5- 5
Optimizing Measurement Results
Increasing Measurement Accuracy
temperature is a critical factor in their performance. During a measurement calibration, the temperature of
the calibration devices must be stable and within 25 5 C.
• Use a temperature-controlled environment.
• Ensure the temperature stability of the calibration devices.
• Avoid handling the calibration devices unnecessarily during calibration.
• Ensure the ambient temperature is 1 C of measurement error-correction temperature.
Frequency Drift
Minute changes in frequency accuracy and stability can occur as a result of temperature and aging (on the
order of parts per million). If you require greater frequency accuracy, override the internal crystal with a
high-stability external source, frequency standard, or (if your analyzer is equipped with Option 1D5) use the
internal frequency standard.
Performance Verification
You should periodically check the accuracy of the analyzer measurements, by performing a measurement
verification at least once per year. The service guide includes the measurement verification procedure.
Reference Plane and Port Extensions
Use the port extension feature to compensate for the phase shift of an extended measurement reference
plane, due to such additions as cables, adapters, and fixtures, after completing an error-correction
procedure (or when there is no active correction).
Using port extensions is similar to using electrical delay. However, using port extensions is the preferred
method of compensating for test fixture phase shift.
Ta b le 5- 2 explains the difference between port
extensions and electrical delay.