INTRODUCTION: Vector Network Analyzers are commonly used to accurately determine
the RF Characteristics of microwave components. Accurate Testing of microwave circuits
means eliminating measurement errors and ensuring repeatable results. This is only possible
when the network analyzers can be calibrated with known and true calibration standards.
These standards are not to be subjected to any kind of limitations, they must rather be designed
to perfection. As Network Analyzers do have the ability to reduce error terms to negligible
values, they depend on the quality and integrity of the Calibration Standards.
METHODOLOGY: Two different techniques are commonly known for coaxial calibration,
the Open-Short-Load-Through Calibration Method , and the Line Reflective Line (LRL)
Calibration Method, also recognized as Through Reflective Line (TRL).
OPEN-SHORT-LOAD-THROUGH CALIBRATION: This method uses as known
Standards, Opens, Shorts and Loads. The Load can be either a sliding or a fixed broadband
load. The Kits supplied, can be divided into three groups: The Standard Calibration Kit, the
Expanded Calibration Kit, and the Professional Calibration Kit. The Instrument Cases for all
three of these Calibration Kits are identical. The customer may start with the Standard
Calibration Kit and fill the empty spots at a later stage, to end up with an Expanded, or even
the Professional Calibration Kit.The Kits, as suggested for Hewlett Packard and Wiltron,
do differ slightly in the number of components supplied, as necessary for the different calibration
sequences.
STANDARD OPEN-SHORT-LOAD-THROUGH CALIBRATION KIT: It contains all
the components needed for calibration in the subject connector series, Opens, Shorts, Broadband
Loads, and the Software Configuration Medium.
EXPANDED OPEN-SHORT-LOAD-THROUGH CALIBRATION KIT: Besides the
components supplied with the Standard Calibration Kit, a set of interface gauges for center
conductor location dimensions, calibration blocks for zeroing the gauges, wrenches, and a
torque wrench are added.
PROFESSIONAL OPEN-SHORT-LOAD-THROUGH CALIBRATION KIT: Additional
to the components supplied with the Expanded Calibration Kit, the sets of interface gauges
and calibration blocks are completed for measuring further also certain critical outer conductor
dimensions. A set of thread limit gauges for checking the connector and coupling nut threads
is supplied as well. Four empty spaces can be filled with optional adapters, individually to be specified.
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