Application
R&S
®
ZN-Z3x
23
User Manual 1177.6381.02 ─ 03
3
Application
The Inline Calibration System R&S
ZN-Z3x is an innovative solution for in-situ
VNA recalibration. Each Inline Calibration Unit (ICU) contains calibration stand-
ards that are electronically switched when a calibration is performed. The calibra-
tion kit data for these standards are stored in the Inline Calibration Unit, so that
the analyzer can calculate the error terms and apply the calibration without any
further input.
Automatic calibration is generally faster and more secure than manual calibration,
because:
●
There is no need to connect several calibration standards manually. The num-
ber of connections to be performed quickly increases with the number of
ports.
●
Invalid calibrations due to operator errors (e.g. wrong standards or improper
connections) are almost excluded.
●
No need to handle calibration kit data.
●
The internal standards don't wear out because they are switched electroni-
cally.
Advantages of in-situ recalibration:
●
Switch and connector repeatability errors can be removed (at least for reflec-
tion measurements)
●
Errors due to cable movements and thermal effects of cables, connectors and
adapters can be removed
●
The time intervals for complete calibrations can be expanded
●
An operator is only needed for the initial calibration process (performing the
connection of the Inline Calibration Units)
●
Accuracy improvements for massive system error correction due to high
damping (e.g. long RF-cables, switch matrices)
●
Calibration and recalibration is possible for a wide temperature range (10°C to
50°C)
●
Production test measurements with close device tolerances
●
Measurement of low loss devices
●
Faster multiport system recalibration
●
Recalibration without direct access to the reference plane
