Agilent Technologies 85056A Manual

User’s and Service Guide
Agilent Technologies 85056A
2.4 mm Precision Calibration Kit
Agilent Part Number: 85056-90020
Printed in USA
Print Date: May 2012
Supersedes: August 2010
© Copyright 1996, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2009-2010, 2012 Agilent Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

ii 85056A
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85056A iii
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iv 85056A

Contents
85056A v
1. General Information
Calibration Kit Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Kit Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Broadband Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Offset Opens and Shorts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Adapters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Sliding Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Calibration Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Equipment Required but Not Supplied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Incoming Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Recording the Device Serial Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Precision Slotless Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Clarifying the Terminology of a Connector Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Preventive Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
When to Calibrate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
2. Specifications
Environmental Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Temperature—What to Watch Out For . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Mechanical Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Pin Depth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Electrical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
3. Use, Maintenance, and Care of the Devices
Electrostatic Discharge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Visual Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Look for Obvious Defects and Damage First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
What Causes Connector Wear? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Inspect the Mating Plane Surfaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Inspect Female Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Cleaning Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Gaging Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Connector Gage Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
When to Gage Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Gaging Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Gaging 2.4 mm Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Gaging the 2.4 mm Sliding Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Adjusting the Sliding Load Pin Depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
How to Make a Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Preliminary Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Final Connection Using a Torque Wrench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Connecting the Sliding Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
How to Separate a Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Using the Sliding Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
Handling and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19

vi 85056A
Contents
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
Where to Look for More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Returning a Kit or Device to Agilent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Contacting Agilent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
6. Replaceable Parts
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
A. Standard Definitions
Class Assignments and Standard Definitions Values are Available on the Web. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-2

1-1
1 General Information

1-285056A
General Information
Calibration Kit Overview
Calibration Kit Overview
The Agilent 85056A 2.4 mm calibration kit is used to calibrate Agilent network analyzers up to 50 GHz for
measurements of components with 2.4 mm connectors.
Kit Contents
The 85056A calibration kit includes the following items:
• offset opens and shorts
• broadband and sliding load terminations
• 2.4 mm adapters
• 2.4 mm gage sets
• 5/16 in, 90 N-cm (8 in-lb) torque wrench
• 7 mm open-end wrench
• User’s and Service Guide (this document)
• Calibration kit storage case
Refer to Chapter 6, “Replaceable Parts,” for a complete list of kit contents and their associated part
numbers.
Broadband Loads
The broadband loads are metrology-grade, 50terminations that have been optimized for performance up to
50 GHz. The rugged internal structure provides for highly repeatable connections. A distributed resistive
element on sapphire provides excellent stability and return loss.
Offset Opens and Shorts
The offset opens and shorts are built from parts that are machined to the current state-of-the-art in precision
machining.
The offset short’s inner conductors have a one-piece construction, common with the shorting plane. The
construction provides for extremely repeatable connections.
The offset opens have inner conductors that are supported by a strong, low-dielectric-constant plastic to
minimize compensation values.
Both the opens and shorts are constructed so that thepin depth can be controlled very tightly, thereby
minimizing phase errors. The lengths of the offsets in the opens and shorts are designed so that the
difference in phase of their reflection coefficients is approximately 180 degrees at all frequencies.
Adapters
Like the other devices in the kit, the adapters are built to very tight tolerances to provide good broadband
performance and to ensure stable, repeatable connections.
The adapters are designed so that their nominal electrical lengths are the same, allowing them to be used in
calibration procedures for non-insertable devices.

85056A 1-3
General Information
Calibration Kit Overview
Sliding Loads
The sliding loads in this kit are designed to provide excellent performance from 4 GHz to 50 GHz. The inner
and outer conductors of the airline portion are precision machined to state-of-the-art tolerances. Although
the sliding load has exceptional return loss, its superior load stability qualifies it as a high-performance
device.
The sliding load was designed with the ability to extend the inner conductor for connection purposes and
then pull it back to a preset pin depth. This feature is critical since it minimizes the possibility of damage
during connection, while maintaining a minimum pin depth to optimize performance.
Calibration Definitions
The calibration kit must be selected and the calibration definitions for the devices in the kit installed in the
network analyzer prior to performing a calibration.
The calibration definitions can be:
• resident within the analyzer
• manually entered from the front panel
Class assignments and standard definitions may change as more accurate model and calibration methods
are developed. You can download the most recent class assignments and standard definitions from Agilent’s
Calibration Kit Definitions Web page at www.na.tm.agilent.com/pna/caldefs/stddefs.html.
Refer to your network analyzer user’s guide or embedded Help for instructions on manually entering
calibration definitions, selecting the calibration kit, and performing a calibration.
NOTE The 8510 network analyzer is no longer being sold or supported by Agilent. However, you can
download the 8510 class assignments and standard definitions from Agilent’s Calibration Kit
Definitions Web page at www.na.tm.agilent.com/pna/caldefs/stddefs.html
Equipment Required but Not Supplied
Some items are not supplied with the calibration kit but are required to ensure successful operation of the
kit. Refer to Table 6-2 on page 6-3 for ordering information.

1-485056A
General Information
Incoming Inspection
Incoming Inspection
Verify that the shipment is complete by referring to Tabl e 6 -1.
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, contact Agilent
Technologies—see “Contacting Agilent” on page 5-4. Agilent will arrange for repair or replacement of
incomplete or damaged shipments without waiting for a settlement from the transportation company.
When you send the kit or device to Agilent, include a service tag (found near the end of this manual) with
the following information:
• your company name and address
• the name of a technical contact person within your company, and the person's complete phone number
• the model number and serial number of the kit
• the part number and serial number of the device
• the type of service required
•adetailed description of the problem

85056A 1-5
General Information
Recording the Device Serial Numbers
Recording the Device Serial Numbers
In addition to the kit serial number, the devices in the kit are individually serialized (serial numbers are
labeled onto the body of each device). Record these serial numbers in 
Ta b l e 1 - 1 . Recording the serial numbers will prevent confusing the devices in this kit with similar devices
from other kits.
The adapters included in the kit are for measurement convenience only and are not serialized.
Table 1-1 Serial Number Record for the 85056A
Device Serial Number
Calibration kit
–m– open
–f– open
–m– short
–f– short
–m– broadband load
–f– broadband load
–m– sliding load
–f– sliding load
–m– to –m– 2.4 mm adapter
–m– to –f– 2.4 mm adapter
–f– to –f– 2.4 mm adapter
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________

1-685056A
General Information
Precision Slotless Connectors
Precision Slotless Connectors
The female 2.4 mm connectors in this calibration kit are metrology-grade, precision slotless connectors
(PSC). A characteristic of metrology-grade connectors is direct traceability to national measurement
standards through their well-defined mechanical dimensions.
Conventional female center conductors are slotted. When mated, the female center conductor is flared by
the male pin. Because physical dimensions determine connector impedance, electrical characteristics of the
female connector (and connection pair) are dependent upon the mechanical dimensions of the male pin.
While connectors are used in pairs, their male and female halves are always specified separately as part of a
standard, instrument, or device under test. Because of these facts, making precision measurements with
the conventional slotted connector is very difficult, and establishing a direct traceability path to primary
dimensional standards is nearly impossible.
The precision slotless connector was developed to eliminate these problems. All PSCs are female. A PSC
incorporates a center conductor with a solid cylindrical shell that defines the outside diameter of the female
center pin. Its outside diameter and, therefore, the impedance in its region does not change. The inner part
provides an internal contact that flexes to accept the allowed range of male pin diameters.
The calibration of a network analyzer having a conventional slotted female connector on the test port
remains valid only when the device under test and all calibration standards have identical male pin
diameters. For this reason PSC test port adapters are supplied in most calibration kits.
Precision slotless connectors have the following characteristics:
• There is no loss of traceable calibration on test ports when the male pin diameter of the connector on the
device under test is different from the male pin diameter of the calibration standard.
• The female PSC and its mating male connector can be measured and specified separately as part of the
device either is attached to.
• All female connectors can have a known, stable impedance based only on the diameters of their inner
and outer conductors.
• Female calibration standards can be fully specified. Their specifications and traceability are unaffected
by the diameter of the male mating pin.
• A fully traceable performance verification is made using a precision 50 ohm airline having a PSC.
• Measurement repeatability is enhanced due to non-changing connector characteristics with various pin
diameters.
With PSCs on test ports and standards, the percentage of accuracy achieved when measuring at 50 dB
return loss levels is comparable to using conventional slotted connectors measuring devices having only 30
dB return loss. This represents an accuracy improvement of about 10 times.

85056A 1-7
General Information
Clarifying the Terminology of a Connector Interface
Clarifying the Terminology of a Connector Interface
In this document and in the prompts of the PNA calibration wizard, the sex of cable connectors and adapters
is referred to in terms of the center conductor. For example, a connector or device designated as 1.85 mm
–f– has a 1.85 mm female center conductor.
8510-series, 872x, and 875x ONLY: In contrast, during a measurement calibration, the network analyzer
softkey menus label a 1.85 mm calibration device with reference to the sex of the analyzer’s test port
connector—not the calibration device connector. For example, the label SHORT(F) refers to the short that is
to be connected to the female test port. This will be a male short from the calibration kit.
A connector gage is referred to in terms of the connector that it measures. For instance, a male connector
gage has a female connector on the gage so that it can measure male devices.
Preventive Maintenance
The best techniques for maintaining the integrity of the devices in the kit include:
• routine visual inspection
• cleaning
• proper gaging
• proper connection techniques
All of these are described in Chapter 3. Failure to detect and remove dirt or metallic particles on a mating
plane surface can degrade repeatability and accuracy and can damage any connector mated to it. Improper
connections, resulting from pin depth values being out of the observed limits (see Table 2-2 on page 2-4), or
from bad connection techniques, can also damage these devices.
When to Calibrate
A network analyzer calibration remains valid as long as the changes in the systematic error are insignificant.
This means that changes to the uncorrected leakages (directivity and isolation), mismatches (source match
and load match), and frequency response of the system are small (<10%) relative to accuracy specifications.
Change in the environment (especially temperature) between calibration and measurement is the major
Table 1-2 Clarifying the Terminology of Connectors: Examples
Terminology Meaning
Short –f– Female short (female center conductor)
Short (f) Male short (male center conductor) to be connected to female port

1-885056A
General Information
When to Calibrate
cause in calibration accuracy degradation. The major effect is a change in the physical length of external and
internal cables. Other important causes are dirty and damaged test port connectors and calibration
standards. If the connectors become dirty or damaged, measurement repeatability and accuracy is affected.
Fortunately, it is relatively easy to evaluate the general validity of the calibration. To test repeatability,
remeasure one of the calibration standards. If you can not obtain repeatable measurements from your
calibration standards, maintenance needs to be performed on the test port connectors, cables and
calibration standards. Also, maintain at least one sample of the device under test or some known device as
your reference device. A verification kit may be used for this purpose. After calibration, measure the
reference device and note its responses. Periodically remeasure the device and note any changes in its
corrected response which can be attributed to the test system. With experience you will be able to see
changes in the reference responses that indicate a need to perform the measurement calibration again.

2-1
2 Specifications

2-2 85056A
Specifications
Environmental Requirements
Environmental Requirements
Temperature—What to Watch Out For
Changes in temperature can affect electrical characteristics. Therefore, the operating temperature is a
critical factor in performance. During a measurement calibration, the temperature of the calibration devices
must be stable and within the range shown in 
Ta b l e 2 - 1 .
IMPORTANT Avoid unnecessary handling of the devices during calibration because your fingers are a heat
source.
Table 2-1 Environmental Requirements
Parameter Limits
Te m p e r at u r e
Operatinga
a. The temperature range over which the calibration standards maintain conformance to their specifications.
+20 C to +26 C
Storage 40 C to +75 C
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 Cof measurement calibration temperature
Relative humidity Type tested, 0% to 95% at 40 C, non-condensing

85056A 2-3
Specifications
Mechanical Characteristics
Mechanical Characteristics
Mechanical characteristics such as center conductor protrusion and pin depth are not performance
specifications. They are, however, important supplemental characteristics related to electrical performance.
Agilent Technologies verifies the mechanical characteristics of the devices in the kit with special gaging
processes and electrical testing. This ensures that the device connectors do not exhibit any center
conductor protrusion or improper pin depth when the kit leaves the factory.
“Gaging Connectors” on page 3-6 explains how to use gages to determine if the kit devices have maintained
their mechanical integrity. Refer to Tab l e 2-2 on page 2-4 for typical and observed pin depth limits.
Pin Depth
Pin depth is the distance the center conductor mating plane differs from being flush with the outer
conductor mating plane. See Figure 2-1. The pin depth of a connector can be in one of two states: either
protruding or recessed.
Protrusion is the condition in which the center conductor extends beyond the outer conductor mating plane.
This condition will indicate a positive value on the connector gage.
Recession is the condition in which the center conductor is set back from the outer conductor mating plane.
This condition will indicate a negative value on the connector gage.
Figure 2-1 Connector Pin Depth
The pin depth value of each calibration device in the kit is not specified, but is an important mechanical
parameter. The electrical performance of the device depends, to some extent, on its pin depth. The electrical
specifications for each device in the kit take into account the effect of pin depth on the device’s

2-4 85056A
Specifications
Mechanical Characteristics
performance. Table 2-2 lists the typical pin depths and measurement uncertainties, and provides observed
pin depth limits for the devices in the kit. If the pin depth of a device does not measure within the observed
pin depth limits, it may be an indication that the device fails to meet electrical specifications. Refer to Figure
2-1 on page 2-3 for a visual representation of proper pin depth (slightly recessed).
Table 2-2 Pin Depth Limits
Device Typical Pin Depth Measurement Uncertaintya
a. Approximately +2 sigma to 2 sigma of gage uncertainty based on studies done at the factory according to
recommended procedures.
Observed Pin Depth Limitsb
b. Observed pin depth limits are the range of observation limits seen on the gage reading due to measurement
uncertainty. The depth could still be within specifications.
Opens 0 to 0.0127 mm
0 to 0.00050 in
+0.0030 to 0.0030 mm
+0.00012 to 0.00012 in
+0.0030 to 0.0157 mm
+0.00012 to 0.00062 in
Shorts 0 to 0.0127 mm
0 to 0.00050 in
+0.0015 to 0.0015 mm
+0.00006 to 0.00006 in
+0.0015 to 0.0142 mm
+0.00006 to 0.00056 in
Fixed loads 0.0025 to 0.0203 mm
0.00010 to 0.00080 in
+0.0030 to 0.0030 mm
+0.00012 to 0.00012 in
+0.0005 to 0.0234 mm
+0.00002 to 0.00092 in
Sliding loads 0 to 0.0127 mm
0 to 0.00050 in
+0.0015 to 0.0015 mm
+0.00006 to 0.00006 in
+0.0015 to 0.0142 mm
+0.00006 to 0.00056 in
Adapters 0 to 0.0381 mm
0 to 0.00150 in
+0.0030 to 0.0030 mm
+0.00012 to 0.00012 in
+0.0030 to 0.0411 mm
+0.00012 to 0.00162 in

85056A 2-5
Specifications
Electrical Specifications
Electrical Specifications
The electrical specifications in Table 2-3 apply to the devices in your calibration kit when connected with an
Agilent precision interface.
Table 2-3 Electrical Specifications for 85056A 2.4 mm Devices
Device Specification Frequency (GHz)
Broadband loads Return loss 42d0.00794) dc to 4
(male and female) Return loss 34 d 0.01995) > 4 to 20
Return loss 30d0.03162) > 20 to 26.5
Return loss 26d 0.05019) > 26.5 to 50
The lowband load specifications below apply only to the following obsolete loads, no longer included
in this kit: 85056-60008 (fixed load, 2.4 mm -m-), 85056-60009 (fixed load, 2.4 mm -f-), 00901-60001
(fixed load, 2.4 mm -m-), and 00901-60002 (fixed load, 2.4 mm -f-).
Lowband loads Return loss 42d 0.00794) dc to 4
(male and female) Return loss 28 d 0.04000) > 4 to 20
Return loss 24d 0.06300) > 20 to 26.5
Return loss 15d 0.17800) > 26.5 to 50
Sliding loadsaReturn loss 42 d 0.00794) 4 to 20
(male and female) Return loss 40 d 0.01000) > 20 to 36
Return loss d 0.01259) > 36 to 40
Return loss d 0.01585) > 40 to 50
Adapters Return loss 32 d 0.02512) dc to 4
Return loss 30 d 0.03162) > 4 to 26.5
Return loss  d 0.05623) > 26.5 to 40
Return loss d 0.10000) > 40 to 50
Offset opensb0.5 deviation from nominal dc to 2
(male and female) 1.25 deviation from nominal > 2 to 20
1.75 deviation from nominal > 20 to 40
2.25 deviation from nominal > 40 to 50
Offset shortsb0.50 deviation from nominal dc to 2
(male and female) 1.25 deviation from nominal > 2 to 20
1.5 deviation from nominal > 20 to 40
2.0 deviation from nominal > 40 to 50
See footnotes on the following page.

2-6 85056A
Specifications
Electrical Specifications
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.
a. Assuming proper usage, the specifications for the residual return loss after calibration for the sliding
load termination include:
• the quality of the airline portions within the sliding load, combined with 
• the effective stability of the sliding element.
Proper usage includes the following practices: 
• Connector mating surfaces are clean.
• The changes in slide positioning are NOT done in equal steps since this results in very poor
calibration for some portions of the frequency range.
• The center conductor of test port connectors are nominally set back from the outer conductor. 
Sliding loads are designed to allow the center conductor to be moved. The position of the sliding
load center conductor should be set by a reference block and not positioned flush against the
center conductor of the test port.
b. The specifications for the opens and shorts are given as allowed deviation from the nominal model as
defined in the standard definitions.