Creating Calkits for Calibration Methods

Depending on the calibration method, RFmx VNA calibration expects a combination of calibration elements having a specific Usage type defined in the calkit file.

The usage type of a calibration element is in the Type(s) column of the Calibration Element tab. Define the usage type by enabling one or more checkboxes in the Usage section of the calibration element configuration dialog.

The Usage area includes the following options.

  • Short, Open, or Load—The Short, Open or Load calibration element for SOL/SOLT/SOLR calibration.
  • Thru—The Thru calibration element for for SOLT/TRL calibration.
  • Reflect—Tthe Reflect calibration element for TRL calibration.
  • Termination—A one-port calibration element for overdetermined SOL/SOLT/SOLR calibration.

    • The following table summarizes which calibration element usage types are expected by a particular RFmx VNA calibration method.

    Table 1. Calibration Element Usage Types per Method
    Usage SOLT Overdetermined SOL TRL / LRL
    Known Thru Unknown Thru (SOLR) Known Thru Unknown Thru (SOLR)
    Short 1 1
    Open 1 1
    Load 1 1
    Thru 1 1 1
    Line N (N≥1)
    Reflect 1
    Termination N (N≥3) N (N≥3)
    Note Although SOLR (SOLT using unknown Thru) does not require the definition of a Thru calibration element in the Calkit, the connection of a physical Thru (the unknown Thru) is required during calibration procedure.