MA24106A UG A-1
Appendix A — Connector Care and Handling
Anritsu MA24106A Power Sensors are high-quality precision laboratory instruments and should receive the
same care and respect afforded to such instruments. Follow the precautions listed below when handling or
connecting these devices. Complying with these precautions will guarantee longer component life and less
equipment down time due to connector or device failure. Also, such compliance will ensure that Power Sensor
failures are not due to misuse or abuse – two failure modes not covered under the Anritsu warranty.
Beware of destructive pin depth mating connectors
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 usually occur to the RF component
connector. A destructive pin depth is one that is too long in respect to the reference plane of the connector
(Figure A-1, left).
The center pin of a precision RF component connector has a precision tolerance. The mating connectors of
various RF components may not be precision types. Consequently, the center pins of these devices may not
have the proper pin depth. The pin depth of DUT connectors should be measured to assure compatibility before
attempting to mate them with Power Sensor connectors. An Anritsu Pin Depth Gauge or equivalent can be
used for this purpose (Figure A-1, right)
If the measured connector is out of tolerance in the “+” region, the center pin is too long (see Table A-1, below).
Mating under this condition will likely damage the precision RF component connector. If the test device
connector measures out of tolerance in the “–” region, the center pin is too short. This should not cause damage,
but it will result in a poor connection and a consequent degradation in performance.
Figure A-1. Pin Depth
Table A-1. Allowable DUT connector pin depth
Connector Type Pin Depth Gage Model # Pin Depth (inches) Pin Depth Gage Readout
N-Male SC3825 0.207 +0.030
–0.000
0.207 +0.000
–0.030
N-Female SC3825 0.207 +0.000
–0.030
0.207 +0.000
–0.030