6-4
Calibrating for Increased Measurement Accuracy
Calibration Considerations
Calibration Considerations
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 S
11
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 that parameter remain 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 channels during 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 type-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.
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