Agilent Technologies 85054-90049 User Manual

User’s and Service Guide

Agilent Technologies 850 54B

50Ω Type-N Calibrati on Kit

This manual applies directly to 85054B calibration kits with serial number prefix 3101A. The calibration devices in this kit are individually serialized. Record the device serial numbers in the table provided in this manual (see

“Recording the Device Serial Numbers” in Chapter 1.)

Manufacturing Part Number: 85054-90049

Printed in USA

Print Date: June 2002

Supersedes: Januray 1997

Documentation Warranty

THE MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED "AS IS," AND IS SUBJECT TO BEING CHANGED, WITHOUT NOTICE, IN FUTURE EDITIONS. FURTHER, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, AGILENT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL AND ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. AGILENT SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ERRORS OR FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH THE FURNISHING, USE, OR PERFORMANCE OF THIS DOCUMENT OR ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. SHOULD AGILENT AND THE USER HAVE A SEPARATE WRITTEN AGREEMENT WITH WARRANTY TERMS COVERING THE MATERIAL IN THIS DOCUMENT THAT CONFLICT WITH THESE TERMS, THE WARRANTY TERMS IN THE SEPARATE AGREEMENT WILL CONTROL.

Assistan ce

Product maintenance agreements and other customer assistance agreements are availa ble for Agilent products.

For any assistance, contact Agilent Technologies. For contact information, refer to

page 5-3.

ii 85054B

1. General Information

Calibration Kit Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2

Kit Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2

Calibration Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3

Incoming Inspection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4

Serial Numbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5

Recording the Device Serial Numbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5

Calibration Kits Documented in This Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6

Calibration Kit History. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6

85054B Kits with Serial Prefix 2906A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6

Precision Slotless Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-7

Clarifying the Sex of a Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-8

Preventive Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-8

2. Specific atio ns

Environmental Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2

Temperature—What to Wa tch Out For . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2

Mechanical Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

Pin Depth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

Electrical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5

Certification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5

3. Use, Maintenance, and Care of the Devices

Electrostatic Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2

Visual Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3

Look for Obvious Defects and Damage First. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3

Inspect the Mating Plane Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3

Inspect the Precision Slotless Connectors (female). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4

Cleaning Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4

Gaging Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6

Connector Gage Accuracy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6

When to Gage Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7

Reading the Connector Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7

Gaging Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8

Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1 6

How to Make a Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-16

How to Separate a Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-19

Using the Sliding Load. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-20

Handling and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-22

4. Performance Verification

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 2

How Agilent Verifies the Devices in This Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2

Recertification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

How Often to Recertify . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

Where to Send a Kit for Recertification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

iii

Contents

5. Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Returning a Kit or Device to Agilent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3

Where to Look for More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3

Contacting Agilent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 3

6. Replaceable Pa rts

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

A. Standard Definitions

Version Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A- 2

Standard Class Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-3

Blank Forms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A- 7

Nominal Standard Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-11

Setting the System Impedance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-11

Blank Forms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A- 1 5

1 General Information

85054B 1-1

General Information

Calibration Kit Overview

The Agilent 85054B type-N calibration kit is used to calibrate Agilent network analyzers up to 18 GHz for measurements of components with 50Ω type-N connectors.

The stand ards in this calibrati o n kit allow you to pe rfo rm simp le 1- o r 2-port and T R M

(thru–reflect–match) calibrations. This manual describes the 85054B calibration kit and provides replacement part numbers ,

specifications, and procedures for using, maintaining, and troubleshooting the kit.

Kit Contents

The 85054B calibration kit contains the following:

• offset opens and shorts, lowband and sliding load terminations

• four type-N to 7 mm adapters

• two type-N to type-N adapters

• a type-N connector gage set

• a 3/4 inch, 135 N-cm (12 in-lb) torque wrench for use on the type-N connectors

• a spanner wrench

• a data disk that contains the calibration definitions of the devices in the kit for 8510 systems and the 872x series

• a data disk that contains the calibration definiti ons of the devices in the kit for the PNA series

Refer to T able 6-1 and Figure 6-1 for a complete list of kit contents and their associated part n u mbers .

Offset Opens and Shorts

The offset opens and shorts are built from parts that are machined to the current state-of-the-art in precision machining.

The offset short’s inner conductors have a one-piece construction, common with the shorting plane. The construction provides for extremely repeatable connections.

The offset opens have inner conductors that are supported by a strong, low-dielectric constant plastic to minimize compensation values.

Both the opens and shorts are constructed so that the pin depth can be controlled very tightly, thereby minimizing phase er r or s. The leng ths of the offsets i n the opens and shorts are designed so tha t the difference in phase of their reflection coeffic ients is approximately 180 degre e s at all frequencies.

1-2 85054B

General Information

Calibration Kit Overview

Lowband Loads

The lowband loads are metrology-grade, 50 ohm terminations which have been optimized for lowband performance up to 2 GHz. The rugged internal structure provides for highly repeatable connections. A distributed resistive element on sapphire provides excellent stability and return loss.

Sliding Loads

The sliding loads in this kit are designed to provide excellent performance from 3 GHz to 18 GHz. The inner and outer conductors of the airline portion are precision machined to state-of-the-art tolerances. Although the sliding load has exceptional return loss, its superior load stability qual ifies it as a hig h -pe rformance device.

The sliding load w a s d es igned w ith the a b il ity to extend the inne r conduc tor f or c onnec ti on purposes and then pull it back to a pres et pi n de pt h . T h is feature is cri t ica l sin ce it minimizes the possibility of damage during the conne ction, wh il e maintaini ng a minimum pin depth to optimize performance.

Adapters

Like the other devices in the kit, the adapters are built to very tight tolerances to provide good broadband performance. The adapters utilize a dual-beaded connector structure to ensure stable, repea table connections. The b eads are des i gned to mi ni mize ret urn l oss and are separated far enough so that interaction between the beads is minimized.

Calibration Definitions

The calibration kit must be selected and the calibration definitions for the devices in the kit installed in the network analyzer prior to performing a calibration. Refer to your

network analyzer user’s guide for instructions on selecting the calibration kit and performing a calibration.

The calibration definitions can be:

• resident within the analyzer

• loaded from the provided disk

• entered from the front panel

Installation of the Calibration Definitions

The calibration definitions for the kit may be permanently installed in the internal memory or hard disk of the network analyzer.

If the calibration definitions for the kit are not permanently installed in the network analyzer, they must be manually entered. Refer to your network analyzer user’s guide for instructions.

Equipment Required but Not Supplied

Connector cleaning supplies and various electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection devices are not supplied with the calibration kit but are required to ensure successful operation of the kit. Refer to Table 6-2 on p ag e 6-4 for ordering information.

85054B 1-3

General Information

Incoming Inspection

Refer to “Kit Contents” on page 1-2 to verify a complete shipment. Use Table 1-1 on page

1-5 to record the serial numbers of all serialized devices in your kit.

Check for damage. The foam-lined storage case provides protection during shipping. If the case or any device appears damaged, or if the shipment is incomplete, refer to “Contacting

Agilent” on page 5-3. Agilent will arrange for repair or replacement of incomplete or

damaged shipments without waiting for a settlement from the transportation company. See “Returning a Kit or Device to Agilent” on page 5-3.

1-4 85054B

General Information

Serial Numbers

A serial number is attached to this calibration kit. The first four digits followed by a letter comprise the serial number prefix; the last five digits are the suffix, unique to each calibration kit.

Recording the Device Serial Numbers

In addition to the kit ser ial number, the devices in the kit are individua lly seri alized (seria l numbers are labeled onto the body of each device). Record these serial numbers in

Table 1-1. Recording the serial numbers will prevent confusing the devices in this kit with

similar devices from other kits.

Table 1-1 Serial Number Record for the 85054B

Device Serial Number

Calibration kit

Lowband load (m) Lowband load (f) Open (m) Open (f) Short (m) Short (f) Sliding load (f) Sliding load (m ) Connect or gage (f)

Gages

Gage Mast er (f) Connect or gage (m ) Gage Mast er (m)

Adapters

Type-N (m) to Type-N (m) Type-N (f) to Type-N (f)

_______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________

_______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________ Type-N (f) to 7 mm Type-N (m) to 7 mm

85054B 1-5

_______________________________

General Information

Calibration Kits Documented in This Manual

This manual applies to any 85054B calibration kit whose serial number prefix is listed on the title page. If your calibration kit has a different serial number prefix, refer to the

“Calibration Kit History” section below for information on how this manual applies.

Calibration Kit History

This section describes calibration kits with serial number prefixes lower that the ones listed on the title page.

85054B Kits with Serial Prefix 2906A

These calibration kits did not have the calibration definitions disk to support the Agilent 8510C network analyzer. The part numbers provided in this manual are the recommend ed replacement parts for these kits. The devices in these kits should meet the specifications published in this manual.

1-6 85054B

General Information

Precision Slotless Connector s

Precision Slotless Connect ors

The female type-N connectors in this calibration kit are metrology-grade , precisi on slotless connectors (PSC). A characteristic of metrology-grade connectors is direct traceability to national measurement standards through their well-defined mechanical dimensions.

Conventional female center conductors are slotted. When mated, the female center conductor is flared by the male pin. Because physical dimensions determine connector impedance, electrical characteristics of the female connector (and connection pair) are dependent upon the mechanical dimensions of the male pin. While connectors are used in pairs, their male and female halves are always specified separately as part of a standard, instrument, or device under test. Because of these facts, making precision measurements with the conventional slotted connector is very difficult, and establishing a direct traceability path to primary dimensional standards is nearly impossible.

The precision slotless connector was developed to eliminate these problems. All PSCs are female. A PSC incorporates a center conductor with a solid cylindrical shell that defines the outside diameter of the female center pin. Its outside diameter and, therefore, the impedance in its region does not change. The inner part provides an internal contact that flexes to accept the allowed range of male pin diameters.

The calibration of a network analyzer having a conventional slotted female connector on the test port remains valid only when the device under test and all calibration standards have identical male pin diameters. For this reason, PSC test-port adapters are supplied in most cal ibration ki t s.

Precision slotless connectors have the following characteristics:

• there is no loss of traceable calibration on test ports when the male pin diameter of the connector on the device under test is different from the male pin diameter of the calibration standard.

• The female PSC and its mating male connector can be measured and specified separately as part of the device either is attached to.

• All female connectors can have a known, stable impedance based only on the diameter s of their inner and outer conductors.

• Female c alibration standards can be f ully sp ecifi ed. Their specifi cations and traceabili ty are unaffected by the diameter of the male mating pin.

• A fully traceable performance ve rificati on is made using a precision 50 o hm airline having a PSC.

• Measurement repeatability is enhanced due to non-changing connector characteristics with various pin diameters.

With PSCs on test ports and standards, the percentage of accuracy achieved when measuring at 50 dB return loss levels is comparable to using conventional slotted connectors measuring devices having only 30 dB return loss. This represents an accuracy improvement of about 10 times.

85054B 1-7

General Information

Clarifying the Sex of a Connector

In this manual, the s ex of c a li bra tion de vices a nd ada pt ers ar e r ef erred to in terms of their connector interface. For example, a male open has a male connector.

However, during a measurement calibration, the network analyzer softkey menus label a

type-N calibration device with reference to the sex of the analyzer’s test port connector—not the calibration device connector. For example, the label analyzer’s display refers to the short that is to be connected to the female test port. This will be a male short from the calibration kit.

Conversely, connector gages are referred to in terms of the connector that it measures. For instance, a male connector ga ge has a female connector on the gage so that it can measure male dev ices.

SHORT(F) on the

Preventive Maintenance

The best techniques for maintaining the integrity of the devices in this kit include:

• routine visual inspection

• cleaning

• proper g aging

• proper connection techniques All of the above are described in Chapter 3 , “Use, Maintenance, and Care of the Devices.”

Failure to detect and remove dirt or metallic particles on a mating plane surface can degrade repeatability and accuracy and can damage any connector mated to it. Improper connections , r es ult ing f rom pin dep th v al ues be ing out of the observed limits (see Tab le 2- 2

on page 2-4), or from bad connections, can also damage these devices.

1-8 85054B

2 Specifications

2-1

Specifications

Environmental Requirements

Table 2-1 Environmental Requirements

Parameter Limits

Operating temperature Error-corrected temperature range

Storage temperature −40 °C to +75 °C (−40 °F to +167 °F) Altitude

Operation < 4,500 meters (≈15,000 feet) Storage < 15,000 meters (≈50,000 feet)

Relative humidity Always non-condensing

Operation 0 to 80% (26 °C maximum d ry bulb) Storage 0 to 90%

a. The temperatu re rang e over which the calibration standards maintain conformance to their

specification s .

b. The allowable network analy z er ambient temp erature drift during measureme nt calibration

and during measurem ents when t he ne twor k analyzer er ror co rre cti on is t urne d on. Al so, the range over which the network an aly z er m aintains its specified perfo rm ance while correction is turned on.

+20 °C to +26 °C (+68 °F to +79 °F) ±1 °C of measurement calibration temperature

Temperature—What to W atch Out For

Changes in temperature can affect electrical characteristics. Therefore, the operating temperature is a critical factor in performance. During a measurement calibration, the temperature of the calibration devices must be stable and within the range specified in

Table 2-1.

IMPORTANT Avoid unnecessary handling of the devices during calibration because your

fingers are a heat source.

2-2 85054B

Specifications

Mechanical Characteristics

Mechanical characteristics such as center conductor protrusion and pin depth are not performance specifications. They are, however, important supplemental characteristics related to electrical performance. Agilent Technol ogi es verifies the mechanical characteristics of the devices in this kit with special gaging processes and electrical testing. This ensures that the device connectors do not exhibit any improper pin depth when the kit leaves the factory.

“Gaging Connectors” on page 3-6 explains how to use gages to determine if the kit devices

have maintained their mechanical i nteg rity. (Refer to Table 2 -2 o n page 2-4 for typical and observed pin depth limits.)

Pin Depth

Pin depth is the distance the center conductor mating plane differs from being flush with the outer conductor mating plane. Refer to Figure 2-1 . Some coaxial connectors, such as

2.4 mm and 3.5 mm, are designed to have these planes nearly flush. Type-N connectors,

however, are designed with a pin depth offset of approximately 5.26 mm (0.207 inch), not permitting these planes to be flush. The male center conductors are recessed by the offset value while the female center conductors compensate by protruding the same amount. This offset necessitates the redefining of pin depth with regard to protrusion and recession.

Protrusion refers to a male type-N connector center conductor having a pin depth value less than 5.26 mm (0.207 inch), or a female type-N connector c enter conductor ha ving a pin depth value greater than 5.26 mm (0.207 inch).

Recession refers to a male type-N connector center conductor having a pin depth value greater than 5.26 mm (0.207 in), or a female type-N connector center conductor having a pin depth value less than 5.26 mm (0.207 inch).

Figure 2-1 Connector Pin Depth

85054B 2-3

Specifications

Mechanical Characteristics

NOTE The gages for measuring type-N connectors compensate for the designed

offset of 5.26 mm (0.207 inch), therefore, protrusion and recession readings are in relation to a zero reference plane (as if the inner and outer conductor planes were intended to be flush). Gage readings can be directly compared with the observed values listed in Table 2-2.

The pin depth value of each calibration device in this kit is not specified, but is an important mechanical parameter. The electrical performance of the device depends, to some extent, on its pin depth. The electrical specifications for each device in this kit take

into account the effect of pin depth on the device’s performance. Table 2-2 lists the typical pin depths and measurement uncerta inties, and pr ovi des obser ve d pin d ep th l imits f or the devices in the kit. If the pin depth of a device does not measure within the observed pin depth limits, it may be an indication that the device fails to meet electrical specifications. Refer to Figure 2-1 for an illustration of pin depth in type-N connectors.

Table 2-2 Pin Depth Limits

Device

Typica l Pin D ept h micrometers

–4

(10

inches)

Opens 0 to −12.7

(0 to −5.0)

Shorts 0 to −12.7

(0 to −5.0)

Lowband loads

Sliding loads 0 to −7.6

Adapters (7 mm end)

Adapters (type- N en d)

a. Approximately +2 sigma to −2 sigma of gage uncertainty based on stud ies done at the fac-

tory accord i ng to recommended pr ocedures .

b. Observed pin depth limits are the range of observation limit s seen on the gage reading due

to measurement uncert ainty. The depth could still be within specif ications.

0 to −50.8 (0 to −20.0)

(0 to −3.0) 0 to −50.8

(0 to −20.0) 0 to −12.7

(0 to −5.0)

Measurement Uncertainty

micrometers

–4

(10

inches)

+3.8 to −3.8 (+ 1.5 to −1.5)

Observed Pin Depth

Limits micrometers

–4

(10

inches)

+3.8 to −16.5 (+ 1.5 to −6.5)

+3.8 to −16.5 (+ 1.5 to −21.5)

+3.8 to −54.6 (+ 1.5 to −21.5)

+3.8 to −11.4 (+ 1.5 to −4.5)

+3.8 to −54.6 (+ 1.5 to −21.5)

+3.8 to −16.5 (+ 1.5 to −6.5)

NOTE When measuring pin depth, the measured value (resultant average of three

or more measurements) is not the true value. Always compare the measured value with the observed pin depth limits in Table 2-2 to evaluate the condition of device connectors.

2-4 85054B

Specifications

Electrical Specifications

The electrical specifications in Table 2-3 apply to the devices in your calibration kit when connected with an Agilent precision interface.

Table 2-3 Electrical Specifications

Device Frequency (GHz) Parameter Specif ication

Lowband loads DC to ≤2 Return Loss ≥48 dB (≤0.00398ρ)

Sliding loads

Adapters

(both styles)

Offset Opens

Offset Shorts

a. The specifications for t he sliding load termination include the quality of the airline

b. The specifications for the opens and shorts are given as allowed deviation from the

portions within the sliding load combined with the effective stability of the sliding element.

nominal model as defined in the standard definitions (see “ Nom inal Standard Definiti ons”

on page A-11).

> 2 to ≤18

DC to ≤8

> 8 to ≤18

at 18 Deviation from Nominal

Return Loss

Return Loss Return Loss

Phase

≥42 dB (≤0.00794ρ)

≥34 dB (≤0.0200ρ) ≥28 dB (≤0.0398ρ)

±1.5°

±1.0°

Certification

Agilent Technologies c er tifi es tha t this product met its published specif ica tio ns at the time of shipment from the factory. Agilent further certifies that its calibration measurements are traceable to the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

to the extent allowed by the institute’s calibration facility, and to the calibration facilities of other International Standards Organization members. See “How Agilent Verifi es the

Devices in This Kit” on page 4-2 for more info rmation.

85054B 2-5

Specifications

Electrical Specifications

2-6 85054B

3 Use, Maintenance, and Care of the

Devices

3-1

Use, Maintenance, and Care of the Devices

Electrostatic Discharge

Protection against ESD (electrostatic discharge) is essential while connecting, inspecting, or cleaning connectors attached to a static-sensitive circuit (such as those found in test sets).

Static electricity can build up on your body and can easily damage sensitive internal circuit elements when discharged. Static discharges too small to be felt can cause permanent damage. Devices such as calibration components and devices under test (DUTs), can also carry an electrostatic charge. To prevent damage to the test set, components, and devices:

• always wear a grounded wrist strap having a 1 MΩ resistor in series with it when handling components and devices or when making connections to the test set.

• always use a grounded, conductive table mat while making connections.

• always wear a heel strap when working in an area with a conductive floor. If you are uncertain about the conductivity of your floor, w ear a heel strap.

• always ground yourself before you clean, inspect, or make a connection to a static-sensitive dev ice or tes t port. You can, for example, grasp t he ground ed outer s hel l of the test port or cable connector briefly.

• always ground the center conductor of a test cable before making a connection to the analyzer test port or other static-sensitive device. This can be done as follows:

1. Connect a short (from your calibration kit) to one end of the cable to short the center

conductor to the outer conductor.

2. While wearing a grounded wrist strap, grasp the outer shell of the cable connector.

3. Connect the other end of the cable to the test port.

4. Remove the short from the cable.

Refer to Chapter 6 , “Replaceable Parts,” for part numbe rs and instructions for orde ring ESD protection devices.

Figure 3-1 ESD Protection Setup

3-2 85054B

Use, Maintenance, and Care of the Devices

Visual Inspection

Visual inspection and, if necessary, cleaning should be done every time a connection is made. Metal particles from the connector threads may fall into the connector when it is disconnected. One connection made with a dirty or damaged connector can damage both connectors beyond repair.

In some cases, magnification is necessary to see damage on a connector; a magnifying device with a magnification of ≥10× is recommended. However, not all defects that are visible only under magnification wi ll affect the elec trical per formance of the connector. Use the following guidelines when evaluating the integrity of a connector.

Look for Obvious Defects and Damage First

Examine the connectors first for obvious defects and damage: badly worn plating on the connector interface, deformed threads, or bent, broken, or misaligned center conductors. Connector nuts should move smoothly and be free of burrs, loose metal particles, and rough spots.

What Causes Connector Wear?

Connector wear is caused by connecting and disconnecting the devices. The more use a connector gets, the faster it wears and degrades. The wear is greatly accelerated when connectors are not kept clean, or are connected incorrectly.

Connector wear eventually d egra des performance of the dev ic e. Calibration devi ce s should have a long life if their use is on the order of a few times per week. Replace devices with worn connectors.

The test port connectors on the network analyzer test s et may have many connections each day, and are therefore more subject to wear. It is recommended that an adapter be used as

a test port saver to minimize the wear on the test set’s test port connectors.

Inspect the Mating Plane Surfaces

Flat contact between the connectors at a ll point s on their mating plane sur faces is required for a good connection. See Figure 2-1 on page 2-3. Look especially for deep scratches or dents, and for dirt and metal particles on the connector mating plane surfaces. Also look for signs of damage due to excessive or uneven wear or misalignment.

Light burnishing of the mating plane surfaces is normal, and is evident as light scratches or shallow circular marks distributed more or less uniformly over the mating plane surface. Other small defects and cosmetic imperfections are also normal. None of these affect electrical or mechanical performance.

If a connector shows deep scratches or dents, particles clinging to the mating plane surfaces, or uneven wear, clean and inspect it again. Devices with damaged connectors should be discarded. Determine the cause of damage before connecting a new, undamaged connector in the same configuration.

85054B 3-3

Use, Maintenance, and Care of the Devices

Cleaning Connectors

Inspect the Precision Slotless Connectors (female)

Precision slotle ss female connectors are used to improve acc uracy. The slotless contacts are not affected by the slight variations in male contact pin diameter. However, it is still advisable to inspect them regularly for damage.

NOTE This is particularly impor tant when mating nonprecision to p recision devic es .

Cleaning Connectors

Clean connectors are essential for ensuring the integrity of RF and microwave coaxial connections.

1. Use Compressed Air or Nitrogen

WARNING Always use protective eyewear when using compressed air or

nitrogen.

Use compressed air (or nitrogen) to loosen particles on the connector mating plane surfaces.

You can use any source of clean, dry, low-pressure compressed air or nitrogen that has an effective oil-vapor filter and liquid condensation trap placed just before the outlet hose.

Ground the hose nozzle to prevent electrostatic discharge, and set the air pressure to less than 414 kP a (60 ps i) to con trol the vel ocity of th e air stream. High- velocity s treams of compressed air can cause electrostatic effects when directed into a connector. These electrostatic effects can damage the device . Refe r to “Electrostatic Discha r ge” earlier in

this chapter for additional information.

2. Clean the Connector Threads

WARNING Keep isopropyl alcohol away from heat, sparks, and flame. Store in a

tightly closed container. It is extremely flammable. In case of fire, u se alcohol foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide; water may be ineffective.

Use isopropyl alcohol with adequate ventilation and avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. It causes skin irritation, may cause eye damage, and is harmful if swallowed or inhaled. It may be harmful if absorbed through the skin. Wash thoroughly after handling.

In case of spill, soak up with sand or earth. Flush spill area with water.

Dispose of isopropyl alcohol in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations.

3-4 85054B

Use, Maintenance, and Care of the Devices

Cleaning Connectors

Use a lint-free swab or cleaning cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol to remove any dirt or stubborn contaminants on a connector that cannot be removed with compressed air or nitrogen. Refer to T abl e 6-2 on page 6-4 for part numbers f or isopropy l alcohol and cleaning swabs.

a. Apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to a lint-free cleaning swab. b. Clean the connector threads. c. Let the alcohol evaporate, then blow the threads dry with a gentle stream of clean,

low-pressure compressed air or nitrogen. Always completely dry a connector before you reassemble or use it.

3. Clean the Mat ing Plane Surfaces a. Apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to a lint-free cleaning swab.

b. Clean the center and outer conductor mating plane surfaces. Refer to Figu re 2-1 on

page 2-3. When cleaning a female connector, avoid snagging the swab on the center

conductor contact fingers by using short strokes.

c. Let the alcohol evaporate , then blow the connector dry wit h a gentle stream of clean,

low-pressure compressed air or nitrogen. Always completely dry a connector before you reassemble or use it.

4. Inspect Inspect the connector again to make sure that no particles or residue are present.

85054B 3-5

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