Calibrating the PXIe-5632

Frequent calibration is particularly important for the PXIe-5632 because it allows you to remove certain errors from the actual measurements. Calibration removes errors caused by temperature, test environment, cables, and other test fixture differences. You can perform a calibration by using either the NI-VNA Soft Front Panel (SFP) or the NI-VNA driver API.
  1. Choose whether you want to perform a new calibration or load data saved from a previous calibration.
  2. To perform a new calibration, complete the following steps:
    1. Set the measurement parameters such as power, frequency, and number of points.
    2. Set IF bandwidth and averaging to minimize noise during calibration.
    3. Choose the proper calibration kit or input calibration standard definitions.
      Tip Keep the reference plane constant between your initial, uncalibrated measurement and your calibration setup. The reference plane is established at the location where the VNA connects to the AutoCal module or to the calibration standard. For example, your reference plane may be located at the end of an adapter connected to the end of a precision cable.
    4. Calibrate manually or use automatic calibration.
    5. Verify calibration quality using a known verification standard.
      Note Do not use the same calibration standards that you used for calibration to perform the verification.
    6. Save the instrument state and calibration.
  3. To load a saved calibration, complete the following steps:
    1. Select the calibration file.
    2. Ensure that the source parameters you specified in step 2b of the Making Uncalibrated Measurements with the PXIe-5632 section match those that were used in the calibration.
      Perform a new calibration if the settings do not match.