Technical data

648 Chapter 22
Connector Care
Using, Inspecting, and Cleaning RF Connectors
Connector Care
Using, Inspecting, and Cleaning RF Connectors
Taking proper care of cables and connectors will protect your test set’s ability to
make accurate measurements. Inaccurate measurements often result from
improperly made connections or dirty or damaged connectors.
Worn, out-of-tolerance, or dirty connectors degrade the accuracy and repeatability
of measurements. For more information on connector care, refer to the
documentation that came with your calibration kit.
Repeatability
If you make two identical measurements with your test set, the differences should be
so small that they do not affect the value of the measurement. Repeatability (the
amount of similarity from one measurement to another of the same type) can be
affected by:
• Dirty or damaged connectors
• Connections that have been made without using proper torque techniques (this
applies primarily when connectors in the test set have been disconnected, then
reconnected)
CAUTION This test set contains test sets and devices that are static-sensitive. Always take
proper electrostatic precautions before touching the center conductor of any
connector, or the center conductor of any cable that is connected to the test set.
RF Cable and Connector Care
Connectors are the most critical link in a precision measurement. These devices are
manufactured to extremely precise tolerances and must be used and maintained with
care to protect the measurement accuracy and repeatability of your test set.
To Extend the Life of Your Cables or Connectors:
• Avoid repeated bending of cables—a single sharp bend can ruin a cable
instantly.
• Avoid repeated connection and disconnection of cable connectors.
• Inspect the connectors before connection; look for dirt, nicks, and other signs of
damage or wear. A bad connector can ruin the good connector instantly.