A superior solution to control the connection repeatability of Coaxial Airline Impedance standards used for network analyzer verification

Abstract

There have been many attempts with regard to mitigate the effects of pin gap when dealing with beadless (unsupported) airline impedance standards in order to improve calibration accuracy. This paper discusses common mechanical and electrical problems with the use of beadless airlines. Connection repeatability is a main concern since these errors cannot be corrected for. There are many aspects which can influence connection repeatability of beadless airlines. Pin gap of the mating connectors can greatly influence the center conductor's longitudinal position with respect to its outer conductor is one important example. Beaded Coaxial Airline Impedance standards can offer advantages over beadless versions. Some of these advantages are: known pin gap on each end when mated, good concentricity, ease of use and reduced risk in damage when mated with another connector, etc. When used as verification standards, beaded airlines can offer improved reproducibility and repeatability characteristics by eliminating the various connection repeatability problems associated with beadless airlines.