88 Keysight P937xA PXIe Service Guide
General Product Information
Error Terms
6-
Error Terms
Using Error Terms as a Diagnostic Tool
By examining error terms, you can monitor system performance for preventive
maintenance and troubleshooting purposes.
The magnitude and shape of the error terms are affected by:
—calibration kit devices
—cables
— adapters and accessories
— test port connectors
Calibration kit devices, cables, adapters and accessories are the most common
cause of error term anomalies. Make sure of the following:
— Connectors must be clean, gaged, and within specification.
— Use proper connection technique during measurement and calibration. For
online information on connector care, go to
http://na.support.keysight.com/pna/connectorcare/Connector_Care.htm,
or to the calibration kit’s user’s and service manual.
Preventive Maintenance
If you print or plot the error terms at set intervals (weekly, monthly, etc), you
can compare current error terms to these records. A stable system should
generate repeatable error terms over long intervals, (for example, six months).
Look for the following:
— A long-term trend often reflects drift, connector and cable wear, or gradual
degradation, indicating the need for further investigation and preventive
maintenance. Yet, the system may still conform to specifications. The cure is
often as simple as cleaning and gaging connectors and cables.
— A sudden shift in error terms may indicate the need for troubleshooting.
Troubleshooting
Refer to error term descriptions in “Error Term Data” on page 92.
Always suspect calibration devices, cables, or improper connector
maintenance as the primary cause of an error term anomaly.