Anritsu 36581KKF User's Guide

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AutoCal ®
36581NNF, 36581KKF,
36582KKF
Automatic VNA Calibrator
User’s Guide
Automatic Calibrator for Anritsu 360B and 37000 Series Vector Network Analyzers or
MS462XX Series Vector Network Measurement Systems
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Table of Contents
General Information
Introduction .....................1-1
Description .....................1-1
Calibrations .....................1-3
System Requirements ................1-4
Definitions .....................1-5
Thru .......................1-5
Isolation .....................1-5
VNA Measurement Averaging Factor .....1-6
VNA Video IF Bandwidth ...........1-6
Characterization File ..............1-6
Performance Specifications .............1-7
Operation
Introduction .....................2-1
Physical Setup....................2-1
Controller Setup...................2-3
Loading Software ................2-3
Software Operation .................2-4
Software Interface ................2-4
Starting AutoCal ................2-5
Using AutoCal HELP ..............2-5
Automatic Calibration Procedure ..........2-8
Manual Control ...................2-8
Pin Depth Specifications ..............2-9
Pin Depth Examples ..............2-10
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WARRANTY
TheAnritsu product(s) listed on thetitle pageis (are)warranted againstdefects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of shipment.
Anritsu’s obligation covers repairing or replacing products which prove to be defective during the warranty period. Buyers shall prepay transportation charges for equipment returned to Anritsu for warranty repairs. Obligation is limited to the original purchaser. Anritsu is not liable for consequential damages.
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY
The foregoing warranty does not apply to Anritsu connectors that have failed dueto normal wear.Also, the warranty does not apply to defects resulting from improper or inadequate maintenance by the Buyer, unauthorized modification ormisuse,or operationoutsidethe environmentalspecificationsof theproduct. No other warranty is expressed or implied, and the remedies provided herein are the Buyer’s sole and exclusive remedies.
TRADEMARK ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. AutoCal is a registered trademark of Anritsu Company.
NOTICE
Anritsu Company has prepared this manual for use by Anritsu Company personnel and customers as a guide for the proper installation, operation and maintenance of Anritsu Company equipment and computer programs. The drawings, specifications, and information contained herein are the property of Anritsu Company, and any unauthorized use or disclosure of these drawings, specifications, and information is prohibited; they shall not be reproduced, copied, or used in whole or in part as the basis for manufacture or sale of the equipment or software programs without the prior written consent of Anritsu Company.
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How to Use this Manual
This manual describes how to setup the AutoCal ® calibrator and how to access the on line HELP documentation. After setup, nearly all oper ation is guided by the associated software, running on a standard Per sonal Computer. Most of the documentation necessary to understand and use the AutoCal calibrator is provided on line, following the stan­dard form for HELP used with the Windows operating system.
This manual describes (1) the physical requirements, including test hardware, software, and computer resources necessary to setup a mea­surement and (2) how to start and use the software to control the cali­bration.
First-time users and maintenance supervisors should read the general material in Chapter 1. This chapter describes the basic operation of the instruments, and the performance specifications.
Important Usage Note
Refer to the MS462XX Operation Manual when using AutoCal with the MS462XX Vector Network Measurement System. The serial en abled 37000 series VNA with firmware version 3.37 or later offers an internal serial AutoCal control interface, therefore a separate PC is not required. Consult the 37000 VNA Operation Manual for more details.
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Chapter 1 General Information
Introduction
This chapter provides a general description of the AutoCal calibrators, including specifications, setup, and the use of the associated software and online documentation. This series has five models, as shown below. Throughout this manual, the term AutoCal will refer to the series. Individual models will be referred to by model number. The 36581NNF/1 and KKF/1 are for use with the MS462XX Vector Network Measurement System (VNMS).
Model Switch Freq. Range Connector.
36581NNF Electronic 40 MHz-18 GHz N (Male)-N (Female) 36581KKF Electronic 40 MHz-20 GHz K (Male)-K (Female) 36582KKF Mechanical 40 MHz-40 GHz K (Male)-K (Female) 36581NNF/2 Electronic 10 MHz-9 GHz N (Male)-N (Female) 36581KKF/2 Electronic 10 MHz-9 GHz K (Male)-K (Female)
Description
The AutoCal module is controlled by a Personal Computer and appropriate software, a 37000 series Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) equipped with a serial interface and firmware version 3.23 or later, or any MS462XX VNMS. The AutoCal module provides an automatic system for fast, repeatable high-quality calibrations of a VNA.
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Chapter 1 General Information
The AutoCal module is inserted between the VNA test ports to perform the calibration.
The electronic AutoCal modules use solid state electronic switches to exchange the internal calibration standards. Note that these units have a lower frequency limit (18 and 20 GHz). The mechanical modules use electro-mechanical actuators to exchange the standards and have the highest frequency limit, but have a small non-repeatability error. The mechanical modules contain internal standards used to measure port isolation; the electronic modules do not contain isolation standards and require a manual operation to perform this measurement.
A standard serial RS-232 interface extender is used to connect the AutoCal module to the PC host controller, VNA, or VNMS. The GPIB interface (IEEE488.2) is used to control the VNA. The VNA must be either an Anritsu model 360B or a member of the Anritsu 37000 series. Power is supplied by a connecting cable from a universal power supply (+5 Vdc, +15 Vdc, -15 Vdc for the electronic modules; +5 Vdc, +24 Vdc for the mechanical modules). A power on-off switch is not provided.
Test Port Cable Converters (Anritsu series 36583) are used during and after the calibration process to establish the desired test port connector type and sex.
The host PC controller runs under the Microsoft Windows operating system and requires an internal National Instruments GPIB interface card.
Refer to the MS462XX Operation Manual when using AutoCal with a MS462XX VNMS.
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Chapter 1 General Information
Calibrations
Four types of calibrations can be performed using AutoCal: One-Port: S
on the indicated port of the VNA and are equivalent to the traditional Open-Short-Load calibrations. Note that an S available with the 360B.
Full 2-Port: This type is equivalent to the traditional Open-Short-Load-Thru (OSLT) calibration.
Thru Update: This type is a new form of calibration which is used to update an existing 12-term calibration in the VNA. This calibration could have been performed using any method of calibration which yields 12 terms (LRL, LRM, AutoCal, or OSLT). Due to cable movement and aging, the calibration may have degraded over time. The Thru Update refreshes the calibration by measuring a Thru connection and updating the Transmission Tracking and Load Match calibration constants.
Adapter Removal: This calibration measures the characteristics of male-male or female-female test port cables for subsequent measurement of non-insertable devices. An adapter is required for this calibration. Adapter Removal requires two calibration procedures in order to calculate the parameters and electrical length of the adapter.
NOTE: If a full frequency range calibration is not required, modify the VNA Setup Menu to reflect only the needed range. This will be useful when calibrating a 40 GHz VNA below 20 GHz with a 20 GHz AutoCal module.
1-Port and S221-Port are 1-port calibrations performed
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1-Port calibration is not
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Chapter 1 General Information
System Requirements
Computer (if used as the controller):
Standard PC with a 386 or higher processor and a math
·
coprocessor Windows 3.1 or later operating system
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1.5 MB of RAM in addition to memory required by any other
·
operating programs National Instruments GPIB card and extension cable (available
·
from Anritsu) with Windows software drivers installed. Serial communications port (COM port)
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Network Analyzer:
Anritsu 360B, with system software version 4.04 or newer
·
Anritsu 37000, system software version 1.04 or newer or 3.23 or
·
newer for internal control
·
MS462XX Vector Network Measurement System, system software version 1.01 or newer
Calibrator:
·
Anritsu AutoCal module Electronic modules for 10 MHz to 20 GHz, no isolation standards Mechanical module for 40 MHz to 40 GHz, with isolation standards
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Power supply with attached cable (Different power supplies are used for the two types of modules and the power connectors are of different types to avoid errors in connection.)
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Serial interface cable
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AutoCal program disk
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Chapter 1 General Information
Definitions
The following terms are used in explaining the calibration procedures using the AutoCal module:
Thru
A thru is a connection of the two test ports where the transmission path is of modest or low loss when used during calibration. Two kinds of thru connections are defined for the AutoCal calibration: (1) a
Calibrator thru is an internal path through the calibrator. (2) a True thru is a direct cable connection between the test ports, with no
intervening connectors. The calibrator thru is not as accurate as a true thru, so you have the option of using the more accurate method, if necessary. The 4-port AutoCal module contains internal thru paths that are normally used during a calibration. True thrus can be used in lieu of the internal thrus in some calibrations for small improvements in transmission tracking accuracy. This is available only in some firmware versions; contact Anritsu for more information.
Isolation
For certain measurements that require accurate S21or S12readings for very small values of those parameters, an isolation step is required to characterize the leakage of the VNA and test setup. Isolation is some times used to improve the dynamic range by mathematically reducing the effects of leakage. This calibration step is optional and can be per formed by using the external calibration standards (see the MS462XX Operation Manual). Since the MS462XX’s internal leakage is very small, the step does not usually help very much. However, if the cable setup from the VNA is leaking, there are cases when the isolation step can be helpful.
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Chapter 1 General Information
VNA Measurement Averaging Factor
This is the averaging factor used within the VNA to determine the number of samples taken during a calibration. Default values are provided for the various standards with the general rule being higher averaging for measurements with lower signal-to-noise ratios (for example, match measurements on loads or thrus). This factor is set by the VNA menu:
Avg/Smooth Menu
VNA Video IF Bandwidth
The video IF bandwidth is the measurement bandwidth of the VNA that can be changed both during a calibration and during a measurement. The default value is 1 kHz, but it can be increased for faster measurements (and slightly higher trace noise and noise floor) or decreased for better dynamic range. In conjunction with VNA averaging above, this determines the calibration or measurement time and usually does not have to be changed for the calibration. This setting is the same as the value set by using the VNA menu:
Video IF BW
Characterization File
Each calibrator module has a file containing data which characterizes each standard in the calibrator. This file also contains information (identification number, start and stop frequencies) concerning the capabilities of the calibrator. Each characterization file has the extension “.acd.” When modules are changed, you must open the appropriate new characterization file using the menus (see Chapter 2):
File | Open Characterization File...
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Chapter 1 General Information
Performance Specifications
Temperature Range: 23 °C ± 3 °C ambient Frequency Range: 40 MHz to 18 GHz (36581NNF)
10 MHz to 9 GHz (36581NNF/2) 40 MHz to 20 GHz (36581KKF) 10 MHz to 9 GHz (36581KKF/2) 40 MHz to 40 GHz (36582KKF)
Module Connectors: N Male, N Female (36581NNF)
K Male, K Female (36581KKF, 36582KKF)
Test Port Cable: K Male (2 ea), K Female (2 ea) (3658K) Converter Set: 3.5 mm Male (2 ea)
3.5 mm Female (2 ea) (36583L) SMA Male (2 ea) SMA Female (2 ea) (36583S)
without 36583 with 36583 36581/2 Converter Set Converter Set Models
Directivity:
0.01 to 0.04 GHz —— —— 38 dB
0.04 to 0.2 GHz 38 dB 36 dB 38 dB
0.2 to 2 GHz 38 dB 36 dB 38 dB 2 to 9 GHz 38 dB 36 dB 36 dB 9 to 20 GHz 38 dB 36 dB —— 20 to 40 GHz 34 dB 32 dB ——
Load Match:
0.01 to 0.04 GHz —— —— 38 dB
0.04 to 0.2 GHz 38 dB 36 dB 38 dB
0.2 to 2 GHz 38 dB 36 dB 38 dB 2 to 9 GHz 38 dB 36 dB 36 dB 9 to 20 GHz 38 dB 36 dB —— 20 to 40 GHz 34 dB 32 dB ——
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Chapter 1 General Information
without 36583 with36583 36581/2 Converter Set Converter Set Models
Source Match:
0.01 to 0.04 GHz —— —— 36 dB
0.04 to 0.2 GHz 34 dB 32 dB 36 dB
0.2 to 2 GHz 34 dB 32 dB 36 dB
0.2 to 9 GHz 34 dB 32 dB 34 dB 9 to 20 GHz 34 dB 32 dB ——
20.0 to 40.0 GHz 26 dB 24 dB ——
Reflection Tracking:
0.01 to 0.04 GHz —— —— ±0.15 dB
0.04 to 0.2 GHz ±0.15 dB ±0.20 dB ±0.15 dB
0.2 to 2 GHz ±0.20 dB ±0.25 dB ±0.15 dB 2to9GHz ±0.20 dB ±0.25 dB ±0.20 dB 9to20GHz ±0.20 dB ±0.25 dB ——
20.0 to 40.0 GHz ±0.25 dB ±0.30 dB ——
Transmission Tracking (Module Thru Mode):
0.01 to 0.04 GHz —— —— ±0.15 dB
0.04 to 0.2 GHz ±0.15 dB ±0.20 dB ±0.15 dB
0.2 to 2 GHz ±0.20 dB ±0.25 dB ±0.15 dB 2to9GHz ±0.20 dB ±0.25 dB ±0.20 dB 9to20GHz ±0.20 dB ±0.25 dB ——
20.0 to 40.0 GHz ±0.25dB ±0.30 dB ——
Transmission Tracking (True Thru Mode):
0.01 to 0.04 GHz —— —— ±0.15 dB
0.04 to 0.2 GHz ±0.10 dB ±0.15 dB ±0.15 dB
0.2 to 2 GHz ±0.10 dB ±0.15 dB ±0.15 dB 2to9GHz ±0.10 dB ±0.15 dB ±0.20 dB 9to20GHz ±
20.0 to 40.0 GHz ±0.20dB ±0.25 dB —— Operating Temperature: 0 °Cto+50°C Storage Temperature: -20 °Cto+70°C Re-characterization Period: 6 months
0.10 dB ±0.15 dB ——
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Specifications subject to change without notice.
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Chapter 2 Operation
Introduction
This chapter describes the setup and operation of the AutoCal calibration module, the host PC controller, and how to make use of the extensive on-line documentation.
Refer to the MS462XX Operation Manual when using AutoCal with the MS462XX Vector Network Measurement System. Refer to the 37000 series Operation Manual when using the internal AutoCal con­trol.
Physical Setup
See Figure 2-1 (next page) for an illustration of the connections necessary to perform an automatic calibration using the AutoCal mod ule. Different power cable connectors are used with the mechanical modules and the electronic modules to prevent connecting the wrong power supply in error.
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There is no on-off switch. When power is connected to the AutoCal module, the LED labeled POWER should come on immediately. The second LED, labeled OPERATE, should come on in about five minutes, after the internal temperature control oven has stabilized. In ternal temperature is held within a 5
o
C window.
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Chapter 2 Operation
NetworkAnalyzer
37247B
40MHz-20GHz
GPIB
SystemState
Calibration
Remote
Talk
Listen
SRQ
Power
LocalLockout
Port1
Save/
Utility
Begin
Default
Recall
Apply
Program
Menu
Cal
Menu
Cal
a 112
S
CAUTION
21
+20dBmMAX
S
S
40VDCMAX
11
22
AVOIDSTATIC
S
DISCHARGE
12
b
DataEntry
Menu
789
3
MHznsX1cmGHz10
us m
6
45
Enter
Markers/Limits
Limits
Readout
Marker
Marker
Menu
HardCopy
Menu
Start Print
b
CAUTION
+20dBmMAX
40VDCMAX
AVOIDSTATIC
DISCHARGE
a 2
-3
kHz
12
10
Clear
3
ps
mm
RetLoc
.
0
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Measurement
Channels
Data
Channel
Setup
Ch1 Ch2
Menu
Menu
Points
Ch4
Ch3
Domain Appl
Hold
Enhancement
Display
Video
Graph
Option
Auto
Set
Scale
IFBW
Scale
Menu
Type
Avg/
Ref
S
Stop
Trace
Smooth
Trace
Average
Params
Plane
Print
Memory
Menu
Smooth
Port2
BiasInput
Keyboard
Port2Port1
Note: Com X indicates the appropriate Com 1 through Com 4 serial port.
Figure 2-1. AutoCal Measurement Setup
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Chapter 2 Operation
Controller Setup
Loading Software
The AutoCal software is furnished on a standard 3.5 inch floppy disk. The AutoCal host computer must be running the Windows 3.1 or later operating system. Software installation follows standard Windows practice.
With Windows running, place the AutoCal software floppy disk in a convenient floppy disk drive (usually a:). In the Windows 3.1 Program Manager or File Manager, click FILE and choose Run. In later Win­dows versions, click Start and choose Run. In the Run dialog window, type:
drivename:\setup
in the Command Line and press ENTER or click OK. You will be prompted to choose a drive partition and directory for in-
stallation of the AutoCal software. Unless there is some unusual rea­son, choose a drive letter and accept the default directory \AutoCal\.
The software will be installed.
Note: The calibration standards internal to each AutoCal module have been characterized by the
factory and this characterization is recorded in the software disk unique to each particular AutoCal module. Each AutoCal module must be used with its corresponding characterization file.
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Chapter 2 Operation
Software Operation
Software Interface
The AutoCal software follows the standard Windows interface conventions. As with other Windows-based applications, dialog boxes are used to display available choices or alternatives and for the user to indicate choices or to enter data. If you are not familiar with the Windows interface conventions, study of the Windows documentation will be helpful. A brief review will be given below.
The typical Windows dialog box has a title bar, which displays the name or subject of the dialog box. Where appropriate, there may be a brief instruction or explanation in the space below the title bar.
List boxes are used to display lists of choices, usually data sets or alternative actions. If there are too many choices to fit in the list box, slide bars are provided at the borders of the list box to permit viewing of all items in the list. Where appropriate, a list box may be presented as the name of a single item (the currently active item) with a down-arrow in a little box at the right (a combo box). Selection of the down-arrow brings the entire list into view. Click on an item in the list to select it.
Option buttons are used to choose between mutually exclusive options. Option buttons appear as a round selection area labeled with the name of the associated option. The selected option has a large black dot in the selection area. To change to another option, click on the corresponding selection area.
The dialog window may contain a display box, which shows the current values of variables or settings with descriptive labels.
Finally, a dialog window will contain one or more labeled command buttons. Clicking a command button will choose and execute the
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Chapter 2 Operation
command as labeled. Nearly always, there will be a command button labeled HELP, which gives access to the HELP text (see below). Of ten, a dialog window will be used only to transmit information to the user. The command button labeled OK serves to close the dialog window.
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A command button labeled CANCEL is always provided to allow a re turn to the previous status without taking an action.
Starting AutoCal
The AutoCal software is started by executing the program auto_cal.exe in the directory where the software is installed (as chosen
on page 2-3). Alternatively, the software can be started by clicking the AutoCal icon in the Program Manager (if one has been created).
If there is no AutoCal Program Manager icon, click File in the Program Manager or File Manager, choose Run, and type:
disk partition:\AutoCal directory\auto_cal Press OK.
For example: e:\autocal\auto_cal [OK] The AutoCal program will appear and will display the
Characterization Files dialog window.
Using AutoCal HELP
Most of the information necessary to use the AutoCal software is contained in the extensive associated HELP files.
All AutoCal dialog windows contain a command button labeled HELP. Clicking HELP brings up descriptive material appropriate to that dialog box. Frequently, terms and references used in any HELP screen are displayed in light green with an underline. When the cursor
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Chapter 2 Operation
is moved over a light green area, the cursor turns into a pointing hand. Clicking the cursor brings up a screen with additional material. The user can then continue to bring up related material in the same manner, or can use command buttons to return to the main HELP menu or to return to the main AutoCal program.
Note that the command button labeled HISTORY gives convenient access to a list of previously chosen items. Clicking on an item name in HISTORY gives immediate access to that item without returning to the original context.
Characterization Files
The AutoCal program begins by displaying the Characterization Files dialog window. AutoCal looks for all files in the current
directory with the extension “.acd” and displays them in a list box in the Characterization Files dialog window. One characterization file must be chosen to correspond to the specific AutoCal module to be used.
The unique Module ID number for the currently selected file will be displayed, together with the maximum and minimum frequency that can be used in the calibration.
To accept the configuration displayed and to proceed with the calibration procedure, click Command Button ACCEPT.
If you wish to allow files from other directories or files with extensions other than “.acd” to be included in the list, click Command Button BROWSE to bring up the standard Windows Open File dialog box.
Click HELP to access detailed instructions and explanations. Click CANCEL to return without taking an action.
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Chapter 2 Operation
Setup Dialog
The Setup dialog box follows Characterization. Setup allows choice of the calibration to be performed. The five
possible test configurations are presented in a pull-down window, with the current selection highlighted. Parameters which do not apply to the selected configuration are shown in gray and do not respond to selection.
Note that you are required to choose the connection port configuration. A valid calibration may be performed with either VNA port connected to either AutoCal port. Terminals LEFT and RIGHT on the AutoCal module may be connected to P2 and P1 on the VNA, though the usual connection is to P1 and P2, respectively.
Similarly, you are required to choose the type of Thru connection to be used, either the internal Thru built into the Calibrator or a manually connected True Thru.
If appropriate, you will be offered a choice for an Isolation Averaging calibration. If you choose to enable this test, you may take the default value or choose an averaging factor from the list.
Click the command button CALIBRATE to proceed with the automatic calibration.
The associated HELP shows a complete description of the Setup requirements and related topics.
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Chapter 2 Operation
Automatic Calibration Procedure
After completion of the setup procedure (above), the VNA begins the automatic calibration run, measuring the standards and pulling the data over the GPIB interface. The user does not need to intervene.
When the entire calibration is complete, including all exchanges of standards required by the test, the PC controller will display
CALIBRATION COMPLETE . The button on the VNA labeled APPLY CAL will be illuminated.
The user must press the SAVE/RECALL button on the VNA to save the results of the calibration.
The calibration data set should be named for reference. The name can be entered by means of the rotary knob on the VNA panel or by means of an accessory keyboard (37000 only).
For use and application of the calibration data, see the Operation Manual for the appropriate VNA.
Manual Control
Full manual control of the AutoCal module is provided by choosing MANUAL from the dialog options. Under MANUAL control, the user
has the option of connecting any of the calibration standards to the VNA ports. This is useful for manually checking the calibration.
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Chapter 2 Operation
Pin Depth Specifications
The depth of the center pin on connectors is a critical specification, which if not met can cause damage to mating connectors. Table 2-1 provides pin-depth specifications for associated AutoCal connectors.
Table 2-1. Pin Depth Specifications
Device Connector Pin Depth (inches)
3658XXX K-Female +0.0000 to -0.005 3658XXX K-Male +0.0000 to -0.005 3658XXX N-Female [0.207] (+0.000, -0.005)* 3658XXX K-Female [0.207] (+0.000, -0.005)* 32K50
32KF50
32L50 32LF50
32S50 32SF50
*Gauging Type N Connectors: The actual value of a Type N master gauge block will always vary to some degree from the desired nominal value. The recorded measured value of the master gauge must be observed when calibrating the Pin Depth Gauge to the desired nominal value. Although the AutoCal Module Pin Depths are not critical, this information may be helpful in the measurement of Type N mating components. Examples are shown on the following page.
K-Male (cable side) Negative Indication
K-Female +0.0000 to -0.0005 K-Male (DUT side) +0.0000 to -0.0005 K-Male (cable side) Negative Indication
3.5mm-Female (DUT side)
3.5mm-Male (DUT side) +0.006 to -0.008 K-Male (cable side) Negative Indication
SMA-Female (DUT side) +0.0005 to -0.0015 SMA-Male (DUT side) +0.0005 to -0.0015
+0.006 to -0.008
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Chapter 2 Operation
Pin Depth Examples
Example 1:
FEMALE MASTER GAUGE BLOCK (protrusion)
Desired nominal value: 0.2070
Case 1 Actual value of master gauge: 0.2071
Protrusion is 0.0001 more than desired. The gauge should be set to indicate +0.0001.
Case 2 Actual value of master gauge: 0.2069
Protrusion is 0.0001 less than desired The gauge should be set to indicate -0.0001.
Example 2:
MALE MASTER GAUGE BLOCK (cavity)
Desired nominal value: 0.2070
Case 1 Actual value of master gauge: 0.2071
The cavity is 0.0001 deeper than desired. The gauge should be set to indicate -0.0001.
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NOTES
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