The danger of intermodulation generation by RF connector hardware containing ferromagnetic materials

From the few experiments presented here, it should be clear that intermodulation generation (IMG) by ferromagnetic materials (such as stainless steel, nickel plating and hermetic seals) in RF connector hardware is a very serious interference problem to satellite and other sensitive communication systems. Using ferromagnetic materials in RF connectors for military applications is particularly dangerous because of the possible misuse of such devices in IMG vulnerable systems. MIL-C-39012B and related specifications should be revised, prohibiting the use of ferromagnetic materials. Communication centers should be alerted to the potential interference problems of such materials. Their immediate removal is strongly recommended. The necessity to exclude ferromagnetic materials in the fabrication of RF connector hardware, currently an industry-wide problem, cannot be overstressed as a very important step in linearizing RF systems for maximum communication capability.