Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques and mechanisms for measuring transmission loss of a cable comprising the steps of disabling an antenna connected to a second end of the cable, feeding an input signal having an energy level into a first end of the cable for transmission of the input energy toward the second end of the cable, measuring a reflected energy, reflected back toward the first end of the cable from the second end of the cable, and comparing the reflected energy to a input energy to determine a cable loss. Directional couplers may be used to sample the input and reflected energy to be measured. The information derived from the comparison of input and reflected energy measurements can then be used to calibrate a transmitter thereby optimizing performance.

Abstract: A protective tape used to protect an electrical connection from the effects of ultraviolet radiation. The protective tape comprises a silicone gel that contains a UV inhibitor such as zinc oxide. The protective tape is used to wrap a connection, such as a coaxial connection, in order to provide a long lasting, secure environment for the connection and to shield against the effects of UV radiation that can otherwise cause a deterioration of tape. As one embodiment, the silicone gel is a two layer gel with each layer having a different hardness. The tape is formed by casting the silicone gel on a suitable backing and that backing is removed from the tape at the time the tape is used to wrap around the electrical connection.

Abstract: A protective tape used to protect an electrical connection from the effects of ultraviolet radiation. The protective tape comprises a silicone gel that contains a UV inhibitor such as zinc oxide. The protective tape is used to wrap a connection, such as a coaxial connection, in order to provide a long lasting, secure environment for the connection and to shield against the effects of UV radiation that can otherwise cause a deterioration of tape. As one embodiment, the silicone gel is a two layer gel with each layer having a different hardness. The tape is formed by casting the silicone gel on a suitable backing and that backing is removed from the tape at the time the tape is used to wrap around the electrical connection.

Abstract: The process of prototyping circuits such as a backplane or a circuit board has been modularized for achieving marked reductions in costs, time, and construction errors. Rather than repeating the recurring tasks, such as making bus connections between different circuit boards, of the prototyping process, the present invention implements a plurality of modules which can be separably coupled into an assembly having a planar arrangement for prototyping circuits, where each module specializes in a particular task. In the preferred embodiment, the plurality of modules includes a data bus module, a switchable data bus module, a power bus module, and a wire-wrap module. Each one of the plurality of modules includes a coupling face configured for coupling to one or more circuit boards.

Abstract: A printed circuit board with a microstrip radio frequency delay line deposited thereon. In addition, a plurality of delay line segments are deposited on the board in close proximity to one end of the delay line. To achieve an overall desired delay length, one of the delay line segments is selected and serially inserted in circuit with the delay line by populating a surface mount circuit element between terminals at the ends of the delay line and the selected delay line segment.