RF cables and adapters

[briansalomon]

I've liked Gore. None of the other cables I've used have been as good or as durable.

[microwave-kevin]

Excellent cables, many OEMS relabel and sell as their own.... not only the VNA "test port cables" but also their cheaper cables are also very good for run of the mill measurements.

[Randymax]

I've used most of the cables suggested here and most were good. Just wanted to throw in one more that I didn't see as a general purpose everyday bench use cable. I have several from Florida RF Labs and really like their armorized cables. I have a few of their 2 and 3 foot cables @ 2.92mm/K connectors_40 GHz in use now for several years without problem. I have seen some problems with these in manufacturing areas where there are tremendously high volume on/off and flexing activities but in the calibration lab I've had no complaints. I definitely agree with all suggestions that for network analyzer use it is best to go with cables designed to fit the VNA NMD connector. I've gotten them from the OEM, Gore or Megaphase and had success with each, GORE my preference.  Using a J-J thru at the VNA NMD connector to 3.5 mm connector/cable is begging for trouble, I've done the repairs due to this kind of strategy more than once from the thru getting progressively worked deeper and deeper into the VNA connector from poor torque methods. On some of the older VNA's trying to remove the embedded thru without understanding how often causes mechanical damage to the immediate directional coupler. This is not an easy fix from my experience. It can be hard to justify the X10 cost for the correct VNA cable set though. The company i work for has upwards of 100 VNA's in operation/manufacturing within my labs area of responsibility and that's a lot of money for them.

[briansalomon]

I have been reading the HP manual "connector care for RF and microwave coaxial connectors" P/N 08510-90064.

I definitely need to order some SMA/N adaptors to replace my old worn out stuff and read that metrology grade connectors have "direct traceability" to national standards because of their tolerances.

The link by AHS2013 mentions "best traceability" regarding that grade. I suppose it would be safest to say I should have metrology grade but I am wondering if there is any guideline as to when you need that grade and when you don't.

I have decided on Maury Microwave "Instrument Grade" adaptors for the small commercial lab I currently work in and based my decision on the SWR of the instruments we calibrate.