Anyone who has worked in an electronics measurement lab and used coaxial connectors will know the importance of mating torque and will typically have a range of torque spanners complementing their coax connectors, adaptors and test cables. Valid, repeatable test results rely on a constant mating torque. The correct torque also ensures the longest life of your expensive measurement standard connectors, cables and adaptors, especially considering the repeated connect – disconnect cycles many connectors go through during their life, plus the test equipment itself. Howard Venning, of Aspen Electronics, explores the topic of connector coupling or mating torque.