Agilent Technologies N8201A manual Connector Removal, Gpib connectors, Precision 3.5 mm connectors

5Preventive Maintenance

Connector Removal

GPIB connectors

These are removed by two captured screws, one on each end of the connector; these usually can be turned by hand. Use a flathead screwdriver if necessary.

GPIB connectors often are stacked two or three deep. When you are removing multiple GPIB connectors, disconnect each connector one at a time. It is a good practice to connect them back together even if you have not yet replaced the instrument; this avoids confusion, especially if more than one instrument has been removed.

When putting GPIB connectors back on, you must again detach them from one another and put them on one at a time.

Precision 3.5 mm connectors

These are precision connectors. Always use care when connecting or disconnecting this type of connector. When reconnecting, make sure you align the male connector properly. Carefully join the connectors, being careful not to cross-thread them.

Loosen precision 3.5 mm connectors on flexible cables by turning the connector nut counter-clockwise with a 5/16 inch wrench. Always reconnect using an 8 inch-lb torque wrench (Agilent part number 8720-1765). Semirigid cables are metal tubes, custom-formed for this system from semirigid coax cable stock.

3.5 mm connectors with a gold hex nut

The semirigid cables that go to the RF outputs of some devices have a gold connector nut. These do not turn. Instead, the RF connector on the instrument has a cylindrical connector body that turns. To disconnect this type of connector, turn the connector body on the instrument clockwise. This action pushes the cable’s connector out of the instrument connector.

To reconnect, align the cable with the connector on the instrument. Turn the connector body counterclockwise. You may have to move the cable slightly until alignment is correct for the connectors to mate. When the two connectors are properly aligned, turning the instrument’s connector body will pull in the semirigid cable’s connector. Tighten firmly by hand.

3.5 mm connectors with a silver hex nut

All other semirigid cable connectors use a silver-colored nut that can be turned. To remove this type of connector, turn the silver nut counter-clockwise with a 5/16 inch wrench.

When reconnecting this type of cable:

•Carefully insert the male connector center pin into the female connector. (Make sure the cable is aligned with the instrument connector properly before joining them.)

96 Agilent N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz