5-4
Optimizing Measurement Results
Increasing Measurement Accuracy
Increasing Measurement Accuracy
The following all contribute to loss of accuracy in a measurement.
Interconnecting Cables
Cables that connect the device under test (DUT) to the analyzer are often the most significant contribution
to random errors of your measurement. You should frequently perform the following steps as a precaution
against errors caused by cable interconnections:
• Inspect for lossy cables.
• Inspect for damaged cable connectors.
• Practice good connector care techniques.
• Minimize cable position changes between error-correction and measurements.
• Inspect for cables which dramatically change magnitude or phase response when flexed. (This may
indicate an intermittent problem.)
Improper Calibration Techniques
Calibrations techniques performed improperly contribute to random errors to your measurement. You should
frequently perform the following steps as a precaution against errors caused by calibration techniques:
• Verify the correct calibration kit definition is selected.
• Verify the correct standards have been connected.
Sweeping Too Fast for Electrically Long Devices
It is possible to sweep too fast for electrically long devices. This will result in measurement error. Refer to
"Making Accurate Measurements of Electrically Long Devices" on page 5-7.
Connector Repeatability
Connector repeatability is a source of random measurement error. Measurement error-corrections do not
compensate for these errors. For all connectors, you should frequently perform the following steps as a
precaution against errors caused by connector repeatability:
• Inspect the connectors.
• Clean the connectors.
• Gauge the connectors.
• Use correct connection techniques. (Refer to "Taking Care of Microwave Connectors" on page 5-3.)
Temperature Drift
Electrical characteristics will change with temperature due to the thermal expansion characteristics of
devices within the analyzer, calibration devices, test devices, cables, and adapters. Therefore, the operating
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