Keysight N4693D Ecal Reference Guide

Reference Guide

Keysight
Electronic Calibration Modules

This manual provides documentation for the following models:

RF 2-Port:

85091D, 85092D, 85093D, 85094D, 85096D, 85098D, 85099D

N7550A, N7551A, N7552A

RF 4-Port: N4431D

Microwave 2-Port:
N4696D, N7553A, N7554A, and N7555A

Microwave 4-Port: N4432D, and N4433D

This is the latest ECal modules Reference Guide.
For legacy ECal models, refer to the N4693-90001
Reference Guide:

https://www.keysight.com/us/en/assets/9018-03493/
reference-guides/9018-03493.pdf

N4690D, N4691D, N4692D, N4693D, N4694D,

Notices

© Keysight Technologies, Inc.
2008-2022

No part of this manual may be
reproduced in any form or by any
means (including electronic storage
and retrieval or translation into a
foreign language) without prior
agreement and written consent from
Keysight Technologies, Inc. as
governed by United States and
international copyright laws.

Trademark Acknowledgments

Manual Part Number

N7550-90002

Edition

Edition 1, February 10, 2022

Printed in USA/Malaysia

Published by:
Keysight Technologies
1400 Fountaingrove Parkway
Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Warranty

THE MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS
DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS,”
AND IS SUBJECT TO BEING
CHANGED, WITHOUT NOTICE, IN
FUTURE EDITIONS. FURTHER, TO
THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED
BY APPLICABLE LAW, KEYSIGHT
DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES,
EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WITH
REGARD TO THIS MANUAL AND
ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED
HEREIN, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
KEYSIGHT SHALL NOT BE LIABLE
FOR ERRORS OR FOR INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IN
CONNECTION WITH THE
FURNISHING, USE, OR
PERFORMANCE OF THIS
DOCUMENT OR ANY INFORMATION
CONTAINED HEREIN. SHOULD
KEYSIGHT AND THE USER HAVE A
SEPARATE WRITTEN AGREEMENT

WITH WARRANTY TERMS
COVERING THE MATERIAL IN THIS
DOCUMENT THAT CONFLICT WITH
THESE TERMS, THE WARRANTY
TERMS IN THE SEPARATE
AGREEMENT WILL CONTROL.

Technology Licenses

The hardware and/or software
described in this document are
furnished under a license and
may be used or copied only in
accordance with the terms of
such license.

U.S. Government Rights

The Software is “commercial
computer software,” as defined
by Federal Acquisition Regulation
(“FAR”) 2.101. Pursuant to FAR

12.212 and 27.405-3 and
Department of Defense FAR
Supplement (“DFARS”) 227.7202,
the U.S. government acquires
commercial computer software
under the same terms by which
the software is customarily
provided to the public.
Accordingly, Keysight provides
the Software to U.S. government
customers under its standard
commercial license, which is
embodied in its End User License
Agreement (EULA), a copy of
which can be found at

http://www.keysight.com/find/s
weula The license set forth in the

EULA represents the exclusive
authority by which the U.S.
government may use, modify,
distribute, or disclose the
Software. The EULA and the
license set forth therein, does not
require or permit, among other
things, that Keysight: (1) Furnish
technical information related to
commercial computer software
or commercial computer
software documentation that is
not customarily provided to the
public; or (2) Relinquish to, or
otherwise provide, the
government rights in excess of
these rights customarily provided
to the public to use, modify,
reproduce, release, perform,
display, or disclose commercial

computer software or
commercial computer software
documentation. No additional
government requirements
beyond those set forth in the
EULA shall apply, except to the
extent that those terms, rights, or
licenses are explicitly required
from all providers of commercial
computer software pursuant to
the FAR and the DFARS and are
set forth specifically in writing
elsewhere in the EULA. Keysight
shall be under no obligation to
update, revise or otherwise
modify the Software. With
respect to any technical data as
defined by FAR 2.101, pursuant
to FAR 12.211 and 27.404.2 and
DFARS 227.7102, the U.S.
government acquires no greater
than Limited Rights as defined in
FAR 27.401 or DFAR 227.7103-5
(c), as applicable in any technical
data.

Safety Notices

A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard.
It calls attention to an operating
procedure, practice, or the like that,
if not correctly performed or adhered
to, could result in damage to the
product or loss of important data. Do
not proceed beyond a CAUTION
notice until the indicated conditions
are fully understood and met.

A WARNING notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an
operating procedure, practice, or the
like that, if not correctly performed or
adhered to, could result in personal
injury or death. Do not proceed
beyond a WARNING notice until the
indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.

Where to Find the Latest Information

Documentation is updated periodically. For the latest information about these products, including instrument
software upgrades, application information, and product information, browse to one of the following URLs,
according to the name of your product:

http://www.keysight.com/find/

To receive the latest updates by email, subscribe to Keysight Email Updates at the following URL:

http://www.keysight.com/find/MyKeysight

Information on preventing instrument damage can be found at:

www.keysight.com/find/PreventingInstrumentRepair

Is your product software up-to-date?

Periodically, Keysight releases software updates to fix known defects and incorporate product enhancements.
To search for software updates for your product, go to the Keysight Technical Support website at:

http://www.keysight.com/find/techsupport

3

4

Contents

1. General Information

Manual Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Prerequisite Knowledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Clarifying the Terminology of a Connector Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Accuracy of Electronic Calibration versus Mechanical Calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

When to Calibrate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Models and Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

8509xD Modules (RF Two-Port) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

N755xA Modules (RF Two-Port) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

N4431D Modules (RF Four-Port) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11

N469xD Modules (Microwave Two-Port) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14

N4432D and N4433D Modules (Microwave Four-Port). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18

Compatible Network Analyzers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21

Service and Recertification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29

Contacting Keysight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29

Returning Devices to Keysight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29

Recertification of ECal Modules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30

Safety and Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32

Safety Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33

Instrument Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33

Compliance Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34

Contents

2. Preparing ECal for Use

Inspecting the ECal Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Inspect the Kit Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Locate the Serial Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Record the Serial Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Verify Electrical Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Equipment Required but Not Supplied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Kit Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

8509xD Series Kit Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

N755xA Series Kit Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

N4431D Series Kit Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

N469xD Seres Kit Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

N4432D and N4433D Series Kit Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15

Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17

8509xD Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17

N755xA Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17

Electronic Calibration Modules Reference Guide 5

Contents

N4431D Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17

N469xD Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17

N4432D Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17

N4433D Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18

Operating and Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18

ESD Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18

Connector Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-18

Input Power Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-20

Operating Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20

3. Operating ECal Module

Setting Up a Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Understanding the ECal LEDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Required Procedure for All Calibrations (PNA and PXIe) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Required Procedure for All Calibrations (ENA E5061B, E5063A, E5071C, and E5072A) 3-3

Required Procedure for All Calibrations (FieldFox). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

Calibration Types Available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

When to Correct for Isolation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Calibration Methods for Non-Insertable Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Finding More Information on Performing a Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10

Validating a Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11

ECal Confidence Check – Basic Validation of the Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

System Verification Procedure – Traceable Accuracy Validation of the Calibrated

Measurement System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12

ECal Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-14

4. Use, Maintenance, and Care of the Devices

Electrostatic Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Visual Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Look for Obvious Defects and Damage First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Inspect the Mating Plane Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Inspect Female Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

Cleaning Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

Cleaning Coax Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-6

Cleaning 7 mm Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

Gaging Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Connector Gage Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

When to Gage Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

Recognizing Gage Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

Reading the Connector Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

Gaging Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14

6 Electronic Calibration Modules Reference Guide

Making Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17

1.85 mm, 3.5 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.92 mm, and Type-N Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17

7 mm Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17

Final Connection Using a Torque Wrench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18

Separating Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-21

Handling and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-22

ECal Kit Storage Box (Option 150) – (N755xA Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-23

5. Specifications and Characteristics

Specifications: Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Environmental Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Operating Temperature and Accuracy Enhancement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Barometric Pressure and Relative Humidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

Electrical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

8509xD Series. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

N755xA Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7

N4431D (3.5 mm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8

N4431D (Type-N 50 Ω) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8

N4431D (7-16) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9

N4431D (4.3-10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9

N4432D (Type-N 50 Ω) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10

N4433D (3.5 mm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10

N469xD Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11

Contents

Characteristic Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14

N755xA Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14

N4431D (3.5 mm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15

N4431D (4.3-10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15

N4431D (7-16) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16

N4431D (Type-N 50 Ω) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16

N4432D (Type-N 50 Ω – Microwave). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17

N4433D (3.5 mm – Microwave) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17

N469xD Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18

Mechanical Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21

Pin Depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21

Type-N Characteristics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23

Typical Pin Depth Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26

Supplemental Mechanical Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-30

Mechanical Dimensions of the Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31

Measurement Uncertainty Calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-49

Download the Vector Network Analyzer Uncertainty Calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-49

Electronic Calibration Modules Reference Guide 7

Contents

6. Replaceable Parts

Description of This Chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-1

Type-F (75 ohm) Modules and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

Type-N (50 ohm) Modules and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

Type-N (75 ohm) Modules and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

1.85 mm Modules and Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

2.4 mm Modules and Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6

2.92 mm Modules and Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

3.5 mm Modules and Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8

4.3-10 Modules and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9

7 mm Modules and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10

7-16 Modules and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11

Other ECal Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

8 Electronic Calibration Modules Reference Guide

Keysight Electronic Calibration Modules
RF/Microwave Two Port

Reference Guide

1 General Information

Manual Overview

The purpose of this manual is to help you use your Electronic Calibration (ECal)
module confidently and effectively. ECal is a precision, single-connection
calibration technique which uses fully traceable and verifiable electronic
standards. Each module has unique S-parameter data that is stored in the
module's memory. During calibration, ECal uses this data to calculate the error
terms for your network analyzer.

This manual provides instructions for operating and maintaining your ECal
module. Also included are mechanical specifications and replaceable parts
available for each model.

The 85091/2/3/4/6/8/9D series provide two-port calibration solutions with
operating frequencies starting as low as DC and ending as high as 9 GHz. The

N4690/1/2/3/4/6D series provide two-port calibration solutions with
operating frequencies starting as low as DC and ending as high as 67 GHz.
and N7550/1/2/3/4/5A series provide two-port calibration solutions with
operating frequencies starting as low as DC and ending as high as 26.5 GHz.
The N4431/2/3D series provide four-port calibration solutions with operating
frequencies starting as low as DC and ending as high as 26.5 GHz.

Prerequisite Knowledge

This manual assumes you are trained in proper connector care. Because an
accurate calibration depends on the integrity and cleanliness of the connector
interface, a damaged connector will invalidate the calibration achieved with
that module. Refer to the “Connector Care” on page 2-18.

Clarifying the Terminology of a Connector Interface

In this manual, adapters, ECal modules, and gage masters are referred to by
way of their interface connector. For example:

— A female adapter has a female interface.

— A male adapter has a male interface.

A connector gage is referred to by way of the connector it measures. For
example:

— A male connector gage has a female interface so it can measure male

devices.

1- 1

1-

General Information
Manual Overview

— A female connector gage has a male interface so it can measure female

devices.

Accuracy of Electronic Calibration versus Mechanical Calibration

N755xA ECals can be used for S-parameter measurement calibrations. The
residual measurement uncertainty makes them unsuitable for advanced
applications, such as load pull, noise figure, etcetera.

As the number of DUT test ports increases, the required number of calibration
measurements also increases. This boosts the probability of bad connections
and bad calibrations when mechanical calibration standards are used rather
than ECal. Also, test port cable repeatability and stability errors are amplified
by the increased number of connections and disconnections. To perform an
SOLT 4-port calibration, a minimum of twelve 1-port standards and three
2-port (thru) standards are measured, requiring a total of eighteen
connections. The same calibration using a 2-port ECal module (N755xA and
N469xD) requires only four connections.

Ignoring connection related errors, the following table compares the accuracy
of ECal versus mechanical calibration in various calibration options.

Mechanical Calibration Type ECal Thru Type Measurement ECal Mechanical

1-Port, calibration constant (not
data-based) SOL

1-Port, short, open, sliding load NA Reflection +

1-Port, data-based, expanded NA Reflection +

2-Port TRL All types Reflection

≥2-Port, calibration constant SOL, flush

a

thru

≥2-Port, calibration constant SOL,
unknown thru

NA Reflection ++

Transmission

Characterized Reflection

Transmission

Internal unknown Reflection

Transmission

External flush

Characterized Reflection

a

Reflection
Transmission

Transmission

++ ++

++

++

++ ++

++
++

Calibration

Internal unknown Reflection

Transmission

1-2 Electronic Calibration Modules Reference Guide

++
=

=

General Information
When to Calibrate

Mechanical Calibration Type ECal Thru Type Measurement ECal Mechanical

Calibration

≥2-Port, data-based, expanded, flush

a

thru

≥2-Port, data-based, expanded,
unknown thru

++ better; + slightly better; = same

a. Flush thru should NOT be used when the test port connectors are not the same type as the calibration standards. SMA and

3.5 mm connectors are mateable but are NOT the same type.

Characterized Reflection

Transmission

Internal unknown Reflection

Transmission

External flush

Characterized Reflection

Internal
unknown

a

Reflection
Transmission

Transmission

Reflection
Transmission

When to Calibrate

A network analyzer calibration remains valid as long as the changes in the
systematic error are insignificant. This means that changes to the uncorrected
leakages (directivity and isolation), mismatches (source match and load
match), and frequency response of the system are small (<10%) relative to
accuracy specifications.

+
++

+
+

+
+

+
++

+
+

Change in the environment (especially temperature) between calibration and
measurement is the major cause in calibration accuracy degradation. The
major effect is a change in the physical length of external and internal cables.
Other important causes are dirty and damaged test port connectors and
calibration standards. If the connectors become dirty or damaged,
measurement repeatability and accuracy is affected. Fortunately, it is relatively
easy to evaluate the general validity of the calibration. To test repeatability,
remeasure one of the calibration standards. If you can not obtain repeatable
measurements from your calibration standards, maintenance needs to be
performed on the test port connectors, cables and calibration standards. Also,
maintain at least one sample of the device under test or some known device as
your reference device. A verification kit may be used for this purpose. After
calibration, measure the reference device and note its responses. Periodically
remeasure the device and note any changes in its corrected response which
can be attributed to the test system. With experience you will be able to see
changes in the reference responses that indicate a need to perform the
measurement calibration again.

Electronic Calibration Modules Reference Guide 1-3

1-

General Information
Models and Options

Models and Options

This section provides the model number, operating characteristics and
connector options available with Keysight RF and microwave ECal modules.
You can order ECal modules by selecting the model number followed by the
desired options.

8509xD Modules (RF Two-Port)

ECal modules from this series are available with the connector types and
frequency ranges shown in Table 1-2 on page 1-10. Mixed connector options
allow you to configure the module with a different connector type at each port
(as shown in Figure 1-9).

Figure 1-1 Model 85091D Option 7 mm shown

1-4 Electronic Calibration Modules Reference Guide

General Information
Models and Options

Figure 1-2 Model 85092D Type-N 50 ohm m and f shown

Figure 1-3 Model 85093D Option 3.5 mm m and f shown

Electronic Calibration Modules Reference Guide 1-5

1-

General Information
Models and Options

Figure 1-4 Model 85094D 4.3-10 m and f shown

Figure 1-5 Model 85096D Type–N 75 ohm m and f shown

1-6 Electronic Calibration Modules Reference Guide

General Information
Models and Options

Figure 1-6 Model 85098D 7-16 m and f shown

Figure 1-7 Model 85099D Type-F 75 ohm 7 mm

Electronic Calibration Modules Reference Guide 1-7

1-

General Information
Models and Options

Table 1-1 8509xD Modules

Model

Number

Connector

Typ e

Operating

Frequency

a

Port A and B Option

-m- and -f- -m- and -m- -f- and -f-

85091D 7 mm 300 kHz to 9 GHz (003) n/a n/a n/a

DC to 9 GHz (0DC) n/a n/a n/a

Type-N 50 ohm 300 kHz to 9 GHz (003) 85092D-M0F 85092D-00M 85092D-00F

85092D

DC to 9 GHz (0DC) 85092D-M0F 85092D-00M 85092D-00F

3.5 mm 300 kHz to 9 GHz (003) 85093D-M0F 85093D-00M 85093D-00F

85093D

85094D

4.3–10 300 kHz to 9 GHz (003) 85094D-M0F 85094D-00M 85094D-00F

DC to 9 GHz (0DC) 85093D-M0F 85093D-00M 85093D-00F

DC to 9 GHz (0DC) 85094D-M0F 85094D-00M 85094D-00F

Type-N 75 ohm 300 kHz to 9 GHz (003) 85096D-M0F 85096D-00M 85096D-00F

85096D

DC to 9 GHz (0DC) 85096D-M0F 85096D-00M 85096D-00F

7–16 300 kHz to 7.5 GHz (003) 85098D-M0F 85098D-00M 85098D-00F

85098D

DC to 7.5 GHz (0DC) 85098D-M0F 85098D-00M 85098D-00F

Type F 75 ohm 300 kHz to 6 GHz (003) 85099D-M0F 85099D-00M 85099D-00F

85099D

DC to 6 GHz (0DC) 85099D-M0F 85099D-00M 85099D-00F

a. Option 0DC frequency range is DC to xx.x GHz. Option 003 frequency range is 300 kHz to xx.x GHz.

N755xA Other

Description

Options

A6J ANSI Z540-1-1994 Calibration

1A7 Calibration + Uncertainties + Guardbanding

UK6 Adds commercial calibration certificate with measured data.

SPS Post Sales Support

150 ECal ruggedized plastic storage box – See also “ECal Kit Storage Box (Option 150) –

(N755xA Only)” on page 4-23

1-8 Electronic Calibration Modules Reference Guide

General Information
Models and Options

N755xA Modules (RF Two-Port)

ECal modules from this series are available with the connector types and
frequency ranges shown in Table 1-2 on page 1-10. Mixed connector options
allow you to configure the module with a different connector type at each port
(as shown in Figure 1-9).

Figure 1-8 Model N755xA Option Type-N m and f shown

Figure 1-9 Model N7554A Option 3.5 mm m and f shown

Electronic Calibration Modules Reference Guide 1-9

1-

General Information
Models and Options

Table 1-2 N755xA Modules

Model

Number

Connector

Typ e

Operating

Frequency

a

Port A and B Option

-m- and -f- -m- and -m- -f- and -f-

N7550A Type-N 50 ohm DC to 4 GHz N7550A-NMF N7550A-NMM N7550A-NFF

3.5 mm N7550A-3MF N7550A-3MM N7550A-3FF

N7551A

N7552A

N7553A

N7554A

Type-N 50 ohm

DC to 6.5 GHz

3.5 mm N7551A-3MF N7551A-3MM N7551A-3FF

Type-N 50 ohm

3.5 mm N7552A-3MF N7552A-3MM N7552A-3FF

DC to 9 GHz

Type-N 50 ohm

3.5 mm N7553A-3MF N7553A-3MM N7553A-3FF

DC to 14 GHz

Type-N 50 ohm

DC to 18 GHz

3.5 mm N7554A-3MF N7554A-3MM N7554A-3FF

N7551A-NMF N7551A-NMM N7551A-NFF

N7552A-NMF N7552A-NMM N7552A-NFF

N7553A-NMF N7553A-NMM N7553A-NFF

N7554A-NMF N7554A-NMM N7554A-NFF

N7555A 3.5 mm DC to 26.5 GHz N7555A-3MF N7555A-3MM N7555A-3FF

a. Option 0DC frequency range is DC to xx.x GHz. Option 100 frequency range is 10 MHz to xx.x GHz.

N755xA Other

Description

Options

A6J ANSI Z540-1-1994 Calibration

1A7 Calibration + Uncertainties + Guardbanding

UK6 Adds commercial calibration certificate with measured data.

SPS Post Sales Support

150 ECal ruggedized plastic storage box – See also “ECal Kit Storage Box (Option 150) –

(N755xA Only)” on page 4-23

1-10 Electronic Calibration Modules Reference Guide

General Information
Models and Options

N4431D Modules (RF Four-Port)

ECal modules from this series are available with the connector types and
frequency ranges shown in Table 1-2 on page 1-10. Mixed connector options
allow you to configure the module with a different connector type at each port
(as shown in Figure 1-9 on page 1-9).

Figure 1-10 Model N4431D Option Type-N m and f shown

Figure 1-11 Model N4431D Option 3.5 mm f and f shown

Electronic Calibration Modules Reference Guide 1-11

1-

General Information
Models and Options

Figure 1-12 Model N4431D Option 4.3-10 m and f shown

Figure 1-13 Model N4431D Option 7-16 m and f shown

1-12 Electronic Calibration Modules Reference Guide

General Information
Models and Options

Table 1-3 N4431D Modules (All connectors are female)

Model

Number

Connector Type Port A, B, C, D Operating

Frequency

Option

N4431D 3.5 mm –f– DC to 13.5 GHz 010

Type-N 50Ω -f- DC to 13.5 GHz 020

Table 1-4 N4431D Mixed Connector Options

Connector Type Port A Option Port B Option Port C Option Port D Option

3.5 mm -f- 101 201 301 401

3.5 mm -m- 102 202 302 402

Type-N 50Ω -f- 103 203 303 403

Type-N 50Ω -m- 104 204 304 404

7-16 -f-

a

7-16 -m-

4.3-10-f-

4.3-10-m-

a

b

b

105 205 305 405

106 206 306 406

107 207 307 406

108 208 308 407

a. Limits ECal module high frequency to 7.5 GHz.
b. Limits ECal module high frequency to 12 GHz.

N4431D Other

Description

Options

A6J Adds ANSI Z540-1-1994 Calibration

1A7 Calibration + Uncertainties + Guardbanding

UK6 Adds commercial calibration certificate with measured data.

Electronic Calibration Modules Reference Guide 1-13

1-

General Information
Models and Options

N469xD Modules (Microwave Two-Port)

ECal modules from this series are available with the connector types and
frequency ranges shown in Table 1-2 on page 1-10. Mixed connector options
allow you to configure the module with a different connector type at each port
(as shown in Figure 1-9).

Figure 1-14 Model N4690D Option Type-N m and f shown

Figure 1-15 Model N4691D Option 3.5 mm m and f shown

1-14 Electronic Calibration Modules Reference Guide

General Information
Models and Options

Figure 1-16 Model N4692D Option 2.92 mm m and f shown

Figure 1-17 Model N4693D Option 2.4 mm m and f shown

Electronic Calibration Modules Reference Guide 1-15

1-

General Information
Models and Options

Figure 1-18 Model N4694D Option 1.85 mm m and f shown

Figure 1-19 Model N4696D Option 7 mm

1-16 Electronic Calibration Modules Reference Guide

General Information
Models and Options

Table 1-5 N469xD Modules

Model

Number

Connector

Typ e

Operating

Frequency

Port A and B Option

a

-m- and -f- -m- and -m- -f- and -f-

N4690D Type-N 50 ohm DC to 18 GHz (0DC) N4690D-M0F N4690D-M0M N4690D-F0F

300 kHz to 18 GHz (003)

N4691D 3.5 mm DC to 26.5 GHz (0DC) N4691D-M0F N4691D-M0M N4691D-F0F

300 kHz to 26.5 GHz (003)

N4692D 2.92 mm DC to 40 GHz (0DC) N4692D-M0F N4692D-M0M N4692D-F0F

10 MHz to 40 GHz (100)

N4693D 2.4 mm DC to 50 GHz (0DC) N4693D-M0F N4693D-M0M N4693D-F0F

10 MHz to 50 GHz (100)

N4694D 1.85 mm DC to 67 GHz (0DC) N4691D-M0F N4691D-M0M N4691D-F0F

10 MHz to 67 GHz (100)

N4696D 7.0 mm DC to 18 GHz (0DC) n/a n/a n/a

300 kHz to 18 GHz (003)

a. Option 0DC frequency range is DC to xx.x GHz. Option 003 frequency range is 300 kHz to xx.x GHz. Option 100 frequency range

is 10 MHz to xx.x GHz.

N469xD Other

Description

Options

A6J Adds ANSI Z540-1-1994 Calibration

1A7 Adds ISO 17025 Calibration + Uncertainties + Guardbanding

UK6 Adds commercial calibration certificate with measured data.

SPS Post Sales Support

00A Adds one -m- to -m- and one -f- to -f adapter

–– ECal ruggedized plastic storage box – Order spare storage box with foam part number 1540-2345.

Electronic Calibration Modules Reference Guide 1-17

1-

General Information
Models and Options

N4432D and N4433D Modules (Microwave Four-Port)

ECal modules from this series are available with the connector types and
frequency ranges shown in Table 1-2 on page 1-10. Mixed connector options
allow you to configure the module with a different connector type at each port
(as shown in Figure 1-9).

Figure 1-20 Model N4432D Option Type-N m and f shown

Figure 1-21 Model N4432D Option 3.5 mm f and f shown

1-18 Electronic Calibration Modules Reference Guide

General Information
Models and Options

Figure 1-22 Model N4433D Option 3.5 mm f and f shown

Electronic Calibration Modules Reference Guide 1-19

1-

General Information
Models and Options

Table 1-6 N4432D and N4433D Modules (All connectors are female)

Model

Connector Type Port A, B, C, D

a

Operating Frequency Option

Number

N4433D 3.5 mm -f- DC to 26.5 GHz (0DC) 010

300 kHz to 26.5 GHz (003)

N4432D Type-N 50Ω -f- DC to 18 GHz (0DC) 020

300 kHz to 18 GHz (003)

a. Option 0DC frequency range is DC to xx.x GHz. Option 003 frequency range is 300 kHz to xx.x GHz.

Table 1-7 N4432D Mixed Connector Options

Connector Type Port A Option Port B Option Port C Option Port D Option

3.5 mm -f-

3.5 mm -m-

a

a

Type-N 50Ω -f- 103 203 303 403

Type-N 50Ω -m- 104 204 304 404

a. Frequency range of ECal module limited by other connectors.

101 201 301 401

102 202 302 402

Table 1-8 N4433D Mixed Connector Options

Connector Type Port A Option Port B Option Port C Option Port D Option

3.5 mm -f- 101 201 301 401

3.5 mm -m- 102 202 302 402

Other
N4432/3D
Options

A6J Adds ANSI Z540-1-1994 Calibration

1A7 Calibration + Uncertainties + Guardbanding

UK6 Adds commercial calibration certificate with measured data.

Description

1-20 Electronic Calibration Modules Reference Guide

General Information
Compatible Network Analyzers

Compatible Network Analyzers

ECal modules operate with the network analyzer models shown in Table 1-9,

Table 1-10 on page 23, Table 1-11 on page 25, and Table 1-12 on page 27.

Not all ECal module and network analyzer combinations have the same
features or capabilities. See your network analyzer user guide or online Help.

Table 1-9

Network

Analyzers

PNA Network Analyzers

N522xA, N523xA, N524xA Yes

N522xB, N523xB, N524xB Yes USB

ENA Network Analyzers

E5061B Yes

E5063A Yes

E5071C Yes

8509xD Compatible Network Analyzers

85091D/85092D/85093D/
85094D/85096D/85098D/
85099D ECal Module Series

(Required VNA firmware
revision)

(≥A.10.49.07)

(≥B.05.02)

(≥A.05.06)

(≥B.14.03)

b

Interface

Required

USB

USB

USB

USB

a

E5072A Yes

(≥B.02.44)

E5080A Yes

(≥A.12.60.03)

E5080B Yes USB

PXIe Vector Network Analyzer Modules

M937xA Yes

(≥A.12.60.02)

M9485A Yes

(≥A.12.60.02)

M980xA Yes USB

Streamline Vector Network Analyzer Modules

P937xA Yes USB

P937xB, P938xB Yes USB

Electronic Calibration Modules Reference Guide 1-21

USB

USB

USB

USB

1-

General Information
Compatible Network Analyzers

Table 1-9 8509xD Compatible Network Analyzers

Network

Analyzers

85091D/85092D/85093D/
85094D/85096D/85098D/

Required

85099D ECal Module Series

(Required VNA firmware
revision)

b

P500xA, P502xA Yes USB

P500xB, P502xB Yes USB

FieldFox Handheld Analyzers

N9912A No n/a

N99xxA
(excluding N9912A)

Yes
(≥A.10.2x with CPU2)

USB

N99xxB Yes USB

a. 8509xD supports any USB 2.0 compliant hub. It can communicate at High Speed

(480 Mbps) and Full Speed (12 Mbps).

b. If the required VNA firmware revision is blank, there are no VNA firmware

revision restrictions for the operation of ECal.

Interface

a

1-22 Electronic Calibration Modules Reference Guide