Agilent Technologies N8201A manual Using, Inspecting, and Cleaning RF Connectors, Repeatability

5Preventive Maintenance

Using, Inspecting, and Cleaning RF Connectors

Taking proper care of cables and connectors will protect your system’s ability to make accurate measurements. One of the main sources of measurement inaccuracy can be caused by improperly made connections or by dirty or damaged connectors.

The condition of system connectors affects measurement accuracy and repeatability. Worn, out-of-tolerance, or dirty connectors degrade these measurement performance characteristics.

Repeatability

If you make two identical measurements with your system, the differences should be so small that they will 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 system have been disconnected, then reconnected).

CAUTION	Static-Sensitive Devices
	This system contains instruments 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 any system
	instrument. Handle instruments and devices only when wearing a grounded wrist or
	foot strap. When handling devices on a work bench, make sure you are working on
	an anti-static worksurface.

RF Cable and Connector Care

Connectors are the most critical link in a precision measurement system. 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 system.

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.

•Clean dirty connectors. Dirt and foreign matter can cause poor electrical connections and may damage the connector.

•Minimize the number of times you bend cables.

•Never bend a cable at a sharp angle.

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