Selecting the best connector for your power sensor

Customers may select one of several connector types for most LadyBug sensors. This often allows the sensor to be placed directly on the customer’s DUT, increasing measurement accuracy by eliminating adaptors. Connectors are installed and the VSWR verified at the beginning of the sensor’s manufacturing process. Field replacement is not recommended and voids the warranty because it could degrade the VSWR and calibration.  

Connector compatibility

We have carefully chosen small form connector types to provide the best service for customers.  Our standard and optional small form factor connectors are 3.5mm, SMA and 2.92mm.  All three types are rated for mating with each other and match performance is similar to the lesser connector, and in some cases actually exceeds it. 

Our SMA connectors are high performance Super SMA connectors. These connectors have a long lifetime with a connects/disconnects rating similar to that of 3.5 mm connectors. Our connectors are rated for thousands of connects & disconnects. 

Available connectors

Generally, in the RF & microwave test instrument industry, a source will be fitted with a female connector and a sensor will be fitted with a male connector. Our available connectors are detailed in Table 1. These connectors are our recommendations for general use.

Table 1 Standard Recommended & Available Connectors

Power sensors users may need a different connector for various reasons, for example, a user that intends to attach a cable to the sensor might prefer a female connector.

Standard and Optional Connectors

Available connectors by sensor model

The table below indicates the standard connector for each sensor and the available optional connector. Refer to Table 1 for ordering codes.

Available connectors by frequency range

The table below lists the available optional connectors by frequency range.