User`s guide

456 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
21 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 applies primarily when connectors in the system have been
disconnected, then reconnected).
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.
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.