6-4
Calibrating for Increased Measurement Accuracy
Calibration Considerations
Calibration Considera tio ns Measurement Parameters
Calibration procedures are parameter-specific, rather than channel-specific. When a
parameter is selected, the instrument checks the available calibration data, and uses the
data found for that parameter. For example, if a transmission response calibration is
performed for B/R, and an S11 1-port calibration for A/R, the analyzer retains both
calibration sets and corrects whichever parameter is displayed. Once a calibration has
been performed for a specific parameter or input, measurements of t hat parameter r emain
calibrated in either channel, as long as stimulus values are coupled. In the response and
response and isolation calibrations, the parameter must be selected before calibration.
Other correction procedures select parameters automatically. Changing channel s durin g a
calibration procedure invalidates the part of the procedure already performed.
Device Measurements
In calibration procedures that require measurement of several different devices, for
example a short, an open, and a load, the order in which the devices are measured is not
critical. Any standard can be re-measured, until the key is pressed. The change in
trace during measurement of a standard is normal.
“Response” and “response and isolation” calibrations require measurement of only one
standard device. If more than one device is measured, only the data for the last device is
retained.
Clarifying Type-N Connector Sex
When you are performing error correction for a system that has type-N port connectors,
the softkey menus label the sex of the test port connector — not the calibration standard
connector. For example, the label, SHORT (F), refers to the short that will be connected to
the female test port. Since many devices have t ype- N (f) connectors, the calibration
standard to select is the type-N (m). Be sure to use the port extension pin on the type-N
(m) Open calibration standard.
NOTE Since the 85032F calibration kit offsets are equal for both male and female
connectors, the standard’s sex type is not requested during the calibration.
Omitting Isolation Calibration
Isolation calibration can be omitted for most measurements, except where high dynamic
range is a consideration. Use the following guidelines. When the measurement requires a
dynamic range of:
• Less than 90 dB: Omit isolation calibration for most measurements.
DONE