National Instruments PXIe-5654 Manual

CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696
250 kHz to 20 GHz RF Analog Signal Generator with Amplitude
Extender
This document contains the verification and adjustment procedures for the PXIe-5654 RF
Analog Signal Generator when used with the PXIe-5696 Amplitude Extender.
Refer to ni.com/calibration for more information about calibration solutions.
Contents
Required Software.....................................................................................................................2
Related Documentation.............................................................................................................2
Test Equipment..........................................................................................................................2
Test Conditions..........................................................................................................................6
Initial Setup............................................................................................................................... 7
Test System Characterization....................................................................................................7
Zeroing and Calibrating the Power Sensor....................................................................... 7
Characterizing the Power Splitter..................................................................................... 7
As-Found and As-Left Limits................................................................................................... 9
Verification..............................................................................................................................10
Verifying RF OUT Frequency Accuracy........................................................................ 10
Verifying RF OUT Phase Noise......................................................................................12
Verifying RF OUT Amplitude Accuracy........................................................................ 15
Verifying RF OUT Maximum Power..............................................................................22
Optional Verification...............................................................................................................24
Verifying PULSE IN Operation...................................................................................... 24
Adjustment.............................................................................................................................. 26
Measuring RF Attenuator Path Input Power...................................................................26
Adjusting RF Attenuator Path.........................................................................................28
Adjusting RF Attenuator Accuracy.................................................................................29
Measuring Amplifier Path Input Power.......................................................................... 31
Adjusting Amplitude Accuracy (Low Harmonic Paths).................................................32
Adjusting Amplitude Accuracy (High Power Paths)......................................................34
Adjusting ALC................................................................................................................35
Reverification..........................................................................................................................37
Updating Calibration Date and Time...................................................................................... 37
Worldwide Support and Services............................................................................................37

Required Software
Calibrating the PXIe-5654 requires you to install the following package on the calibration
system:
• NI-RFSG 14.5 or later
You can download all required software from ni.com/downloads.
The software supports programming the verification procedures in the LabVIEW, C, and
LabWindows™/CVI™ application development environments (ADE) and programming the
adjustment procedures in LabVIEW. When you install the software, you need to install support
only for the ADE that you intend to use.
Related Documentation
For additional information, refer to the following documents as you perform the calibration
procedure:
•PXIe-5654 Getting Started Guide
•PXIe-5654 Calibration Procedure
•PXIe-5696 Getting Started Guide
•PXIe-5654 Specifications (includes specifications for the PXIe-5696)
•NI RF Signal Generators Help
Visit ni.com/manuals for the latest versions of these documents.
Test Equipment
The following table lists the equipment NI recommends for the performance verification and
adjustment procedures. If the recommended equipment is not available, select a substitute
using the minimum requirements listed in the following table.
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Table 1. Recommended Equipment for PXIe-5654 Calibration
Equipment Recommended
Model
Where Used Minimum
Requirements
Signal source
analyzer
Rhode & Schwarz
(R&S) FSUP26
Signal Source
Analyzer
Verifications:
• RF OUT frequency
accuracy
• RF OUT phase noise
• RF OUT amplitude
accuracy
• RF OUT maximum
power
• PULSE IN operation
Adjustments:
• Frequency reference
accuracy
Frequency range:
0.25 MHz to 20 GHz
Frequency counter
resolution: 0.1 Hz
Phase noise
measurement using
cross-correlation
Frequency counter
marker feature
Spectrum analysis
capabilities
Frequency
reference
Symmetricom
8040C Rubidium
Frequency Standard
Verifications:
• RF OUT amplitude
accuracy
• RF OUT maximum
power
• PULSE IN operation
Adjustments:
• Frequency reference
accuracy
Frequency: 10 MHz
Frequency accuracy:
±1 × 10-9
PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 3

Table 1. Recommended Equipment for PXIe-5654 Calibration (Continued)
Equipment Recommended
Model
Where Used Minimum
Requirements
Power meter Anritsu ML2438A
with a SC7413A
Power Sensor
Verifications:
• RF OUT maximum
power
• RF OUT amplitude
accuracy
Adjustments:
• RF OUT power
• RF attenuator
accuracy
• Amplitude accuracy
(low harmonic paths)
• Amplitude accuracy
(high power paths)
• Automatic Level
Control (ALC)
Range: -40 dBm to
20 dBm
Frequency range:
250 kHz to 20 GHz
Accuracy: <±4.0%
K(m)-to-K(m)
cable, 36 in.
(x2)
Florida RF Labs
KMS-160-36.0-
KMS
Verifications:
• RF OUT frequency
accuracy
• RF OUT phase noise
• RF OUT amplitude
accuracy
Adjustments:
• Frequency reference
accuracy
Length: 36 in.
Loss: <0.7 dB/ft.
(typical) at 20 GHz
Impedance: 50 Ω
K(m)-to-K(m)
cable, 12 in.
(x2)
Florida RF Labs
KMS-160-12.0-
KMS
Verifications:
• RF OUT amplitude
accuracy
• RF OUT maximum
power
Adjustments:
• RF attenuator path
Length: 12 in.
Loss: <0.5 dB/ft.
(typical) at 20 GHz
Impedance: 50 Ω
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Table 1. Recommended Equipment for PXIe-5654 Calibration (Continued)
Equipment Recommended
Model
Where Used Minimum
Requirements
K(m)-to-K(f)
20 dB
attenuator
Anritsu 41KB-20 Adjustments:
• RF attenuator path
Frequency range: DC to
20 GHz
Voltage standing wave
ratio (VSWR): <1.18
Accuracy: <±0.5 dB
Impedance: 50 Ω
K(m)-to-K(f)
6 dB attenuator
(x2)
Anritsu 41KB-6 Test system
characterization
Verifications:
• RF OUT amplitude
accuracy
• RF OUT maximum
power
Frequency range: DC to
20 GHz
VSWR: <1.18
Accuracy: <±0.5 dB
Impedance: 50 Ω
Power splitter Aeroflex/Weinschel
1593
Test system
characterization
Verifications:
• RF OUT amplitude
accuracy
• RF OUT maximum
power
Frequency range: DC to
20 GHz
VSWR: <1.35
Insertion loss: <8.5 dB
Impedance: 50 Ω
K(m)-to-K(f)
adapter1
Anritsu K224B Test system
characterization
Frequency range: DC to
20 GHz
VSWR: ≤1.12
Impedance: 50 Ω
The following table lists the equipment NI recommends for optional performance verification
procedures for non-warranted specifications. If the recommended equipment is not available,
select a substitute using the minimum requirements listed in the table.
1The connector on the power sensor listed above may be difficult to access with a torque wrench
when there is adjacent connected hardware. Use this adapter if you need to extend the capabilities
of the power sensor to make it accessible by a torque wrench.
PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 5

Table 2. Recommended Equipment for Optional PXIe-5654 Calibration
Equipment Recommended Model Where Used Minimum
Requirements
USB digital output USB-6501 Digital I/O
Device
Verifications:
• PULSE IN
operation
Active drive
capability
Voltage:
<3.3 V CMOS
BNC(m)-to-SMB(f)
cable
Radiall
R284C0351028
Verifications:
• PULSE IN
operation
Impedance: 50 Ω
BNC(m)-to-screw
terminal block
adapter
Clever Little Box
CLB-JL73
Verifications:
• PULSE IN
operation
Impedance: 50 Ω
BNC(m)-to-
BNC(m) cable
Pasternack PE3087 Verifications:
• PULSE IN
operation
Impedance: 50 Ω
BNC Tee adapter
(f-f-f)
Pasternack PE9003 Verifications:
• PULSE IN
operation
Impedance: 50 Ω
Test Conditions
The following setup and environmental conditions are required to ensure the PXIe-5654 and
PXIe-5696 meet published specifications.
• Keep cabling as short as possible. Long cables act as antennas, picking up extra noise that
can affect measurements.
• Verify that all connections to the PXIe-5654 and PXIe-5696, including front panel
connections and screws, are secure.
• Maintain an ambient temperature of 23 °C ± 5 °C.
• Keep relative humidity between 10% and 90%, noncondensing.
• Allow a warm-up time of at least 30 minutes after the chassis is powered on. The warm-
up time ensures that the PXIe-5654 and PXIe-5696 are at a stable operating temperature.
• In each verification procedure, insert a delay between configuring all instruments and
acquiring the measurement. This delay may need to be adjusted depending on the
instruments used but should always be at least 1,000 ms for the first iteration, 1,000 ms
when the power level changes, and 100 ms for each other iteration.
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• Plug the chassis and the calibration instrument(s) into the same power strip to avoid
ground loops.
• Use an appropriate torque wrench to tighten all module RF connectors (SMA, 3.5 mm, or
K). NI recommends a 0.565 N · m (5 lb · in) wrench for SMA connectors and a
0.90 N · m (8 lb · in) wrench for 3.5 mm or K connectors.
• Connect the frequency reference source to the signal source analyzer REF IN back panel
connector using a BNC(m)-to-BNC(m) cable, and connect the signal source analyzer
REF OUT connector to the PXIe-5654 REF IN connector using a BNC(m)-to-SMA(m)
cable.
• Ensure that the PXI 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 about cooling,
refer to the Maintain Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users document available at ni.com/
manuals.
• Frequencies less than and equal to 10 GHz apply to the 10 GHz and 20 GHz PXIe-5654;
frequencies above 10 GHz apply only to the 20 GHz PXIe-5654.
• The PXIe-5654 must be verified as a stand-alone device using the PXIe-5654 Calibration
Procedure before performing the procedures in this document.
Initial Setup
Refer to the PXIe-5654 Getting Started Guide and PXIe-5696 Getting Started Guide for
information about how to install the software and the hardware and how to configure the
devices in MAX.
Test System Characterization
The following procedures characterize the test equipment used during verification.
Note Before starting characterization, unassociate the PXIe-5654 and PXIe-5696
in Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) by setting the PXIe-5696
connected to the PXIe-5654 to None.
Zeroing and Calibrating the Power Sensor
1. Connect channel A of the power meter to the power sensor.
2. Zero and calibrate the power sensor using the built-in functions in the power meter.
Characterizing the Power Splitter
Several procedures in this document require using a splitter that has been characterized to
remove error from future measurements. Complete the following steps to characterize a
splitter using a PXIe-5654, power meter, and signal source analyzer, as shown in the following
figure.
1. Connect the frequency reference source to the signal source analyzer REF IN back panel
connector using a BNC(m)-to-BNC(m) cable, and connect the signal source analyzer
PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 7

REF OUT connector to the PXIe-5654 REF IN connector using a BNC(m)-to-SMA(m)
cable.
2. Connect the power meter power sensor to the PXIe-5654 RF OUT front panel connector.
3. Create a new device session for the PXIe-5654.
4. Create a list of test frequencies using the values in the following table.
Table 3. Power Splitter Characterization Test Frequencies
Start Frequency (MHz) Stop Frequency (MHz) Frequency Step (MHz)
0.25 — —
25 250 112.5
275 1,000 145
1,250 20,000 250
5. Configure the PXIe-5654 using the following settings:
• Frequency: Frequency from the list in step 4.
• Power Level: -10 dBm
6. Commit the settings to hardware if this is the first iteration of running this procedure;
otherwise skip to step 9.
7. Initiate signal generation.
8. Enable the RF output.
9. Check the signal generation status and verify that there are no reported errors or
warnings.
10. Use the power meter to measure the output power. Store this value as the Power Meter
Reading.
11. Repeat steps 5 through 10 for each remaining test frequency in the list created in step 4.
12. Disconnect the power meter from the PXIe-5654 RF OUT front panel connector.
13. Connect the PXIe-5654 RF OUT front panel connector to the 6 dB attenuator.
14. Connect the open end of the attenuator to the input of the power splitter using a K(m)-to-
K(m) 12 in. cable.
15. Connect an available output port of the power splitter to the power sensor.
16. Connect a 6 dB attenuator to the signal source analyzer RF input.
17. Connect the other available output port of the power splitter to the attenuator connected to
the signal source analyzer RF input connector using a K(m)-to-K(m) 36 in. cable.
The hardware setup is shown in the following image, with the dotted line surrounding the
equipment fixture.
Note After assembling the hardware and performing characterization, do not
disassemble or alter the torque applied to the connectors of the fixture. If any
hardware within the fixture is altered, you must characterize again.
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Figure 1. Power Splitter Characterization Equipment Setup
250 kHz–20 GHz Signal Generator
ACCESS ACTIVE
REF IN
1–20 MHz
±10 dBm NOM
17 dBm MAX
PULSE
IN
–0.5V MIN
+5.5V MAX
FM IN
±1 VDC NOM
±2 VDC MAX
AM IN
±1 VDC NOM
±2 VDC MAX
ALC IN
±15 VDC MAX
RF OUT
250 kHz –
20 GHz
REF OUT
10 MHz
5 dBm ±2 dBm NOM
REF OUT 2
100 MHz
5 dBm ±2 dBm NOM
TRIG
IN/OUT
3.3V CMOS
IN/OUT
–0.5V MIN IN
5.5V MAX IN
ESD
SENSITIVE
ALL PORTS
50 Ω
2 3
8
5
2
4
7
6
1
1. PXIe-5654 RF Analog Signal Generator
2. K(m)-to-K(f) 6 dB Attenuator
3. K(m)-to-K(m) Cable, 12 in.
4. Power Sensor
5. Power Meter
6. Power Splitter
7. K(m)-to-K(m) Cable, 36 in.
8. Signal Source Analyzer
18. Configure the reference level of the spectrum analyzer to -30 dBm.
The spectrum analyzer is used only for termination.
19. Configure the PXIe-5654 using the following settings:
• Frequency: Frequency from the list in step 4.
• Power Level: -10 dBm
20. Check the signal generation status and verify that there are no reported errors or
warnings.
21. Use the power meter to measure the output power. Store this value as Splitter.
22. Calculate the splitter loss using the following formula:
Splitter Loss = Power Meter Reading - Splitter
23. Store the calculated values.
24. Repeat steps 19 through 23 for each remaining test frequency in the list created in step 4.
25. Close the device session.
As-Found and As-Left Limits
The as-found limits are the published specifications for the PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696.
NI uses these limits to determine whether the PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 meets the
PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 9

specifications when it is received for calibration. Use the as-found limits during initial
verification.
The as-left calibration limits are equal to the published NI specifications for the
PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696, less guard bands for measurement uncertainty, temperature drift,
and drift over time. NI uses these limits to reduce the probability that the instrument will be
outside the published specification limits at the end of the calibration cycle. Use the as-left
limits when performing verification after adjustment.
Verification
The performance verification procedures assume that adequate traceable uncertainties are
available for the calibration references.
Before starting verification, complete the following steps.
1. Complete the verification procedures for the PXIe-5654 as a stand-alone device.
2. Associate the PXIe-5654 and PXIe-5696 in MAX.
3. Make the following reference connections.
a) Connect the frequency reference source to the signal source analyzer REF IN back
panel connector using a BNC(m)-to-BNC(m) cable.
b) Connect the signal source analyzer REF OUT connector to the PXIe-5654 REF IN
connector using a BNC(m)-to-SMA(m) cable.
Related Information
For instructions on verifying the PXIe-5654 as a stand-alone device, refer to the PXIe-5654
Calibration Procedure.
Verifying RF OUT Frequency Accuracy
This procedure verifies that the internal signal generation circuitry is adjusted for correct
frequency accuracy.
1. Connect the PXIe-5654 to the PXIe-5696.
2. Connect the PXIe-5696 RF OUT front panel connector to the signal source analyzer RF
input connector using the K(m)-to-K(m) cable, as shown in the following figure.
10 | ni.com | PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 Calibration Procedure

Figure 2. RF OUT Frequency Accuracy Verification Equipment Setup (Reference
Connections Not Shown)
250 kHz–20 GHz Signal Generator
ACCESS ACTIVE
REF IN
1–20 MHz
±10 dBm NOM
17 dBm MAX
PULSE
IN
–0.5V MIN
+5.5V MAX
FM IN
±1 VDC NOM
±2 VDC MAX
AM IN
±1 VDC NOM
±2 VDC MAX
ALC IN
±15 VDC MAX
RF OUT
250 kHz –
20 GHz
REF OUT
10 MHz
5 dBm ±2 dBm NOM
REF OUT 2
100 MHz
5 dBm ±2 dBm NOM
TRIG
IN/OUT
3.3V CMOS
IN/OUT
–0.5V MIN IN
5.5V MAX IN
ESD
SENSITIVE
ALL PORTS
50 Ω
250 kHz–20 GHz Amplitude Extender
ACCESS ACTIVE
RF AMP
OUT
ATTN IN
+30 dBm MAX
ALC OUT
±15 VDC MAX
RF OUT
Reverse Power
±30 dBm MAX
RF IN
±15 dBm
MAX
ESD
SENSITIVE
ALL PORTS
50 Ω
T
T
3
4
1 2
1. PXIe-5654 RF Analog Signal Generator
2. PXIe-5696 Amplitude Extender
3. Signal Source Analyzer
4. K(m)-to-K(m) Cable
3. Create a new device session for the PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696.
4. Create a list of test frequencies, including endpoints, containing 100 MHz and 1 GHz,
according to the frequency range of your PXIe-5654 model, with 1 GHz increments.
5. Configure the PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 using the following settings:
• Frequency: Frequency from the list in step 4
• Power Level: 0 dBm
• Reference Clock Source: Onboard Clock
6. Commit the settings to hardware if this is the first iteration of running this procedure;
otherwise skip to step 9.
7. Initiate signal generation.
8. Enable the RF output.
9. Check the signal generation status and verify that there are no reported errors or
warnings.
PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 11

10. Configure the signal source analyzer using the following settings:
• Center frequency: Frequency from the list in step 4
• Reference level: 20 dBm
• Frequency span: 1 MHz
• Reference Clock source: External
• Frequency counter resolution: 0.1 Hz
• Sweep: Manual
• Number of sweeps: 1
• Auto Sweep Time
11. Measure the frequency of the peak that is returned by the signal source analyzer at
approximately the corresponding point in the frequency list you created in step 4.
12. Calculate the deviation using the following formula:
Δf=fMeasured MHz − fExpected MHz
fExpected MHz ppm
13. Ensure that the deviation found in the previous step is less than the result of the following
equations:
As Left Calculation: Initial Accuracy + Temperature Stability
As Found Calculation: Initial Accuracy + Aging + Temperature Stability
where
Initial Accuracy = ±0.1 ppm
Temperature Stability (15 °C to 35 °C) = ±0.2 ppm
Ten Year Aging = 1.25 ppm
14. Repeat steps 5 through 13 for the remaining frequencies in the list created in step 4.
15. Close the device session.
Verifying RF OUT Phase Noise
This procedure verifies that the internal frequency generation circuitry is adjusted for correct
phase noise accuracy.
1. Connect the PXIe-5654 to the PXIe-5696.
2. Connect the PXIe-5696 RF OUT front panel connector to the signal source analyzer RF
input connector using the K(m)-to-K(m) cable.
The hardware setup is shown in the following figure.
12 | ni.com | PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 Calibration Procedure

Figure 3. RF OUT Phase Noise Verification Equipment Setup (Reference Connections
Not Shown)
250 kHz–20 GHz Signal Generator
ACCESS ACTIVE
REF IN
1–20 MHz
±10 dBm NOM
17 dBm MAX
PULSE
IN
–0.5V MIN
+5.5V MAX
FM IN
±1 VDC NOM
±2 VDC MAX
AM IN
±1 VDC NOM
±2 VDC MAX
ALC IN
±15 VDC MAX
RF OUT
250 kHz –
20 GHz
REF OUT
10 MHz
5 dBm ±2 dBm NOM
REF OUT 2
100 MHz
5 dBm ±2 dBm NOM
TRIG
IN/OUT
3.3V CMOS
IN/OUT
–0.5V MIN IN
5.5V MAX IN
ESD
SENSITIVE
ALL PORTS
50 Ω
250 kHz–20 GHz Amplitude Extender
ACCESS ACTIVE
RF AMP
OUT
ATTN IN
+30 dBm MAX
ALC OUT
±15 VDC MAX
RF OUT
Reverse Power
±30 dBm MAX
RF IN
±15 dBm
MAX
ESD
SENSITIVE
ALL PORTS
50 Ω
T
T
3
4
1 2
1. PXIe-5654 RF Analog Signal Generator
2. PXIe-5696 Amplitude Extender
3. Signal Source Analyzer
4. K(m)-to-K(m) Cable
3. Create a new device session for the PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696.
4. Configure the signal source analyzer using the following settings:
• Phase noise measurement using cross-correlation phase-locked loops (PLLs) and
internal generators
• Automatic device under test (DUT) detection
• Spur suppression enabled
• Fast Fourier transform (FFT) mode with Blackman-Harris window
• Measurement span from 100 Hz to 1 MHz (offset frequencies)
5. Use the signal source analyzer to perform a manual frequency sweep at the settings listed
in the following table.
PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 13

Table 4. RF OUT Manual Sweep Settings
Carrier Frequency Offset Resolution Bandwidth Cross Correlation
100 Hz to 300 Hz 10 Hz 100
300 Hz to 1 kHz 30 Hz 1,000
1 kHz to 3 kHz 100 Hz 10,000
3 kHz to 10 kHz 300 Hz 10,000
10 kHz to 30 kHz 1 kHz 10,000
30 kHz to 100 kHz 1 kHz 5,000
100 kHz to 300 kHz 3 kHz 1,000
300 kHz to 1 MHz 10 kHz 1,000
6. Configure the PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 using the following settings:
• Frequency: 500 MHz
• Power Level: +8 dBm
7. Commit the settings to hardware if this is the first iteration of running the procedure;
otherwise skip to step 10.
8. Initiate signal generation.
9. Enable the RF output.
10. Set the signal source analyzer center frequency to 500 MHz if the signal source analyzer
does not automatically center for phase noise measurements.
11. Check the signal generation status and verify that there are no reported errors or
warnings.
12. Measure the phase noise using the signal source analyzer for every offset value in the
following table. Record the measurements.
13. Ensure that the recorded measurements are within the limits set in the following tables.
Table 5. RF OUT Phase Noise (dBc/Hz), As-Found Limits
Offset Carrier Frequency
500 MHz 1 GHz 5 GHz 10 GHz 20 GHz
100 Hz ≤-107 ≤-101 ≤-87 ≤-81 ≤-75
1 kHz ≤-126 ≤-121 ≤-109 ≤-103 ≤-97
10 kHz ≤-135 ≤-130 ≤-120 ≤-114 ≤-108
100 kHz ≤-137 ≤-131 ≤-122 ≤-117 ≤-111
1 MHz ≤-138 ≤-132 ≤-125 ≤-119 ≤-113
14 | ni.com | PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 Calibration Procedure

Table 6. RF OUT Phase Noise (dBc/Hz), As-Left Limits
Offset Carrier Frequency
500 MHz 1 GHz 5 GHz 10 GHz 20 GHz
100 Hz ≤-108.5 ≤-102.5 ≤-88.5 ≤-82.5 ≤-76.5
1 kHz ≤-127.5 ≤-122.5 ≤-110.5 ≤-104.5 ≤-98.5
10 kHz ≤-135.5 ≤-130.5 ≤-120.5 ≤-114.5 ≤-108.5
100 kHz ≤-138 ≤-132 ≤-123 ≤-118 ≤-112
1 MHz ≤-138.5 ≤-132.5 ≤-125.5 ≤-119.5 ≤-113.5
14. Repeat steps 6 through 13 for 1 GHz, 5 GHz, 10 GHz, and 20 GHz carrier frequencies.
15. Close the device session.
Verifying RF OUT Amplitude Accuracy
This procedure verifies that the PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 is adjusted for correct amplitude
accuracy.
1. Connect the PXIe-5654 to the PXIe-5696.
2. Using the fixture that was previously characterized in Characterizing the Power Splitter,
connect the input of the fixture to the PXIe-5696 RF OUT front panel connector.
3. Connect the outputs of the fixture to the power sensor and to the signal source analyzer
RF input connector, as shown in the following image.
All other connections should not have changed since characterization.
PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 15

Figure 4. RF OUT Amplitude Accuracy Verification Equipment Setup
250 kHz–20 GHz Signal Generator
ACCESS ACTIVE
REF IN
1–20 MHz
±10 dBm NOM
17 dBm MAX
PULSE
IN
–0.5V MIN
+5.5V MAX
FM IN
±1 VDC NOM
±2 VDC MAX
AM IN
±1 VDC NOM
±2 VDC MAX
ALC IN
±15 VDC MAX
RF OUT
250 kHz –
20 GHz
REF OUT
10 MHz
5 dBm ±2 dBm NOM
REF OUT 2
100 MHz
5 dBm ±2 dBm NOM
TRIG
IN/OUT
3.3V CMOS
IN/OUT
–0.5V MIN IN
5.5V MAX IN
ESD
SENSITIVE
ALL PORTS
50 Ω
250 kHz–20 GHz Amplitude Extender
ACCESS ACTIVE
RF AMP
OUT
ATTN IN
+30 dBm MAX
ALC OUT
±15 VDC MAX
RF OUT
Reverse Power
±30 dBm MAX
RF IN
±15 dBm
MAX
ESD
SENSITIVE
ALL PORTS
50 Ω
T
T
4
9
6
3
5
8
7
2
1
3
1. PXIe-5654 RF Analog Signal Generator
2. PXIe-5696 Amplitude Extender
3. K(m)-to-K(f) 6 dB Attenuator
4. K(m)-to-K(m) Cable, 12 in.
5. Power Sensor
6. Power Meter
7. Power Splitter
8. K(m)-to-K(m) Cable, 36 in.
9. Signal Source Analyzer
4. Create a new device session for the PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696.
5. Create a list of test frequencies from the following table based on your current power
level under test.
Table 7. RF OUT Amplitude Accuracy Test Settings
Power Level
(dBm)
Start Frequency
(MHz)
Stop Frequency
(MHz)
Frequency Step
(MHz)
-80 0.25 — —
25 250 112.5
275 1,000 145
1,250 3,000 250
3,250 6,000 250
6,250 15,000 250
15,250 20,000 250
16 | ni.com | PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 Calibration Procedure

Table 7. RF OUT Amplitude Accuracy Test Settings (Continued)
Power Level
(dBm)
Start Frequency
(MHz)
Stop Frequency
(MHz)
Frequency Step
(MHz)
-40 0.25 — —
25 250 112.5
275 1,000 145
1,250 3,000 250
3,250 6,000 250
6,250 15,000 250
15,250 20,000 250
-20 0.25 — —
25 250 112.5
275 1,000 145
1,250 3,000 250
3,250 6,000 250
6,250 15,000 250
15,250 20,000 250
-10 0.25 — —
25 250 112.5
275 1,000 145
1,250 3,000 250
3,250 6,000 250
6,250 15,000 250
15,250 20,000 250
PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 17

Table 7. RF OUT Amplitude Accuracy Test Settings (Continued)
Power Level
(dBm)
Start Frequency
(MHz)
Stop Frequency
(MHz)
Frequency Step
(MHz)
-7 0.25 — —
25 250 112.5
275 1,000 145
1,250 3,000 250
3,250 6,000 250
6,250 15,000 250
15,250 20,000 250
0 0.25 — —
25 250 112.5
275 1,000 145
1,250 3,000 250
3,250 6,000 250
6,250 15,000 250
15,250 20,000 250
10 0.25 — —
25 250 112.5
18 15,250 20,000 250
20 275 1,000 145
6,250 15,000 250
23 3,250 6,000 250
24 1,250 3,000 250
6. Configure the reference level of the spectrum analyzer to -30 dBm.
The spectrum analyzer is used only for termination.
7. Configure the PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 using the following settings:
• Frequency: Frequency from the list in step 5
• Power Level: Current power level from the preceding table, which is the Expected
Power (dBm)
8. Commit the settings to hardware if this is the first iteration of running the procedure;
otherwise skip to step 11.
9. Initiate signal generation.
18 | ni.com | PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 Calibration Procedure

10. Enable the RF output.
11. Check the signal generation status and verify that there are no reported errors or
warnings.
12. Measure the power using the power meter. Correct the power meter reading for the RF
frequency.
This measurement is the Power Meter Reading.
13. Correct the power meter reading with the characterization value from Characterizing the
Power Splitter.
Measured Power (dBm) = Power Meter Reading + Splitter Loss
14. Calculate the Power Deviation (dB) using the following formula:
Power Deviation (dB) = Measured Power (dBm) - Expected Power (dBm)
15. Verify that the Power Deviation (dB) results in the previous step are within the limits
listed in the following tables.
Table 8. Amplitude Accuracy, As-Found Limits (dB)
Frequency Maximum
Leveled
Power
(dBm)
Power Deviation (dB)
-80 dBm to
<-40 dBm
-40 dBm to
<-10 dBm
-10 dBm to
13 dBm
>13 dBm to
Maximum
Leveled
Power (dBm)
0.25 MHz to
<20 MHz
≥10 ±1.75 ±1.20 ±0.80 —
20 MHz to
≤250 MHz
≥10 ±1.50 ±1.20 ±0.80 —
>250 MHz to
≤1,000 MHz
≥20 ±1.50 ±1.20 ±0.80 ±1.20
>1,000 MHz to
≤3,000 MHz
≥24 ±1.50 ±1.20 ±0.80 ±1.20
>3,000 MHz to
≤6,000 MHz
>23 ±1.50 ±1.20 ±0.80 ±1.20
>6,000 MHz to
≤8,000 MHz
>20 ±1.50 ±1.20 ±0.80 ±1.20
>8,000 MHz to
≤15,000 MHz
>20 ±1.50 ±1.20 ±0.80 ±1.30
>15,000 MHz to
≤20,000 MHz
>18 ±1.50 ±1.20 ±0.80 ±1.30
PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 19

Table 9. Amplitude Accuracy, As-Left Limits (dB)
Frequency Maximum
Leveled
Power (dBm)
Power Deviation (dB)
-80 dBm to
< -40 dBm
-40 dBm to
<-10 dBm
-10 dBm to
13 dBm
>13 dBm to
Maximum
Leveled
Power (dBm)
0.25 MHz to
≤20 MHz
≥10 ±1.00 ±0.60 ±0.35 —
>20 MHz to
≤250 MHz
≥10 ±0.70 ±0.60 ±0.35 —
>250 MHz to
≤1,000 MHz
≥20 ±0.70 ±0.60 ±0.35 ±0.60
>1,000 MHz to
≤3,000 MHz
≥24 ±0.70 ±0.60 ±0.35 ±0.60
>3,000 MHz to
≤6,000 MHz
>23 ±0.60 ±0.60 ±0.35 ±0.60
>6,000 MHz to
≤8,000 MHz
>20 ±0.60 ±0.60 ±0.35 ±0.60
>8,000 MHz to
≤15,000 MHz
>20 ±0.60 ±0.60 ±0.35 ±0.60
>15,000 MHz to
≤20,000 MHz
>18 ±0.60 ±0.60 ±0.35 ±0.60
16. Repeat steps 7 through 15 for each test frequency in the frequency list created in step 5.
17. Repeat steps 7 through 15 for all output powers greater than -20 dBm in the frequency
list.
The following steps apply to using an output power of -20 dBm.
18. Create a list of test frequencies from Table 7 that apply to a power level of -20 dBm.
19. Configure the PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 using the following settings:
• Frequency: Frequency from the list in step 18
• Power Level: -20 dBm, which is the Expected Power (dBm)
20. Commit the settings to hardware if this is the first iteration of running this procedure;
otherwise skip to step 21.
21. Check the signal generation status and verify that there are no reported errors or
warnings.
22. Configure the signal source analyzer with the following settings:
• Center frequency: Frequency in step 18
• RF Input coupling: DC
• Reference level: -30 dBm
• Frequency span: 0 Hz
20 | ni.com | PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 Calibration Procedure