National Instruments PXIe-5665 Use and care manual

CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
PXIe-5665
3.6 GHz and 14 GHz RF Vector Signal Analyzer
This document contains the verification procedures for the National Instruments PXIe-5665
RF vector signal analyzer (VSA). Refer to ni.com/calibration for more information about
calibration solutions.
When not otherwise specified, the procedures in this document refer to both the PXIe-5665
3.6 GHz VSA and the PXIe-5665 14 GHz VSA products. In places where the procedures differ
between the two products, the appropriate device settings are specified.
Note PXIe-5665 tuned frequencies greater than 3.6 GHz and procedures with the
preselector enabled for frequencies greater than 3.6 GHz apply only to the PXIe-5665
14 GHz VSA.
NI warrants the PXIe-5665 to meet its published specifications if the individual modules are
calibrated and operating within specifications. For more information about RF system
calibration, visit ni.com/manuals and search for Letter of Conformance.
Contents
Software.................................................................................................................................... 2
Documentation.......................................................................................................................... 2
Test Equipment......................................................................................................................... 3
Test Conditions......................................................................................................................... 10
System Options......................................................................................................................... 11
Initial Setup............................................................................................................................... 11
Characterizing the Test System ................................................................................................ 11
Zeroing and Calibrating the Power Sensor....................................................................... 11
Characterizing Power Splitter Reference Output ............................................................. 11
Characterizing Power Splitter Difference......................................................................... 12
Characterizing RF Source Power (Direct)........................................................................ 13
Characterizing RF Source Power (with Lowpass Filter).................................................. 15
Characterizing RF Source Power (Combined) for Frequencies ≤700 MHz..................... 17
Characterizing RF Source Power (Combined) for Frequencies >700 MHz..................... 19
Characterizing RF Source Power (Through Splitter) ....................................................... 21
Characterizing RF Source Power (with Splitter and Attenuator) ..................................... 23
Characterizing Spectrum Analyzer Response .................................................................. 25
As-Found and As-Left Limits................................................................................................... 27
Verification ............................................................................................................................... 27
Verifying Reference Accuracy ......................................................................................... 27
Verifying Phase Noise ...................................................................................................... 27

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Verifying Frequency Response and Absolute Amplitude Accuracy ................................ 28
Verifying Frequency Response and Absolute Amplitude Accuracy for
Frequencies >10 MHz ........................................................................................... 28
Verifying Average Noise Level........................................................................................35
Verifying Non-Input-Related Spurs (Residual Spurs)...................................................... 40
Verifying LO-Related Spurs (Sideband Spurs) ................................................................ 43
Verifying Image Rejection................................................................................................48
Verifying Third-Order Intermodulation Distortion .......................................................... 53
Frequencies ≤700 MHz.............................................................................................53
Frequencies >700 MHz............................................................................................. 57
Verifying Second Harmonic Intercept (SHI)....................................................................62
Verifying Gain Compression ............................................................................................67
Frequencies ≤700 MHz.............................................................................................68
Frequencies >700 MHz.............................................................................................73
Verifying LO Output Power ............................................................................................. 79
Reverification............................................................................................................................ 83
Appendix A: Anti-Distortion Test Fixture................................................................................83
Appendix B: Power Sensor Calibration Factor Uncertainty..................................................... 84
Worldwide Support and Services .............................................................................................85
Software
Calibrating the PXIe-5665 requires you to install the following software on the calibration
system:
• NI-RFSA 2.5 or later
• NI Spectral Measurements Toolkit 2.5 or later
You can download all required software from ni.com/downloads.
The software supports programming the calibration procedures in the LabVIEW, C, and
LabWindows™/CVI™ application development environments (ADEs). When you install the
software, you need to install support only for the ADE that you intend to use.
Documentation
You might find the following documents helpful as you perform the calibration procedure:
• NI 5665 RF Vector Signal Analyzer Getting Started Guide
• NI RF Vector Signal Analyzers Help
• PXIe-5665 Specifications
The latest versions of these documents are available at ni.com/manuals.
This calibration procedure calibrates the PXIe-5665 as a single system. To calibrate the
PXIe-5653 or PXIe-5622 individually, refer to their calibration procedures, available at
ni.com/manuals.

PXIe-5665 Calibration Procedure |© National Instruments |3
Test Equipment
Table 1 lists the equipment NI recommends for the performance verification procedures. If the
recommended equipment is not available, select a substitute using the minimum requirements
listed in the table.

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Table 1. Recommended Equipment for PXIe-5665 Calibration
Equipment Recommended Models Where Used Minimum Requirements
Power meter Anritsu ML2438A Verifying frequency response,
Verifying absolute amplitude accuracy,
Verifying LO output power
Display resolution: ≤0.01 dB
Settling: ±0.1%
Instrumentation accuracy: <±0.5%
Noise, zero set, and drift: ≤±0.5% full-scale
(lowest range)
Reference power uncertainty: ≤±0.9%
Reference output VSWR: <1.04 : 1
Power sensors (2x) Anritsu SC7400 Verifying frequency response,
Verifying absolute amplitude accuracy,
Verifying LO output power
Power range: -55 dBm to 20 dBm
Frequency range: 10 MHz to 16 GHz
Input VSWR:
10 MHz to 150 MHz .......... ≤1.17 : 1
150MHzto2GHz............. ≤1.08 : 1
2 GHz to 12.4 GHz............. ≤1.16 : 1
12.4 GHz to 18 GHz........... ≤1.21 : 1
Linearity:
-55 dBm to 20 dBm............ ≤1.8%
Calibration factor uncertainty: Refer to Appendix B:
Power Sensor Calibration Factor Uncertainty

PXIe-5665 Calibration Procedure |© National Instruments |5
Signal generator
(RF source 1)
Anritsu MG3692C
Options 2A, 3, 4, 15A, and 22
Verifying third-order intermodulation
distortion,
Verifying gain compression
Frequency range: 8 MHz to 16 GHz
Leveled power: -115 dBm to 18 dBm
Power accuracy: ±1.5 dB
Harmonics:
0.1 MHz to ≤10 MHz ......... <-30 dBc
>10 MHz to ≤100 MHz ...... <-40 dBc
>100 MHz to ≤2.2 GHz ..... <-50 dBc
>2.2 GHz to ≤16 GHz ........ <-30 dBc
Nonharmonic spurious:
0.1 MHz to ≤10 MHz ......... <-30 dBc
>10 MHz to ≤2.2 GHz ....... <-60 dBc
>2.2 GHz to ≤16 GHz ........ <-60 dBc
Output VSWR: <2.0 : 1
Signal generator
(RF source 2)
Anritsu MG3692C
Options 2A, 3, 4, 15A, and 22
Verifying frequency response,
Verifying absolute amplitude accuracy,
Verifying LO-related spurs,
Verifying image rejection,
Verifying third-order intermodulation
distortion,
Verifying second harmonic intercept,
Verifying gain compression,
Verifying LO output power
Frequency range: 0.1 Hz to 16 GHz
Leveled power: -115 dBm to 18 dBm
Power accuracy: ±1.5 dB
Harmonics:
0.1 MHz to ≤10 MHz ......... <-30 dBc
>10 MHz to ≤100 MHz ...... <-40 dBc
>100 MHz to ≤2.2 GHz ..... <-50 dBc
>2.2 GHz to ≤16 GHz ........ <-30 dBc
Nonharmonic spurious:
0.1 MHz to 10 MHz ........... <-30 dBc
10 MHz to ≤2.2 MHz......... <-60 dBc
>2.2 GHz to ≤16 GHz ........ <-60 dBc
Output VSWR: < 2.0 : 1
Table 1. Recommended Equipment for PXIe-5665 Calibration (Continued)
Equipment Recommended Models Where Used Minimum Requirements

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Spectrum analyzer Rohde & Schwarz FSUP26
Options B60 and B61
Verifying frequency response,
Verifying phase noise,
Verifying LO-related spurs,
Verifying LO output power
Frequency range: 10 MHz to 18 GHz
Noise floor: <-152 dBm/Hz
Phase noise measurement using cross-correlation
Frequency counter marker feature
Spectrum analysis capabilities
50 Ωtermination
(three are included
in the PXIe-5665
kit)
NI 778353-01 Verifying average noise level,
Verifying non-input-related (residual)
spurs
—
PXI Express chassis PXIe-1065 or PXIe-1075 — —
PXI Express
controller
PXIe-8105 or PXIe-8133 — —
SMA (m)-to-
SMA (m) semi-rigid
cables (3x)*
NI 151611A-01 — —
SMA (m)-to-
SMA (m) semi-rigid
cable*
NI 151612A-01 — —
SMA (m)-to-
SMA (m)
semi-flexible cable*
NI 190412B-04 — —
SMA (m)-to-
SMA (m) flexible
cable*
NI 151890A-1R25 — —
Table 1. Recommended Equipment for PXIe-5665 Calibration (Continued)
Equipment Recommended Models Where Used Minimum Requirements

PXIe-5665 Calibration Procedure |© National Instruments |7
SMA (m)-to-
SMA (m) cables
(36 in.) (3x)
MegaPhase
G916-SISI-36
—Frequency range: DC to 18 GHz
Insertion loss: ≤2 dB at 18 GHz
Impedance: 50 Ω
VSWR: ≤1.35 : 1 at 18 GHz
3.5 mm (m)-to-
3.5 mm (m) adaptor
Huber+Suhner
32_PC35-50-0-2/199_NE
—Frequency range: DC to 18 GHz
Impedance: 50 Ω
Return loss:
DC to 1.5 GHz.................... ≥35 dB
1.5 GHz to 6.0 GHz............ ≥30 dB
6.0 GHz to 18.0 GHz.......... ≥20 dB
3.5 mm (f)-to-
3.5 mm (f) adaptor
Huber+Suhner
31_PC35-50-0-2/199_N
—Frequency range: DC to 18 GHz
Impedance: 50 Ω
Return loss:
DC to 1.5 GHz.................... ≥35 dB
1.5 GHz to 6.0 GHz............ ≥30 dB
6.0 GHz to 18.0 GHz.......... ≥20 dB
SMA (m)-to-
SMA (f) 10 dB
attenuator
Huber+Suhner
6610_SMA-50-1/199N
—Frequency range: DC to 18 GHz
Attenuation: 10 dB (nominal)
Power rating: 2 W average
Impedance: 50 Ω
VSWR:
DC to 4 GHz....................... ≤1.15 : 1
4 GHz to 8 GHz.................. ≤1.20 : 1
8 GHz to 12.4 GHz............. ≤1.25 : 1
12.4 GHz to 18 GHz........... ≤1.35 : 1
Table 1. Recommended Equipment for PXIe-5665 Calibration (Continued)
Equipment Recommended Models Where Used Minimum Requirements

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SMA (m)-to-
SMA (f) 20 dB
attenuator
Huber+Suhner
6620_SMA-50-1/199N
—Frequency range: DC to 18 GHz
Attenuation: 20 dB (nominal)
Power rating: 2 W average
Impedance: 50 Ω
VSWR:
DC to 4 GHz....................... ≤1.15 : 1
4 GHz to 8 GHz.................. ≤1.20 : 1
8 GHz to 12. GHz............... ≤1.25 : 1
12.4 GHz to 18 GHz........... ≤1.35 : 1
Power splitter
(two-resistor type)
Aeroflex/Weinschel 1593 —Frequency range: DC to 18 GHz
Amplitude tracking: <0.25 dB
Phase tracking: <4°
Insertion loss: ≤8.5 dB (6 dB, nominal)
Power rating: 1 W
Impedance: 50 Ω
VSWR:
DC to 18 GHz..................... ≤1.25 : 1
Equivalent output VSWR:
DC to 18 GHz..................... ≤1.25 : 1
Connectors: 3.5 mm (f)
Anti-distortion test
fixture
NI 166375A-01 Verifying third-order intermodulation
distortion,
Verifying second harmonic intercept,
Verifying gain compression
Refer to Appendix A: Anti-Distortion Test Fixture for
specifications.
Note: The anti-distortion test fixture requires an external
+12 VDC supply and USB interface. Contact NI for
programming details.
Table 1. Recommended Equipment for PXIe-5665 Calibration (Continued)
Equipment Recommended Models Where Used Minimum Requirements

PXIe-5665 Calibration Procedure |© National Instruments |9
Frequencyreference
source
Symmetricom 8040
rubidium frequency standard
—Frequency: 10 MHz
Frequency accuracy: ±1 × 10-9
Torque wrench — — Refer to Test Conditions for torque wrench specifications.
*Included in the PXIe-5665 cable accessory kit.
Table 1. Recommended Equipment for PXIe-5665 Calibration (Continued)
Equipment Recommended Models Where Used Minimum Requirements

10 |ni.com |PXIe-5665 Calibration Procedure
Test Conditions
The following setup and environmental conditions are required to ensure the PXIe-5665 meets
published specifications.
• Keep cabling as short as possible. Long cables and wires act as antennae, picking up extra
noise that can affect measurements.
• Verify that all connections, including front panel connections and screws, are secure.
• Maintain an ambient temperature of 23 °C ±5 °C.
• Keep the relative humidity between 10% and 90%, noncondensing.
• Allow a warm-up time of at least 30 minutes after NI-RFSA is loaded and recognizes the
PXIe-5665. The warm-up time ensures that the measurement circuitry of the PXIe-5665 is
at a stable operating temperature.
• Perform self-calibration on the PXIe-5665.
• Use a torque wrench appropriate for the type of RF connector that you are using.
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 connectors.
• Connect the frequency reference source to the REF IN connector on the back of the
PXI Express chassis with a standard BNC (m)-to-BNC (m) cable. This connection replaces
the connection from the PXIe-5653 REF OUT (10 MHz) connector to the PXI Express
chassis REF IN connector, if present.
• Lock all test equipment to the REF OUT signal on the back of the PXI Express chassis.
Refer to the NI 5665 Timing Configurations topic in the NI RF Vector Signal Analyzers
Help for more information about configuring clocking sources.
• 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.