Agilent Technologies 281A/B Service manual

Agilent Technologies
Agilent 281A/B
Adapters
Operating and Service
Manual

2 Agilent 281A/B Adapters Operating and Service Manual
Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2000 - 2013
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Manual Part Number
00281-90045
Edition
Second Edition, April 2013
Printed in Malaysia
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Phase 3 Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone
Bayan Lepas, Penang 11900 Malaysia
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Safety Notices
CAUTION
A CAUTION notice denotes a haz-
ard. It calls attention to an operat-
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adhered to, could result in damage
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CAUTION notice until the indicated
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WARNING
A WARNING notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an
operating procedure, practice, or
the like that, if not correctly per-
formed or adhered to, could result
in personal injury or death. Do not
proceed beyond a WARNING
notice until the indicated condi-
tions are fully understood and
met.

Agilent 281A/B Adapters Operating and Service Manual 3
Certification
Agilent Technologies certifies that this product met its
published specifications at the time of shipment from the
factory. Agilent Technologies further certifies that its
calibration measurements are traceable to the United States
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST,
formerly NBS), to the extent allowed by the Institute’s
calibration facility, and to the calibration facilities of other
International Standards Organization members.
Warranty
Custom systems are warranted by contractual agreement
between Agilent Technologies and the customer.
This Agilent Technologies system product is warranted
against defects in materials and workmanship for a period
corresponding to the individual warranty periods of its
component products. Instruments are warranted for a period
of one year. During the warranty period, Agilent
Technologies will, at its option, either repair or replace
products that prove to be defective.
Warranty service for products installed by Agilent
Technologies and certain other products designated by
Agilent Technologies will be performed at Buyer’s facility at
no charge within Agilent Technologies service travel areas.
Outside Agilent Technologies service travel areas, warranty
service will be performed at Buyer’s facility only upon
Agilent Technologies’ prior agreement and Buyer shall pay
Agilent Technologies’ round trip travel expenses. In all other
areas, products must be returned to a service facility
designated by Agilent Technologies.
For products returned to Agilent Technologies for warranty
service, Buyer shall prepay shipping charges to Agilent
Technologies and Agilent Technologies shall pay shipping
charges to return the product to Buyer. However, Buyer shall
pay all shipping charges, duties, and taxes for products
returned to Agilent Technologies from another country.

4 Agilent 281A/B Adapters Operating and Service Manual
Agilent Technologies warrants that its software and
firmware designated by Agilent Technologies for use with an
instrument will execute its programming instructions when
properly installed on that instrument. Agilent Technologies
does not warrant that the operation of the instrument, or
software, or firmware will be uninterrupted or error free.
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY. The foregoing warranty shall
not apply to defects resulting from improper or inadequate
maintenance by Buyer, Buyer- supplied software or
interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse, operation
outside of the environmental specifications for the product,
or improper site preparation or maintenance.
NO OTHER WARRANTY IS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED.
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AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR
ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON
CONTRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY.
YEAR 2000. Agilent Technologies warrants that each Agilent
Technologies hardware, software, and firmware product on
Agilent Technologies’ Corporate Price List (dated July 1,
1998 or later) delivered under the product’s contract of sale
will be able to accurately process date data (including, but
not limited to, calculating, comparing, and sequencing) from,
into, and between the twentieth and twenty- first centuries,
and the years 1999 and 2000, including leap year
calculations, when used in accordance with the product
documentation provided that all other products (that is,
hardware, software, firmware) used in combination with
such Agilent Technologies product(s) properly exchange date
data with it. If the agreement requires that specific Agilent
Technologies products must perform as a system in
accordance with the foregoing warranty, then that warranty
will apply to those Agilent Technologies products as a
system, and Customer retains sole responsibility to ensure

Agilent 281A/B Adapters Operating and Service Manual 5
the year 2000 readiness of its information technology and
business environment. The duration of this warranty extends
through January 31, 2001.
The remedies available under this warranty will be defined
in, and subject to, the terms and limitations of the
warranties contained in the contract of sale. To the extent
permitted by local law, this warranty applies only to
branded Agilent Technologies products and not to products
manufacture by others that may be sold or distributed by
Agilent Technologies. Nothing in this warranty will be
construed to limit any rights or remedies provided elsewhere
in the contract of sale with respect to matters other than
year 2000 compliance.
Assistance
Product maintenance agreements and other customer
assistance agreements are available for Agilent Technologies
products.
For assistance, call your local Agilent Technologies Sales and
Service Office (Refer to “Contacting Agilent" on page 7).
Safety Earth Ground
This is a Safety Class I product (provided with a protective
earthing terminal). An uninterruptible safety earth ground
must be provided from the main power source to the
product input wiring terminals, power cord, or supplied
power cord set. Whenever it is likely that the protection has
been impaired, the product must be made inoperative and
secured against any unintended operation.

6 Agilent 281A/B Adapters Operating and Service Manual
Before Applying Power
Verify that the product is configured to match the available
main power source as described in the input power
configuration instructions in this manual. If this product is
to be powered by autotransformer, make sure the common
terminal is connected to the neutral (grounded) side of the
ac power supply.

Agilent 281A/B Adapters Operating and Service Manual 7
Contacting Agilent
For more information, please contact your nearest Agilent
office.
Or, go to www.agilent.com/find/assist for more information.
Americas
Canada
Latin America
United States
[phone]
305 269 7500
[phone]
Asia Pacific
Australia
China
Hong Kong
India
Japan
Korea
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Thailand
1 800 629 485
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81 426 56 7832
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Other European Countries:
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31 (0) 20 547 2111
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0200-88 22 55
41 (21) 8113811 (Opt 2)
0800 80 53 53 (Opt 1)
44 (0) 118 9276201
www.agilent.com/find/contactus

8 Agilent 281A/B Adapters Operating and Service Manual
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Agilent 281A/B Adapters Operating and Service Manual 9
Contents
1 Introduction 11
Product Overview 12
2 Installation 13
Initial Inspection 14
Operation 16
Protect Flanges 16
Operating Procedure 16
Performance Test 16
3 Specification 17
General Specifications 18
Physical Specifications 18
Specifications 18
Mechanical Characteristic 19
Connector Types 19
Safety and Regulatory Markings 21
Declaration of Conformity 22
4ServiceInformation23
Replaceable Parts 24

10 Agilent 281A/B Adapters Operating and Service Manual
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11
Agilent Technologies
Agilent 281A/B Adapters
Operating and Service Manual
1
Introduction
Product Overview 12
This chapter provides an overview of the Agilent 281A/B
Adapters.

12 Agilent 281A/B Adapters Operating and Service Manual
1 Introduction
Product Overview
Agilent 281 adapters provide a convenient means of coupling
between waveguide and coaxial systems. Power can be
transmitted in either direction, and each adapter covers the
full frequency range of its waveguide size with an SWR of
less than 1.30. The flanges are lapped to a slight, controlled
convexity to assure minimum leakage at the waveguide joint.
A probe transforms the waveguide impedance to the 50- Ω
impedance of coaxial line. Complete specifications for the
adapters are given in Table 1.
Examples of the waveguide flange and coaxial connectors
used on these adapters are shown in Figure 1- 1. One type of
flange and two types of coaxial connectors are used: Type N
female connectors (which are compatible with connectors
conforming to MILS- 71), are available on all 281A adapters
and Amphenol precision 7- mm connectors (available on the
281B adapters). The 7- mm connector features precise
alignment, a clearly defined reference plane, and low RF
leakage. In addition, any pair can be connected together
without an adapter. Option 013 adapters have stainless steel
Type N female connectors and are available on the P281B.
Figure 1-1 Adapters Showing Flange Types and Coaxial Connector
Styles

13
Agilent Technologies
Agilent 281A/B Adapters
Operating and Service Manual
2
Installation
Initial Inspection 14
Operation 16
“Protect Flanges” on page 16
“Operating Procedure” on page 16
“Performance Test” on page 16
This chapter provides you important information on how to
check and prepare your instrument for operation.

14 Agilent 281A/B Adapters Operating and Service Manual
2 Installation
Initial Inspection
1Unpack and inspect the shipping container and its
contents thoroughly to ensure that nothing was damaged
during shipment. If the shipping container or cushioning
material is damaged, the contents should be checked both
mechanically and electrically. Check for mechanical
damage such as scratches or dents. If the shipping
container is not damaged, check the packaging material
for signs of stress that indicate rough handling in transit.
If the adapter appears undamaged, perform the electrical
check.
The electrical performance of the adapter should be
checked as soon as possible after receipt against the
specifications shown in Table 3- 1 on page 18. If the
adapter does not perform within the specifications, see
the following steps for recommended claim procedure and
repackaging the instrument.
2If the contents are damaged or defective, contact your
nearest Agilent Technologies Service and Support Office.
Refer to “Contacting Agilent” in the front matter of this
manual. Agilent Technologies will arrange for repair or
replacement of the damaged or defective equipment. Keep
the shipping materials for the carrier’s inspection.
3If you are returning the instrument under warranty or for
service, repackaging the instrument requires original
shipping containers and materials or their equivalents.
Agilent Technologies can provide packaging materials
identical to the original materials. Refer to “Contacting
Agilent” in the front matter of this manual for the Agilent
Technologies nearest to you. Attach a tag indicating the
type of service required, return address, model number,
and serial number. Mark the container FRAGILE to
assure careful handling. In any correspondence, refer to
the instrument by its model number and serial number.
4If you are repackaging the instrument with commercially
available materials, use the following general instructions:
aWrap the adapter in heavy paper or plastic. (If shipping
to an Agilent Technologies office or service center,

Installation 2
Agilent 281A/B Adapters Operating and Service Manual 15
attach a tag indicating the type of service required,
return address, model number, and serial number.)
bUse a strong shipping container. A double- wall carton
made of 350- pound test material is adequate.
cUse enough shock- absorbing material (3 to 4- inch
layer) around all sides of the adapter to provide firm
cushioning and prevent movement inside the container.
dSeal the shipping container securely.
eMark the shipping container FRAGILE to assure
careful handling.

16 Agilent 281A/B Adapters Operating and Service Manual
2 Installation
Operation
Protect Flanges
Care should be taken to protect the face of the flange from
any damage that would prevent close surface- to- surface
contact. Any burring, denting, or scratching will increase RF
leakage and the reflection coefficient of the joint. The
supplied plastic cover should be used to protect the flange
when the adapter is not in use.
Operating Procedure
Use the following procedure when you connect an adapter to
a waveguide.
1Make sure the rectangular ports are oriented the same
way (i.e., not "cross- guided").
2Align ports carefully to minimize reflections.
3Clamp or bolt flanges securely together so that pressure is
evenly distributed over the contacting surfaces. Loose
joints and flange distortion result in leakage and
mismatch.
Performance Test
The maximum SWR for the adapters are listed in Table 3- 1
on page 18. When making these measurements, the test
results must be less than those listed in Table 3- 1 plus the
measurement uncertainty of the measurement system.
Measurements may be made using a standard reflectometer
setup. To ensure satisfactory performance, make sure flanges
and coaxial connectors are not damaged or worn.

17
Agilent Technologies
Agilent 281A/B Adapters
Operating and Service Manual
3
Specification
General Specifications 18
“Physical Specifications” on page 18
“Specifications” on page 18
Mechanical Characteristic 19
“Connector Types” on page 19
Safety and Regulatory Markings 21
Declaration of Conformity 22
This chapter provides the specifications of the Agilent
281A/B Adapters.

18 Agilent 281A/B Adapters Operating and Service Manual
3 Specification
General Specifications
Physical Specifications
Specifications
Model X281A P281B
Weight 0.1 kg (1/4 lb) 0.1 kg (3/16 lb)
Length 37 mm (1-7/16 in) 26 mm (1 in)
Table 3- 1 Specifications
Model X281A P281B
Frequency range (GHz)*
* Maximum Reflection Coefficient: 0.11 (1.25 SWR) over entire frequency range.
8.20 to 12.40 12.40 to 18.00
Fits waveguide size:
Nom. OD (in.)
EIA
1 x 1/2
WR90
0.702 - 0.391
WR62
Equivalent flange UG135/U UG419/U
Coaxial connector†
† Typical maximum power handling capability for the Type N and APC-7 connec-
tors is 200 W (refer to caution below).
N female APC-7‡
‡ Option 013 furnished with stainless steel Type N female connector.
CAUTION
The power that can be handled will be a function of the size of the
center conductor. The majority of the heat flow will be via conduction.
The weak point is the coax portion. The waveguide portion is capable
of higher power. These numbers are assuming an ambient temperature
of 25 °C and an altitude of sea level. Higher ambient temperatures and
altitude would degrade power-handling capability.

Specification 3
Agilent 281A/B Adapters Operating and Service Manual 19
Mechanical Characteristic
Connector Types
Type N Connectors
Two versions of the Type N coaxial connector are used on
the adapters: one is used on the 281A model, and the other
is used in the 281B Option 013 model.
The version on the 281A model is plated brass and is
compatible with connectors conforming to MIL- C- 71. The
version on the 281B Option 013 model is stainless steel and
is compatible with connectors conforming to MIL- C- 71 or
MIL- C- 39012.
Dimensions of these connectors are given in Figure 3- 2 and
Table 3- 2.
Figure 3-2 Dimensions of Type N Connectors

20 Agilent 281A/B Adapters Operating and Service Manual
3 Specification
Precision 7 mm Connectors
Except for Option 013, the 281B model adapter has an
APC- 7 precision 7- mm coaxial connector. These connectors
rely on uniform end- to- end contact of both conductors for
electrical continuity. Consequently, the condition of the
contacting surfaces is critical: they should be kept clean and
smooth. To prevent damage when the adapter is not in use,
the connector’s threaded sleeve should be fully extended.
Table 3- 2 Dimensions of Type N Connectors
Model 281A 281B
A0.316 min
0.320 max
0.316 min
0.320 max
B0.188 min
0.206 max
0.204 min
0.207 max
C0.063 min
0.066 max
0.063 min
0.066 max