SMP Calibration Kits - Spectrum Elektrotechnik GmbH

smp.pm6Open - Short - LoadThrough Calibration KitSMP Calibration KitsThe Snap Mechanism: Regular connectors are threaded. Therefore, when coupled,they remain securely in the proper mated position. Thus, components can be characterizedprecisely, and repeatable tests can be performed, showing identical results. PUSH-ON typeconnectors are different and much more difficult to test. The male and female connectorssimply slide together. Although it is expected that they will end up in a predicted position, andthe spring mechanism will lock them up in that position, it cannot be guaranteed. There aremechanical tolerances on all dimensions that can affect performance. If the interfaces of theconnectors cannot meet properly, because of those tolerances, or if the interfaces end up in adifferent position each time (for example, if the insertion and withdrawal forces are inconsistent),the electrical performance will vary during testing.THE SOLUTION:Spectrum Elektrotechnik GmbH has developed a whole SMP Calibration System that allowstesting SMP connectors with guaranteed repeatability:The Test Connector Design: The test connectors and adapters have been developedas ideal 50 Ohm lines. The center conductor of the female connector is designed as a seamlesstube, loaded with a 0.004” (0.1 mm) slotted center contact, securing contact with the matingpin only at the very end, there where the tubing starts, ensuring a true 50 Ohm design. For the40 GHz Calibration Kit the center contact is even spring loaded, striving for perfectionism.The outer conductor of the connectors of the calibration components is not slotted as well.This ensures a perfect 50 Ohm line. Instead of PTFE, a different dielectric has been selected.The dielectric constant is close to the one of PTFE, but the disadvantegeous properties ofPTFE have been eliminated. The material is harder and it stays in place, ensuring true 50 Ohmlines, and traceable and repeatable test results.To ensure proper and repeatable mating, the SMP Test Connectors employ additional threading.Therefore the Calibration Components can be threaded together during the calibration sequence,ensuring perfect and repeatable mating, avoiding uncertainties that cannot be prevented withpure snap on connectors. On the other hand, the test connectors will mate properly with anystandard SMP connector.The Test Cables: Vector network analyzers require electrically stable cable assembliesfor measurement in very critical areas, such as Phase, Amplitude and VSWR. Cables have tomaintain calibration data, even when subjected to bending and twisting which can introducedistorting parameters. The cable assembly needs to be flexible without being flaccid. TheCables of Types 16, 18 and 22, as described in the Phase Stable Cable Assemblies’ section areideal for this application. One end of the Assembly will usually be terminated with an NMD2.4mm, 2.92mm, or 3.5mm, 7mm or N connector, as needed for connecting directly with theRF output of the network analyzer. These NMD Connectors are designed with a larger thanstandard coupling nut for greater stability. The other end of the ANA - Assembly can beterminated with the proper SMP Test Connector, avoiding any adapter, guaranteeing true andrepeatable test results.Test Adapters: Regular SMP connectors are made to specifications that allowprotruding dielectrics and center conductors. These connectors will damage mating precisionconnectors. Therefore Spectrum Elektrotechnik GmbH is offering also “Commercial” Adapters,accepting those connectors with protruding interfaces.Spectrum Elektrotechnik GmbH P.O. Box 45 05 33, 80905 Munich, Germany Tel. (89) 354 804-0, Fax (89) 354 804-90 (Country Code: 49)25