National Instruments NI PXIe-5673E Manual

CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
PXIe-5673E
Vector Signal Generator
This document contains the verification procedures for the PXIe-5673E Vector Signal
Generator. Refer to ni.com/calibration for more information about calibration solutions.
Contents
Software.................................................................................................................................... 2
Documentation.......................................................................................................................... 2
Calibration Interval................................................................................................................... 2
Test Equipment......................................................................................................................... 3
Test Conditions......................................................................................................................... 4
Initial Setup............................................................................................................................... 5
Test System Characterization ................................................................................................... 5
Characterizing the Power Splitter..................................................................................... 5
As-Found and As-Left Limits................................................................................................... 8
Verification ............................................................................................................................... 8
Verifying LO Output Power Accuracy............................................................................. 9
Verifying Modulation Impairments.................................................................................. 9
Verifying Modulation Bandwidth and Impairments ........................................................ 11
Verifying Output Power Level Accuracy ......................................................................... 14
Verifying Output Intermodulation Products..................................................................... 17
Verifying Noise Floor....................................................................................................... 20
Verifying RF Harmonics .................................................................................................. 21
Verifying Baseband Linearity-Related Spurs................................................................... 23
Verifying Single Sideband Phase Noise at 10 kHz Offset ............................................... 25
Verifying Frequency Accuracy ........................................................................................ 26
Adjustment................................................................................................................................ 27
Reverification ........................................................................................................................... 27
Updating Calibration Date........................................................................................................ 27
Worldwide Support and Services ............................................................................................. 27

2|ni.com |PXIe-5673E Calibration Procedure
Software
To calibrate the PXIe-5673E, you must install NI-RFSG version 1.8 or later on the calibration
system. You can download the latest version of NI-RFSG at ni.com/downloads.
NI-RFSG supports programming the calibration procedures in LabVIEW. Refer to Table 1 for
file locations.
Documentation
You might find the following documentation helpful as you perform the calibration procedure:
•PXIe-5673E Specifications
•PXIe-5673E Getting Started Guide
•NI RF Signal Generators Help, including LabVIEW programming references
The latest versions of these documents are available on ni.com/manuals.
This calibration procedure calibrates the PXIe-5673E as a single device. To calibrate the
PXIe-5450/5451 Waveform Generator, PXIe-5611 IQ Modulator, or PXIe-5650/5651/5652
RF Analog Signal Generator individually, refer to their calibration procedures at ni.com/
manuals.
Calibration Interval
The measurement accuracy requirements of your application determine how often you
should calibrate your device. NI recommends that you perform a complete calibration for
the PXIe-5673E at least once a year. You can shorten this calibration interval based on the
accuracy demands of your application.
Table 1. Calibration File Locations
File Name and Location Description
<IVI>\Bin\niRFSG.dll NI-RFSG driver containing the entire NI-RFSG API,
including calibration functions.
<LabVIEW>\instr.lib\
niRFSG\niRFSG.llb
LabVIEW VI library containing VIs for calling the
NI-RFSG calibration API. You can access calibration VIs
from the NI-RFSG Calibration section of the LabVIEW
Functions palette.

PXIe-5673E Calibration Procedure |© National Instruments |3
Test Equipment
Table 2 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.
Table 2. Recommended Equipment for PXIe-5673E Calibration
Equipment
Recommended
Model Where Used
Minimum
Requirement
Spectrum analyzer Rohde & Schwarz
(R&S) FSU Spectrum
Analyzer with
high-frequency
preamplifier option
(B23)
Modulation
impairments,
Modulation bandwidth
and impairments,
Output power level
accuracy,
Output
intermodulation
products,
Noise floor,
RF harmonics,
Baseband
linearity-related spurs,
Single-sideband phase
noise,
Frequency accuracy
Frequency range:
50 MHz to 19.8 GHz
Noise floor:
<-152 dBm/Hz to
6.6 GHz
SMA(m)-to-SMA(m)
cable, 36 inches
Huber+Suhner (H+S)
ST-18-SMAm/
SMAm/36
Operating frequency:
DC to 18 GHz
Impedance: 50 Ω
Insertion loss: <1.5 dB
Return loss: >19 dB
Connectors: SMA(m)
BNC(m)-to-BNC(m)
cable, 36 inches
—50 Ω, RG-233
Frequency reference Symmetricom/
Datum 8040 Rubidium
Frequency Standard
Modulation
impairments,
Modulation bandwidth
and impairments,
Output power level
accuracy,
Output
intermodulation
products,
Noise floor,
RF harmonics,
Baseband
linearity-related spurs,
Single-sideband phase
noise
Frequency: 10 MHz
Frequency accuracy
±1E-9
BNC(m)-to-SMA(m)
cable, 36 inches
—50 Ω, RG-233
Power meter Anritsu ML2438A and
an MA2472 diode
sensor
LO output power,
Output power level
accuracy
Frequency range:
50 MHz to 6.6 GHz
Power range:
-70dBmto+10dBm
Accuracy: 0.5%
SMA(m)-to-N(f)
adapter
S.M. Electronics
SM4241
VSWR: 1.15:1

4|ni.com |PXIe-5673E Calibration Procedure
Test Conditions
The following setup and environmental conditions are required to ensure the PXIe-5673E meets
published specifications.
• Verify that the PXIe-5611, PXIe-5450/5451, and PXIe-5650/5651/5652 are properly
connected as indicated in the PXIe-5673E Getting Started Guide before starting
verification.
• Keep cabling as short as possible. Long cables and wires act as antennas, picking up extra
noise that can affect measurements.
• Verify that all connections, including front panel connections and screws, are secure.
• Use a torque wrench appropriate for the type of RF connector you are using.
NI recommends using a 0.565 N · m (5 lb · in.) torque wrench for SMA connectors and a
0.90 N · m (8 lb · in.) torque wrench for 3.5 mm connectors.
Power splitter Aeroflex/Weinschel
1593
Output power level
accuracy
VSWR: 1.25:1
Amplitude tracking:
<0.25 dB
6 dB attenuator Anritsu 41KB-6 Frequency range:
DC to 12 GHz
VSWR: 1.1:1
SMA(m)-to-SMA(m)
adapter
(H+S)
32_N-SMA-50-1/
11_NE
VSWR: 1.05:1
50 Ωterminator
(included in the
PXIe-5673E kit)
NI 778353-01 — —
PXIe-5673E cable
accessory kit
(Matched-length I/Q
semi-rigid SMA cables
(4x)
LO semi-rigid SMA
cable (1)
RF flexible SMA cable
(1x))
NI 780567-01 — —
SMA torque wrench
1N·m
NI 187106-01 — —
Table 2. Recommended Equipment for PXIe-5673E Calibration (Continued)
Equipment
Recommended
Model Where Used
Minimum
Requirement

PXIe-5673E Calibration Procedure |© National Instruments |5
• 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.
• Keep relative humidity between 10% and 90%, noncondensing.
• Maintain an ambient temperature of 23 °C ± 5 °C.
• Allow a warm-up time of at least 30 minutes after the chassis is powered on. The warm-up
time ensures that the PXIe-5611 is at a stable operating temperature.
• Perform a self-calibration on the PXIe-5450/5451 Waveform Generator.
• In each verification procedure, insert a delay between configuring all devices 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.
• Zero and calibrate the power meter sensors before each test.
Initial Setup
Refer to the PXIe-5673E Getting Started Guide for information about how to install the software
and hardware and how to configure the device in MAX.
Test System Characterization
Use the following procedures to characterize the test system response. Use the results of these
procedures in the Verification section of this document.
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-5650/5651/5652, power meter, and spectrum analyzer, as shown in Figure 1.
1. Disconnect the PXIe-5611 LO IN front panel connector from the PXIe-5650/5651/5652
RF OUT front panel connector.
2. Connect the power meter power sensor to the PXIe-5650/5651/5652 RF OUT front panel
connector.
3. Generate a tone with the PXIe-5650/5651/5652 with the following niRFSG property
settings:
• Frequency (Hz): 85 MHz
• Power Level (dBm): -10 dBm
4. Use the power meter to measure the output power.

6|ni.com |PXIe-5673E Calibration Procedure
5. Repeat steps 3 through 4 for the following frequency ranges in 5 MHz increments,
including endpoints:
• PXIe-5650: 85 MHz to 1.3 GHz
• PXIe-5651: 85 MHz to 3.3 GHz
• PXIe-5652: 85 MHz to 6.6 GHz
Store the resulting measurements as direct [i] (dB).
6. Disconnect the power sensor from the PXIe-5650/5651/5652 RF OUT front panel
connector.
7. Connect the input port of the power splitter to the PXIe-5650/5651/5652 RF OUT front
panel connector through the SMA(m)-to-SMA(m) adapter.
Note If you use a cable, it should be as short as possible. The cable should always
be used with the splitter for subsequent verification procedures in this document that
require a splitter.
8. Connect one available output port of the power splitter to the power sensor without a cable,
if possible. Label this port A.
Note Remember the port to which the power sensor is connected. The power sensor
must be connected to the same port for subsequent procedures in this document.
9. Connect the other output port of the power splitter to a 6 dB attenuator. Label this port B.
10. Connect the other port of the 6 dB attenuator to the spectrum analyzer RF INPUT front
panel connector through the SMA(m)-to-SMA(m) cable as shown in Figure 1.
11. Configure the reference level of the spectrum analyzer to -30 dBm. The spectrum analyzer
is used only for termination.

PXIe-5673E Calibration Procedure |© National Instruments |7
Figure 1. Splitter Characterization Setup
12. Repeat steps 3 through 4 for the following frequency ranges in 5 MHz increments,
including endpoints:
• PXIe-5650: 85 MHz to 1.3 GHz
• PXIe-5651: 85 MHz to 3.3 GHz
• PXIe-5652: 85 MHz to 6.6 GHz
Store the resulting measurements as splitter [i] (dB).
1 PXIe-5650/5651/5652 RF Analog Signal Generator
(PXIe-5652 shown)
2 Splitter
3 Power Sensor
4 N(f)-to-SMA(m) Adapter
5 Power Meter
6 CH A Connector
7 Spectrum Analyzer
8 SMA(m)-to-SMA(m) Cable
9 RF INPUT Connector
10 6 dB Attenuator
11 SMA(m)-to-SMA(m) Adapter
50 Ω
IN:
5 Vp-p
MAX
OUT:
1 Vp-p
NI PXIe-5652
500 kHz - 6.6 GHz
REF IN/OUT
RF OUT
REF
OUT2
50 Ω
1 Vp-p
50 Ω
0.5 W
MAX
Reverse
Power
RF Signal Generator
ACCESS ACTI VE
1
6
78
9
2
10
11
55
4
3

8|ni.com |PXIe-5673E Calibration Procedure
13. Subtract the power measurements from step 12 from the measurements in step 5 for each
corresponding frequency, as shown in the equation below. Store the resulting calculations
as splitter loss [i]. The result is an array representing the loss through the splitter for the
entire needed frequency range in 5 MHz increments.
splitter loss [i] (dB) = direct [i] - splitter [i]
Note This array is later used to compensate measurements and correct for splitter
loss. If you do not find the exact frequency needed in the splitter correction array, use
the loss corresponding to the next closest frequency.
You have successfully characterized your splitter.
As-Found and As-Left Limits
The as-found limits are the published specifications for the PXIe-5673E. NI uses these limits to
determine whether the PXIe-5673E meets the device specifications when it is received for
calibration.
The as-left limits are equal to the published NI specifications for the PXIe-5673E less guard
bands for measurement uncertainty, temperature drift, and drift over time. NI uses these limits
to determine whether the PXIe-5673E meets the device specifications over its calibration
interval.
Verification
This section describes the steps you must follow to verify the published specifications for the
PXIe-5673E.
Verification tests the following PXIe-5673E specifications:
• LO output power accuracy
• Modulation impairments
• Modulation bandwidth and impairments
• Output power level accuracy
• Intermodulation products
• Noise floor
• RF harmonics
• Baseband linearity-related spurs
• Phase noise
• Frequency accuracy
Note Ensure that the PXIe-5611, PXIe-5450/5451, and PXIe-5650/5651/5652 are
properly connected and associated in MAX, as indicated in the PXIe-5673E Getting
Started Guide before starting verification.
Verification of the PXIe-5673E is complete only after you have successfully completed all tests
in this section.

PXIe-5673E Calibration Procedure |© National Instruments |9
Verifying LO Output Power Accuracy
Complete the following steps to verify the LO output power accuracy of the PXIe-5673E using
a power meter.
1. Connect the PXIe-5611 LO OUT front panel connector to the power meter through the
SMA(m)-to-N(f) adapter.
2. Generate a signal with the following niRFSG property settings:
• Frequency (Hz): 85 MHz
• Power Level (dBm): 0 dBm
• Generation Mode: CW
• LO OUT Enabled: Enabled
3. Use the power meter to measure the LO OUT power.
4. Compare the measured LO OUT output power to the limit in Table 3.
5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 for the following frequency ranges in 10 MHz increments,
including endpoints:
• PXIe-5650: 85 MHz to 1.3 GHz
• PXIe-5651: 85 MHz to 3.3 GHz
• PXIe-5652: 85 MHz to 6.6 GHz
Store the resulting measurements.
If the results are within the selected test limit, the device has passed this portion of the
verification.
Verifying Modulation Impairments
Complete the following steps to verify the modulation impairments of the PXIe-5673E using a
spectrum analyzer.
1. Connect the PXIe-5611 RF OUT front panel connector to the spectrum analyzer RF INPUT
front panel connector through the SMA(m)-to-SMA(m) cable.
2. Connect the PXIe-5650/5651/5652 REF IN/OUT front panel connector to any rubidium
frequency reference rear panel BNC connector through the BNC(m)-to-SMA(m) cable.
3. Connect any available rubidium frequency reference rear panel BNC connector to the
spectrum analyzer REF IN rear panel connector through the BNC(m)-to-BNC(m) cable.
Table 3. LO Output Power Accuracy Verification Upper Test Limits
LO Output Power (dBm) LO Output Power Test Limit (dB)
0±1.0
Note: This specification is unwarranted.

10 |ni.com |PXIe-5673E Calibration Procedure
4. Generate a single-sideband tone with a +1 MHz offset from the carrier signal with the
following niRFSG property settings:
• Frequency (Hz): 85 MHz
• Power Level (dBm): 0 dBm
• Generation Mode: Arb Waveform
• Reference Clock Source: RefIn
The image appears at 84 MHz, and the carrier leakage appears at 85 MHz.
5. Use the spectrum analyzer to measure the mean power of the RF output using the following
spectrum analyzer parameter settings:
• Center frequency: (Frequency in step 4) + 1 MHz
• Reference level: +5 dBm
• Frequency span: 0 Hz
• Resolution bandwidth: 500 Hz
• Sweep time: 5 ms
• Reference clock source: External
Note Zero-span mode of the spectrum analyzer shortens test time by avoiding
unnecessary frequency sweeping. To obtain the average power, convert the zero-span
trace data to linear volts, perform a mean calculation, and then convert the linear volts
back to dBm.
6. Use the spectrum analyzer to measure the mean power of the image using the following
spectrum analyzer parameter settings:
• Center frequency: (Frequency in step 4) - 1 MHz
• Reference level: +5 dBm
• Frequency span: 0 Hz
• Resolution bandwidth: 500 Hz
• Sweep time: 5 ms
• Reference clock source: External
7. Use the spectrum analyzer to measure the mean power of the carrier using the following
spectrum analyzer parameter settings:
• Center frequency: Equivalent to the frequency in step 4
• Reference level: +5 dBm
• Frequency span: 0 Hz
• Resolution bandwidth: 500 Hz
• Sweep time: 5 ms
• Reference clock source: External