Cal executive

Question

We are trying to calibrate a PXIe 5622 for the first time using Cal Executive version 3.4.1. We are using an Agilent E4432B sig gen, Agilent E4418B power meter, E9301A power sensor, 11667B power splitter on the very first measuring test. We have a couple issues, but the main problem is after “characterization” of the power splitter as the procedure has you perform, the first reading it tries to take fails. The unit appears it does not know what it is reading. You manually enter the data on the power meter into the program. We assume it should all be in dbm, but the program does not tell you. We have tried Watts as well with the same results. The results, when it fails, says the reading you entered is “NA dbm” and it is looking for +/- 0.05dbm. We have used the soft front panel and the unit is working fine. We have more units in now and they all do the same thing. We have changed chassis, slots, test equipment and they all fail. What is the first reading the test looking for? 0dbm, .707V, 1W, etc? We have entered every combination we can think of and it always says the result is “NA dbm” and it fails. If we knew what the unit is looking for we might be able to at least see if the program will run.  

Answer 1

Hello Jeep CJ7,
Yes, you are correct that this value should be in dBm.
The next thing we have to do is compare the hardware you are using to the hardware we recommend. You can find more about the hardware we recommenend on page on page 7 of this manual.
Please find the following information and specifications for your devices:
---------------------Sig Gens----------------------------------------
Agilent E4432B
Freq Range: 250kHz to 3 GHz
Power Measurement Level Setting Range: ??
Frequency accuracy?
Rohde and Schwarz SMA-B103
Frequency Range: 900 kHz to 820 MHz
Power Measurement Level Setting Range: –4 dBm to 10 dBm
±0.1 ppm frequency accuracy
---------------------Power Meters----------------------------------
Agilent E4418B
Frequency Range: 9 kHz to 110 GHz
Power Measurement Range: –70 dBm to 44 dBm
Maximum VSWR: ?
Absolute Power Measurement Uncertainty:?
Relative Power Measurement Uncertainty: ?
Rohde and Schwarz NRP-Z91
Frequency Range: 900 kHz to 820 MHz
Power Measurement Range: –4 dBm to 3 dBm
Maximum VSWR: 1.11 (23 ±5 °C)
Absolute Power Measurement Uncertainty: 0.1 dB (23 ±5 °C)
Relative Power Measurement Uncertainty: 0.05 dB (23 ±5 °C)
---------------------Power Splitter----------------------------------
Agilent 11667B
Frequency Range: dc to 26.5 GHz
Input Power Range: ?
Maximum VSWR (Output ports): 1.22
Maximum Amplitude Tracking: ?
Weinschel WA1507R
Frequency Range: 900 kHz to 820 MHz
Input Power Range: –4 dBm to 3 dBm
Maximum VSWR (Output ports): 1.15
Maximum Amplitude Tracking: 0.15 dBm
---------------------Attenuator----------------------------------
Mini-Circuits VAT-3+
Frequency Range: 900 kHz to 820 MHz
Minimum Power (W): 10 mW
Maximum VSWR: 1.20
Nominal Attenuation: 3 dB
Please find the same for yours.
---------------------SMA Termination----------------------------------
Mini-Circuits ANNE-50+
50 Ohms
Please find the same for yours.
---------------------SMA Cable----------------------------------
SMA Cable
50 Ohms; Maximum VSWR: 1.20
Frequency Range: 900 kHz to 820 MHz
Power Measurement Range: –4 dBm to 3 dBm
Relative Shielding: –100 dB
Please find the same for yours.
Also, are you running Cal Exec in automatic or manual mode? Are you doing verify or verify and adjust?
Please get back to me when you can.
Thank you,
Vimal Fernandez || Applications Engineer  || National Instruments || [phone] || [email protected] 
Applications Engineer
National Instruments