Agilent Measurement Journal - Issue 4 - 2008 - (Page 45)

Conclusion “Which calibration technique is the most accurate?” is not easy to answer. First, one must consider the application as well as the required measurement accuracy and other factors. Most network analyzer calibrations fall into three broad categories: SOLT, TRL and ECal. Each has its own strengths and associated accuracies. Proper training and experience often will result in developing a familiarity over time with a particular method; however, engineers should also exercise caution to prevent forming bad habits during calibration. Ultimately, precision and accuracy can be (and often are) laid to waste by poor calibration and measurement practices. The average user may not have the opportunity to use a network analyzer frequently. When using an RF instrument capable of just one or two decibels of accuracy, a dirty connector that causes 0.1 dB of error will seem insigniﬁcant. When using a network analyzer, however, 0.1 dB is well within the measurement range of the instrument. As a result, it is useful to develop and review good measurement practices to avoid adversely impacting calibration accuracy. References 1. Please see www.agilent.com/ﬁnd/na for an overview of these guidelines. 2. Agilent Application Note 1287-11: Specifying Calibration Standards and Kits for Agilent Vector Network Analyzers. Literature number 5989-4840EN available from www.agilent.com. 3. Agilent White Paper: Calibration – Electronic vs. Mechanical Calibration Kits: Calibration Methods and Accuracy. Literature number 5988-9477EN available from www.agilent.com. 4. Agilent White Paper: User Characterization: Electronic Calibration Feature Allows Users to Customize to Speciﬁc Needs. Literature number 5988-9478EN available from www.agilent.com. 5. Agilent Application Note 339-10: Input-output Impedance and Reﬂection Coefﬁcient Measurements. Literature number 5950-2925 available from www.agilent.com. Additional Reading • Agilent Application Note 1287-3: Applying Error Correction to Network Analyzer Measurements. Literature number 5965-7709E available from www.agilent.com. • Agilent Application Note: On-Wafer SOLT Calibration Using 4-port PNA-L Network Analyzers (N5230A Options x4x). Literature number 5989-2287EN available from www.agilent.com. http://www.agilent.com/find/na http://www.agilent.com http://www.agilent.com http://www.agilent.com http://www.agilent.com http://www.agilent.com http://www.agilent.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Agilent Measurement Journal - Issue 4 - 2008

Agilent Measurement Journal - Issue 4 - 2008 Delivering Confidence through Compliance with Standards Contents Emerging Innovations Trying Early Device Implementations at the IEEE 1588 PlugFest Achieving Greater Confidence in Measurement Accuracy through Consistency in Calibration Services Overcoming the Challenges of RFID Component Testing 3GPP LTE: Introducing Single- Carrier FDMA Ensuring Reliable Operation and Performance in Converged IP Networks Testing Storage Area Networks and Devices at 8.5-Gb/s Fibre Channel Rates Choosing an Appropriate Calibration Method for Vector Network Analysis Making Traceable EVM Measurements with Digital Oscilloscopes Exploring Terahertz Measurement, Imaging and Spectroscopy: The Electromagnetic Spectrum’s Final Frontier Interpreting Quoted Specifications when Selecting Digitizers

Agilent Measurement Journal - Issue 4 - 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.