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6
Preventive 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
Static-Sensitive Devices
CAUTION
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
• Clean dirty connectors. Dirt and foreign matter can cause poor electrical connections
• Minimize the number of times you bend cables.
78
applies primarily when connectors in the system have been disconnected, then
reconnected).
damage or wear. A bad connector can ruin the good connector instantly.
and may damage the connector.
E5505A Installation Guide
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