S-Parameter Measurement Calibration Requirements

Use the Calibration Wizard located inside the S-Parameter Interactive Example to perform system-level calibration of your S-parameter measurement test system.

Note Before performing system-level calibration, you must complete self-calibration of your vector signal transceiver (VST). Refer to the getting started manual for your VST for more information about self-calibration.

Use the following table to determine which type of calibration is appropriate for your hardware configuration:

Table 11. S-Parameter Measurements Calibration
Hardware Configuration Calibration Type
1 Coupler Per Port, 1 VST SOLT
1 Coupler Per Port, 2 VST SOLT
2 Couplers Per Port, 1 VST QSOLT or SOLR
2 Couplers Per Port, 1 VST (solid state switch) QSOLT, SOLR, or TRL
S11, 1 Coupler SOL
S11, 2 Couplers SOL

All types of calibration compensate for cabling losses, reflection at the VST RF ports and adapters, and the reflection and directivity of the couplers. NI recommends using the Maury Microwave 8050CK51 Characterized Device (CD) Fixed Load SOLT Kit with Adapters. The Pulsed RF Measurement Library provides a programming library and a wizard in the S-Parameter Interactive Example for this purpose.