National Instruments PXI-5663 Manual

CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
NI PXI-5663
This document contains instructions for writing a manual calibration procedure for the
NI PXI-5663 (NI 5663) RF vector signal analyzer. For more information about calibration, visit
ni.com/calibration.
Contents
Software Requirements............................................................................................................. 1
Documentation Requirements .................................................................................................. 2
Calibration Interval................................................................................................................... 2
Test Equipment......................................................................................................................... 3
Test Conditions......................................................................................................................... 5
Calibration Procedures ............................................................................................................. 5
Initial Setup....................................................................................................................... 6
Test System Characterization ........................................................................................... 6
Power Splitter Reference Output.............................................................................. 6
Power Sensor Zero/Calibration ................................................................................ 6
RF Input Calibration................................................................................................. 6
As-Found and As-Left Limits........................................................................................... 9
Verification Procedures .................................................................................................... 9
Verifying Reference Accuracy ................................................................................. 9
Absolute Accuracy Verification ............................................................................... 9
Average Noise Level Verification............................................................................ 14
LO Output Power Verification ................................................................................. 17
Non-Input-Related Spurs (Residual Spurs) Verification.......................................... 19
Sideband Spurs Verification..................................................................................... 21
Phase Noise Verification .......................................................................................... 25
Appendix A: Non-Input-Related Spurs Test Frequencies........................................................ 28
Where to Go for Support .......................................................................................................... 32
Software Requirements
To calibrate the NI 5663, you must install NI-RFSA version 2.3 or later and the NI Spectral
Measurements Toolkit version 2.4 or later on the calibration system.
Note NI-RFSA version 2.1 does not include adjustment VIs.
You can download NI-RFSA from ni.com/updates.

2|ni.com |NI PXI-5663 Calibration Procedure
NI-RFSA supports programming the calibration procedures in LabVIEW, C, and
LabWindows™/CVI™. Refer to Table 1 for file locations.
For more information about calibration VIs and functions, install NI-RFSA and refer to the
NI RF Vector Signal Analyzers Help, accessible through Start»Programs»National
Instruments»NI RFSA»Documentation»NI RF Vector Signal Analyzers Help.
This calibration procedure calibrates the NI PXIe-5663 RF vector signal analyzer as a single
device. To calibrate the NI 5601 or NI 5652, refer to their calibration procedures at ni.com/
manuals.
Documentation Requirements
You might find the following documentation helpful as you write the calibration procedure:
•NI 5663 Specifications
•NI 5661/5663/5663E RF Vector Signal Analyzers Getting Started Guide
•NI RF Vector Signal Analyzers Help, which includes LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI
application programming references
These documents are installed with NI-RFSA. You also can find the latest versions of these
documents at ni.com/manuals.
Calibration Interval
NI recommends that you perform a complete calibration for the NI 5663 at least once a year.
Adjust the recommended calibration interval based on the measurement accuracy demands
of your application.
Table 1. File Locations
File Name and Location Description
< IVI >\bin\niRFSA.dll NI-RFSA instrument driver containing the entire NI-RFSA
API, including calibration functions.
< LabVIEW >\instr.lib\
niRFSA\niRFSA.llb
LabVIEW VI library containing VIs for calling the
NI-RFSA calibration API. You can access calibration VIs
from the NI-RFSA calibration section of the LabVIEW
Functions palette.

NI PXI-5663 Calibration Procedure |© National Instruments |3
Test Equipment
NI recommends that you use the equipment in Table 2 to calibrate the NI 5601. If the
recommended equipment is not available, select a substitute using the minimum requirements
listed in the table.
Table 2. Required Equipment for NI 5663 Calibration
Equipment Recommended Model Minimum Requirements
Power meter Anritsu ML2438A Display resolution: <0.01 dB
Settling: <0.1%
Instrumentation accuracy: <0.5%
Noise: <0.5% full-scale (lowest range)
Zero set and drift: <0.5% full-scale
(lowest range)
Reference power uncertainty: <0.9%
Reference output VSWR: <1.04:1
Power sensor A
Power sensor B
Anritsu MA2473D or
equivalent
Input VSWR:
10 MHz to 50 MHz ................ <1.9 :1
50 MHz to 150 MHz .............. <1.17 :1
150 MHz to 2 GHz ................ <1.12 :1
2 GHz to 12.4 GHz ................ <1.22 :1
Linearity:
-55 dBm to 20 dBm ............... <1.8 %
Rise time: <4 µs
Calibration factor uncertainty:
50 MHz .................................. <1.48%
100 MHz ................................ <1.37%
300 MHz ................................ <1.42%
500 MHz ................................ <0.96%
1 MHz .................................... <0.99%
2 GHz ..................................... <1.04%
3 GHz ..................................... <1.05%
4 GHz ..................................... <1.64%
5 GHz ..................................... <1.39%
6 GHz ..................................... <1.45%
7 GHz ..................................... <1.26%
Signal generator
(RF source)
Anritsu MG3692B Frequency range: 10 MHz to 6.6 GHz
Power level: -60 dBm to 20 dBm
50 Ωterminator
(2 required)
NI 778353-01 —

4|ni.com |NI PXI-5663 Calibration Procedure
Optional:
Signal generator
(PN source)
Rhode & Schwarz
SMA100A-B22
Frequency range: 1 GHz
Power level: 0 dBm
Phase noise (1 GHz)
100 Hz .................................... -107 dBc/Hz
1 kHz ......................................-125 dBc/Hz
10 kHz ....................................-137 dBc/Hz
100 kHz ..................................-137 dBc/Hz
1 MHz.....................................-150 dBc/Hz
PXI Express
chassis
NI PXIe-1065 or
NI PXIe-1075
—
PXI Express
controller
NI PXIe-8105 —
SMA (m)-SMA (m)
semi-rigid cable*
NI 198775A-01 —
SMA (m)-SMA (m)
semi-rigid cable*
NI 198776A-01 —
SMA (m)-SMA (m)
semi-flexible cable*
NI 190412B-03 —
SMA (m)-SMA (f)
right angle adapter
Huber+Suhner
53-SMA-50-0-2/111_N
—
3.5 mm (m)-to-
3.5 mm (m) adapter
Huber+Suhner
32-PC35-50-0-2/199_NE
—
3.5 mm (f) power
splitter (2 resistor
type)
Aeroflex 1593 —
SMA (m)-to- SMA
(m) cable
(36 in.)
Huber+Suhner
ST-18/SMAm/SMAm/36
—
3.5 mm (m)-to-
3.5 mm (f) 30 dB
attenuator
Huber+Suhner
6630 SMA-50-1/199NE
—
N(m)-to-3.5 mm (f)
adapter
Huber+Suhner
33_N-SMA-50-1/
113_UE
—
*Included in the NI PXIe-5663 cable accessory kit.
Table 2. Required Equipment for NI 5663 Calibration (Continued)
Equipment Recommended Model Minimum Requirements

NI PXI-5663 Calibration Procedure |© National Instruments |5
Test Conditions
Follow these guidelines to optimize the connections and the environment during calibration:
• Maintain an ambient temperature of 23 °C ±5 °C.
• Keep the relative humidity between 10% and 90%, noncondensing.
• Ensure that the PXI/PXI Express chassis fan speed is set to HIGH, that the fan filters, if
present, are clean, and that the empty slots contain filler panels. For more information, refer
to the Maintain Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users document available at ni.com/
manuals.
• (Optional) Clean the chassis fan filters at least every six months. Some chassis include fan
filters. Depending on the amount of chassis use and the ambient dust levels, filters might
require more frequent cleaning. If regular maintenance of dirty or clogged filters is not
possible, you can remove the filters to maintain adequate cooling.
• Allow a warm-up time of at least 30 minutes after NI-RFSA is loaded and recognizes the
NI 5663. The warm-up time ensures that the measurement circuitry of the NI 5663 is at a
stable operating temperature.
• Use an SMA torque wrench (5 in. · lb, Agilent 8710-1582 or equivalent) to tighten any
connection with an SMA connector.
• Use a 3.5 mm torque wrench (8 in. · lb, Agilent 8710-1765 or equivalent) to tighten 3.5 mm
or 2.92 mm (K) connections without an SMA connector.
• Lock all test equipment to the same reference frequency. Refer to the NI 5663/5663E
Timing Configurations topic in the NI RF Vector Signal Analyzers Help.
Calibration Procedures
The calibration process includes the following procedures:
1. Initial Setup—Install the NI 5663 and configure it in Measurement & Automation Explorer
(MAX).
2. Test System Characterization—Characterize the response of the test system. Use the
measured response during the verification tests.
3. Verification Procedures—Measure the operation of the NI 5663. This procedure checks
whether the device is operating within its published specifications.
If the NI 5663 fails any of the verification tests, complete the following steps:
Note Complete the verification for all NI 5663 specifications where as-found data
is required before performing any module calibrations.
1. Module Calibration—Perform a calibration of the individual modules. Refer to the
following module calibration procedures at ni.com/manuals:
•NI PXI-5650/5651/5652 Calibration Procedure
•NI PXIe-5622 Calibration Procedure
•NI PXIe-5601 Calibration Procedure

6|ni.com |NI PXI-5663 Calibration Procedure
2. Reverification—Repeat the verification procedure for the NI 5663 to ensure that it is
operating within the device specifications after adjustment.
Initial Setup
Refer to the NI 5661/5663/5663E RF Vector Signal Analyzers Getting Started Guide for
information about how to install the NI-RFSA software and the NI 5663 hardware and how to
configure the NI 5663 in MAX.
Test System Characterization
These procedures characterize the test system response. Use the results of these procedures in
the Verification Procedures section of this document.
Measure the power splitter (and attenuation) response at the RF input frequencies used in the
verification tests.
Caution The connectors on the DUT and test equipment are fragile. Perform the
instructions in this procedure with great care to prevent damaging any DUTs or test
equipment.
Power Splitter Reference Output
Designate either of the two outputs of the power splitter as the reference output.
Power Sensor Zero/Calibration
1. Connect channel A of the power meter to power sensor A.
2. Connect channel B of the power meter to power sensor B.
3. Zero and calibrate the power sensors using the appropriate frequency for the calibration.
RF Input Calibration
This section describes how to calibrate the RF input you will use to verify the NI 5663.
Note Perform the power sensor zero/calibration prior to the step. The power splitter
reference output must have been defined prior to the step.
RF Input Calibration (Without Attenuator)
Use the results of this procedure in the Absolute Accuracy Verification, LO Output Power
Verification, Sideband Spurs Verification, and Phase Noise Verification tests.
1. Connect the power splitter input to the RF source output through the 3.5 mm-to-3.5 mm
cable.
2. Connect power sensor A to the previously designated reference output of the power splitter.

NI PXI-5663 Calibration Procedure |© National Instruments |7
3. Connect power sensor B to the other output of the power splitter. Figure 1 shows the
completed equipment setup.
Figure 1. RF Input Calibration (Without Attenuator) Equipment Setup
4. Measure the channel A and channel B power (using the appropriate frequency for the
power sensor) for all frequencies between 10 MHz and 7 GHz with the RF source power
set to 0 dBm.
Note Use the log frequency progression: 10, 20, 30, ..., 100, 200, 300, ...,
1,000 MHz, and so on.
5. Calculate the RF input calibration factor (dB) for each frequency using the following equation:
RF Input Calibration Factor = Channel B Power - Channel A Power
RF Input Calibration (with Attenuator)
Use the results of the RF Input Calibration (with Attenuator) procedure in the absolute accuracy
test.
1. Connect the power splitter input to the RF source output through the 3.5 mm-to-3.5 mm cable.
2. Connect power sensor A to the previously designated reference output of the power splitter.
1 RF Source
2 Power Splitter
3 Power Sensor A
4PowerMeter
5 Power Meter Channel A
6 Power Meter Channel B
7 Power Sensor B
1
3
4
7
25
6

8|ni.com |NI PXI-5663 Calibration Procedure
3. Connect power sensor B to the other output of the power splitter through the 30 dB
attenuator. Figure 2 shows the completed equipment setup.
Figure 2. RF Input Calibration (with Attenuator) Equipment Setup
4. Measure the channel A and channel B power (using the appropriate frequency for the
power sensor) for all frequencies between 10 MHz and 7 GHz with the RF source power
set to 0 dBm.
Note Use the log frequency progression: 10, 20, 30, ..., 100, 200, 300, ...,
1,000 MHz, and so on.
5. Calculate the RF input attenuated calibration factor (dB) for each frequency using the
following equation:
RF Input Attenuated Calibration Factor = Channel B Power - Channel A Power
1 RF Source
2 Power Splitter
3 Power Sensor A
4 Power Meter
5 Power Meter Channel A
6 Power Meter Channel B
7 Power Sensor B
8 30 dB Attenuator
3
4
7
5
6
8
2
1

NI PXI-5663 Calibration Procedure |© National Instruments |9
As-Found and As-Left Limits
The as-found limits are the published specifications for the NI 5663. NI uses these limits to
determine whether the NI 5663 meets the device specifications when it is received for
calibration.
The as-left limits are equal to the published NI specifications for the NI 5663, less guard bands
for temperature drift and drift over time. NI uses these limits to determine whether the NI 5663
meets the device specifications over its calibration interval.
Note Where there is no difference between an “As Found” and an “As Left” limit,
only a “Test Limit” is specified.
Verification Procedures
Verification tests the following NI 5663 specifications:
• Absolute accuracy
• Average noise level
• LO output power
• Non-input-related spurs (residual spurs)
• Sideband spurs
• Phase noise
Verification of the NI 5663 is complete only after you have successfully completed all tests in
this section.
Caution The connectors on the DUT and test equipment are fragile. Perform the
instructions in this procedure with great care to prevent damaging any DUTs or test
equipment.
Verifying Reference Accuracy
The NI 5663 reference accuracy specification is derived from the NI 5652 frequency accuracy.
For more information about NI PXI-5652 calibration values, refer to the NI PXI-5650/5651/5652
Calibration Procedure available at ni.com/manuals.
Absolute Accuracy Verification
Table 5 shows the test limits.
Reference Levels Less than -30 dBm
1. Connect the RF source to the power splitter input through the 3.5 mm-to-3.5 mm cable.
2. Connect the power splitter reference output to power sensor A.
3. Connect the other power splitter output to the NI 5601 RF IN connector through the 30 dB
attenuator and 3.5 mm (m)-to-3.5 mm (m) adapter.

10 |ni.com |NI PXI-5663 Calibration Procedure
4. Connect a 50 Ωterminator to the NI 5601 LO OUT connector. Figure 3 shows the
completed equipment setup.
Figure 3. Absolute Accuracy Equipment Setup
5. Create a new session for the NI 5663 using the niRFSA Initialize VI or the niRFSA_init
function.
6. Perform a self-calibration on the NI 5622 using the niRFSA Self Cal VI or the
niRFSA_SelfCal function.
7. Lock the NI PXI-5652 to the reference used by the test equipment. Use the niRFSA
Configure Ref Clock VI or the niRFSA_ConfigureRefClock function.
8. Set the NI 5663 to make a spectrum acquisition using the niRFSA Configure Acquisition
Type VI or the niRFSA_ConfigureAcquisitionType function.
1RFSource
2 Power Splitter
3 Power Sensor A
4 Power Meter
5 Power Meter Channel A
650ΩTerminator
7 30 dB Attenuator*
* Used for reference levels <-30 dBm.
1
ACCESS ACTIVE
CLK IN
CLK OUT
PFI 1
ESD
SENSITIVE
TTL
6.3 Vp-p
MAX
2 Vp-p
NOM
+20 dBm MAX
50 Ω
50 Ω
50 Ω
NI PXIe-5622
16-Bit IF Digitizer
IF IN
0 dBm NOM
RF IN
IF OUT
LO IN
LO OUT
10 MHz – 6.6 GHz
ACCESS ACTIVE
ALL PORTS
±5 VDC MAX
50 Ω
0 dBm NOM
+20 dBm MAX
+20 dBm MAX
+20 dBm MAX
[+30 dBm MAX
w/Attenuation]
RF Downconverter
NI PXIe- 5601
5
3
4
6
7
2

NI PXI-5663 Calibration Procedure |© National Instruments |11
9. Set the NI 5663 for a resolution bandwidth according to Table 3 using the niRFSA
Configure Resolution Bandwidth VI or the
niRFSA_ConfigureResolutionBandwidth function.
10. Set the NI 5663 reference level according to Table 3 using the niRFSA Configure
Reference Level VI or the niRFSA_ConfigureReferenceLevel function.
11. Set the NI 5663 center frequency according to Table 4 and span according to Table 3 using
the Center Span instance of the niRFSA Configure Spectrum Frequency VI or the
niRFSA_ConfigureSpectrumCenterFrequencySpan function.
12. Commit the settings to hardware using the niRFSA Commit VI or the niRFSA_Commit
function.
13. Set the RF source to the center frequency according to Table 4.
14. Adjust the RF source power using the following equation:
Channel A Power + RF Input Attenuated Calibration Factor = Reference Level ±1 dB.
Reference Level is the value from Table 3. Use the appropriate RF frequency for the
channel A sensor. Calculation of the RF Input Attenuated Calibration Factor may require
interpolation.
Note Set the signal generator to its maximum power if it does not have sufficient
power to reach the reference level.
15. Record the channel A power.
Table 3. NI 5663 Settings (All Frequencies)
Device Setting Value
Reference Level -60 to 15 dBm, 5 dB steps
Span 5 MHz
Resolution Bandwidth 100 kHz
Table 4. NI 5663 Center Frequencies
Beginning (MHz) Ending (MHz) Step (MHz)
10 100 10
200 300 100
330 — —
400 6,400 200
6,590 — —

12 |ni.com |NI PXI-5663 Calibration Procedure
16. Set the NI 5663 to read the power spectrum using the niRFSA Read Power Spectrum VI or
the niRFSA_ReadPowerSpectrumF64 function.
17. Get the spectrum information using the niRFSA Get Spectral Info for SMT VI or the
niRFSA_GetSpectralInfoForSMT function.
18. Perform a peak search using the SMT Spectrum Peak Search VI or the
SmtSpectrumPeakSearch function. Set the peak threshold to 20 dB below the NI 5663
reference level.
19. Sort the peaks and record the maximum. Save this value as RFSA Power.
20. Calculate the Absolute Accuracy at each RF frequency using the following formula:
Absolute Accuracy = RFSA Power - (Channel A Power +
RF Input Attenuated Calibration Factor)
RF Input Attenuated Calibration Factor is the same as that from step 14.
21. Compare the Absolute Accuracy to the Verification Test Limits in Table 5.
22. Repeat steps 9 to 21 for all the settings in Tables 3 and 4.
23. Close the NI 5663 session using the niRFSA Close VI or the niRFSA_close function.
Reference Levels Greater than or Equal to -30 dBm
1. Connect the RF source to the power splitter input through the 3.5 mm-to-3.5 mm cable.
2. Connect the power splitter reference output to power sensor A.
3. Connect the other power splitter output to the NI 5601 RF IN connector through the 3.5 mm
(m)-to-3.5 mm (m) adapter.
4. Connect a 50 Ωterminator to the NI 5601 LO OUT connector. Figure 3 in the preceding
section shows the test limits.
5. Create a new session for the NI 5663 using the niRFSA Initialize VI or the niRFSA_init
function.
6. Perform an internal self-calibration on the NI 5622 using the niRFSA Self Cal VI or the
niRFSA_SelfCal function.
7. Lock the NI PXI-5652 to the reference used by the test equipment. Use the niRFSA
Configure Ref Clock VI or the niRFSA_ConfigureRefClock function.
8. Set the NI 5663 to make a spectrum acquisition using the niRFSA Configure Acquisition
Type VI or the niRFSA_ConfigureAcquisitionType function.
9. Set the NI 5663 for a resolution bandwidth according to Table 3 using the niRFSA
Configure Resolution Bandwidth VI or the
niRFSA_ConfigureResolutionBandwidth function.
10. Set the NI 5663 reference level according to Table 3 using the niRFSA Configure
Reference Level VI or the niRFSA_ConfigureReferenceLevel function.
11. Set the NI 5663 center frequency according to Table 4 and span according to Table 3 using
the Center Span instance of the niRFSA Configure Spectrum Frequency VI or the
niRFSA_ConfigureSpectrumFrequencyCenterSpan function.
12. Commit the settings to hardware using the niRFSA Commit VI or the niRFSA_Commit
function.

NI PXI-5663 Calibration Procedure |© National Instruments |13
13. Set the source to the center frequency shown in Table 4.
14. Adjust the RF source power so that:
Channel A Power + RF Calibration Factor = Reference Level ±1 dB
Reference Level is the value from Table 3. Use the appropriate RF frequency for the channel
A sensor. Calculation of the RF Calibration Factor may require interpolation.
Note Set the signal generator to its maximum power if it doesn’t have sufficient
power to reach the reference level.
15. Record the channel A power.
16. Set the NI 5663 to read the power spectrum using the niRFSA Read Power Spectrum VI or
the niRFSA_ReadPowerSpectrumF64 function.
17. Get the spectrum information using the niRFSA Get Spectral Info for SMT VI or the
niRFSA_GetSpectralInfoForSMT function.
18. Perform a peak search using the SMT Spectrum Peak Search VI. Set the peak threshold to
20 dB below the NI 5663 reference level.
19. Sort the peaks and record the maximum. Save this value as RFSA Power.
20. Calculate the Absolute Accuracy using the following formula:
Absolute Accuracy = RFSA Power - (Channel A Power + RF Input Calibration Factor)
Calculation of the RF Input Calibration Factor may require interpolation.
21. Compare the Absolute Accuracy to the Verification Test Limits in Table 5.
22. Repeat steps 9 to 21 for all the settings in Tables 3 and 4.
23. Close the NI 5663 session using the niRFSA Close VI or the niRFSA_close function.
Table 5. Absolute Accuracy Verification Test Limits
Frequency As-Found Limit As-Left Limit
10 MHz to <120 MHz ±2.20 dB ±1.70 dB
120 MHz to <400 MHz ±1.70 dB ±1.00 dB
400 MHz to <3.0 GHz ±1.60 dB ±0.97 dB
3.0 GHz to <5.5 GHz ±1.70 dB ±1.03 dB
5.5 GHz to 6.6 GHz ±1.60 dB ±0.93 dB

14 |ni.com |NI PXI-5663 Calibration Procedure
Average Noise Level Verification
Table 8 shows the test limits.
1. Connect a 50 Ωterminator to the NI 5601 RF IN and LO OUT connectors. Figure 4 shows
the completed equipment setup.
Figure 4. Average Noise Level Equipment Setup
2. Create a new session for the NI 5663 using the niRFSA Initialize VI or the niRFSA_init
function.
3. Perform an internal self-calibration on the NI 5622 using niRFSA Self Cal VI or the
niRFSA_SelfCal function.
4. Lock the NI PXI-5652 to the reference used by the test equipment. Use the niRFSA
Configure Ref Clock VI or the niRFSA_ConfigureRefClock function.
5. Set the NI 5663 to make a spectrum acquisition using the niRFSA Configure Acquisition
Type VI or the niRFSA_ConfigureAcquisitionType function.
150ΩTerminator
ACCESS ACTIVE
CLK IN
CLK OUT
PFI 1
ESD
SENSITIVE
TTL
6.3 Vp-p
MAX
2 Vp-p
NOM
+20 dBm MAX
50 Ω
50 Ω
50 Ω
NI PXIe-5622
16-Bit IF Digitizer
IF IN
0 dBm NOM
RF IN
IF OUT
LO IN
LO OUT
10 MHz – 6.6 GHz
ACCESS ACTIVE
ALL PORTS
±5 VDC MAX
50 Ω
0 dBm NOM
+20 dBm MAX
+20 dBm MAX
+20 dBm MAX
[+30 dBm MAX
w/Attenuation]
RF Downconverter
NI PXIe- 5601
1
1

NI PXI-5663 Calibration Procedure |© National Instruments |15
6. Set the NI 5663 for a resolution bandwidth according to Table 6 using the niRFSA Configure
Resolution Bandwidth VI or the niRFSA_ConfigureResolutionBandwidth function.
7. Set the NI 5663 reference level according to Table 6 using the niRFSA Configure
Reference Level VI or the niRFSA_ConfigureReferenceLevel function.
8. Set the NI-RFSA Attenuation (dB) property or the NIRFSA_ATTR_ATTENUATION
attribute to 0.
9. Set the NI 5663 center frequency according to Table 7 and span according to Table 6 using
the Center Span instance of the niRFSA Configure Spectrum Frequency VI or the
niRFSA_ConfigureSpectrumFrequencyCenterSpan function.
10. Use the niRFSA Property Node to set the following properties:
• Spectrum Averaging Mode to RMS Averaging
• Spectrum Number of Averages to 20
• Spectrum Resolution Bandwidth Type to ENBW
• Spectrum Units to Volts Squared
Table 6. NI 5663 Settings
Frequency
Range
RF
Attenuation
Reference
Level Span
Resolution
Bandwidth
10 MHz to <30 MHz 0 dB -10 dBm 5 MHz 3 kHz
30 MHz to 6,600 MHz 0 dB -50 dBm 5 MHz 2 kHz
Table 7. RF Frequencies
Start (MHz) Stop (MHz) Step (MHz)
10 30 10
40 80 20
300 1,100 100
1,300 1,900 100
2,100 2,300 100
2,500 3,200 100
3,400 3,900 100
4,100 5,700 100
5,900 6,400 100
6,590 — —
Note: RF frequencies are selected to avoid false results from spurious responses.

16 |ni.com |NI PXI-5663 Calibration Procedure
or set the following attributes:
•NIRFSA_ATTR_SPECTRUM_AVERAGING_MODE to
NIRFSA_VAL_RMS_AVERAGING
•NIRFSA_ATTR_SPECTRUM_NUMBER_OF_AVERAGES to 20
•NIRFSA_ATTR_RESOLUTION_BANDWIDTH_TYPE to NIRFSA_VAL_RBW_ENBW
•NIRFSA_ATTR_POWER_SPECTRUM_UNITS to NIRFSA_VAL_VOLTS_SQUARED
11. Commit the settings to hardware using the niRFSA Commit VI or the niRFSA_Commit
function.
12. Set the NI 5663 to read the power spectrum using the niRFSA Read Power Spectrum
(Cluster) VI or the niRFSA_ReadPowerSpectrumF64 function.
13. Get the spectrum information using the niRFSA Get Spectral Info for SMT VI or the
niRFSA_GetSpectralInfoForSMT function.
14. Set the following properties or attributes using the SMT Spectrum Unit Conversion VI or
the SmtSpectrumUnitConversion function:
•units to dBm
•peak scaling to RMS
•psd? (or psdOnOff) to TRUE
•impedance to 50
15. Calculate the mean value of the spectrum. This value is the NI 5663 Average Noise Level.
16. Compare the NI 5663 Average Noise Level to the test limits in Table 8.
17. Repeat steps 6 to 16 for all combinations of settings in Tables 6 and 7.
18. Close the NI 5663 session using the niRFSA Close VI or the niRFSA_close function.
If the results are within the selected test limit, the device has passed this portion of the
verification.
Table 8. Average Noise Level Verification Test Limits
Frequency As-Found Limit As-Left Limit
10 MHz to <30 MHz <-155 dBm/Hz <-156 dBm/Hz
30 MHz to <120 MHz <-159 dBm/Hz <-160 dBm/Hz
120 MHz to <3 GHz <-155 dBm/Hz <-156 dBm/Hz
3 GHz to <5 GHz <-153 dBm/Hz <-154 dBm/Hz
5 GHz to 6.6 GHz <-151 dBm/Hz <-152 dBm/Hz

NI PXI-5663 Calibration Procedure |© National Instruments |17
LO Output Power Verification
Table 10 shows the test limits.
1. Disconnect the NI 5652 from the NI 5601 if it is connected.
2. Connect the RF source to the power splitter input through the 3.5 mm-to-3.5 mm cable.
3. Connect the power splitter reference output to power sensor A.
4. Connect the other power splitter output to the NI 5663 LO IN connector through the
3.5 mm (m) to 3.5 mm (m) adapter.
5. Connect a 50 Ωterminator to the NI 5652 RF OUT connector.
6. Connect power sensor B to the NI 5663 LO OUT connector through the SMA to SMA
right-angle adapter. Figure 5 shows the completed equipment setup.
Figure 5. LO Output Power Equipment Setup
7. Create a new session for the NI 5663 using the niRFSA Initialize VI or the niRFSA_init
function.
1RFSource
250ΩTerminator
3 Power Splitter
4 Power Sensor A
5 Power Meter
6 Power Meter Channel A
7 Power Meter Channel B
8 Power Sensor B
1
ACCESS ACT IVE
CLK IN
CLK OUT
PFI 1
ESD
SENSITIVE
TTL
6.3 Vp-p
MAX
2 Vp-p
NOM
+20 dBm MAX
50 Ω
50 Ω
50 Ω
NI PXIe- 562 2
16-Bit IF Digitizer
IF IN
0 dBm NOM
RF IN
IF OUT
LO IN
LO OUT
10 MHz – 6.6 GHz
ACCESS ACTIVE
ALL PORTS
±5 VDC MAX
50 Ω
0 dBm NOM
+20 dBm MAX
+20 dBm MAX
+20 dBm MAX
[+30 dBm MAX
w/Attenuation]
RF Downconverter
NI PXIe- 5601
5
2
6
7
3
8
4

18 |ni.com |NI PXI-5663 Calibration Procedure
8. Lock the NI PXI-5652 to the reference used by the test equipment. Use the niRFSA
Configure Ref Clock VI or the niRFSA_ConfigureRefClock function.
9. Set the NI 5663 center frequency according to Table 9 using the Center Span instance of
the niRFSA Configure Spectrum Frequency VI or the
niRFSA_ConfigureSpectrumFrequencyCenterSpan function.
10. Commit the settings to hardware using the niRFSA Commit VI or the niRFSA_Commit
function.
Note The NI PXI-5652 and NI PXIe-5601 are tuned so that they can control the
NI PXIe-5601 internal state. The NI PXI-5652 is not otherwise used in this test.
11. Set the RF source to the center frequency shown in Table 9.
12. At each center frequency, perform the following steps:
a. Adjust the RF source power to satisfy the following equation:
Channel A Power + RF Input Calibration Factor = 0 dBm ±0.5 dB
Use the appropriate RF frequency for the channel A sensor. Calculation of the RF
Input Calibration Factor may require interpolation.
b. Measure and record the channel B power. This value is the LO Output Power. Use the
appropriate RF frequency for the channel B sensor.
13. Compare the LO Output Power to the test limits in Table 10.
14. Repeat steps 9 through 13 for all frequencies in Table 9.
15. Close the NI 5663 session using the niRFSA Close VI or the niRFSA_close function.
If the results are within the selected test limit, the device has passed this portion of the
verification.
Table 9. NI 5663 LO Output Power Settings
Center Frequency
Start (MHz) Stop (MHz) Step (MHz) Span (Hz)
10 6,510 100 100
6,600 — — 100
Table 10. LO Output Verification Test Limits
Frequency Test Limit
10 MHz to 6.6 GHz 0 dBm ±3.5 dB (nominal)
Note: LO Input Power = 0 dBm ±0.5 dB.

NI PXI-5663 Calibration Procedure |© National Instruments |19
Non-Input-Related Spurs (Residual Spurs) Verification
Table 12 shows the test limits.
Refer to Appendix A: Non-Input-Related Spurs Test Frequencies for the NI 5663 tuned
frequency and the equivalent RF frequency for the spurs.
1. Connect the NI 5652 to the NI 5601 if it is not already connected.
2. Connect a 50 Ωtermination to the NI 5601 RF IN and LO OUT connectors. Figure 6 shows
the completed equipment setup.
Figure 6. Non-Input-Related Spurs Equipment Setup
3. Create a new session for the NI 5663 using the niRFSA Initialize VI or the niRFSA_init
function.
4. Perform an internal self-calibration on the NI 5622 using the niRFSA Self Cal VI or the
niRFSA_SelfCal function.
150ΩTerminator
ACCESS ACTIVE
CLK IN
CLK OUT
PFI 1
ESD
SENSITIVE
TTL
6.3 Vp-p
MAX
2 Vp-p
NOM
+20 dBm MAX
50 Ω
50 Ω
50 Ω
NI PXIe-5622
16-Bit IF Digitizer
IF IN
0 dBm NOM
RF IN
IF OUT
LO IN
LO OUT
10 MHz – 6.6 GHz
ACCESS ACTIVE
ALL PORTS
±5 VDC MAX
50 Ω
0 dBm NOM
+20 dBm MAX
+20 dBm MAX
+20 dBm MAX
[+30 dBm MAX
w/Attenuation]
RF Downconverter
NI PXIe- 5601
1
1

20 |ni.com |NI PXI-5663 Calibration Procedure
5. Lock the NI PXI-5652 to the reference used by the test equipment. Use the niRFSA
Configure Ref Clock VI or the niRFSA_ConfigureRefClock function.
6. Set the NI 5663 to make a spectrum acquisition using the niRFSA Configure Acquisition
Type VI or the niRFSA_ConfigureAcquisitionType function.
7. Set the NI 5663 for a resolution bandwidth according to Table 11 using the niRFSA
Configure Resolution Bandwidth VI or the
niRFSA_ConfigureResolutionBandwidth function.
8. Set the NI 5663 reference level according to Table 11 using the niRFSA Configure
Reference Level VI or the niRFSA_ConfigureReferenceLevel function.
9. Set the NI 5663 center frequency and span per Table 11 using the Center Span instance of
the niRFSA Configure Spectrum Frequency VI or the
niRFSA_ConfigureSpectrumFrequencyCenterSpan function.
10. Use the niRFSA Property Node to set the following properties:
• Spectrum Averaging Mode to RMS Averaging
• Spectrum Number of Averages to 10
• Spectrum Units to Volts Squared
or set the following attributes:
•NIRFSA_ATTR_SPECTRUM_AVERAGING_MODE to
NIRFSA_VAL_RMS_AVERAGING
•NIRFSA_ATTR_SPECTRUM_NUMBER_OF_AVERAGES to 10
•NIRFSA_ATTR_POWER_SPECTRUM_UNITS to NIRFSA_VAL_VOLTS_SQUARED
11. Commit the settings to hardware using the niRFSA Commit VI or the niRFSA_Commit
function.
12. Set the NI 5663 to read the power spectrum using the niRFSA Read Power Spectrum
(Cluster) VI or the niRFSA_ReadPowerSpectrumF64 function.
Table 11. NI 5663 Settings for Non-Input-Related Spurs
NI 5663 Tuned
Frequency
RF
Attenuation
Reference
Level Span
Resolution
Bandwidth
10 MHz to <120 MHz 0 dB -60 dBm 10 MHz 500 Hz
120 MHz to <330 MHz 0 dB -60 dBm 20 MHz 500 Hz
330 MHz to <6600 MHz 0 dB -60 dBm 50 MHz 500 Hz