Agilent Technologies N4413A, User Manual

Page: 54 / 234

Using the Multiport Test System
How to Characterize Adapters
Chapter 3 44
How to Characterize Adapters
To allow their effects to be removed, adapters which will be used for making through
connections during the calibration must first be characterized.
First, a short/open/load calibration is performed at the instruments front panel. Then the
adapter is inserted and the s/o/l calibration is repeated. The resulting adapter S-parameters
are saved in Citifile format.
For adapters that will be used for broadband measurements, characterize the adapter over
the entire frequency range of the instrument with as many points as possible. This allows for
interpolation of adapter data if the frequency points used in a later DUT measurement are
not exactly the same as the adapter frequency points.
There are two adapter characterization methods available, based on the adapter type(s) to be
used.
• “In-Series, Same-Sex” uses a single port (Port 1) and applies only to adapters having the
same type and gender on both ends (3.5 mm male-to-male, for example). Select the
calibration kit to be used on Port 1 from the pull-down menu. Refer to the illustration
titled
“One-Port Adapter Characterization” on page 45 .
• “All Others” uses two ports (Ports 1 and 4) and allows the adapter types to be specified
independently. Select the calibration kits to be used on Port 1 and on Port 4 from the
pull-down menu. Refer to the illustration titled
“Two-Port Adapter Characterization” on
page 45 .
Adapter characterization is performed directly at the instruments front panel (either Port 1 or
Ports 1 and 4). If an additional adapter is needed between the front panel and the adapter to
be characterized (for type or gender change), install the additional adapter first (metrology
grade recommended), and perform all calibrations with it installed.
For purposes of characterization, your adapters must have an orientation. Mark the
connectors on the adapter as ports 1 and 2, and treat them as such during the
characterization procedure. Forward orientation has the lower-numbered adapter port
connected to the test-set port.
Follow these steps to characterize your adapters:
1. Select Setup > Meas Parameters… to setup or confirm requirements for frequency,
power, etc...
2. Select Utility > Characterize Adapter…