Abstract: A coaxial connector mounts directly to a planar substrate of a circuit module and is oriented perpendicularly to the substrate. A radially symmetric coaxial structure, maintained through a conductive bore in the substrate provides a good impedance match to a planar transmission line on the substrate. A flange of the coaxial connector provides the mating surface to the substrate. A nipple formed on the flange fits in the conductive bore, aligning the center conductor in the conductive bore and maintaining the coaxial structure. A bond connects the center conductor to a microstrip transmission line on the top of the substrate. In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, a threaded flange receives a threaded coaxial bead to form the coaxial connector. In a second preferred embodiment a coaxial cable is soldered into a smooth flange to form a coaxial connector. In a third preferred embodiment a coaxial bead and a flange are integrated to form the coaxial connector.

Abstract: In a tunable ferrimagnetic resonator circuit, apparatus and method for tuning the circuit by manipulation of the position of the YIG spheres with respect to their associated coupling loops and the magnetic field. Each YIG sphere can be moved in three axial directions or rotated for alignment with the magnetic field while the circuit is under test, without the need for removal of any parts and without visual observation. Once the sphere has been positioned, it is automatically retained in that position without the need to be encapsulated in epoxy. The tuning process can be repeated or the circuit can be retuned at any time. The tuning apparatus can be coupled to external tooling which is manually manipulatable. Limits are included in the external tooling to prevent the spheres from touching other portions of the circuit.

Abstract: Coded interchangeable key pad assemblies alternately installed on a keyboard so that one of a variety of programmable sets of keyboard functions is enabled for selection by user actuation of the keys. Each key pad assembly has a durable construction and is securely attachable to the remainder of the keyboard. Each key pad assembly is installed on the remainder of the keyboard and interacts with the system with which the keyboard interfaces, preferably a programmable system, to provide a custom key panel for the user so that key functions can be tailored to a desired selection of operations available to the user upon actuation of the keys.