Keysight 85052B Service Guide

Keysight Technologies 85052B

3.5 mm Calibration Kit



User’s and Service
Guide

85052B

WARRANTY STATEMENT

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, KEYSIGHT 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. KEYSIGHT 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 KEYSIGHT 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.

DFARS/Restricted Rights Notice

If software is for use in the performance of a U.S. Government prime contract or subcontract, Software is
delivered and licensed as “Commercial computer software” as defined in DFAR 252.227-7014 (June 1995),
or as a “commercial item” as defined in FAR 2.101(a) or as “Restricted computer software” as defined in
FAR 52.227-19 (June 1987) or any equivalent agency regulation or contract clause. Use, duplication or
disclosure of Software is subject to Keysight Technologies’ standard commercial license terms, and
non-DOD Departments and Agencies of the U.S. Government will receive no greater than Restricted Rights
as defined in FAR 52.227-19(c)(1-2) (June 1987). U.S. Government users will receive no greater than Limited
Rights as defined in FAR 52.227-14 (June 1987) or DFAR 252.227-7015 (b)(2) (November 1995), as
applicable in any technical data.

Printing Copies of Documentation from the Web

To print copies of documentation from the Web, download the PDF file from the Keysight web site:

•Go to www.keysight.com.

• Enter the product model number in the Search function and click the Search icon (magnifying glass).

•Click on the Manuals hyperlink.

• Open the PDF of your choice and print the document.

85052B

Contents

1 General Information

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

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

Broadband Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Offset Opens and Shorts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Adapters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Sliding Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

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

Installation of the Calibration Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Equipment Required but Not Supplied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

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

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

Precision Slotless Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Clarifying the Terminology of a Connector Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Preventive Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

When to Calibrate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8

2 Specifications

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

Temperature—What to Watch Out For . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

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

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

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

Residual Errors after Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

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

What Causes Connector Wear? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

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

Inspect Female Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

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

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

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

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

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

Gaging 3.5 mm Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Gaging the 3.5 mm Sliding Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10

Adjusting the Sliding Load Pin Depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12

Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14

How to Make a Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14

Preliminary Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14

Final Connection Using a Torque Wrench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14

Connecting the Sliding Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16

How to Separate a Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17

Using the Sliding Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18

85052B

Contents

Handling and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19

4 Performance Verification

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

How Keysight Verifies the Devices in Your Kit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

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

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

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

5 Troubleshooting

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

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

Returning a Kit or Device to Keysight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

Contacting Keysight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

6 Replaceable Parts

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

A Standard Definitions

Class Assignments and Standard Definitions Values are Available on the Web. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-2

85052B

1 General Information

General Information

Calibration Kit Overview

Calibration Kit Overview

The Keysight 85052B 3.5 mm calibration kit is used to calibrate Keysight network analyzers up to 26.5 GHz
for measurements of components with 3.5-mm connectors.

Kit Contents

The 85052B calibration kit includes the following items:

• calibration kit storage case

• user’s and service guide

• offset opens and shorts, broadband loads and sliding load terminations

• 3.5 mm gage sets

• three 3.5 mm adapters

• 5/16 in, 90 N-cm (8 in-lb) torque wrench

• centering bead (for gaging 3.5 mm sliding loads

• open-end wrench

Refer to Table 6-1 on page 6-2 and Table 6-2 on page 6-4 for a complete list of kit contents and their
associated part numbers.

For measurement convenience, the kit also contains three 3.5 mm adapters. The adapters are primarily
intended for use in measuring non-insertable devices, but can also be used as a connector saver.

Broadband Loads

The broadband loads are metrology-grade terminations that have been optimized for performance up to

26.5 GHz. The rugged internal structure provides for highly repeatable connections. A distributed resistive
element on sapphire provides excellent stability and return loss.

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 errors. The lengths of the offsets in the opens and shorts are designed so that the
difference in phase of their reflection coefficients is approximately 180 degrees at all frequencies.

1- 2 85052B

General Information

Calibration Kit Overview

Adapters

Like the other devices in the kit, the adapters are built to very tight tolerances to provide good broadband
performance and to ensure stable, repeatable connections.

The beads are designed to minimize return loss and are separated far enough so that interaction between
the beads is minimized. The adapters are designed so that their nominal electrical lengths are the same,
which allows them to be used in calibration procedures for non-insertable devices.

Sliding Loads

The sliding loads in this kit are designed to provide excellent performance from 3 GHz to 26.5 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 qualifies it as a
high-performance device.

The sliding load was designed with the ability to extend the inner conductor for connection purposes and
then pull it back to a preset pin depth. This feature is critical since it minimizes the possibility of damage
during the connection, while maintaining a minimum pin depth to optimize performance.

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

• entered from the front panel

Class assignments and standard definitions may change as more accurate model and calibration methods
are developed. You can download the most recent class assignments and standard definitions from
Keysight’s Calibration Kit Definitions Web page at

www.na.support.keysight.com/pna/caldefs/stddefs.html

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 page

6-4 for ordering information.

85052B 1-3

General Information

Incoming Inspection

Incoming Inspection

Refer to “Kit Contents” on page 1-2 to verify a complete shipment. Use Ta b l e 1- 1 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 Keysight” on page 5-5.
Keysight 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 Keysight” on page 5-4.

1- 4 85052B

General Information

Recording the Device Serial Numbers

Recording the Device Serial Numbers

In addition to the kit serial number, the devices in the kit are individually serialized (serial numbers are
labeled onto the body of each device). Record these serial numbers in 

Ta b l e 1 - 1 . Recording the serial numbers will prevent confusing the devices in this kit with similar devices

from other kits.

The adapters included in the kit are for measurement convenience only and are not serialized.

Table 1-1 Serial Number Record for the 85052B

Device Serial Number

Calibration kit

-m- broadband load

-f- broadband load

-m- open

-f- open

-m- short

-f- short

-m- sliding load

-f- sliding load

-m- connector Gage

-m- gage Master

-f- connector Gage

-f- gage Master

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

85052B 1-5

General Information

Precision Slotless Connectors

Precision Slotless Connectors

The female 3.5 mm connectors in this calibration kit are metrology-grade, precision 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 calibration kits.

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 diameters of their inner
and outer conductors.

• Female calibration standards can be fully specified. Their specifications and traceability are unaffected
by the diameter of the male mating pin.

• A fully traceable performance verification is made using a precision 50 ohm 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.

1- 6 85052B

General Information

Clarifying the Terminology of a Connector Interface

Clarifying the Terminology of a Connector Interface

In this document and in the prompts of the PNA calibration wizard, the gender of cable connectors and
adapters is referred to in terms of the center conductor. For example, a connector or device designated as

1.85 mm –f– has a 1.85 mm female center conductor.

A connector gage is referred to in terms of the connector that it measures. For instance, a male connector
gage has a female connector on the gage so that it can measure male devices.

Preventive Maintenance

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

• routine visual inspection

• cleaning

• proper gaging

• proper connection techniques

All of these are described in page 3-1. 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, resulting from pin depth values being out of the observed limits (see Table 2-2 on page 2-4) or
from bad connection techniques, can also damage these devices.

85052B 1-7

General Information

When to Calibrate

When to Calibrate

A network analyzer calibration remains valid as long as the changes in the systematic error are
insignificant. This means that changes to the uncorrected leakages (directivity and isolation), mismatches
(source match and load match), and frequency response of the system are small (<10%) relative to
accuracy specifications.

Change in the environment (especially temperature) between calibration and measurement is the major
cause in calibration accuracy degradation. The major effect is a change in the physical length of external
and internal cables. Other important causes are dirty and damaged test port connectors and calibration
standards. If the connectors become dirty or damaged, measurement repeatability and accuracy is affected.
Fortunately, it is relatively easy to evaluate the general validity of the calibration. To test repeatability,
remeasure one of the calibration standards. If you can not obtain repeatable measurements from your
calibration standards, maintenance needs to be performed on the test port connectors, cables and
calibration standards. Also, maintain at least one sample of the device under test or some known device as
your reference device. A verification kit may be used for this purpose. After calibration, measure the
reference device and note its responses. Periodically remeasure the device and note any changes in its
corrected response which can be attributed to the test system. With experience you will be able to see
changes in the reference responses that indicate a need to perform the measurement calibration again.

1- 8 85052B

2 Specifications

Specifications

Environmental Requirements

Environmental Requirements

Table 2-1 Environmental Requirements

Parameter Limits

Te m pe r a t ur e

Operating

Storage 40 C to +75 C

Error-corrected range

Relative humidity Type tested at 95%, 40 C (non-condensing)

a. The temperature range over which the calibration standards maintain conformance to their specifications.
b. The allowable network analyzer ambient temperature drift during measurement calibration and during

a

b

measurements when the network analyzer error correction is turned on. Also, the range over which the
network analyzer maintains its specified performance while correction is turned on.

+20 C to +26 C

1 C of measurement calibration temperature

Temperature—What to Watch 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 shown in 

Ta b l e 2 - 1 .

IMPORTANT Avoid unnecessary handling of the devices during calibration because your fingers are a

heat source.

2- 2 85052B

Specifications

Mechanical Characteristics

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.
Keysight Technologies verifies the mechanical characteristics of the devices in the kit with special gaging
processes and electrical testing. This ensures that the device connectors do not exhibit any center
conductor protrusion or 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 integrity. Refer to Table 2-2 on 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. See Figure 2-1. The pin depth of a connector can be in one of two states: either
protruding or recessed.

Protrusion is the condition in which the center conductor extends beyond the outer conductor mating
plane. This condition will indicate a positive value on the connector gage.

Recession is the condition in which the center conductor is set back from the outer conductor mating
plane. This condition will indicate a negative value on the connector gage.

Figure 2-1 Connector Pin Depth

85052B 2-3

Specifications

Mechanical Characteristics

The pin depth value of each calibration device in the 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 the kit take into account the effect of pin depth on the device’s
performance. Tab le 2 - 2 lists the typical pin depths and measurement uncertainties, and provides observed
pin depth limits for 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 a visual representation of proper pin depth (slightly recessed).

Table 2-2 Pin Depth Limits

Device

Opens 0 to 0.0127 mm

Shorts 0 to 0.0127 mm

Fixed loads 0.0025 to 0.0254 mm

Adapter 0.0025 to 0.0254 mm

Sliding loads 0 to 0.0076 mm

a. Approximately +2 sigma to 2 sigma of gage uncertainty based on studies done at the factory according to

recommended procedures.

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

uncertainty. The depth could still be within specifications.

Typical Pin Depth

0 to 0.00050 in

0 to 0.00050 in

0.0001 to 0.0010 in

0.0001 to 0.0010 in

0 to 0.00030 in

Measurement Uncertainty

+0.0064 to 0.0064 mm
+0.00025 to 0.00025 in

+0.0041 to 0.0041 mm
+0.00016 to 0.00016 in

+0.0041 to 0.0041 mm
+0.00016 to 0.00016 in

+0.0041 to 0.0041 mm
+0.00016 to 0.00016 in

+0.0041 to
+0.00016 to 0.00016 in

0.0041 mm

a

Observed Pin Depth Limitsb

+0.0064 to 0.0191 mm
+0.00025 to 0.00075 in

+0.0041 to 0.0168 mm
+0.00016 to 0.00066 in

+0.0016 to 0.0295 mm
+0.00006 to 0.00116 in

+0.0016 to 0.0295 mm
+0.00006 to 0.00116 in

+0.0041 to 0.0117 mm
+0.00016 to 0.00046 in

2- 4 85052B

Specifications

Electrical Specifications

Electrical Specifications

The electrical specifications in Ta b l e 2 - 3 apply to the devices in your calibration kit when connected with a
Keysight precision interface.

Table 2-3 Electrical Specifications for 85052B 3.5 mm Devices

Device Specification Frequency (GHz)

Broadband loads Return loss 46dB 0.00501) dc to  2

(male and female) Return loss 44 dB 0.00631) > 2 to  3

Return loss 38dB 0.01259) > 3 to 8

Return loss 36dB 0.01585) > 8 to 20

Return loss 34dB 0.01995) > 20 to 26.5

Sliding loads

Offset opens

(male and female)  1.20 deviation from nominal > 3 to  8

Offset shorts

(male and female)  1.00 deviation from nominal > 3 to  8

Adaptersc

a. Assuming proper usage, the specifications for the residual return loss after calibration for the sliding

a

b

b

load termination include:

• the quality of the airline portions within the sliding load, combined with 

• the effective stability of the sliding element.
Proper usage includes the following practices: 

Connector mating surfaces are clean.

•

• The changes in slide positioning are NOT done in equal steps since this results in very poor
calibration for some portions of the frequency range.

• The center conductor of test port connectors are nominally set back from the outer conductor. 
Sliding loads are designed to allow the center conductor to be moved. The position of the
sliding load center conductor should be set by a reference block and not positioned flush against
the center conductor of the test port.

Return loss 44 dB 0.00631) > 3 to 26.5

 0.65 deviation from nominal

 2.00 deviation from nominal > 8 to  20

 2.00 deviation from nominal > 20 to  26.5

 0.50 deviation from nominal

 1.75 deviation from nominal > 8 to  20

 1.75 deviation from nominal > 20 to  26.5

Return loss 30 dB 0.03162) dc to  8

Return loss 28 dB 0.03981) > 8 to  18

Return loss 26 dB 0.05012) > 18 to  26.5

dc to  3

dc to  3



<See the following page for more footnotes.>

85052B 2-5