The Fixture and Diag/Cal Interface plate PKZ connectors for the RI8563 - 4 to 40.5 GHz Test Set TIMs (Testhead40 and Testhead402 instruments) are sensitive to wear. Specifically, the ground tabs can be pushed in for the RF Drive In/Out connectors (C4 and C8), this results in a poor ground at 40 GHz through the mating connector. PKZ connectors (released before 2020) were manufactured with a decreased chamfer that increased the possibility of the tabs getting pushed in.

Symptom:
Unreliable Calibration for the Testhead40 and/or Testhead402 instruments. This can be caused by a burr forming on the Fixture's side of the connector or continued docking on the TIM.

Resolution:
Carefully inspect the PKZ connector with a microscope or magnifying device and look for bent ground pins on C4 and C8 connectors. If found, modify both C4 and C8 connectors on each Fixture and Diag/Cal interface with the PKZ Chamfer Modification Tool. Please contact [email protected] if you suspect this tool is needed to improve 40 GHz TIM reliability.


WARNING: The ground tabs can also be damaged if the connector is being cleaned. See Cleaning PKZ Connectors for safe cleaning instructions.

How Does the PKZ Connector Work?
The 4 tabs around the center pin are grounds. They push outward against the inside of the ground sleeve on the female (Fixture side) connector. (See Figure 1)
Note that the lower right tab particularly is pushed in. (See Figure 2) This results in a poor ground at 40 GHz through the mating connector.



Tools Required:

• Magnification tool (microscope or magnifying glass, a jewelry loop works well).
• RI Loaned PKZ Chamfer Modification Tool (see Figure 3)

To Modify Female PKZ Connector on the Fixture:

1. Identify the 40 GHz RF Blocks (typically T4 & T5) for every Fixture.
2. To use the tool, hold each Fixture up so that any shavings will drop down and not into the connector. In other words, DO NOT use the tool when the Fixture is upside down or less than a 90 degree angle.
3. Insert the tool into the connector, with light pressure, spin it clockwise 4 or 5 times. The idea is not to drill out the connector but rather to clean it up and to increase the chamfer a little.
4. If you haven't achieved the chamfer shown in the Figure 4, repeat the previous step (it very much depends on the pressure).
5. After modification, you will need to re-calibrate the TIMs before it will pass diagnose. (See Figure 5)
6. Return the RI Loaned PKZ Chamfer Modification Tool to RI.

Figure 1: New Female PKZ Connector (TIM side)


Figure 2: Worn Female PKZ Connector (Fixture Side) Poor Ground (lower right tab)


Figure 3: PKZ Chamfer Modification Tool


Figure 4: Using PKZ Chamfer Modification Tool




Figure 4: Female PKZ Chamfer BEFORE


Figure 4: Female PKZ Chamfer After


Figure 5: Targeted Calibration List
RI8563C Port1 Src Freq Resp Slope Cal
RI8563C Port1 Src Freq Resp Slope Validate
RI8563C Port1 Rcv Freq Resp Cal
RI8563C Port1 Rcv Freq Resp Validate
RI8563C Port1 Src Linearity Cal
RI8563C Port1 Src Linearity Validate
RI8563C Port1 Src Freq Resp Fine Cal
RI8563C Port1 Src Freq Resp Validate
RI8563C Port1 ea Cal
RI8563C Port1 ea Validate
RI8563C Port2 Rcv Freq Resp Cal
RI8563C Port2 Rcv Freq Resp Validate

RI8563C Port1 Src Freq Resp Slope Cal TH402
RI8563C Port1 Src Freq Resp Slope Validate TH402
RI8563C Port1 Rcv Freq Resp Cal TH402
RI8563C Port1 Rcv Freq Resp Validate TH402
RI8563C Port1 Src Linearity Cal TH402
RI8563C Port1 Src Linearity Validate TH402
RI8563C Port1 Src Freq Resp Fine Cal TH402
RI8563C Port1 Src Freq Resp Validate TH402
RI8563C Port1 ea Cal TH402
RI8563C Port1 ea Validate TH402
RI8563C Port2 Rcv Freq Resp Cal TH402
RI8563C Port2 Rcv Freq Resp Validate TH402