The following are precautionary notes are related to the use and care of connectors.

Before mating, measure the pin depth (Figure: N Connector Pin Depth) of the device that will mate with the RF component, using a Anritsu Pin Depth Gauge or equivalent (Figure: Pin Depth Gauge). 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 reference plane of the connector.)

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 components may not be precision types and may not have the proper depth. They must be measured before mating to ensure suitability. When gauging pin depth, if the test device connector measures out of tolerance as listed in Table: Pin Depth Tolerances in the “+” region of the gauge (Figure: Pin Depth Gauge), the center pin is too long. Mating under this condition will likely damage the termination connector.

On the other hand, if the test device connector measures out of tolerance in the “–” region, 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 is destructive; it may damage the connector center pin. Finger-tight is usually sufficient, especially on Type N connectors.

The center conductor on most RF components contains a small teflon tuning washer located near the point of mating (interface). This washer compensates for minor impedance discontinuities at the interface. The location of the washer is critical to the performance of the RF components.

 

RF components are designed to withstand years of normal bench handling. However, do not drop or otherwise treat them roughly. They are laboratory-quality devices, and like other such devices, they require careful handling.