What are the functions of self-locking tuning screws in communication field?

The core function of self-locking tuning screw in communication field is to accurately fix and adjust the position of key components, at the same time, to prevent parameter deviation caused by vibration or environmental interference, and to ensure stable signal and reliable performance of communication equipment. The specific application scenarios and functions can be divided into three categories:

1. Core role 1: Precise tuning of communication signal parameters to ensure signal stability.

The core parameters of communication equipment, such as signal frequency and impedance matching, need to be accurately controlled. The self-locking tuning screw can accurately calibrate and lock the parameters through the characteristics of "adjustable+self-locking".

Parameter adjustment of RF devices: In RF modules (such as base station filters and power splitters), the distance between resonant cavities and the relative position of capacitor plates need to be adjusted by screws to calibrate the signal frequency (such as 3.5GHz and 2.6GHz bands of 5G base stations). The self-locking function can prevent the screws from loosening during the operation of the equipment (such as the vibration of the base station fan and the shaking of outdoor wind), and avoid the increase of signal clutter and the decrease of transmission rate caused by frequency offset.

Antenna impedance matching adjustment: the impedance of communication antenna (such as satellite antenna and router antenna) should be matched with the transmission line (usually 50Ω), otherwise signal reflection and loss will occur. By rotating the self-locking tuning screw, the matching network inside the antenna (such as the access amount of inductance and capacitance) can be fine-tuned. After impedance calibration, the screw is self-locked and fixed to ensure long-term matching accuracy and reduce signal attenuation.

Second, the core role of two: fixed key components to resist environmental interference.

Communication equipment is often in outdoor (base station), vehicle-mounted (vehicle networking equipment) and other environments with large vibration and temperature difference. Self-locking tuning screws can stabilize the fixed parts and avoid structural displacement from affecting performance.

Fixing outdoor base station components: the signal transceiver module of the base station, the metal partition inside the filter, the resonant rod and other components need to be fixed with self-locking tuning screws and the spacing should be adjusted. The self-locking structure of the screw (such as nylon locking ring and thread gluing) can resist outdoor strong wind and vibration of passing vehicles, prevent signal crosstalk caused by component displacement, and allow re-adjustment of parameters during later maintenance.

Locking of vehicle communication equipment: When the vehicle networking terminal (such as 4G/5G vehicle module) is installed on the vehicle body, the internal RF connector and PCB board need to be fixed with self-locking tuning screws. If the bump of the vehicle causes the screw to loosen, it will cause poor connector contact and signal interruption, and the self-locking function can ensure that the components are fixed for a long time and adapt to the vibration requirements of the vehicle-mounted environment (usually IP6K9K protection+vibration level ISO 16750).

Third, the core role of three: adapt to the precision structure, improve the reliability of equipment

Communication equipment is developing towards miniaturization and high integration. The small size and high precision of self-locking tuning screws can adapt to the precise structure and reduce the risk of failure.

Adjustment of micro communication module: In the RF front-end of mobile phone and the sensor module of Internet of Things (IoT), the space is compact (the distance between components is often less than 1 mm), so it is necessary to adjust the relative position between the chip and the antenna with micro self-locking tuning screws (such as M1.2 and M1.6 specifications) to ensure the optimal signal transmission path. The self-locking function can prevent the phone from falling and the sensor vibration from loosening the screws, and avoid the equipment signal failure.

Maintenance convenience is improved: compared with common locking screws (such as spot welding and cotter pin locking), the self-locking tuning screws can be readjusted without destroying the structure (such as calibrating the frequency during base station maintenance), which reduces the difficulty of disassembling the equipment and the maintenance cost, and at the same time, the self-locking effect can be maintained after adjustment without additional reinforcement steps.