Service Guide N5230-90024 3-7
PNA Series Microwave Network Analyzers Tests and Adjustments
N5230C About System Verification and Performance Tests
against the system specifications. If confirmation is successful, the measurement system is capable of
making measurements to the accuracy specified by the graphs of measurement uncertainty.
The procedure consists of calibrating the analyzer with a calibration kit, measuring a set of characterized
devices, and comparing the resultant measured data to the data and uncertainty limits supplied with the
verification kit. The device data provided with the verification kit has a traceable path to NIST. The total
measurement uncertainty limits for the performance verification are the sum of the factory measurement
uncertainties and the uncertainties associated with measuring the same devices on the system being
verified. The difference between the factory-measured data and the verification-measured data must fall
within the total uncertainty limits at all frequencies for the total system uncertainty test to pass.
NOTE Calibration kits are different from verification kits. Calibration kits are used to determine the
systematic errors of a network analyzer measurement system. Verification kits are used to
confirm system specifications and are not used to generate error correction.
Performance Tests
Performance tests are used to confirm analyzer performance against the “instrument” specifications. If
confirmation is successful, the analyzer meets the instrument specifications.
Performance tests are contained in the N7840A Software Package and are described at “Performance Tests
(Agilent N7840A Software Package)” on page 3-28.
An illustrated outline of the performance verification procedure:
• for ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994 verification, is shown in Figure 3-1 on page 3-8.
• for non-ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994 verification, is shown in Figure 3-2 on page 3-9.
Certificate of Calibration
Agilent Technologies will issue a certificate of calibration upon successful completion of system verification
or completion of the performance tests. The certificate of calibration will apply to the “system” (analyzer,
calibration kit, test cables, and any necessary adapters) if the system verification procedure is used to
confirm the system specifications. If the performance tests are used to confirm instrument specifications,
the certificate of calibration will apply to the PNA as an independent instrument. The equipment and
measurement standards used for the tests must be certified and must be traceable to recognized standards.
NOTE If you have a measurement application that does not use all of the measurement capabilities
of the analyzer, you may ask your local Agilent Technologies service office to verify only a
subset of the specifications. However, this “limited calibration” creates the possibility of
making inaccurate measurements if you then use the analyzer in an application requiring
additional capabilities.
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