S-Parameter Definition for Adapters with a Dielectrically Loaded Connector

Higher order modes impede the definition of S-parameters in connectors which contain a dielectric insulator in a staggered mating plane. Extended S-parameters and the calculable adapter technique can be used to define S-parameters of adapters containing such connectors. Cascadability and separation of effects for extended S-parameters in such connectors is demonstrated and a full characterization of a NEX10 to 3.5mm adapter is given. The S-parameter definition is done for three different calculable special adapters. They are used to characterize a commercial adapter electrically. The absolute complex differences in reflection between the three measurements are below 0.0035 in linear S-parameters up to 20 GHz.