Agilent Technologies 11645A Series Manual

User’s and Service Guide
Agilent Technologies 11645A Series
R, Q, U, V, and W
Waveguide Verification Kit
This manual applies to the 11645A series calibration devices with serial
number prefix 3014A.
Agilent Part Number: 11645-90013
Printed in USA
Print Date: November 2004
Supersedes: January 2002
© Copyright Agilent Technologies, Inc. 1995, 2002, 2004

ii
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iii
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iv

Contents
11645A v
1. General Information
Verification Kit Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Kit Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Compatible Network Analyzers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Equipment Required but Not Supplied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
Incoming Inspection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
Recording the Device Serial Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
Preventive Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
2. Specifications
Environmental Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
Temperature—What To Watch Out For. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
Electrical Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Certification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
3. Use, Maintenance, and Care of the Devices
Electrostatic Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
Visual Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
What Causes Mating Surface Wear? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
Inspect the Mating Plane Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
Cleaning the Mating Plane Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5
Connecting Waveguide Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5
How to Connect:
R-band WR-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5
How to Connect:
Q-band WR-22
U-band WR-19
V-band WR-15
W-band WR-10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6
Handling and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7
4. Performance Verification
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
How Agilent Verifies the Devices in Your Kit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
Recertification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
How Often to Recertify . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
Where to Send a Kit for Recertification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
5. Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2
Returning a Kit or Device to Agilent Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4
Where to Look for More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4
Contacting Agilent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5
6. Replaceable Parts
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-2

vi 11645A
Contents

11645A 1-1
1General Information

1-2 11645A
General Information
Verification Kit Overview
Verification Kit Overview
The following verification kits provide a set of standards with known characteristics,
traceable to a reference (golden) standard in Agilent Technologies calibration lab. The sets
of standards are used to verify your measurement calibration and also to verify that your
network analyzer system is operating within its specifications.
NOTE A file containing the verification data for your kit is maintained for one year
from the time of measurement. If you lose this data, contact Agilent. See
“Contacting Agilent” on page 5-5 for a list of telephone numbers.
Kit Contents
The 11645A verification kit includes the following items:
• 20 dB attenuator
• 50 dB attenuator
•25Ωmismatch airline
•50Ωairline
• data disks that contain factory-measured verification data of the devices in the
verification kit
NOTE Backup copies of the verification data disks should be made immediately
upon receipt of the this kit. Refer to your analyzers user’s guide for
instructions on duplicating a disk.
Refer to Chapter 6, “Replaceable Parts” for a complete list of kit contents and their
associated part numbers.
Compatible Network Analyzers
Each verification kit is intended to be used with a respective R, Q, U, V, or W11644A
calibration kit and any of the following Agilent Technologies network analyzers:
• 8510 Series
• 85106
• 872x Series
• PNA Microwave Series
The verification data disk provided for use with each of the network analyzers listed above
contains the factory-measured S-parameter data for the devices in this kit. It also contains
the uncertainty limits used in the system verification procedure. This data is unique to
each kit.

11645A 1-3
General Information
Incoming Inspection
Equipment Required but Not Supplied
Cleaning supplies and various electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection devices are not
supplied with the calibration kit but are required to ensure successful operation of the kit.
Refer to Table 6-6 on page 6-12 for ordering information.
Incoming Inspection
Verify that the shipment is complete by referring to the appropriate parts tables in
Chapter 6. Use Table 1-1 to record the serial numbers of all serialized devices in your kit.
Check for damage. The foam-lined storage case provides protection during shipping. Verify
that this case and its contents are not damaged.
If the case or any device appears damaged, or if the shipment is incomplete, refer to
“Contacting Agilent” on page 5-5. Agilent will arrange for repair or replacement of
incomplete or damaged shipments without waiting for a settlement from the
transportation company. Refer to “Returning a Kit or Device to Agilent Technologies” on
page 5-4 for instructions.

1-4 11645A
General Information
Recording the Device Serial Numbers
Recording the Device Serial Numbers
In addition to the kit serial number, the devices in this kit are individually serialized
(serial numbers are labeled into the body of each device). Record these serial numbers in
the appropriate table. Recording the serial numbers will prevent confusing the devices in
this kit with similar devices from other kits.
Preventive Maintenance
The best techniques for maintaining the integrity of the devices in this kit include:
• routine visual inspection
• routine cleaning
• proper connection techniques
All of these are described in Chapter 3. Failure to detect and remove dirt or metallic
particles can degrade repeatability and accuracy and can damage any mating surface
connected to it. Improper connections can also damage these devices.
Table 1-1 Serial Number Record
Device Serial Number
Frequency band
Verification kit
20 dB attenuator
40 dB attenuator
50Ω airline
25Ω mismatch airline
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________

11645A 2-1
2Specifications

2-2 11645A
Specifications
Environmental Requirements
Environmental Requirements
Temperature—What To Watch Out For
Due to the small dimensions of the devices, electrical characteristics will change with
temperature. Therefore, the operating temperature is a critical factor in their performance,
and must be stable before use.
IMPORTANT Avoid unnecessary handling of the devices during use because your fingers
act as a heat source and may increase the temperature of the device.
Table 2-1 Environmental Requirements
Parameter Required Values/Ranges
Temperature
Operatinga
a. The temperature range over which the calibration standards maintain conformance to their
specifications.
+20 °C to +26 °C (+68 °F to +79 °F)
Error-corrected rangeb
b. The allowable network analyzer ambient temperature drift during measurement calibration and
during measurements when the network analyzer error correction is turned on. Also, the range
over which the network analyzer maintains its specified performance while correction is turned on.
±1 °C (1.8 °F) of measurement calibration temperature
Altitude
Operating < 4,500 meters (≈15,000 feet)
Storage < 15,000 meters (≈50,000 feet)
Relative humidity Always non–condensing
Operating 0 to 80% (26 °C maximum dry bulb)
Storage 0 to 90%

11645A 2-3
Specifications
Electrical Specifications
Electrical Specifications
At the factory, each verification device is electrically characterized on a network analyzer
measurement system. These factory measurements are traceable to the National Institute
of Standards and Technology (NIST) through mechanical and electrical paths. For more
information on traceability, contact Agilent Technologies. Refer to “Contacting Agilent” on
page 5-5 for a list of Agilent contacts.
Two pieces of information constitute the standard electrical specification of a verification
device:
• the S-parameter measurement data for the device
• the measurement uncertainties of the system on which the device was measured
The factory-measured data for each device is supplied with your kit in print form, and on
disk.
Certification
Agilent Technologies certifies that this product met its published specifications at the time
of shipment from the factory. Agilent further certifies that its calibration measurements
are traceable to the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
to the extent allowed by the institute’s calibration facility, and to the calibration facilities
of other International Standards Organization members. See “How Agilent Verifies the
Devices in Your Kit” on page 4-2 for more information.

2-4 11645A
Specifications
Electrical Specifications

11645A 3-1
3Use, Maintenance, and Care of the
Devices

3-2 11645A
Use, Maintenance, and Care of the Devices
Electrostatic Discharge
Electrostatic Discharge
Protection against ESD (electrostatic discharge) is essential while connecting, inspecting,
or cleaning connectors attached to a static-sensitive circuit (such as those found in test
sets).
Static electricity can build up on your body and can easily damage sensitive internal
circuit elements when discharged. Static discharges too small to be felt can cause
permanent damage. Devices such as calibration components and devices under test
(DUTs), can also carry an electrostatic charge. To prevent damage to the test set,
components, and devices:
•always wear a grounded wrist strap having a 1 MΩresistor in series with it when
handling components and devices or when making connections to the test set.
•always use a grounded, conductive table mat while making connections.
•always wear a heel strap when working in an area with a conductive floor. If you are
uncertain about the conductivity of your floor, wear a heel strap.
•always ground yourself before you clean, inspect, or make a connection to a
static-sensitive device or test port. You can, for example, grasp the grounded outer shell
of the test port or cable connector briefly.
•always ground the center conductor of a test cable before making a connection to the
analyzer test port or other static-sensitive device. This can be done as follows:
1. Connect a short (from your calibration kit) to one end of the cable to short the center
conductor to the outer conductor.
2. While wearing a grounded wrist strap, grasp the outer shell of the cable connector.
3. Connect the other end of the cable to the test port.
4. Remove the short from the cable.
Refer to Chapter 6 for part numbers and instructions for ordering ESD protection devices.
Figure 3-1 ESD Protection Setup

11645A 3-3
Use, Maintenance, and Care of the Devices
Visual Inspection
Visual Inspection
Examine the mating surfaces first for obvious defects or damage. If necessary, cleaning
should be done every time a connection is made. Metal particles or dirt may fall onto the
mating surface during the connection and disconnection process.
CAUTION Devices with damaged mating surfaces should be immediately discarded or
clearly marked and set aside for repair. A damaged device will in turn
damage any good device to which it is attached. Determine the cause of the
damage before connecting a new, undamaged device in the same
configuration.
In some cases, magnification is necessary to see damage; a magnifying device with a
magnification of ≥ 10× is recommended. However, not all defects that are visible only under
magnification will affect the electrical performance of the device. Use the following
guidelines when evaluating the integrity of a connection.
What Causes Mating Surface Wear?
Mating surface wear is caused by connecting and disconnecting the devices. The more use
a device gets, the faster it wears and degrades. The wear is greatly accelerated when
mating surfaces are not kept clean, or are not connected properly.
Mating surfacer wear eventually degrades performance of the device. Calibration devices
should have a long life if their use is on the order of a few times per week. Replace devices
with worn mating surfaces.
The test port connectors on the network analyzer test set 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 test set’s test port connectors.
Inspect the Mating Plane Surfaces
Flat contact between the mating plane surfaces is required for a good connection. Look
especially for deep scratches or dents, and for dirt and metal particles on the mating plane
surfaces. Also look for signs of damage due to excessive or uneven wear or misalignment.
Light burnishing of the mating plane surfaces is normal, and is evident as light scratches
or shallow marks distributed more or less uniformly over the mating plane surface. Other
small defects and cosmetic imperfections are also normal. None of these affect electrical or
mechanical performance. If a mating surface shows deep scratches or dents, clinging
particles, or uneven wear, clean and inspect it again.

3-4 11645A
Use, Maintenance, and Care of the Devices
Cleaning the Mating Plane Surfaces
Cleaning the Mating Plane Surfaces
1. Use Compressed Air or Nitrogen
Clean mating surfaces are essential for ensuring the integrity of the waveguide.
WARNING Always use protective eyewear when using compressed air or
nitrogen.
Use compressed air (or nitrogen) to loosen particles on the mating plane surfaces.
You can use any source of clean, dry, low-pressure compressed air or nitrogen that has
an effective oil-vapor filter and liquid condensation trap placed before the outlet hose.
Ground the hose nozzle to prevent electrostatic discharge, and set the air pressure to
less than 414 kPa (60 psi) to control the velocity of the air stream. High-velocity streams
of compressed air can cause electrostatic effects when directed into a device. These
electrostatic effects can damage the device. Refer to “Electrostatic Discharge” on
page 3-2 for additional information.
WARNING Keep isopropyl alcohol away from heat, sparks, and flame. Store in a
tightly closed container. It is extremely flammable. In case of fire, use
alcohol foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide; water may be
ineffective.
Use isopropyl alcohol with adequate ventilation and avoid contact
with eyes, skin, and clothing. It causes skin irritation, may cause eye
damage, and is harmful if swallowed or inhaled. It may be harmful if
absorbed through the skin. Wash thoroughly after handling.
In case of spill, soak up with sand or earth. Flush spill area with
water.
Dispose of isopropyl alcohol in accordance with all applicable
federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
2. Clean the Mating Plane Surfaces
a. Apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to a lint-free cleaning swab.
b. Clean the mating plane surfaces.
c. Let the alcohol evaporate, then blow the surface dry with a gentle stream of clean,
low-pressure compressed air or nitrogen. Always completely dry the surfaces before
you use it.
3. Inspect the Mating Surfaces
Inspect the mating surface to make sure that no particles or residue remain. Refer to
“Visual Inspection” on page 3-3.

11645A 3-5
Use, Maintenance, and Care of the Devices
Connections
Connections
Good connections require a skilled operator. Instrument sensitivity and mechanical
tolerances are such that slight errors in operator technique can have a significant effect on
measurements and measurement uncertainties. The most common cause of measurement
error is bad connections.
Connecting Waveguide Devices
IMPORTANT Unlike threaded devices, the WR-28, WR-22, WR-19, WR-15, and WR-10
waveguide mating planes are flanges (often precision) that you must carefully
screw together. Always connect waveguide in the same flange orientation. For
example, use the label as a reference and always connect a device with the
label facing the same direction.
The following procedures illustrate how to make good connections.
How to Connect:
R-band WR-28
Always connect the waveguide with the same flange orientation. For example, always
connect a device with the label facing the same direction.
Follow theses recommendations for optimum connection technique:
1. Place two alignment pins (with heads) in opposite holes of each flange. For example, one
in the top left, and one in the bottom right.
2. Using the pins as guides, carefully align the flanges, and insert screws in the two open
corner holes.
3. Place a lock washer and nut on each screw, and finger tighten.
4. Remove the alignment pins and insert the remaining two screws.
5. Place a lock washer and nut on each screw, and finger tighten.
6. Inspect each lock washer to be sure they are similarly compressed.
7. In an X pattern (for equal compression), use the hex ball driver to tighten all four
screws. Do not over-tighten.
NOTE Apply symmetrical pressure as you gradually tighten the screws.
8. Visually inspect the connection:
a. Place an electric light or white paper behind the connection.

3-6 11645A
Use, Maintenance, and Care of the Devices
Connections
b. Check the flange matings for any gap. A good connection has no gaps between the
connected waveguide flanges, and the waveguide walls are flush (there is no step or
offset).
c. Inspect the washers for symmetrical compression. This ensures that all four screws
are equally torqued.
How to Connect:
Q-band WR-22
U-band WR-19
V-band WR-15
W-band WR-10
To ensure proper flange mating, each device has two attached alignment pins, and two
alignment holes through which you slide additional pins. You don’t have to use nuts or
washers when connecting Q, U, V, or W-band waveguide. The flanges have tapped screw
holes; captive screws (threaded half-way up the shaft) are provided in these kits.
Follow these recommendation for optimum connection technique:
1. Install four captive screws into the test port.
2. Install the alignment pins.
3. Using the pins as a guide, bring the flanges together and gently engage the first few
threads of each screw.
4. In an X pattern (for equal compression), use the hex ball driver to tighten all four
screws. Do not over-tighten.
5. Visually inspect the connection:
a. Place an electric light or white paper behind the connection.
b. Check the flange mating for any gap. A good connection has no gaps between the
connected waveguide flanges, and the waveguide walls are flush (there is no step or
offset).