configured to hold the dielectric rod waveguide inside (103) the cavity (106); and at least one flange (102) at an end of the housing (101), wherein the at least one flange (102) comprises a central opening (105) that accommodates a part of the dielectric rod waveguide (103).

Description

Background

[0001] Currently, various different connection standards for electronic devices, such as radio frequency or microwave devices, have been defined, used in instrumentation, test and measurement applications as well as in a wide range of application fields, ranging from communication to spectroscopy-based sensor systems.

[0002] Current solutions for connecting radio frequency devices, such as coaxial cable interfaces, aside from being rather costly, are limited in terms of the range of operating frequencies they provide, as well as with respect to their robustness, accuracy and reliability.

[0003] For example, in order to be able to increase the maximum operating frequency of current radio frequency coaxial cable connectors, the size of the connectors has to be reduced, which inter alia increases their fragility, reduces their lifespan and reduces their accuracy and reliability when used in test and measurement applications.

[0004] To reach beyond the frequency limits of coaxial cables, frequency extension modules, e.g. microwave extension heads, that use rectangular waveguide-based connection interfaces are typically incorporated into the devices.

[0005] However, such rectangular waveguide-based connection interfaces limit the frequency range of a given frequency extension module to a band defined by the rectangular waveguide standard that it uses.

[0006] These standards therefore restrict the frequency range over which devices can operate to the sub-band of the chosen specific waveguide standard, thereby hindering the existence of systems or devices that can operate over different sub-bands.

[0007] Furthermore, when, for example, used in test and measurement applications, such as using a vector network analyzer to characterize the response and behavior of electronic systems, in order to be able to take measurements over different waveguide standards, one has to measure in each sub-band with the appropriate pair of microwave extension heads, which makes carrying out the measurements considerably more cumbersome and more difficult.

Problem

[0008] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide improved means for connecting electronic devices, such as inter alia radio frequency or microwave devices.

[0009] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide improved means for improving the frequency range over which a connection or interconnection between electronic devices can operate.

[0010] It is further an object of the present invention to improve the versatility, robustness, performance, signal-to-noise ratio, reliability and accuracy of connecting means and connectors for connecting electronic devices. Furthermore, it is an object to reduce manufacturing costs of connecting means and connectors for connecting electronic devices.

Solution

[0011] According to the present invention, said objects are achieved by the subject-matter of the independent claim.

[0012] Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject-matter of the dependent claims.

[0013] An exemplary connector, in particular, a broadband connector for broadband communication, e.g. communication of electromagnetic signals, e.g. radio frequency or microwave signals, and/or for the communication of electric signals, e.g. direct current signals, can comprise the following components:

• a housing, wherein the housing comprises a cavity;
• a dielectric rod waveguide arranged at least partially or fully inside the cavity;
• at least one dielectric component arranged inside the cavity, wherein the at least one dielectric component is configured to hold the dielectric rod waveguide inside the cavity;
• and at least one flange at an end of the housing, wherein the at least one flange comprises a central opening that accommodates a part of the dielectric rod waveguide.

[0014] Herein and throughout the following description, the term cavity can inter alia be understood as being a hollow space that is at least partially limited or at least partially confined by a wall.

[0015] Stated differently, the term cavity can herein inter alia be understood as not being a closed hollow space, but as a hollow space that is open at least on one side or at least two sides. For example, a cavity may also be understood as referring to a through-opening or a through-hole or as a recess.

[0016] The above identified cavity within the housing of the broadband connector can therefore inter alia be understood as a hollow space inside the housing of the broadband connector, wherein the cavity is at least partially limited by one or more walls of the housing of the broadband connector.

[0017] The teaching of the at least one dielectric component being configured to hold the dielectric rod waveguide inside the cavity can inter alia be understood as the least one dielectric component being configured to fixate or support or position the dielectric rod waveguide at least partially or fully inside the cavity.

[0018] The at least one flange can inter alia be understood as a plate-like structure that can protrude from the housing and the exemplary central opening can be understood as a through-hole through the flange.

[0019] The exemplary central opening can have a circular cross section, but other non-circular shapes are conceivable too.

[0020] The housing may comprise one or more ends, e.g. two ends, i.e. a first end and a second end.

[0021] The at least one flange can be configured as a connecting interface. In particular an/the end, e.g. a first end or a second end, of the housing in connection with the at least one flange can be configured as or can act as a connecting interface.

[0022] The term connecting interface can also be understood as referring to a connection port.

[0023] The term broadband communication herein may inter alia also be understood as comprising ultra-wideband communications, wherein for example the bandwidth over which communication signals can be transmitted is at least 500 MHz or larger.

[0024] The above and herein exemplary described broadband connector increases the frequency range over which an interconnection between electronic devices can operate.

[0025] The above and herein exemplary described broadband connector is a versatile connector that inter alia allows establishing interconnections between electronic devices from direct currents (DC, 0 Hz) up to alternating currents with operating frequencies of up to 200 GHz, 300 GHz or, at least 500 GHz, while maintaining compatibility with existing rectangular waveguide interface standards, e.g. from Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) of military (MIL) waveguide standards WR-15 to WR-3, wherein WR stands for waveguide rectangular, and wherein the number refers to the inner dimension width of the waveguide in hundredths of an inch (0.01 inch = 0.254 mm) rounded to the nearest hundredth of an inch.

[0026] In addition to said exemplary central opening the at least one flange may further comprise a plurality of non-central openings.

[0027] Said exemplary possible non-central openings can inter alia serve to accommodate fastening means, e.g. screws or bolts, that might serve strengthening a connection of the broadband connector when connected to another device or another connector, and/or to accommodate alignment means, e.g. alignment rods, for further improving the precision and stability with which the broadband connector can be connected to another device or another connector.

[0028] The at least one flange of the herein exemplary described broadband connector can have a circular cross section. It is also conceivable that the at least one flange has a non-circular cross section, e.g. a cloverleaf-like cross section or a rectangular cross section.

[0029] A non-circular cross section of the flange such as a cloverleaf-like cross section can inter alia provide advantages in terms of robustness and ease of manufacturing, in particular, when, for example, the flange is wrapped by a possible jacket or sleeve.

[0030] The at least one flange may comprise a metallic material and/or a plastic material.

[0031] Furthermore, the at least one flange may comprise at least one alignment rod or a plurality of alignment rods. Said possible at least one alignment rod or said possible plurality of alignment rods can be arranged at or can be mounted at or can be accommodated by said exemplary possible non-central openings of the flange.

[0032] The above exemplary described cavity of the housing of the herein exemplary described broadband connector can have a circular cross section or a non-circular cross section, e.g. a square or rectangular or elliptical cross section.

[0033] The cavity can inter alia have a cylindrical or a tube-like or a tunnel-like shape with a circular cross section or a non-circular cross section.

[0034] For example, it is possible that the housing of the herein exemplary described broadband connector has a cylindrical or a tube-like or a tunnel-like shape with a circular cross section or a non-circular cross section, e.g. a rectangular cross section, and that the shape of the cavity inside the housing broadband connector can follow the shape of the housing.

[0035] The housing material can comprise metallic and/or plastic material.

[0036] Such an exemplary cylindrical or a tube-like or a tunnel-like shaped housing can have two exemplary ends, a first and a second end.

[0037] The above exemplary described cavity may hereafter also be referred to as cavity of the housing of the broadband connector or housing cavity.

[0038] Each possible end of the exemplary broadband connector may comprise a flange as exemplary described above and herein.

[0039] The at least one dielectric component of the exemplary above and herein described broadband connector can be configured to hold or fixate or position or support the dielectric rod waveguide close to a/the center of the cavity of the housing of the broadband connector or at a/the center of the cavity of the housing of the broadband connector.

[0040] The dielectric rod waveguide can be held or fixated or positioned or supported by the at least one dielectric component such that the dielectric rod waveguide is aligned parallel to a/the longitudinal axis of the housing or cavity or such that the longitudinal axis of the dielectric rod waveguide can coincide with the longitudinal axis of the housing or cavity of the broadband connector.

[0041] Having the dielectric rod waveguide aligned with the longitudinal axis of the housing or of the cavity of the broadband connector provides a symmetry that can facilitate and simplify establishing connections with other components, since a functioning connection can be established even if the broadband connector is rotated, e.g. by 180° degrees.

[0042] Furthermore, having the dielectric rod waveguide aligned with the longitudinal axis of the housing or of the cavity or having the dielectric rod waveguide in the center of the housing maximizes the possible separation distance between the dielectric rod waveguide and the housing. This can minimize distortions in the electromagnetic fields of the broadband connector and can optimize the performance of the broadband connector, in particular at lower operating frequencies, e.g. below 100 GHz.

[0043] The above exemplary described at least one dielectric component can have a permittivity that can be lower than the permittivity of the dielectric rod waveguide. For example, the at least one dielectric component can have a permittivity equal to or less than 3, e.g. between 1 and 3.

[0044] Again this can reduce distortions in the electromagnetic field distribution inside the broadband connector / inside the dielectric rod waveguide and can reduce insertion losses for all operating frequencies.

[0045] Herein, the term permittivity inter alia can be understood as a measure of the electric polarizability of a dielectric material. The term permittivity can inter alia be denoted by the Greek letter ε (Epsilon) in the following.

[0046] Furthermore, the term permittivity can inter alia refer to absolute permittivity or to relative permittivity, wherein relative permittivity can be defined as the ratio of the relative permittivity to the permittivity of vacuum, denoted as εo, and which is defined as being exactly 1, i.e. unity.

[0047] The above and herein exemplary described at least one dielectric component can further be configured such that it can fill the majority of cavity space surrounding the dielectric rod waveguide. In particular, the at least one dielectric component can fill the majority of cavity space surrounding the dielectric rod waveguide in a homogenous manner.

[0048] For example, the at least one dielectric component may have a relative permittivity from 1 to 3 and can be or can comprise a low-loss, non-dispersive dielectric material.

[0049] This can also contribute to reducing unwanted signal reflections and/or perturbations of the desired electromagnetic field distribution inside the broadband connector / inside the dielectric rod waveguide.

[0050] Possible materials for the dielectric component can inter alia comprise foams, epoxies, polypropylene, cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) polymers.

[0051] Stated differently, the dielectric component can comprise a solid material and/or a foam-like material, wherein, for example, a foam-like material can be an open-cell or closed-cell foam.

[0052] In addition or alternatively, the at least one dielectric component may comprise a plurality of dielectric slabs or slices.

[0053] Said possible exemplary dielectric slabs or slices can have openings or recesses or holes that can at least partially accommodate the dielectric rod waveguide such that the dielectric rod waveguide can be held inside the cavity of the housing.

[0054] The possible use of dielectric slabs or slices in a possible realization of the least one dielectric component can allow achieving an effective relative permittivity closer to 1, thereby further reducing dielectric losses and reducing unwanted perturbations of the desired electromagnetic field distribution inside the broadband connector / inside the dielectric rod waveguide, in particular at lower operating frequencies, e.g. below 100 GHz.

[0055] The dielectric rod waveguide of the above and herein exemplary described broadband connector can be terminated or truncated in a plane that comprises an/the end of the housing.

[0056] Stated differently, the dielectric rod waveguide may be configured or dimensioned such that it does not protrude outward from the housing of the broadband connector. However, it is also possible that the dielectric rod waveguide may be configured or dimensioned such that it protrudes outward from the housing of the broadband connector. For example, it is conceivable that the dielectric rod waveguide has a tapered end and that said tapered end protrudes outward from the housing of the broadband connector. Said tapered end can be used to connect to a/the rectangular waveguide of another component.

[0057] Said exemplary plane may be configured as an interface plane or as being part of an interface plane for connecting the broadband connector to another component, e.g. an electronic device or another connector.

[0058] In other words, said exemplary plane can define the broadband connector end or interface plane or port plane.

[0059] The at least one dielectric component arranged inside the cavity of the housing of the broadband connector can be terminated or truncated also in/at said plane or can be terminated or truncated before said plane, e.g. the end of at least one dielectric component may be distanced from said plane, e.g. the end of at least one dielectric component may be distanced from the end of the housing of the broadband connector.

[0060] The dielectric rod waveguide of the above and herein exemplary described broadband connector can comprise silicon or sapphire or gallium arsenide (GaAs).

[0061] Alternatively, the dielectric rod waveguide of the broadband connector can also comprise any other material that has a high relative permittivity, e.g. a high relative permittivity of greater than 6, in particular relative permittivities between 8 and 13, and/or that has low dispersion and low loss properties.

[0062] The dielectric rod waveguide can have a rectangular cross section. However, the dielectric rod waveguide can also have non-rectangular cross sections, e.g. a circular cross section.

[0063] Furthermore, the dielectric rod waveguide can be dimensioned such that it covers frequency ranges from a lower cutoff (CL) frequency f_CL up to frequencies of up to 200 GHz, 300 GHz or at least 500 GHz.

[0064] For example, a silicon dielectric rod waveguide with a rectangular cross-section of width (W) x thickness (T) of 1 × 0.5 mm² has a lower cutoff frequency f_CL of 60 GHz. By increasing the dielectric rod waveguide width W, the lower cutoff frequency f_CL can be reduced.

[0065] The flange can be configured as a connecting interface or as part of a connecting interface that is compatible with interface standards of waveguides, in particular as a connecting interface that is compatible with interface standards of waveguides operating at frequencies above 50 GHz.

[0066] In other words, for example, the flange, the truncated dielectric rod waveguide and an/the end of the broadband connector at which the flange is arranged can be arranged in said previously mentioned exemplary plane to form or provide an interface plane or to form or provide a part of an interface plane for connecting the broadband connector to another component, e.g. an electronic device or another connector.

[0067] In particular, the flange, the truncated dielectric rod waveguide and an/the end of the broadband connector at which the flange can be arranged can provide an interface or port that is compatible with at least the following interface standards of waveguides:
UG-387, defined in the US military standard MIL-DTL-3922/67E A/ Amendment 1, and other standards used for rectangular waveguides (RW) that work at frequencies above 75 GHz (e.g. standard RW sizes WR-12, WR-10, WR-8, WR-7, WR-5, WR-3.4), such as the IEC 60154-2:2016, the MIL-F-3922/66B, or the IEEE Std 1785.2-2016 one.

[0068] For example, by being compatible with the UG-387 interface standard, the above and herein exemplary described broadband connector can provide a low-loss interconnection with rectangular waveguides of many different standard sizes but also with non-standard sizes The above and herein exemplary described broadband connector may comprise at least one jacket. Said optional jacket can inter alia also be understood as a cover or a sleeve.

[0069] Said optional jacket may cover at least partially the at least one flange of the broadband connector.

[0070] Furthermore, said optional jacket may cover at least partially the above-mentioned possible optional non-central openings of the flange.

[0071] This optional jacket may comprise metallic material and/or plastic material.

[0072] As previously indicated, the above and herein exemplary described broadband connector may comprise fastening means, e.g. screws such as captive screws, that can be partially accommodated in some of the possible non-central openings of broadband connector and that can serve to provide mechanical support for a connection of the broadband connector to other components, e.g. other electronic devices or other connectors.

[0073] When said possible non-central openings are at least partially or fully covered by said possible jacket, said possible fastening means can be only in direct physical contact with the jacket and not in direct physical contact with the at least one flange.

[0074] Furthermore, the at least one flange can further comprise at least one elastic element, e.g. a spring or a set of springs, that can be arranged between said jacket and the at least one flange.

[0075] Such a possible configuration allows that the possible fastening means are not in direct physical contact with the flange and that a specific force can be set accurately when connecting the broadband connector to other components, e.g. other electronic devices or other connectors.

[0076] In particular, the possible jacket allows setting an interconnection force between broadband connector and the component it connects to, that is independent or practically independent to the torque applied to the fastening means, e.g. screws, by the user.

[0077] For example, in such a possible configuration the at least one elastic element can be configured to limit the interconnection force that can be exerted by the fastening means, e.g. screws such as captive screws, when connecting the broadband connector to other components, e.g. other electronic devices or other connectors.

[0078] This can help to reduce the risk of damaging the broadband connector or other components when a connection to other components, e.g. other electronic devices or other connectors, is established.

[0079] Furthermore, this improves the safety, precision and reliability of connections of the broadband connector to other components, e.g. other electronic devices or other connectors.

[0080] The above and herein exemplary described broadband connector can be genderless or male or female.

[0081] It is to be noted that the above described possible exemplary jacket has no impact on the gender of the exemplary described broadband connector.

[0082] The above and herein exemplary described broadband connector can further comprise at least two conductive interconnection pins, wherein said interconnection pins can be male or female or genderless and/or spring-loaded, e.g. pogo pins. Hence, the above and herein exemplary described broadband connector can provide any required connection gender type.

[0083] The cross section of said possible exemplary conductive interconnection pins can be circular or non-circular, e.g. rectangular.

[0084] Said exemplary two conductive interconnection pins can also be formed by at least two metal wires configured as a bifilar line or acting as a bifilar line.

[0085] The use of said optional exemplary conductive interconnection pins can allow extending the operational range of the broadband connector to work also with direct current signals (DC, 0 Hz) that can be transmitted via said exemplary conductive interconnection pins or bifilar line.

[0086] In other words, the above and herein exemplary described broadband connector can comprise a hybrid waveguide that combines a dielectric rod waveguide and a bifilar line.

[0087] Said exemplary conductive interconnection pins or bifilar line can act as DC extension for the broadband connector. Said possible conductive interconnection pins can therefore also be referred to as DC extension pins.

[0088] This can inter alia improve the versatility and performance of the broadband connector.

[0089] For example, in the case of an exemplary described broadband connector as described herein being connected to another broadband connector of the same type, the connection can work across the full supported bandwidth, allowing an ultra-broadband low-loss bidirectional signal communication.

[0090] Furthermore, in the case of an exemplary described broadband connector as described herein being connected to a rectangular waveguide of another component, for example via an interposer as described below, full support for bidirectional communication in the respective rectangular waveguide sub-band can be provided.

[0091] Furthermore, said exemplary two conductive interconnection pins can be terminated or truncated inside the cavity of the housing of the broadband connector at the above mentioned interface plane or port plane or they can be terminated or truncated before said plane, e.g. the endings of said pins may be distanced from said plane, e.g. the endings of the pins may be distanced from the end of the housing of the broadband connector.

[0092] In the latter exemplary case, when said conductive interconnection pins are terminated or truncated before said plane, the broadband connector can be provided with an optional dedicated termination component that can be coupled to the conductive interconnection pins and the dielectric rod waveguide.

[0093] Said dedicated termination component can have a through-opening or through-hole or slit that can receive, accommodate and support the dielectric rod waveguide arranged inside the cavity of the housing of the broadband connector. Said termination component can further comprise two lateral conductive, e.g. metallic, arms or pins and that can couple to said conductive interconnection pins.

[0094] This possible dedicated termination component may comprise a dielectric material that is the same as or different from the material of the dielectric component inside the cavity of the housing of the broadband connector.

[0095] In particular, said possible dedicated termination component may comprise a non-flexible or less-flexible or stiff or rigid material.

[0096] Said possible dedicated termination component may comprise a dielectric material with low-to-intermediate relative permittivities, e.g. with permittivities between 1 to 6, and can be low-loss dielectric materials.

[0097] Exemplary dielectric materials for the termination component can comprise silicons, epoxies, plastics, ceramics, among others.

[0098] Such a possible dedicated termination component can serve to keep said conductive interconnection pins and the dielectric rod waveguide mechanically aligned inside the broadband connector with improved accuracy and can also serve to protect the dielectric rod waveguide.

[0099] Said possible dedicated termination component may therefore also be referred to as a protective cover.

[0100] The possible dedicated termination component can end or terminate at the above mentioned interface plane or port plane.

[0101] Furthermore, the possible dedicated termination component can be dimensioned such as to fit inside the cavity of the housing of the broadband connector, e.g. inside the central opening of the flange of the broadband connector.

[0102] The presence of said possible dedicated termination component does not hinder the function of the broadband connector as the dielectric rod waveguide can pass through the termination component to engage with the component to which the broadband connector is to be connected and said lateral conductive, e.g. metallic, arms or pins of the termination component can couple or route the signal of the conductive interconnection pins to the component to which the broadband connector is to be connected.

[0103] The above and herein exemplary described broadband connector can further comprise an interposer for facilitating connecting the broadband connector to another component, e.g. another waveguide of another electronic device or of another connector.

[0104] Said possible interposer can be configured for easy attachment to and removal from a/the broadband connector. The interposer can also be integrated into the broadband connector, e.g. inside the cavity of the broadband connector.

[0105] The interposer can serve as an adapter for rerouting the connection provided by the connection interface or port of the broadband connector to a different connection interface or port, e.g. a connection interface or port of another component having a different size or different format.

[0106] The possible optional exemplary interposer can comprise a cavity, a dielectric rod waveguide and a dielectric component.

[0107] To distinguish said exemplary interposer components from the previously introduced components of the above and herein exemplary described broadband connector, said interposer components can inter alia also be referred to as interposer cavity, interposer dielectric rod waveguide and interposer dielectric component, respectively.

[0108] The exemplary dielectric component of the interposer (interposer dielectric component) can be configured to hold the dielectric rod waveguide of the interposer (interposer dielectric rod waveguide) inside the cavity of the interposer (interposer cavity).

[0109] A first side of the interposer can be configured as a connecting interface for connecting to the broadband connector, i.e. the connection interface side of the broadband connector that can be formed by the flange and/or the truncated dielectric rod waveguide and/or an/the end of the broadband connector.

[0110] A second side of the interposer can be configured as a connecting interface for connecting to said other component.

[0111] The exemplary interposer can have a similar shape to the at least one flange of the broadband connector. Stated differently, the interposer can be a flange or can comprise a flange and the interposer may also be referred to as an interposer flange.

[0112] For example, the interposer or interposer flange can have a circular cross section and can have a ring-like shape, wherein the central opening of the ring can limit and define the cavity of the interposer (interposer cavity).

[0113] The interposer or interposer flange can also have a non-circular cross section, e.g. a cloverleaf-like cross section. However, also when having a non-circular cross section, the interposer can have a central opening that can limit and define the cavity of the interposer.

[0114] Said central opening may also be referred to as a/the central interposer opening. The size of the central interposer opening may be similar to or smaller than the size of the central opening of the broadband connector.

[0115] The interposer or interposer flange may further comprise a plurality of non-central openings, e.g. at its periphery, that can match the possible plurality of non-central openings of the flange of the broadband connector.

[0116] The term matching herein can be understood as the arrangement, shape and size of the non-central openings of the interposer or interposer flange being similar or identical to the arrangement, shape and size of the non-central openings of the broadband connector.

[0117] This can facilitate attaching the interposer (interposer flange) to the flange of the broadband connector, since the possible fastening means of the broadband connector that are accommodated in the non-central openings of the flange of the broadband connector can more easily engage with the non-central openings of the interposer.

[0118] The properties, e.g. the permittivity, of the dielectric component of the interposer (interposer dielectric component) can be the same as or be similar to the properties, e.g. the permittivity, of the dielectric component of the above and herein described broadband connector.

[0119] Also the dielectric component of the interposer (interposer dielectric component) can fill the space of the cavity of the interposer (interposer cavity) that surrounds the dielectric rod waveguide of the interposer (interposer dielectric rod waveguide) in order to hold or fixate or support the dielectric rod waveguide of the interposer (interposer dielectric rod waveguide) inside the cavity of the interposer (interposer cavity).

[0120] Alternatively, the dielectric component of the interposer (interposer dielectric component) can also be implemented as a slab or slice, wherein said slab or slice can have an opening or recess for holding or fixating or supporting the dielectric rod waveguide of the interposer (interposer dielectric rod waveguide) inside the cavity of the interposer (interposer cavity).

[0121] The dielectric component of the interposer (interposer dielectric component) can be configured such as to hold the dielectric rod waveguide of the interposer (interposer dielectric rod waveguide) in an orientation that matches or aligns with orientation of the dielectric rod waveguide of the broadband connector.

[0122] As mentioned above, the interposer can also be realized as being integrated into the broadband connector, e.g. inside the cavity of the broadband connector.

[0123] For example, the interposer can at least partially be accommodated in a/the central opening of the least one flange of the broadband connector.

[0124] In the exemplary case of the interposer being at least partially accommodated in a/the central opening of the least one flange of the broadband connector, the interposer may be realized without a flange, i.e. can be flangeless, so it can fit inside the central opening of the least one flange of the broadband connector.

[0125] Also in the exemplary case of the interposer being at least partially accommodated in a/the central opening of the least one flange of the broadband connector, the flangeless interposer can comprise a cavity and a dielectric component, wherein the cavity can be inside the dielectric component.

[0126] Stated differently, the cavity can be limited or defined by the dielectric component of the interposer. For example, the cavity can be a through-opening or through-hole in the dielectric component of the interposer. Furthermore, the cavity can be a central through-opening or central through-hole in the dielectric component of the interposer

[0127] The cross section of the cavity or through-opening or through-hole of the dielectric component of the interposer can be circular or non-circular, e.g. rectangular.

[0128] Furthermore, the dielectric component of the interposer can be configured to hold the dielectric rod waveguide of the broadband connector inside the cavity of the interposer. For example, the cavity of the dielectric component of the interposer can be configured such, e.g. dimensioned such, as to be able to receive and hold the dielectric rod waveguide of the broadband connector inside the cavity of the interposer, i.e. inside the cavity of the dielectric component of the interposer.

[0129] As previously mentioned, a first side of the interposer can then be configured as a connecting interface for connecting to the broadband connector and a second side of the interposer can be configured as a connecting interface for connecting to said other component.

[0130] Furthermore, the interposer in all cases or examples may further comprise two conductive interconnection pins, e.g. metallic pins, that also can be herein referred to as interposer pins to distinguish them from the possible optional interconnection pins of the broadband connector that were previously described.

[0131] Said interposer pins can be connected to, e.g. touch, the interconnection pins of the broadband connector or the pins of the termination component previously described and/or to possible interconnection pins of the possible component to which the broadband connector is to be connected or can be connected.

[0132] Irrespective of the interposer having interconnection pins itself and irrespective of the interposer being integrated inside the broadband connector, the interposer may in addition or alternatively comprise at least one hole or recess for receiving a possible male interconnection pin of the broadband connector.

[0133] Said possible at least one hole or recess of the interposer may be arranged or provided in the dielectric component of the interposer (interposer dielectric component).

[0134] For example, in an exemplary interposer two or more holes may be provided in the dielectric component of the interposer (interposer dielectric component) in order to receive male interconnection pins of the broadband connector. However, as indicated above, it is also possible that the interposer comprises conductive pins (interposer pins) that can engage with or couple to possible female interconnection pins of the broadband connector. The gender of the interposer pins can be adapted accordingly to be able to connect with the gender of possible pins of the broadband connector.

[0135] The above-mentioned dielectric rod waveguide of the interposer (interposer dielectric rod waveguide) in all examples and in all cases can have a tapered end at the second side of the interposer that is configured as a connecting interface for connecting to said other component.

[0136] Said possible tapered end of the interposer dielectric rod waveguide can facilitate coupling the interposer dielectric rod waveguide to a rectangular waveguide of another component.

[0137] In addition or alternatively, the possible interposer in all examples and in all cases can be configured as an antenna.

[0138] In such a possible exemplary configuration, the interposer may further comprise two metallic arms.

[0139] Said possible two metallic arms can be arranged on the second side of the interposer that is opposite to the first side of the interposer and said two metallic arms can be connected to interconnection pins of the broadband connector and/or to interconnection pins of the interposer.

[0140] Said two metallic arms then can act as an antenna.

[0141] Said possible exemplary metallic arms can have different shapes or forms, e.g. they may be implemented or configured as dipole, bow tie, bunny ear or tapered slot antenna or similar.

[0142] Furthermore, said possible two metallic arms can be printed on top of a high-frequency dielectric substrate.

[0143] Herein, a high-frequency dielectric substrate can be understood as any dielectric substrate that can operate at microwave frequencies or higher. Such substrates can have low losses and a small relative permittivity, e.g. between 1 to 3, typically between 2 and 2.5.

[0144] A possible example of such a substrate is Rogers RT/Duroid^® 5880. Other exemplary possible substrates, such as ceramics and glass, e.g. quartz, are also possible.

[0145] In the exemplary case of the interposer being configured as an antenna, it can radiate signals of frequencies from the low cut-off frequency of the dielectric rod waveguide f_CL to the maximum working frequency of the broadband connector (e.g. up to 500 GHz).

[0146] If the broadband connector further is configured with said earlier described optional exemplary conductive interconnection pins or DC extension pins, it is possible to extend the bandwidth to the low frequencies by connecting said metallic arms to said pins of the broadband connector directly or by connecting said possible metallic arms to possible pins of the interposer which then can be connected to possible pins of the broadband connector.

[0147] In addition to being provided with an interposer, as exemplary described in various forms above, the above described exemplary broadband connector can further be provided with a set of washers to further facilitate the efficiency and ease with which a connection of the broadband connector to other components can be established.

[0148] For example, the at least one washer can be attached to the second side of the interposer.

[0149] The possible washers in combination with the above exemplary described interposer can be used for interfacing with different rectangular waveguide standards.

[0150] Due to the different dimensions of the rectangular waveguide, each standard requires a different length. The at least one washer can be used to set the required distance between the interposer and the rectangular waveguide of the other component to which the broadband connector is to be connected.

[0151] Such an interconnection to the rectangular waveguide is efficient in terms of simplicity since the interposer and the washers are simple to manufacture, and the final interconnection requires a volume that corresponds to the diameter of the flange of the broadband connector multiplied by the interposer and the washer thickness, which can be designed to be in the order of a few millimeters.

[0152] The interconnection to the rectangular waveguide is also efficient in terms of insertion losses since it is conceivable to achieve less than 1 dB per connection in the rectangular waveguide bandwidth.

[0153] The shape of the at least one washer can follow again the shape of the flange of the broadband connector. Stated differently, the at least one washer can be configured as or can be a flange and may also be referred to as a/the washer flange.

[0154] For example, the washer or washer flange can be ring-like and can have a central opening that can correspond to the central opening of the flange of the broadband connector.

[0155] Furthermore, the washer or washer flange can comprise a plurality of non-central openings, e.g. arranged at its periphery, that can match or be identical to the possible plurality of non-central openings of the flange of the broadband connector and that can also match or be identical to the possible plurality of non-central openings of the interposer.

[0156] Stated differently, the possible plurality of non-central openings of the flange of the broadband connector, the possible plurality of non-central openings of the interposer and the possible plurality of non-central openings of the washer can be identical or substantially identical in their sizes, shapes and arrangements.

[0157] This can facilitate attaching or mounting the interposer (interposer flange), the at least one washer (washer flange) and the flange of the broadband connector to each other, since the possible fastening means of the broadband connector that are accommodated in the non-central openings of the flange of the broadband connector can more easily engage with the non-central openings of the interposer and the washer(s).

[0158] Similarly, the central openings of the flange of the broadband connector, the interposer and of the washer can be identical or substantially identical in their size and shape.

[0159] In particular, the possible central opening of the flange of the broadband connector, the possible central opening of the interposer with or without flange, e.g. the central opening of the flange of the interposer or the central opening of the dielectric component of the interposer, and/or the central opening of the washer can have the same or similar sizes, e.g. same or similar diameter.

[0160] This facilitates providing a genderless broadband connector. However, as previously discussed, the above and herein exemplary described broadband connector can provide connections for any connection gender type, i.e. female or male or genderless connections.

[0161] Furthermore, in such a configuration in which an interposer is used with a similar central opening to the central opening of the flange of the broadband connector, the interposer can improve the alignment of the dielectric rod waveguide of the broadband connector with the waveguide to which the broadband connector is to be connected, thereby reducing unwanted signal reflections and reducing signal losses in the interconnection.

[0162] Also in all described possible examples, the use of an interposer can improve the stability and alignments, in particular the waveguide(s) alignment, of connections by the broadband connector with other components, thereby also reducing wear and aging of the broadband connector and the components it connects to.

[0163] Furthermore, it can inter alia improve the quality of the electrical connection. In particular, it can reduce reflected power losses and transmission losses. As a consequence thereof, also the maximum working frequency of a possible interconnection can be extended/increased even further.

[0164] The above and herein described broadband connector inter alia provides a high-performance, reliable and robust ultra-broadband high-frequency interface for different high-speed electronic and/or optoelectronic modules and for all connection gender types.

[0165] The following figures illustrate exemplary:

Fig. 1a: Exemplary perspective view of a broadband connector

Fig. 1 b: Exemplary side view / cross section of the broadband connector of Fig. 1a

Fig. 1c: Exemplary side view / cross section of a variation of the broadband connector of Fig. 1a

Fig. 2a: Exemplary perspective view of a broadband connector

Fig. 2b: Exemplary side view / cross section of the broadband connector of Fig. 2a

Fig. 2c: Exemplary frontal view of the broadband connector of Fig. 2a

Fig. 3a: Exemplary perspective view of a broadband connector

Fig. 3b: Exemplary frontal view of the broadband connector of Fig. 3a

Fig. 4a: Exemplary perspective view of a broadband connector

Fig. 4b: Exemplary side view / cross section of the broadband connector of Fig. 4a

Fig. 4c: Exemplary frontal view of the broadband connector of Fig. 4a

Fig. 5a: Exemplary perspective view of a broadband connector

Fig. 5b: Exemplary frontal view of the broadband connector of Fig. 5a

Fig. 6a: Exemplary side view / cross section of two connected broadband connectors

Fig. 6b: Exemplary perspective side view of two connected broadband connectors

Fig. 7a: Exemplary interposer

Fig. 7b: Exemplary perspective side view of connected broadband connector

Fig. 7c: Exemplary side view / cross section of connected broadband connector

Fig. 8a: Exemplary washer

Fig. 8b: Exemplary perspective side view of connected broadband connector

Fig. 8c: Exemplary side view / cross section of connected broadband connector

Fig. 9a: Exemplary broadband connector configured as antenna

Fig. 9b: Exemplary variant of broadband connector configured as antenna

Fig. 10: Exemplary variant of broadband connector with integrated interposer

Fig. 11a: Exemplary side view / cross section of broadband connector

Fig. 11 b: Exemplary side view / cross section of broadband connector with bifilar line

Fig. 11 c: Exemplary perspective view of broadband connector of Fig. 11b

Fig. 12a: Exemplary detailed view of exemplary fastening means to hold two connectors together

Fig. 12b: Exemplary detailed view of exemplary fastening means to hold two connectors together

Fig. 12c: Exemplary detailed view of exemplary fastening means to hold two connectors together

Fig. 13a: Exemplary perspective view of a male broadband connector

Fig. 13b: Exemplary perspective view of exemplary interposer for connector of Fig. 13a

Fig. 14a: Exemplary side view / cross section of connected broadband connectors

Fig. 14b: Exemplary perspective view of Fig. 14a

Fig. 15a: Exemplary side view / cross section of broadband connector

Fig. 15b: Exemplary perspective view of Fig. 15a

Fig. 16a: Exemplary perspective view of variant of interposer

Fig. 16b: Exemplary perspective view of broadband connector with interposer of Fig. 16a

Fig. 16c: Exemplary side view / cross section of connected broadband connectors

[0166] The figures serve to exemplary illustrate certain exemplary technical aspects of some features of the claims.

[0167] Fig. 1a shows an exemplary perspective view of a broadband connector 100 that can have some or all of the above described features. In Fig. 1a only one possible exemplary end 110 of the broadband connector 100 is shown; a possible present second end of the broadband connector 100 is not shown.

[0168] The broadband connector 100 comprises a housing 101 that is exemplary cylindrically shaped, and that comprises a cavity 106 and a dielectric rod waveguide 103, e.g. a rectangular dielectric rod waveguide, that is at least partially arranged inside the cavity 106 of the housing 100.

[0169] Furthermore, the broadband connector 100 comprises a dielectric component 104 arranged inside the cavity 106, wherein the dielectric component 104 is configured to hold the dielectric rod waveguide 103 inside the cavity 106.

[0170] Furthermore, the broadband connector 100 comprises an exemplary flange 102 arranged at the end 110 of the housing 101.

[0171] Said exemplary flange 102 comprises an exemplary central opening 105 that accommodates a part of the dielectric rod waveguide 103.

[0172] The exemplary flange 102 further comprises a plurality of further non-central openings 108 or non-central through-holes that can serve to receive or accommodate fastening means, e.g. screws or bolts, when establishing connections of the broadband connector 100 to another device or to another connector (not shown), and/or that can accommodate alignment means, such as, for example, alignment rods 107a, 107b, for further improving the precision and stability with which the broadband connector 100 can be connected to another device or another connector (not shown).

[0173] The exemplary flange 110, the dielectric component 104 and the dielectric rod waveguide 103 can end in a plane 111 that can define an exemplary connection interface port for connecting the broadband connector 100 to another device or to another connector (not shown).

[0174] Fig. 1b shows an exemplary side view / cross section of the broadband connector 100 of Fig. 1a along the exemplary cut line 109 marked in Fig. 1a.

[0175] This exemplary cross section illustrates that the dielectric component 104 can fill the cavity 106 of the housing 101.

[0176] In particular, the dielectric component 104 can fill the space between the dielectric rod waveguide 103 and the housing 101.

[0177] Fig. 1c shows a side view / cross section of an exemplary variant 100a of the broadband connector 100 of Fig. 1a.

[0178] In this Fig. 1c the reference signs 101, 102, 103, 105, 106, 107a, 110, 111 denote components that are/can be identical to the components of the broadband connector 100 of Fig. 1a.

[0179] The shown side view can also be understood as a cut along the exemplary cut line 109 marked in Fig. 1a.

[0180] The only difference between the broadband connector 100a and the broadband connector 100 lies in the configuration of the dielectric component that is configured to hold the dielectric rod waveguide 103 inside the cavity 106 of the housing 101.

[0181] In the broadband connector 100a the dielectric component does not fill all the space between the dielectric rod waveguide 103 and the housing 101, but instead comprises a plurality of dielectric slabs, e.g. three dielectric slabs 104a, 104b, 104c, that are also configured to hold and support dielectric rod waveguide 103 inside the cavity 106 of the housing 101.

[0182] Fig. 2a shows an exemplary perspective view of a broadband connector 200 that can have some or all of the above described features.

[0183] In Fig. 2a only one possible exemplary end of the broadband connector 200 is shown; a possible present second end of the broadband connector 200 is not shown.

[0184] The broadband connector 200 can be identical to the broadband connectors 100, 100a shown in Fig. 1a and Fig. 1c. The reference signs 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107a, 107b, 108 can denote the same / identical components as in Fig. 1a and Fig. 1c.

[0185] In the shown example the broadband connector 200 is essentially identical to the broadband connector 100 of Fig. 1a.

[0186] The only difference between the broadband connector 100 and the broadband connector 200 lies in that the flange 102 and some of the non-central openings 108 of the flange are at least partially covered by a jacket 112 as described further above.

[0187] Furthermore, the broadband connector 200 can comprise exemplary elastic elements 113 as described above, e.g. a spring, that can be arranged or positioned between the jacket 112 and the flange 102 as shown in Fig. 2b, which is an exemplary side view of the broadband connector 200 along a cut of Fig. 2a similar to the cut of Fig. 1a along line 109 depicted in Fig. 1b.

[0188] For example, the elastic elements 113 can be arranged at some of the non-central openings 108 that are covered by the jacket 112.

[0189] In the illustrated example, the elastic elements 113 are exemplary illustrated as spring elements, wherein, for reasons of clarity, only one exemplary winding of the spring elements is shown.

[0190] A more detailed exemplary view of such a possible exemplary arrangement is shown in Figs. 12a, 12b and 12c as explained further below.

[0191] Fig. 2c is a frontal view of the broadband connector 200.

[0192] Fig. 3a shows an exemplary perspective view of a broadband connector 300 that also can have some or all of the above described features. Again, only one possible exemplary end of the broadband connector 300 is shown.

[0193] In this variant, the housing 101, the dielectric component 104 and the dielectric rod waveguide of the broadband connector 300 can be the same as or similar to the housing, the dielectric component and the dielectric rod waveguide of broadband connectors 100 and 200.

[0194] The broadband connector 300 also can have a jacket and elastic elements as described above, but this is not shown.

[0195] The only difference between the broadband connector 300 and the broadband connectors 100, 200 lies in that the flange 102a of broadband connector 300 is not circular shaped, but has an exemplary cloverleaf-like shape with four leaves.

[0196] However, this flange 102a also can have a central opening 105 and non-central openings 108 and alignment rods 107c, 107d.

[0197] Fig. 3b is an exemplary frontal view of the broadband connector 300 of Fig. 3a.

[0198] Fig. 4a shows an exemplary perspective view of a broadband connector 400 that also can have some or all of the above described features.

[0199] In particular, the broadband connector 400 can be understood as a variant of the broadband connector 200. The broadband connector 400 can inter alia have the same jacket 112, the same elastic elements 113, the same flange 102, the same housing 101, the same dielectric component 104 and the same dielectric rod waveguide 102 as broadband connector 200.

[0200] The only difference between the broadband connector 400 and the broadband connector 200 lies in that the broadband connector 400 further comprises two exemplary conductive interconnection pins 114a, 114b, in particular a male pin 114a and a female pin 114b, that can act as DC extension for the broadband connector 400.

[0201] Said exemplary male pin 114a protrudes outwards from the connection interface plane 111 of the broadband connector 400.

[0202] Said pins 114a, 114b are also accommodated in the cavity 106 of the housing 101 and can extend across the whole cavity 106 from one end 110 of the housing to the other end (not shown) of the housing.

[0203] Furthermore, said pins 114a, 114b can be arranged to be oriented parallel to the dielectric rod waveguide 103 and such that the dielectric rod waveguide 103 lies between said pins 114a, 114b.

[0204] This exemplary orientation and exemplary geometry of the pins 114a, 114b with respect to the dielectric rod waveguide 103 is in particular illustrated in Fig. 4b, which is an exemplary side view of the broadband connector 400 along a cut of Fig. 4a similar to the cut of Fig. 1a along line 109 depicted in Fig. 1b.

[0205] Fig. 4c is an exemplary frontal view of the broadband connector 400 of Fig. 4a.

[0206] Fig. 5a shows an exemplary perspective view of a broadband connector 500 that also can have some or all of the above described features.

[0207] In particular, the broadband connector 500 can be understood as a variant of the broadband connector 300 that has two exemplary conductive interconnection pins 115a, 115b that can, for example, enable a genderless connection of the broadband connector 500 with another component and that can act as DC extension for the broadband connector 500.

[0208] As is in the exemplary case of broadband connector 400, the pins 115a, 115b can be arranged to be oriented parallel to the dielectric rod waveguide 103 and such that the dielectric rod waveguide 103 lies between said pins 115a, 115b.

[0209] Fig. 5b is an exemplary frontal view of the broadband connector 500 of Fig. 4a.

[0210] Fig. 6a shows an exemplary cross section side view of two connected broadband connectors 400a, 400b and Fig. 6b shows an exemplary perspective view of the two connected broadband connectors 400a, 400b.

[0211] The reference numeral 130 marks an exemplary region of the connection between the two connected broadband connectors 400a, 400b of which a cross section is exemplary shown in Fig. 12a.

[0212] The two broadband connectors 400a, 400b can both be of the same or similar type as the broadband connector 400.

[0213] In the exemplary connection shown, the male pin 114aa of broadband connector 400a engages with the female pin 114bb of broadband connector 400b and the male pin 114ba of broadband connector 400b engages with the female pin 114ab of broadband connector 400a, thereby establishing a connection between the two dielectric rod waveguides 103a, 103b.

[0214] The exemplary alignment rods 107ab, 107aa of the flange of broadband connector 400a can engage with some of the non-central openings of the flange of broadband connector 400b and the exemplary alignment rods 107ba, 107bb of the flange of broadband connector 400b can engage with some of the non-central openings of the flange of broadband connector 400a.

[0215] As explained above, the jackets 112a, 112b and the elastic elements 113a, 113b of the broadband connectors 400a, 400b can be configured such that the fastening means (not shown), which can be accommodated in some of the non-central openings of the flanges, are not in direct physical contact with the respective flange.

[0216] This can allow setting an interconnection force between the broadband connectors 400a, 400b that is independent or practically independent to the torque applied to the fastening means, e.g. screws, by the user.

[0217] Fig. 7a shows an exemplary interposer 116 for connecting an above and herein described broadband connector to another component, e.g. another waveguide, such as the rectangular waveguide 600 illustrated in Fig. 7b and Fig. 7c.

[0218] The interposer 116 can have a similar shape to the at least one flange of an above and herein broadband connector, e.g. broadband connector 400. Stated differently, the interposer can be a flange or can comprise a flange and the interposer may also be referred to as interposer flange 116c.

[0219] For example, the interposer 116 or the interposer flange 116c can have a circular cross section and can have a ring-like shape, wherein the central opening 122 of the ring can limit and define the cavity 118 of the interposer 116, i.e. the interposer cavity.

[0220] The interposer 116 or interposer flange 116c may further comprise a plurality of non-central openings 117, e.g. at its periphery, that can match the possible plurality of non-central openings 108 of the flange of the broadband connector, e.g. broadband connector 400, to facilitate connecting the interposer 116 to a broadband connector, e.g. broadband connector 400.

[0221] The first side 116a of the interposer 116 can be configured as a connecting interface for connecting to the broadband connector, e.g. broadband connector 400, and a second side 116b of the interposer 116 can be configured as a connecting interface for connecting to said other component, e.g. rectangular waveguide 600.

[0222] The interposer 116 can further comprise a dielectric component 121 and a dielectric rod waveguide 119 and the dielectric component 121 of the interposer can be configured to hold the dielectric rod waveguide 119 of the interposer inside the cavity 118 of the interposer.

[0223] The dielectric component 121 can fill the space between the dielectric rod waveguide 119 and the inner walls of the central opening 122 of the interposer / interposer flange 116.

[0224] The dielectric rod waveguide 119 can be tapered on the side 116b of the interposer 116 that is to be connected to said other component, e.g. rectangular waveguide 600. Stated differently, the cavity 604 of waveguide 600 can receive the tapered end 119a of the dielectric rod waveguide 119 of the interposer.

[0225] The dielectric component 121 of the interposer 116 can further comprise one or more recesses or openings or bores or blind bores or through-holes to receive possible conductive interconnection pins of a broadband connector. In the illustrated example, the dielectric component 121 comprises a blind bore 120 that can receive a male interconnection pin, e.g. the male interconnection pin 114a of broadband connector 400.

[0226] Fig. 7b shows an exemplary perspective view of the interposer 116 being connected on its first side 116a to a broadband connector, which can have any of the previous described features. For example, the shown broadband connector can be similar or identical to the previously described broadband connector 400 or 400a or 400b.

[0227] On its second side 116b, the interposer 116 is exemplary connected to another waveguide 600, e.g. a rectangular waveguide.

[0228] In the exemplary illustrated case, the tapered end 119a of the dielectric rod waveguide 119 of the interposer 116 can be received by the waveguide 600 and the other end of the dielectric rod waveguide 119 can be connected to the dielectric rod waveguide 103 of the broadband connector 400.

[0229] The waveguide 600 can have a housing 603 that can comprise a flange 601, wherein said flange 601 can have a similar shape and similar dimensioning as the interposer 116 / interposer flange 116c and a similar shape and similar dimensioning as the flange 102 at the exemplary end of the broadband connector 400.

[0230] In particular, the interposer 116 or interposer flange 116c can have non-central openings 602 that can at least partially match the non-central openings 117 of the interposer flange 116c and the non-central openings 108 of the flange of the broadband connector 400 to facilitate the connection and alignment, e.g. via exemplary alignment rods 107a passing at least partially through said non-central openings 108, between the broadband connector 400, the interposer 116 and the waveguide 600.

[0231] Fig. 7c is an exemplary side view or cross section view of Fig. 7b, e.g. along a cut of Fig. 7b similar to the cut of Fig. 1a shown in Fig. 1b, and that illustrates the practically seamless connection between the broadband connector 400, the interposer 116 and the waveguide 600.

[0232] Fig. 7c in particular illustrates the engagement of the male pin 114a with the recess or blind bore 120 in the dielectric component 121 of the interposer 116, the connection of the dielectric rod waveguide 119 of the interposer 116 with the dielectric rod waveguide 103 of the broadband connector and with the waveguide 600.

[0233] Fig.7c further illustrates the exemplary alignment rod 107a of the flange 102 of the broadband connector 400 passing through the non-central openings 117 of the interposer 116 and the non-central openings of the waveguide.

[0234] Fig. 8a shows an exemplary washer 123 that can be used to set a required distance between an interposer and a rectangular waveguide or another other component to which a/the broadband connector can be connected.

[0235] The washer can have a shape similar to similar to the interposer 116 or interposer flange 116c and/or similar to the broadband connector flange 102 and/or similar to the flange 601 of a rectangular waveguide or a flange of another component to which a/the broadband connector can be connected.

[0236] Stated differently, the washer 123 can be configured as or can be a flange and may also be referred to as washer flange 123c.

[0237] For example, the washer or washer flange can be ring-like and can have a central opening 125 that can correspond to the central opening 105 of the flange 102 of a/the broadband connector flange 102 and/or the central opening 122 of an/the interposer flange 116c and/or the central opening of a flange of another component, e.g. a/the central opening of a flange of a/the waveguide 601, 701.

[0238] The washer 123 or washer flange 123c can comprise a plurality of non-central openings 124, e.g. arranged at its periphery, that can match or be identical to the possible plurality of non-central openings 108, 117, 602, 702 of said other flanges 102, 116c, 601, 701, for accommodating alignment rods and/or fastening means.

[0239] Fig. 8b shows an exemplary perspective view of an exemplary configuration, wherein the broadband connector 400 of Fig. 7b is connected to another rectangular waveguide 700 using the interposer 116 of Fig. 7a and the washer 123 of Fig. 8a.

[0240] Since the exemplary rectangular waveguide 700 has smaller dimensions, e.g. a smaller waveguide cavity 704, the washer 123 is arranged between the interposer 116 and the waveguide 700 to set the distance required such that the tapered end 119a of the waveguide 119 of the interposer 116 can be received by the cavity 704 of waveguide 700.

[0241] In the illustrated example, as in Fig. 7b, the first side 116a of the interposer 116 is connected to the broadband connector 400, but the second side 116b of the interposer 116 is now connected to the first side 123a of the washer 123 and the second side 123b of the washer 123 is connected to the waveguide 700.

[0242] Fig. 8c shows an exemplary side view or cross section view of Fig. 8b similar to the cross section view of Fig. 7b illustrated in Fig. 7c.

[0243] Fig. 8c in particular illustrates that the waveguide 119 of the interposer 116 passes through the central opening 125 of the washer 123 and the tapered end 119a of the waveguide 119 then is received in the cavity 704 of waveguide 700, thereby establishing a connection between the broadband connector 400 and the waveguide 700.

[0244] Fig. 9a shows an exemplary configuration, wherein an interposer 216 with waveguide 219, wherein the waveguide 219 has a tapered end 219a, is connected to a broadband connector 200 of the type shown in Fig. 2a.

[0245] The interposer 216 can be practically identical to the interposer 116 of Fig. 7a. For example, although not shown, the broadband connector 200 may also comprise such pins and the interposer 216 may comprise recesses or bores or blind bores or holes to accommodate such possible pins of the broadband connector 200.

[0246] In this exemplary configuration, the interposer can act as an antenna.

[0247] For example, the interposer 216 can radiate signals of frequencies from the low cut-off frequency of the dielectric rod waveguide f_CL of the broadband connector to the maximum working frequency of the broadband connector (e.g. up to 500 GHz).

[0248] Fig. 9b shows an exemplary alternative configuration of a broadband connector 800 being connected to an interposer 316 that is configured as an antenna.

[0249] The interposer 316 can be practically identical to the interposer 116 of Fig. 7a and the interposer 216 of Fig. 9a, with the only difference being that the dielectric component 317 of the interposer 316 comprises two bores or holes 220a, 220b for accommodating two male conductive interconnection pins 126a, 126b that can connect to conductive interconnection pins (not visible) of the broadband connector 800. For completeness, it is noted that the gender of the possible conductive interconnection pins of an interposer can be adapted accordingly to enable the connection with the gender of the possible conductive interconnection pins of the broadband connector.

[0250] The broadband connector 800 can be practically identical to the broadband connector 400 of Fig. 4a, with the only difference that broadband connector 800 can comprise two female conductive interconnection pins of DC extension pins instead of a male 114a and a female pin 114b as in the case of broadband connector 400. As stated above, the exemplary male conductive interconnection pins 126a, 126b of the interposer 316 then can engage with the exemplary female conductive interconnection pins (not visible) of the broadband connector 800.

[0251] Said possible male pins 126a, 126b of the interposer 316 can be connected to metallic arms 127a, 127b that can act as antenna and which can further extend the bandwidth of the broadband connector to lower frequencies.

[0252] The shape of the metallic arms 127a, 127b is exemplary only; other shapes are possible too.

[0253] The metallic arms 127a, 127b can be printed on top of a dielectric substrate 128, e.g. a high-frequency dielectric substrate that can operate at microwave frequencies or higher.

[0254] The waveguide 319 of the interposer 316 can be also surrounded by or received by the substrate 128 or can be distanced from the substrate 128.

[0255] Fig. 10 shows an exemplary configuration of a broadband connector 900 with an alternative interposer 416, wherein the interposer 416 with its tapered waveguide 419 is integrated directly into the central opening 105 of the flange 102 of the broadband connector 900.

[0256] The broadband connector 900 can be similar or identical to the previous described broadband connectors. For example, broadband connector 900 can be similar to broadband connector 200.

[0257] The exemplary interposer 416 has no own flange, i.e. it can be referred to as a flangeless interposer.

[0258] The dielectric component 417 of the interposer 416 that holds the waveguide 419 of the interposer 416 can inter alia be identical or similar to the dielectric component of the broadband connector 900 that holds the waveguide of the broadband connector 900.

[0259] Stated differently, the dielectric rod waveguide 418 of the broadband connector 900 can itself be configured as interposer and can have a tapered end 418a that can directly connect to other waveguides, e.g. rectangular waveguides, with or without the use of a washer.

[0260] Alternatively, the tapered waveguide 418, 419 of the broadband connector 900 can be used directly as an antenna.

[0261] Fig. 11a shows exemplary a broadband connector 1000 having two connection interfaces or connection ports 1001, 1002 at each end of its housing 1006, wherein each connection port 1001, 1002 can be configured similar or identical to any of the above and previously described broadband connectors.

[0262] For example, the flanges 1007a, 1007b at each end or each connection port 1001, 1002 can be identical or similar to any of the broadband connector flanges 102, 102a previously described.

[0263] The broadband connector 1000 can have a housing 1006 with a cavity 1008, wherein the cavity 1008 can comprise a dielectric component 1004 which can be configured to hold or support a dielectric rod waveguide 1003 that can extend from one port 1001 to the other port 1002 of the broadband connector 1000.

[0264] Alternatively, as inter alia shown in Fig. 1c, it is possible that the dielectric component 1004 does not fill all the space between the dielectric rod waveguide 1003 and the housing 1006, but instead comprises a plurality of dielectric slabs that are also configured to hold and support the dielectric rod waveguide 1003 inside the cavity 1008 of the housing 1006.

[0265] Fig. 11b shows exemplary a broadband connector 1100 configured as a hybrid waveguide that combines a dielectric rod waveguide 1003 and a bifilar line 1005, wherein the bifilar line 1005 comprises two conductive interconnection pins 1005a, 1005b.

[0266] Exemplary, the pin 1005a is configured as a male pin at port 1001 of the broadband connector 1100 and as a female pin at port 1002 of the broadband connector 1100.

[0267] Exemplary, the pin 1005b is configured as a female pin at port 1001 of the broadband connector 1100 and as a male pin at port 1002 of the broadband connector 1100.

[0268] The dielectric rod waveguide 1003, the housing 1006, the cavity 1008 and the flanges 1007a, 1007b of the broadband connector 1100 can be identical to the dielectric rod waveguide 1003, the housing 1006, the cavity 1008 and the flanges 1007a, 1007b of the broadband connector 1000.

[0269] As mentioned above, it is again also possible for the broadband connector 1100 that the dielectric component 1004 does not fill all the space between the dielectric rod waveguide 1003 and the housing 1006, but instead comprises a plurality of dielectric slabs that are also configured to hold and support the dielectric rod waveguide 1003 inside the cavity 1008 of the housing 1006.

[0270] Fig. 11c shows a perspective view of the broadband connector 1100, wherein the front of port 1001 is visible.

[0271] Fig. 12a, Fig. 12b and Fig. 12c show an exemplary detailed view of possible exemplary fastening means for connecting any of the previously described broadband connectors to another component. These figures only show an exemplary partial view of a cross section of a possible connection.

[0272] Fig. 12a is an exemplary cross section view of the region 130 marked in Fig. 6a that shows an exemplary connection between two broadband connectors 400a and 400b.

[0273] The top of Fig. 12a shows part of the dielectric component 102a, 102b of the broadband connectors 400a and 400b that are faced towards the respective dielectric rod waveguides (not shown) of the broadband connectors 400a and 400b.

[0274] In Fig. 12a an exemplary screw 129 is used as fastening means to establish a connection between the two broadband connectors 400a and 400b.

[0275] The screw 129 is accommodated by the jackets 112a, 112b of the broadband connectors 400a and 400b, wherein the jackets 112a, 112b are covering the non-central openings or through-holes 108a, 108b in the flanges 102a, 102b of the broadband connectors 400a and 400b.

[0276] The reference numerals 113a, 113b mark exemplary elastic elements, e.g. a spring for which, for clarity, only one winding / one coil is shown.

[0277] The elastic elements 113a, 113b are arranged between the jackets 113a, 113b and the respective flanges 102a, 102b.

[0278] The jackets 113a, 113b are arranged such as to avoid a physical contact of the fastening means, e.g. screw 129, and the respective flange 102a, 102b.

[0279] This configuration allows setting an interconnection force between the two broadband connectors 400a and 400b that is independent or practically independent to the torque applied to the fastening means, e.g. the screw, by a user.

[0280] In Fig. 12b an exemplary connection configuration with the same scale used in Fig. 12a is shown, wherein the same part of the broadband connector 400a of Fig.12a, which is the broadband connector of Fig. 6a, is shown, but wherein the broadband connector 400a is connected via the screw 129 to another broadband connector 400c, wherein the flange 102c of said other broadband connector 400c does not have a jacket covering the non-central openings or through-holes 108c of the flange 102c of said other broadband connector 400c. The connector 400c can also, for example, be similar or identical to the rectangular waveguide 601 of Fig. 7c.

[0281] Fig. 12c, which again has the same scale as Fig. 12a and Fig. 12b, shows an example of the broadband connector 400a of Fig. 12b being connected to the same broadband connector 400c shown in Fig. 12b, but having additionally an interposer 116 and a washer 123 arranged in between the two broadband connectors 400a and 400c, wherein the screw 129 passes through non-central openings of the interposer 116 and the washer 123. The connector 400c can here also, for example, be similar or identical to the rectangular waveguide 701 of Fig. 8c.

[0282] The interposer 116 and the washer 123 can be identical or similar to the previously described interposers and washers.

[0283] Fig. 13a shows an exemplary broadband connector 1200 that can be essentially identical to the broadband connector 400 or 400a, with the only difference that its connection port has two male conductive interconnection pins 1200a, 1200b.

[0284] As previously mentioned, the herein described broadband connector can be genderless or male or female.

[0285] The broadband connector 1200 is an exemplary male broadband connector.

[0286] Fig. 13b shows an exemplary interposer 516 that can be used to connect a male broadband connector to another male broadband connector.

[0287] The interposer 516 can be a flange or can comprise a flange and the interposer may also be referred to as interposer flange 516c similar to the previously described interposer flange 116c.

[0288] The interposer 516 or the interposer flange 516c can have a circular cross section and can have a ring-like shape, wherein the central opening 518 of the ring can limit and define the cavity 521 of the interposer 516, i.e. the interposer cavity. The interposer 516 can further comprise a plurality of non-central openings or through-holes.

[0289] The interposer 516 can further comprise a dielectric component 517 and a dielectric rod waveguide 519 and the dielectric component 517 of the interposer can be configured to hold the dielectric rod waveguide 519 of the interposer inside the cavity 521 of the interposer.

[0290] In contrast to previously described interposers, the waveguide 519, e.g. the rectangular waveguide of the interposer, has no tapered end.

[0291] Furthermore, the interposer 516 comprises two conductive female pins 520a, 520b that provide two female connections on each of side 516a, 516b of the interposer 516. Said pins 520a, 520b can be accommodated in openings or through-holes in the dielectric component 517 of the interposer 516.

[0292] Fig. 14a exemplary shows a side view showing the cross section of a connection of male broadband connector 1200 of Fig. 13a with another male broadband connector 1300 that is of identical or similar type to broadband connector 1200.

[0293] Hence, also broadband connector 1300 comprises two male pins 1300a, 1300b at its connection port.

[0294] The connection between the two broadband connectors 1200 and 1300 is realized with the help of the interposer 516 of Fig. 13b, which at its first side 516a receives the male pins 1200a, 1200b of broadband connector 1200 to connect with its female pins 520a, 520b. On the second side 516b of the interposer 516, its female pins 520a, 520b connect to the male pins 1300a, 1300b of broadband connector 1300.

[0295] The not tapered rectangular waveguide 519 of the interposer then can provide a connection between the dielectric rod waveguide 103 of broadband connector 1200 and the dielectric rod waveguide 103c of broadband connector 1300.

[0296] Fig. 14b shows an exemplary perspective view of Fig. 14a.

[0297] Fig. 15a shows an example of a broadband connector 1400 that can be of a similar type to broadband connector 1200.

[0298] However, different to the broadband connector 1200, the conductive interconnection pins 1400a, 1400b of broadband connector 1400 terminate inside the cavity 106 of the housing 101 of the broadband connector 1400, i.e. they do not reach the plane of the connection port of broadband connector 1400.

[0299] Also the dielectric component 1401 of the broadband connector 1400, unlike in previously described broadband connectors, terminates inside the cavity 106 of the housing 101 of the broadband connector 1400, i.e. does not reach the plane of the connection port of broadband connector 1400.

[0300] Stated differently, the conductive interconnection pins 1400a, 1400b and the dielectric component 1401 are terminated or truncated before the connection interface plane of the broadband connector 1400.

[0301] However, the broadband connector 1400 comprises an exemplary termination component 1402 that is coupled to said truncated conductive interconnection pins 1400a, 1400b and to the dielectric rod waveguide 103 of broadband connector 1400.

[0302] The termination component 1402 can have a through-opening or through-hole or slit 1404 that can receive, accommodate and support the dielectric rod waveguide 103 arranged inside the cavity 106 of the housing 101 of the broadband connector 1400.

[0303] Said termination component 1402 can further comprise two lateral conductive, e.g. metallic, arms or pins 1403a, 1403b, e.g. flat pins, and which can couple to said conductive interconnection pins 1400a, 1400b of the broadband connector 1400.

[0304] This possible dedicated termination component 1402 may comprise a dielectric material that is the same or different from the material of the dielectric component 1401 inside the cavity 106 of the housing 101 of the broadband connector 1400.

[0305] In particular, said possible dedicated termination component may comprise a non-flexible or less-flexible or stiff or rigid material.

[0306] It is again noted that it is also possible that the dielectric component 1402 does not fill the majority of the space between the dielectric rod waveguide 103 and the housing 106, but instead comprises a plurality of dielectric slabs that are also configured to hold and support the dielectric rod waveguide 103 inside the cavity 106 of the housing 101.

[0307] Fig. 15b shows an exemplary perspective view of Fig. 15a.

[0308] Fig. 16a shows an exemplary interposer 800 that has no flange and that can be integrated into the central opening of a flange of a broadband connector.

[0309] However, the interposer 800 can have central opening or through-hole 801. In this example the opening has a rectangular cross section that can be adapted to receive a termination component, e.g. a termination component such as the termination component 1402 of Figs. 15a and 15b.

[0310] Said opening 801 can further comprise conductive, e.g. metallic, arms or pins 802a, 802b, e.g. flat pins, that can couple to or engage with conductive interconnection pins of a broadband connector and/or with arms or pins of a termination components.

[0311] The material of the interposer 800 can be of low or intermediate permittivity, e.g. with relative permittivities of less than 8 or less than 3.

[0312] Fig. 16b shows an exemplary configuration of the interposer 800 being integrated in the central opening of the flange 102 of broadband connector 1400 and which is an example of a genderless broadband connector.

[0313] Fig. 16c shows an exemplary connection between two genderless broadband connectors 1400, 1500 using the interposer 800 of Fig. 16a and the termination component 1402 described in Figs. 15a and 15b.

[0314] Fig. 16c in particular shows an exemplary side of a cross section of a connection of the broadband connector 1400 to another broadband connector 1500 of the same type as broadband connector 1400.

[0315] The interposer 800 is exemplary integrated in the central opening of the flange of broadband connector 1400 and the interposer 800 can receive possible termination components 1402, 1502 from each of the broadband connectors 1400, 1500.

[0316] The conductive exemplary arms 802a, 802b of the interposer can then engage or couple with the arms 1403a, 1403b, 1503a, 1503b of the respective termination components 1402, 1502, wherein the arms 1403a, 1403b, 1503a, 1503b of the respective termination components 1402, 1502 are coupled to the respective conductive interconnection pins 1400a, 1400b, 1500a, 1500b of the respective broadband connectors 1400, 1500.

[0317] As previously described, the termination components 1402, 1502 can have a through-opening or through-hole or slit that serves for receiving the respective dielectric rod waveguide 103, 1503 of the respective broadband connector 1400, 1500.

[0318] The configuration shown in Fig. 16c is an example of possible genderless connection of two broadband connectors using an interposer such as interposer 800.

[0319] For completeness, it is to be noted that same or identical reference numerals in the above described figures denote components that are the same or that are of identical or similar type.

[0320] This is inter alia to emphasize that the various features of the above described exemplary broadband connector are not inextricably linked with each other and a possible broadband connector can have any of the above described features.

[0321] Followed by Figures 1a, 1b,1c, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 4c, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 7c, 8a, 8b, 8c, 9a, 9b, 10, 11a, 11b, 11c, 12a, 12b, 12c, 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b, 15a, 15b, 16a, 16b and 16c, wherein the reference numerals identify the following exemplary and optional components:

100 broadband connector, exemplary part of side / ending of broadband connector

101, 101a, 101b housing

102, 102a, 102b, 102c flange, broadband connector flange

103, 103a, 103b, 103c dielectric rod waveguide, e.g. rectangular dielectric rod waveguide

104, 104a, 104b dielectric component

105 central opening / through-hole

106 cavity

107a, 107aa, 107ab, 107ba alignment rod

107b, 107bb alignment rod

108, 108a, 108b non-central opening(s), e.g. through-hole(s), of broadband connector flange

109 cut line marking a cut plane for cut shown in Fig. 1b

110 (first) end/ending of broadband connector

111 connection interface / connection interface plane / connection port / connection plane

112, 112a, 112b jacket

113, 113a, 113b elastic element, e.g. spring, for simplicity only one exemplary spring coil/winding is shown

114a, 114ba, 114aa male conductive interconnection pin

114b, 114ab, 114bb female conductive interconnection pin

115a conductive interconnection pin

115b conductive interconnection pin

116 interposer / interposer flange, e.g. UG-387 compatible

116a first side of interposer

116b second side of interposer

116c interposer flange

117 non-central openings of interposer

118 cavity of interposer

119 dielectric rod waveguide of interposer

119a exemplary tapered end of waveguide 119

120 recess or opening or bore or blind bore or through-hole

121 dielectric component of interposer

122 central opening / through-hole of interposer

123 washer

123c washer flange

123a first side of washer

123b second side of washer

124 non-central openings of washer

125 central opening / through-hole of washer

126a, 126b male conductive interconnection pin of interposer 316

127a, 127b metallic arm

128 substrate, e.g. high-frequency dielectric substrate

129 fastening means, e.g. screw

130 selected region of Fig. 6a of which a cross section is displayed in Fig. 12a

200, 300, 400, 400a, 400b, 400c, 500, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500 broadband connector, exemplary part of side or ending or connection port of broadband connector

1000, 1100 broadband connector with two connection ports being visible

216 interposer / interposer flange

217 dielectric component of interposer

219 dielectric rod waveguide of interposer

219a tapered end of waveguide 219

220a, 220b bores or holes

316 interposer / interposer flange

317 dielectric component of interposer

318 central opening of interposer 316

319 dielectric rod waveguide of interposer

319a tapered end of waveguide 319

416 interposer, interposer without flange

417 dielectric rod waveguide of interposer

418 dielectric rod waveguide of interposer, tapered waveguide

419 dielectric rod waveguide of broadband connector 900

418a tapered end of waveguide 418, 419

516 interposer

516c interposer flange

517 dielectric component of interposer

518 central opening of interposer

519 dielectric rod waveguide of interposer, without tapered end

521 cavity of interposer

600, 700 waveguide, e.g. rectangular waveguide

601, 701 flange of rectangular waveguide, e.g. UG-387 compatible

602, 702 non-central openings in flange of rectangular waveguide

603, 703 waveguide housing

604, 704 waveguide cavity

800 interposer/ flangeless interposer

801 central opening of interposer, cavity of interposer

802a, 802b arms or pins, e.g. flat pins of interposer

1001 first end / first connection port, e.g. port of broadband connector 1000 or 1100

1002 second end / second connection port, e.g. port of broadband connector 1000 or 1100

1003 dielectric rod waveguide of broadband connector

1004 dielectric component of broadband connector

1005 bifilar line

1005a, 1005b conductive interconnection pins

1006 housing of broadband connector

1007a, 1007b flanges of broadband connector

1008 housing of broadband connector

1400a, 1400b conductive interconnection pins

1401 dielectric component

1402 termination component

1403a, 1403b, arms or pins, e.g. flat pins, of termination component

1404 through-opening or through-hole or slit of termination component

1501 dielectric component

1500a, 1500b conductive interconnection pins

1502 termination component

1503 dielectric rod waveguide, e.g. rectangular dielectric rod waveguide

1503a, 1503b, arms or pins, e.g. flat pins, of termination component

Claims

1. Broadband connector (100) for broadband communication, comprising:

a housing (101), wherein the housing (101) comprises a cavity (106);

a dielectric rod waveguide (103) arranged at least partially inside the cavity (106);

at least one dielectric component (104) arranged inside the cavity (106), wherein the at least one dielectric component (104) is configured to hold the dielectric rod waveguide inside (103) the cavity (106);

and at least one flange (102) at an end of the housing (101), wherein the at least one flange (102) comprises a central opening (105) that accommodates a part of the dielectric rod waveguide (103).

2. Broadband connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one flange (102) further comprises a plurality of non-central openings (108).

3. Broadband connector (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one flange (102) has a circular cross section or wherein the at least one flange has a non-circular cross section, e.g. a cloverleaf-like cross section and/or wherein the at least one flange comprises a metallic material and/or a plastic material.

4. Broadband connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity (106) has a circular cross section or a non-circular cross section, e.g. a square or rectangular or elliptical cross section.

5. Broadband connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one dielectric component (104) is configured to hold the dielectric rod waveguide close to the center of the cavity (106) or at the center of the cavity (106).

6. Broadband connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one dielectric component (104) fills the majority of cavity space surrounding the dielectric rod waveguide and/or wherein the at least one dielectric component (104) comprises a plurality of dielectric slabs and/or wherein the at least one dielectric component (104) has a permittivity that is lower than the permittivity of the dielectric rod waveguide (103), e.g. wherein the at least one dielectric component has a permittivity equal to or less than 3, e.g. between 1 and 3.

7. Broadband connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, wherein the dielectric rod waveguide (103) is truncated in a plane that comprises the end of the housing (101) and/or wherein the at least one flange (102) comprises at least one alignment rod (107a).

8. Broadband connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the flange (102) is configured as a connecting interface that is compatible with interface standards of waveguides, in particular as a connecting interface that is compatible with interface standards of waveguides operating at frequencies above 50 GHz.

9. Broadband connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one flange (102) comprises a plurality of non-central openings (108) and wherein the at least one flange (102) and/or the plurality of non-central openings (108) are at least partially covered by a jacket (112), e.g. a metallic or plastic jacket.

10. Broadband connector (100) according to the preceding claim, further comprising fastening means (129), e.g. screws, partially accommodated in some of the non-central openings (108) that are at least partially covered by the jacket (112), wherein said fastening means (129) are only in direct physical contact with the jacket (112) and not in direct physical contact with the at least one flange (102) and further comprising at least one elastic element (113), e.g. a spring, arranged between the jacket (112) and the at least one flange (102).

11. Broadband connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least two conductive interconnection pins, wherein said interconnection pins can be male or female or genderless and/or spring-loaded, e.g. pogo pins, and/or wherein said conductive interconnection pins can be formed by at least two metal wires configured as a bifilar line.

12. Broadband connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an interposer (116) for connecting the broadband connector (100) to another component, e.g. another waveguide, wherein the interposer (116) comprises a cavity (118), a dielectric rod waveguide (119) and a dielectric component (121), wherein the dielectric component (121) of the interposer is configured to hold the dielectric rod waveguide (119) of the interposer inside the cavity (118) of the interposer and wherein a first side of the interposer (116a) is configured as a connecting interface for connecting to the broadband connector and wherein a second side (116b) of the interposer is configured as a connecting interface for connecting to said other component.

13. Broadband connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, further comprising an interposer (800) for connecting the broadband connector to another component, e.g. another waveguide, wherein the interposer comprises a cavity, a dielectric component and two conductive interconnection pins, wherein the interposer is at least partially accommodated in the central opening of the least one flange of the broadband connector, wherein the cavity is arranged inside the dielectric component, and wherein the dielectric component of the interposer is configured to hold the dielectric rod waveguide of the broadband connector inside the cavity of the interposer, and wherein a first side of the interposer is configured as a connecting interface for connecting to the broadband connector and wherein a second side of the interposer is configured as a connecting interface for connecting to said other component.

14. Broadband connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 12 further comprising an interposer (216, 316) configured as an antenna, wherein the interposer comprises a cavity, a dielectric rod waveguide, a dielectric component and two metallic arms, wherein the dielectric component of the interposer is configured to hold the dielectric rod waveguide of the interposer inside the cavity of the interposer and wherein a first side of the interposer is configured as a connecting interface for connecting to the broadband connector, wherein the two metallic arms are arranged on a second side of the interposer that is opposite to the first side of the interposer and wherein two metallic arms can be connected to interconnection pins of the broadband connector and/or to interconnection pins of the interposer, and wherein the two metallic arms act as an antenna.

15. Broadband connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims 12 or 13, further comprising at least one washer (123), wherein the washer is attached to the second side of the interposer.

Drawing