Electronic Calibration Modules Reference Guide 4-3
Use, Maintenance, and Care of the Devices
Visual Inspection
Visual Inspection
Visual inspection and, if necessary, cleaning should be done every time a
connection is made. Metal particles from the connector threads may fall into
the connector when it is disconnected.
Look for Obvious Defects and Damage First
Examine the connectors first for obvious defects and damage: badly worn
plating on the connector interface, deformed threads, or bent, broken, or
misaligned center conductors.
What Causes Connector Wear?
Connector wear is caused by connecting and disconnecting the devices. The
more use the device gets, the faster it wears and degrades. The wear is greatly
accelerated when connectors are not kept clean, or are not properly
connected. This is especially true with electrically characterized devices such
as ECal modules. ECal modules should have a long life if their use is on the
order of a few times per week.
The test port connectors on the network analyzer may have many connections
each day, and are therefore more subject to wear. It is recommended that an
adapter be used as a test port saver to minimize the wear on the connectors.
Replace devices with worn connectors.
Inspect the Mating Plane Surfaces
Uniform contact between the connectors at all points on their mating plane
surfaces is required for a good connection. See Figure 4-2 for an example of
locations of mating plane surfaces. Look especially for deep scratches or
dents, and for dirt and metal particles on the connector mating plane surfaces.
Also look for signs of damage due to excessive or uneven wear or
misalignment.
Devices with damaged connectors should immediately be discarded or
clearly marked and set aside for repair. A damaged device will in turn
damage any good connector to which it is attached. Try to determine the
cause of the damage before connecting a new, undamaged connector in
the same configuration.
Magnification is helpful when inspecting connectors, but it is not required
and may actually be misleading. Defects and damage that cannot be seen
without magnification generally have no effect on electrical or mechanical
performance. Magnification is of great use in analyzing the nature and
cause of damage and in cleaning connectors, but it is not required for
inspection.
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