What are the characteristics of using self-locking tuning screws on 5G RF communication equipment?
Self-locking tuning screws in 5G RF communication equipment are mostly used in core components such as cavity filters, and their characteristics are designed around the core requirements of 5G equipment such as stability, miniaturization and high precision, as follows:
Reliable self-locking performance, anti-interference and anti-loosening: this kind of screws often ensure the self-locking effect through special structural design, for example, some screws adopt pitch gradual change structure, and the thread column gradually changes from standard pitch from bottom to top, and the tooth surface of the matching internal thread is squeezed to produce stable self-locking force during the gradual change process; In addition, the locking force is formed through the design of the staggered teeth of the head double screw teeth and the notch part, with the help of the dislocation of thread occlusion. This structure can avoid the screw loosening of the equipment in the high-frequency vibration environment of the base station, prevent the RF parameters from shifting, and at the same time, it does not need additional nut fixing, thus reducing the loosening hidden danger and the cost of accessories. Some screws are also equipped with protective devices, such as abutments and compression springs in the receiving grooves, which can prevent foreign objects from entering the grooves to affect the locking performance and further ensure the stable operation of the equipment.
High tuning accuracy to meet the requirements of 5G high frequency: 5G RF equipment has strict requirements on the accuracy of signal filtering and frequency adjustment. The axial offset of the thread of the self-locking tuning screw is stable, and the depth extending into the cavity can be accurately controlled during adjustment, so as to accurately adjust the resonant frequency of the filter, ensure the useful signal to pass through without attenuation, and shield the interference signal at the same time. Moreover, the self-locking torque is stable, and the accuracy can still be maintained after multiple adjustments, which meets the requirements of frequent debugging and long-term stable work of 5G equipment, and can also improve the intermodulation performance of equipment and improve the product pass rate. For example, a small screw with a minimum head length of 1.5mm can accurately adapt to the fine tuning requirements of the filter.
Compact and lightweight structure, in line with the trend of equipment miniaturization: 5G base station equipment and RF modules generally pursue miniaturization and lightweight. Compared with the traditional tuning screw that needs nut fastening, the self-locking tuning screw does not need additional fasteners, and its own structure is simplified, such as the design with counter and notch, which greatly reduces the overall thickness and occupied space while ensuring the strength. Most of its materials are lightweight materials with good electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, such as copper, which not only reduces the overall weight of the equipment, but also reduces the adverse effects on radio frequency signals, and adapts to the requirements of dense deployment and miniaturized assembly of base station equipment.
Convenient assembly, controllable processing and use costs: in the aspect of assembly, the screw head is always provided with a groove adapted to the screwdriver, and the depth of some grooves can reach 30%-50% of the length of the head, which is convenient for tool operation and rapid installation and debugging. In processing, its structural technology is relatively simplified, such as staggered double screw teeth, notch parts and other structures do not need complex processing flow, and some screws can be mass-produced through casting, shearing and other processes, thus reducing the manufacturing cost. At the same time, it can be used repeatedly, reducing the loss of accessories during equipment maintenance and further reducing the later operation and maintenance costs.
Structural strength adaptation, adapting to the harsh working conditions of the equipment: the strength of the screw head is guaranteed through reasonable structural design, such as the depth of the circular countersunk table is controlled at 20%-30% of the head length, and the depth of the notch is 20%-25% of the head diameter, so as to simplify the structure and avoid fracture or deformation in the process of tuning and locking. Moreover, the dimensions of the rod and the head are scientifically matched, and the diameter of the rod is smaller than the outer diameter of the screw tooth, so that the rod can smoothly extend into the cavity for tuning, and the firmness of connection with the cover plate can be ensured, which can meet the requirements of long-term operation of 5G radio frequency equipment.
