Specifications
11-4 PRECAUTIONS FOR
USING CONNECTORS
The following are precautionary notes related to the use of connectors.
For specific information on setting pin depths on sliding terminations,
refer to Chapter 8, paragraph 8-3.
Pin Depth Before mating, measure the pin depth (Figure 11-4)
of the device that will mate with the RF component,
using a Anritsu Pin Depth Gauge or equivalent
(Figure 11-5). Based on RF components returned for
repair, destructive pin depth of mating connectors is
the major cause of failure in the field. When an RF
component is mated with a connector having a
destructive pin depth, damage will likely occur to
the RF component connector. (A destructive pin
depth has a center pin that is too long in respect to
the connector’s reference plane.)
Pin Depth
Tolerance
The center pin of RF component connectors has a
precision tolerance measured in mils (1/1000 inch).
Connectors on test devices that mate with RF com-
ponents may not be precision types and may not
have the proper depth. They must be measured be-
fore mating to ensure suitability. When gauging pin
depth, if the test device connector measures out of
tolerance (Table 11-1) in the “+” region of the gauge
(Figure 11-5), the center pin is too long. Mating un-
der this condition will likely damage the termina-
tion connector. On the other hand, if the test device
connector measures out of tolerance in the “–” re-
gion, the center pin is too short. While this will not
cause any damage, it will result in a poor connection
and a consequent degradation in performance.
Over Torquing
Connectors
Over torquing connectors is destructive; it may dam
-
age the connector center pin. Finger-tight is usually
sufficient, especially on Type N connectors. Never
use pliers to tighten connectors.
Teflon Tuning
Washers
The center conductor on most RF components con
-
tains a small teflon tuning washer located near the
point of mating (interface). This washer compen
-
sates for minor impedance discontinuities at the in
-
terface. The washer’s location is critical to the RF
component’s performance. Do not disturb it.
PRECAUTIONS FOR CALIBRATION
USING CONNECTORS KITS
11-10 MS462XX OM
REFERENCE
PLANE
MALE
PIN
DEPTH
(INCHES)
REFERENCE
PLANE
FEMALE
PIN
DEPTH
(INCHES)
Figure 11-4. N Connector Pin Depth
0
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
2
11
2
Figure 11-5. Pin Depth Gauge