Rohde & Schwarz ZN-Z170 Manual

R&S®ZN-Z170/-Z135/-Z129/-Z129E
Calibration Kits
Technical Information
Technical Information
Version 02
1178898802
(;Üçæ2)

This technical information is valid for the following Rohde & Schwarz calibration kits:
●R&S®ZN-Z170, Calibration Kit N (male), DC to 18 GHz, order no. 1328.8163.02
●R&S®ZN-Z170, Calibration Kit N (female), DC to 18 GHz, order no. 1328.8163.03
●R&S®ZN-Z135, Calibration Kit 3.5 mm (male), DC to 26.5 GHz, order no. 1328.8157.02
●R&S®ZN-Z135, Calibration Kit 3.5 mm (female), DC to 26.5 GHz, order no. 1328.8157.03
●R&S®ZN-Z129, Calibration Kit 2.92 mm (male), DC to 40 GHz, order no. 1328.8140.02
●R&S®ZN-Z129, Calibration Kit 2.92 mm (female), DC to 40 GHz, order no. 1328.8140.03
●R&S®ZN-Z129E, Calibration Kit 2.92 mm (male), DC to 44 GHz, order no. 1328.8170.02
●R&S®ZN-Z129E, Calibration Kit 2.92 mm (female), DC to 44 GHz, order no. 1328.8170.03
© 2019 Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
Mühldorfstr. 15, 81671 München, Germany
Phone: [phone] - 0
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Internet: www.rohde-schwarz.com
Subject to change – Data without tolerance limits is not binding.
R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.
Trade names are trademarks of the owners.
Throughout this guide R&S® is abbreviated as R&S, e.g. R&S ZN-Z170 denotes R&S®ZN-Z170.

Calibration Kits R&S ZN-Z1xx
R&S®ZN-Z170/-Z135/-Z129/-Z129E
3Technical Information 1178.8988.02 ─ 02
1 Calibration Kits R&S ZN-Z1xx
Products R&S ZN-Z1xx are calibration kits for Rohde & Schwarz vector network ana-
lyzers.
Calibration of Rohde & Schwarz network analyzers is a fully menu-guided process. For
details, refer to the user manual or integrated help of your network analyzer. The tech-
nical specifications of the calibration kit are listed in the data sheet.
Operating temperature
The electrical characteristics of the calibration kits depend on the operating tempera-
ture. Notice the temperature range quoted in the data sheet and avoid unnecessary
touching of the kit during calibration to ensure a stable temperature.
The purpose of this technical information is to inform you about the correct and safe
use of your calibration kit. Please read the following sections carefully to avoid any
damage and malfunctioning.
For connector type-specific torque limits, detailed handling instructions and back-
ground information see Rohde & Schwarz Application Note 1MA99 "Guidance on
Selecting and Handling Coaxial RF Connectors used with Rohde & Schwarz Test
Equipment" http://www.rohde-schwarz.com/appnote/1MA99.
2 Connecting and Disconnecting the Kits
The connectors of the calibration kits are subject to wear and tear if they are handled
improperly. Moreover, electrostatic discharge can occur when you connect the kits to
the network analyzer.
Electrostatic discharge
Electrostatic discharge can damage the electronic components of the network ana-
lyzer. To protect your equipment against electrostatic discharge, ground yourself using
a wrist strap and cord following the instructions in your network analyzer documenta-
tion.
Before connecting your calibration kit, always ensure that the connectors are clean and
show no sign of damage. The pin depths must be in the permissible range; see Chap-
ter 4, "Gauging the Connectors", on page 5. Align the connectors concentrically and
turn the coupling nut hand-tight until the mating plane surfaces have contact. Do not
turn the body of the calibration kit. Finally, use a torque wrench to tighten the connec-
tion.

Cleaning the Connectors
R&S®ZN-Z170/-Z135/-Z129/-Z129E
4Technical Information 1178.8988.02 ─ 02
Torque wrench
The permissible torque for type 2.92 mm, 3.5 mm connectors is 0.9 N·m, the permissi-
ble torque for N connectors is 1.5 N·m. Rohde & Schwarz supplies the appropriate tor-
que wrenches for all connector types; see table below.
Calibration kit Connector type Wrench size Torque wrench
R&S ZN-Z129
R&S ZN-Z129E
2.92 mm 8 mm 1328.8534.35
R&S ZN-Z135 3.5 mm 8 mm 1328.8534.35
R&S ZN-Z170 N 20 mm 1328.8534.71
When the calibration kit is connected, support the equipment properly to relieve the
connections from any bending torque caused by the connected components or cables.
To disconnect your calibration kit, unfasten the coupling nut with an open-end wrench.
Risk of mechanical damage to the connectors
The inner conductor of the connectors can be damaged if the connection is too tight, or
if bending forces are applied. Always use a torque wrench to tighten the coupling nut.
Do not turn the body of the calibration kit while it is connected and avoid any excessive
force, bending or twisting during the connection or disconnection.
3 Cleaning the Connectors
The connectors of the calibration kits, in particular the outer conductors, must be kept
clean to ensure a proper connection and to avoid damage when they are tightened.
The connectors are most easily cleaned using a swab (e.g. a cotton or nylon swab) of
suitable size damped in alcohol. Gently move the swab around the inner conductor,
avoiding lateral pressure on the center pin. After cleaning, you can use compressed air
to remove foreign particles and dry the connector. Finally, inspect the cleaned connec-
tor to verify that the center pin has not been bent.
Risk of damage
Alcohol is the recommended cleaning solvent. Do not use any other solvents or water.
Avoid applying an excess amount of solvent to the connector surfaces.

Gauging the Connectors
R&S®ZN-Z170/-Z135/-Z129/-Z129E
5Technical Information 1178.8988.02 ─ 02
4 Gauging the Connectors
The pin depth of the connectors are critical for safe and accurate functioning:
●If the center pin is too long, the connector is likely to damage another connector
when tightened. One connector can damage many others.
●If the center pin is too short, the connection is poor, causing potentially wrong mea-
surement results.
The pin depths can be evaluated using a commercially available connector gauge.
Refer to the operating instructions of your gauge for details. In particular, ensure that
the gauge connectors are clean and that the temperature of both the gauge and the
calibration kits is in the permissible range. Use a torque wrench and apply the recom-
mended torque when connecting the gauge (see Chapter 2, "Connecting and Discon-
necting the Kits", on page 3).
5 Handling and Storing the Calibration Kits
The calibration kits are delivered in a storage bag; the connectors are protected by pro-
tection caps. Store your calibration kit in the bag, with the plastic tubes attached. Keep
the kit dry and avoid sudden temperature changes to prevent condensation. Environ-
mental conditions for storage are specified in the data sheet.
Keep the connectors clean; in particular do not touch the mating plane surfaces with
your fingers. Avoid the contact of the connector surfaces with any hard material.
Risk of mechanical damage to the calibration kits
The RF components of your calibration kit are sensitive to impact. Do not drop or
knock the kit. After any inadvertent shock, it is recommended to send in the kit to a
Rohde & Schwarz service center to verify the cal kit data.