Automatic Calibrator for Anritsu 360B and
37000 Series Vector Network Analyzers or
MS462XX Series Vector Network Measurement Systems
MARCH 200710410-00199
COPYRIGHT 2007, ANRITSU CO.REVISION: E
Page 2
Page 3
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
i
Page 4
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.
ii
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iii
Page 6
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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-
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iv
Page 7
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).
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.
1-1
Page 8
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.
1-2
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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
11
1-Port calibration is not
22
1-3
Page 10
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
·
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)
·
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
·
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.)
·
Serial interface cable
·
AutoCal program disk
1-4
Page 11
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.
1-5
-
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Page 12
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...
1-6
Page 13
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 36583with 3658336581/2
Converter SetConverter SetModels
Directivity:
0.01 to 0.04 GHz————38 dB
0.04 to 0.2 GHz38 dB36 dB38 dB
0.2 to 2 GHz38 dB36 dB38 dB
2 to 9 GHz38 dB36 dB36 dB
9 to 20 GHz38 dB36 dB——
20 to 40 GHz34 dB32 dB——
Load Match:
0.01 to 0.04 GHz————38 dB
0.04 to 0.2 GHz38 dB36 dB38 dB
0.2 to 2 GHz38 dB36 dB38 dB
2 to 9 GHz38 dB36 dB36 dB
9 to 20 GHz38 dB36 dB——
20 to 40 GHz34 dB32 dB——
1-7
Page 14
Chapter 1 General Information
without 36583with3658336581/2
Converter SetConverter SetModels
Source Match:
0.01 to 0.04 GHz————36 dB
0.04 to 0.2 GHz34 dB32 dB36 dB
0.2 to 2 GHz34 dB32 dB36 dB
0.2 to 9 GHz34 dB32 dB34 dB
9 to 20 GHz34 dB32 dB——
20.0 to 40.0 GHz26 dB24 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±
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.
-
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.
2-1
-
Page 16
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
-
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
2-2
Page 17
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.
2-3
Page 18
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 commandbuttons. Clicking a command button will choose and execute the
2-4
Page 19
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.
-
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
-
2-5
Page 20
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.
2-6
Page 21
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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Page 22
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.
2-8
Page 23
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
DeviceConnectorPin Depth (inches)
3658XXXK-Female+0.0000 to -0.005
3658XXXK-Male+0.0000 to -0.005
3658XXXN-Female[0.207] (+0.000, -0.005)*
3658XXXK-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
2-9
Page 24
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.
2-10
Page 25
NOTES
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