Atec Agilent-N4433A - Manual (Page 4)

4
Simple
Non-insertable
Calibrations
Most common RF and
microwave components have
non-insertable connectors; for
example, devices with female
connectors on both ports. These
devices require an adapter
removal calibration, which adds
an uncertainty factor to the
measurement. Most modern
vector network analyzers use an
adapter removal technique,
which compensates for adapter-
caused errors.
The simplest and fastest non-
insertable calibration method
uses an ECal module with
connectors that match your
device, and the same calibration
method as insertable devices.
Simply order your ECal module
with connectors that match your
device under test:
• Option 00M, male connectors
on both ports
• Option 00F, female connectors
on both ports.
• Option M0F with one male
and one female connector.
Perform adapter removal
calibrations faster
Some analyzers, such as later
versions of the 8753 and 8720,
offer adapter removal calibration
for non-insertable and mixed
connector measurement capabil-
ity. Since this method requires
two full two-port calibrations, it
is often time consuming and
prone to operator errors. Using
ECal to perform the two-port
calibrations addresses both of
these concerns by reducing the
calibration time and the number
of connections, simplifying the
overall adapter removal process.
Test set
ECal module
Perform a User-
characterization
Normally, when you perform a
calibration with an ECal module,
the error terms for a calibration
are computed using the factory
characterization (data) stored in
the module. User-characteriza-
tion allows you to change the
characterization of the module
in two ways:
• Change the connector
configuration: allows you to
add an adapter or fixture to
the test port of the module
and embed the effects into
the characterization of the
module. The result of the new
characterization extends the
reference plane from one or
more of the module’s test
ports to those on the adapter
(or fixture).
• Modify the state settings: allows
you to specify the number of
data points (1601 maximum)
or other stimulus settings the
module uses to perform a cali-
bration.
When you perform a user-charac-
terization, the factory characteri-
zation data remains stored in the
module’s memory. At calibration,
you can select the factory
characterization or any of the
user-defined characterizations
stored in the module. The module
can store up to five user-defined
characterizations (in addition to
the factory characterization data).
User-characterization is available
with PNA and ENA Series
Network Analyzers.