3-12 Electronic Calibration Modules Reference Guide
Operating ECal Module
Validating a Calibration
3-
— The ECal Confidence Check is not a method for system verification. The
ECal Confidence Check’s impedance state physically shares some of the
same hardware as the ECal calibration impedance states. System
verification requires a verification kit because it has devices that are
physically different from those in a calibration kit.
— Keysight recommends that upon receipt of a new ECal module, you perform
the ECal Confidence Check and save the measurement results as a baseline
for future reference.
— Periodically, it is recommended that additional ECal confidence checks be
performed and the test results compared to the baseline data.
— The interpretation of how much variation is acceptable between your data
and the factory data is determined by your level of confidence in the
calibration, based on your historical records of baseline data.
Before performing the ECal Confidence Check, the analyzer must be calibrated
and the calibration type should be appropriate for the measurement being
made. For example, you cannot measure the confidence state with an S22
measurement if an S11 1-port calibration is active.
For detailed information on performing an ECal Confidence Check using a
ENA, PNA, or PXIe series instruments, refer to the appropriate online Help. To
use the Internet to view the ENA, PNA, or PXIe online Help, use the steps listed
“Finding More Information on Performing a Calibration” on page 3-10
System Verification Procedure – Traceable Accuracy Validation of the
Calibrated Measurement System
Using your analyzer’s built-in System Verification Procedure to measure the
standards in a Keysight verification kit provides a traceable accuracy validation
of your calibrated measurement system. Following the measurement of each
standard, the System Verification Procedure provides a pass/fail result,
determining if your calibration provides measurements that meet the limits of
uncertainty.
— The analyzer’s built-in System Verification Procedure provides a traceable
accuracy validation that you have completed the ECal calibration correctly
and that the limits of uncertainty are met.
For optimal results, terminate any unused ECal ports with a 50 ohm load.
ECal Confidence Check and System Verification do not apply to the
FieldFox.
This method of validating the calibration requires a Keysight verification
kit.
