Handbook of Microwave Component Measurements. Joel P. Dunsmore

Figure 1.17 In‐series and between‐series connectors.

For microwave work, there are some commonly utilized connector types that are found on the majority of components and equipment. Table 1.1 lists these common connectors along with their normal operating frequency range. These are divided into three broad categories: precision sexless connectors, precision male/female connectors, and general‐purpose or utility connectors. These connectors are typically 50 Ω, but a few can be found as 75 Ω versions as well.

Table 1.1 Test connectors used for RF and microwave components

      ^a Some instrument manufacturers place this connector on 26.5 GHz instruments because it is rugged; it has the same first modes as Type‐N and 7 mm.

From Table 1.1 one can see that there are three frequencies associated with connectors: the generally understood operating frequency (often dictated by the calibration kit's maximum certified frequency), the frequency of the first mode, and the maximum frequency determined by the waveguide propagating mode of the outer conductor. The operating frequency is always below the first mode and usually by several percent. The first mode in many connectors is due to the support structure for the center pin. It is often made of some plastic material and thus has higher dielectric constant and a lower frequency to support a mode. In connectors and cables, modes is the term used to refer to non‐transverse‐electromagnetic (non‐TEM) propagation that can occur in a circular waveguide mode defined by the inside dimension of the outer conductor. Adding dielectric in the bead that supports the center pin can theoretically lower the mode frequency, but if the bead is short, the mode will be evanescent (non‐propagating) and may not affect the quality of the measurement. At a somewhat higher frequency, there will be a propagating mode in air for the diameter of the center conductor, but if the cable attached to the connector is sufficiently small, this mode may not propagate as well. It is the propagating modes that cause the significant dips in the response, and more importantly, these dips cannot be removed with calibration because they are not localized and because reflections in the mode of transmission far removed for the connector interface can interact with these connector modes, causing the frequency response of the mode effect to change when different devices are connected. If the response of the mode does not change when other devices are connected, it can be calibrated out.

The precision sexless connectors are now found only in metrology labs. Their chief benefit was a repeatable connector that has identical characteristics for each connector. As such, it was easy to create a system calibration, and any part with such connectors could be inserted between two cables in either direction. This was important because in the past it was difficult to deal with “non‐insertable” devices from a calibration sense (a non‐insertable device is one with the same sexed connector on each port, e.g. female‐female). The 7 mm connector is often found on precision attenuators and airlines used as transfer standards. The 7 mm connector is also known as the GPC‐7 for general precision connector, and often as the APC‐7™ for amphenol precision connector. Because these connectors are sexless, there is no need for adapters to provide interconnections between devices or between devices and cables.

      1.8.2.1 7 mm Connector (APC‐7, GPC‐7)

The 7 mm connector has a couple of interesting attributes: the center pin has no slots but contains spring‐loaded center collets that protrude slightly from the mating surface, as shown in Figure 1.18.