CAL-5501 Specifications

Definitions

Warranted specifications describe the performance of a model under stated operating conditions and are covered by the model warranty. Warranted specifications account for measurement uncertainties, temperature drift, and aging. Warranted specifications are ensured by design or verified during production and calibration.

Characteristics describe values that are relevant to the use of the model under stated operating conditions but are not covered by the model warranty.

  • Typical specifications describe the performance met by a majority of models.
  • Typical-95 specifications describe the performance met by 95% (≈2σ) of models with a 95% confidence.
  • Nominal specifications describe an attribute that is based on design, conformance testing, or supplemental testing.
  • Measured specifications describe the measured performance of a representative model.

Specifications are Warranted unless otherwise noted.

Conditions

All specifications are valid under the following conditions unless otherwise noted.

  • 30 minute warm-up time; warm-up time begins when the CAL-5501 is powered on via the USB connection to the host controller
  • Calibration cycle is maintained
  • Onboard temperature sensors of the CAL-5501 vector calibration module are within 18 °C to 28 °C
  • Modules are connected with NI cables according to setup instructions, as documented in the PXIe-5842 User Manual
  • For use with PXIe-5842 with S-parameters, RFmx 2023 Q4 or later is used with driver default settings unless otherwise noted

Warranted specifications are valid under the following condition unless otherwise noted.

  • Over an ambient temperature range of 23 °C±5 °C

Typical and Typical-95 specifications are valid under the following condition unless otherwise noted.

  • Over an ambient temperature range of 23 °C±5 °C

Typical specifications do not include measurement uncertainty.

General Vector Calibration Module Specifications

Impedance

50 Ω, nominal

Number of ports

2

Connector type (Port A, Port B)

3.5 mm (f)

Connector type (USB)

USB 2.0 Type-B

Vector calibration standards frequency range

50 MHz to 26.5 GHz

Vector Calibration Effective Residual Error Terms

Frequency Directivity (dB) Source Match (dB) Load Match (dB) Reflection Tracking (dB) Transmission Tracking (dB)
100 MHz to 300 MHz 46 41 40 0.07 0.07
>300 MHz to 6 GHz 46 41 41 0.05 0.05
>6 GHz to 8 GHz 45 42 42 0.05 0.06
>8 GHz to 12 GHz 44 41 40 0.07 0.07
>12 GHz to 18 GHz 44 40 39 0.09 0.09
>18 GHz to 20 GHz 44 40 39 0.08 0.08
>20 GHz to 26.5 GHz 41 35 34 0.12 0.12

Conditions: PXIe-5633 calibrated using CAL-5501 vector calibration module and instrument temperature is within 1 °C of calibration temperature. Frequency List, Power Level, and IF Bandwidth are set identically across calibration and measurement. Calibration performed with 10 Hz IF Bandwidth and -10 dBm Power Level at 23 ± 5 °C ambient temperature.

Safety Voltages

Connect only voltages that are below these limits.

PORT A, PORT B absolute maximum input power

+24 dBm

PORT A, PORT B absolute maximum input voltage

±10 V DC

Measurement Category

CAT I/O

Measurement Category

Caution Do not connect the product to signals or use for measurements within Measurement Categories II, III, or IV.
Attention Ne pas connecter le produit à des signaux dans les catégories de mesure II, III ou IV et ne pas l'utiliser pour effectuer des mesures dans ces catégories.

Measurement Category I is for measurements performed on circuits not directly connected to the electrical distribution system referred to as MAINS voltage. MAINS is a hazardous live electrical supply system that powers equipment. This category is for measurements of voltages from specially protected secondary circuits. Such voltage measurements include signal levels, special equipment, limited-energy parts of equipment, circuits powered by regulated low-voltage sources, and electronics.

Note Measurement Categories CAT I and CAT O are equivalent. These test and measurement circuits are for other circuits not intended for direct connection to the MAINS building installations of Measurement Categories CAT II, CAT III, or CAT IV.

Environmental Guidelines

Notice Failure to follow the mounting instructions in the product documentation can cause temperature derating.
Notice This product is intended for use in indoor applications only.

Environmental Characteristics

Temperature

Operating

0 °C to 55 °C

Storage

-40 °C to 71 °C

Humidity

Storage

5% RH to 95% RH, noncondensing

Pollution Degree

2

Maximum altitude

2,000 m (800 mbar) (at 25 °C ambient temperature)

Power Requirements

The CAL-5501 is powered through a USB connection.

Voltage rating

5 V

Current rating

0.13 A

Total power

0.65 W

Physical Characteristics

Dimensions

128 mm × 88 mm × 29 mm (5.0 in. × 3.5 in. × 1.1 in.)

For more information, visit ni.com/dimensions and search by module number.

Weight

330 g (11.6 oz)

Calibration

Recommended calibration interval

1 year