National Instruments PXIe-5654 Manual

CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696
10 GHz or 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..........................................................................................................................5
Initial Setup............................................................................................................................... 6
Test System Characterization....................................................................................................6
Zeroing and Calibrating the Power Sensor....................................................................... 6
Characterizing the Power Sensor with 20 dB Attenuator................................................. 6
Characterizing the Signal Source Analyzer...................................................................... 8
As-Found and As-Left Limits................................................................................................. 10
Verification.............................................................................................................................. 11
Verifying 10 MHz Reference Frequency Accuracy........................................................ 11
Verifying 10 MHz Reference Amplitude Accuracy........................................................13
Verifying 100 MHz Reference Frequency Accuracy......................................................15
Verifying 100 MHz Reference Amplitude Accuracy......................................................16
Verifying RF OUT Frequency Accuracy........................................................................ 18
Verifying RF OUT Phase Noise......................................................................................20
Verifying RF OUT Amplitude Accuracy........................................................................ 22
Verifying RF OUT Maximum Power..............................................................................30
Verifying Frequency Settling.......................................................................................... 31
Optional Verification...............................................................................................................36
Verifying PULSE IN Operation...................................................................................... 36
Adjustment.............................................................................................................................. 38
Adjusting Frequency Reference Accuracy......................................................................38
Adjusting RF OUT Power...............................................................................................40
Measuring RF Attenuator Path Input Power...................................................................41
Adjusting RF Attenuator Path.........................................................................................43
Adjusting RF Attenuator Accuracy.................................................................................44
Measuring Amplifier Path Input Power.......................................................................... 46
Adjusting Amplitude Accuracy (Low Harmonic Paths).................................................48

Adjusting Amplitude Accuracy (High Power Paths)......................................................50
Adjusting ALC................................................................................................................52
Reverification..........................................................................................................................54
Updating Calibration Date and Time...................................................................................... 54
Worldwide Support and Services............................................................................................54
Required Software
Calibrating the PXIe-5654 requires you to install one of the following packages on the
calibration system:
• NI-RFSG 14.5
• NI-RFSA 14.5
Note NI-RFSG automatically installs when you install NI-RFSA.
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-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
NI recommends that you use particular equipment 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:
• 10 MHz reference
frequency accuracy
• 100 MHz reference
frequency accuracy
• RF OUT frequency
accuracy
• Phase noise
• RF OUT maximum
power
• Frequency settling
• PULSE IN operation
Frequency range:
10 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
Symmetricon 8040C
Rubidium
Frequency Standard
Verifications:
• 10 MHz reference
frequency accuracy
• 100 MHz reference
frequency accuracy
• RF OUT frequency
accuracy
• PULSE IN operation
Frequency: 10 MHz
Frequency accuracy:
10-9 (typically
±5 × 10-11)
Arbitrary
waveform
generator
(AWG)
PXIe-5451
Waveform
Generator
Verifications:
• Frequency settling
• PULSE IN (optional)
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:
• 10 MHz reference
amplitude accuracy
• 100 MHz reference
amplitude accuracy
• RF OUT maximum
power
• RF OUT amplitude
accuracy
Adjustments:
• RF attenuator accuracy
• Amplitude accuracy
(low harmonic paths)
• Amplitude accuracy
(high power paths)
• Automatic Level
Control (ALC)
Range: -55 dBm to
20 dBm
Frequency range:
100 kHz to 40 GHz
Accuracy: <4.0%
K(m)-to-K(m)
cable, 36 in.
Florida RF Labs
KMS-160-36.0-
KMS
Verifications:
• 10 MHz reference
frequency accuracy
• 100 MHz reference
frequency accuracy
• RF OUT frequency
accuracy
• RF OUT phase noise
• RF OUT maximum
power
• Frequency settling
Length: 36 in.
Loss: <0.7 dB/ft.
(typical) at 20 GHz
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Table 1. Recommended Equipment for PXIe-5654 Calibration (Continued)
Equipment Recommended
Model
Where Used Minimum
Requirements
K(m)-to-K(m)
cable, 12 in.
Florida RF Labs
KMS-160-12.0-
KMS
Adjusting PXIe-5696 RF
attenuator path
Length: 12 in.
Loss: <0.5 dB/ft.
(typical) at 20 GHz
K(m)-to-K(f)
20 dB
attenuator
Anritsu 41KB-20 Verifications:
• RF OUT maximum
power
• RF OUT amplitude
accuracy
Frequency range: DC
to 26.5 GHz
Voltage standing wave
ratio (VSWR): <1.18
Accuracy: <0.5 dB
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.
• 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 REF IN connector on the back of the signal
source analyzer and from the signal source analyzer REF OUT to the REF IN connector
on the PXI Express chassis with standard BNC(m)-to-BNC(m) cables. This connection
replaces the connection from the PXIe-5654 REF OUT (10 MHz) connector to the
PXI Express chassis REF IN connector, if present.
• 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 slot blockers and filler panels. For more
information about cooling, refer to the Maintain Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users
document available at ni.com/manuals.
PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 5

• 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 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 Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX).
Test System Characterization
The following procedures characterize the test equipment used during verification.
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 Sensor with 20 dB Attenuator
1. Connect the power sensor to the PXIe-5654 RF OUT front panel connector as shown in
the following figure.
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Figure 1. Power Sensor with 20 dB Attenuator Characterization Equipment Setup
(without 20 dB Attenuator)
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
1
43
1. PXIe-5654 RF Analog Signal Generator
2. Power Meter
3. Power Sensor
2. Set the PXIe-5654 to 0 dBm output.
3. Step the PXIe-5654 frequency in 1 MHz steps according to the frequency range of your
PXIe-5654 model, as shown in the following table.
Table 2. Frequency Steps (1 MHz) for PXIe-5654 Models
PXIe-5654 Model Step Size Start Frequency Stop Frequency
10 GHz 1 MHz 250 kHz 10 GHz
20 GHz 1 MHz 250 kHz 20 GHz
4. Measure the PXIe-5654 output power with the power meter. Correct the power meter
reading for the RF frequency.
5. Attach the 20 dB attenuator between the PXIe-5654 and the power sensor as shown in the
following figure.
PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 7

Figure 2. Power Sensor with 20 dB Attenuator Characterization Equipment Setup (with
20 dB Attenuator)
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
34
1
1. PXIe-5654 RF Analog Signal Generator
2. Power Meter
3. Power Sensor
4. 20 dB Attenuator
6. Repeat steps 3 and 4.
7. Calculate the attenuator loss using the following equation:
Attenuator Loss = Measurement with Attenuator - Measurement without Attenuator
Characterizing the Signal Source Analyzer
1. Connect the power sensor to the PXIe-5654 RF OUT front panel connector as shown in
the following figure.
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Figure 3. Signal Source Analyzer Characterization Equipment Setup (with Power
Sensor)
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
1
43
1. PXIe-5654 RF Analog Signal Generator
2. Power Meter
3. Power Sensor
2. Set the PXIe-5654 to -40 dBm output.
3. Step the PXIe-5654 frequency in 10 MHz steps according to the frequency range of your
PXIe-5654 model, as shown in the following table.
Table 3. Frequency Steps (10 MHz) for PXIe-5654 Models
PXIe-5654 Model Step Size Start Frequency Stop Frequency
10 GHz 10 MHz 250 kHz 10 GHz
20 GHz 10 MHz 250 kHz 20 GHz
4. Measure the PXIe-5654 output power with the power meter. Correct the power meter
reading for the RF frequency.
5. Configure the signal source analyzer using the following settings:
• Reference level: -40 dBm
• Resolution bandwidth: 100 Hz
• Attenuation: 10 dB
• Span: 1 kHz
PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 9

6. Connect the PXIe-5654 RF OUT front panel connector to the signal source analyzer RF
IN front panel connector using the K(m)-to-K(m) cable as shown in the following figure.
Figure 4. Signal Source Analyzer Characterization Verification Equipment Setup (with
Signal Source Analyzer) (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
1
2
3
1. PXIe-5654 RF Analog Signal Generator
2. Signal Source Analyzer
3. K(m)-to-K(m) Cable
7. Repeat steps 3 and 4, using the signal source analyzer instead of the power sensor in
step 4.
8. Calculate the signal source analyzer calibration using the following equation:
Signal Source Analyzer Calibration = Measurement with Analyzer - Measurement with
Power Sensor
As-Found and As-Left Limits
The as-found limits are the published specifications for the PXIe-5654. NI uses these limits to
determine whether the PXIe-5654 meets the specifications when it is received for calibration.
Use the as-found limits during initial verification.
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The as-left calibration limits are equal to the published NI specifications for the PXIe-5654,
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.
Verifying 10 MHz Reference Frequency Accuracy
This procedure verifies that the internal oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) is adjusted
for correct frequency accuracy.
1. Connect the PXIe-5654 REF OUT 10 MHz front panel connector to the signal source
analyzer RF IN front panel connector using the K(m)-to-K(m) cable as shown in the
following figure.
PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 11

Figure 5. Reference Frequency Verification (10 MHz) 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
1
2
3
1. PXIe-5654 RF Analog Signal Generator
2. Signal Source Analyzer
3. K(m)-to-K(m) Cable
2. Create a new device session for the PXIe-5654.
3. Set the PXIe-5654 RF frequency to 4 GHz, 0 dBm.
4. Export the reference clock to the RefOut terminal.
5. Initiate signal generation.
6. Disable the RF output.
7. Check the signal generation status and verify that there are no reported errors or
warnings.
8. Configure the signal source analyzer using the following settings:
• Center frequency: 110 MHz
• Reference level: -50 dBm
• Frequency span: 1 kHz
12 | ni.com | PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 Calibration Procedure

• Reference Clock source: External
• Frequency counter resolution: 0.1 Hz
9. Use the signal source analyzer frequency counter to measure the frequency of the peak at
approximately 110 MHz.
10. Calculate the deviation using the following formula:
Δ�=
�Measured MHz −110 MHz
110 MHz ppm
11. Ensure that the deviation found in the previous step is less than the result of the following
equation:
Initial Accuracy + Aging + Temperature Stability
where
Initial Accuracy = ±0.1 ppm
Aging = ±(0.01 ppm × Number of Days Since Last Adjustment)
Temperature Stability (15 °C to 35 °C) = ±0.2 ppm
12. Close the device session.
Verifying 10 MHz Reference Amplitude Accuracy
This procedure verifies that the internal 10 MHz reference circuitry is adjusted for correct
amplitude accuracy.
1. Connect the power sensor to the PXIe-5654 REF OUT 10 MHz front panel connector as
shown in the following figure.
PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 13

Figure 6. Reference Amplitude Accuracy Verification (10 MHz) 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
1
2
3
1. PXIe-5654 RF Analog Signal Generator
2. Power Meter
3. Power Sensor
2. Create a new device session for the PXIe-5654.
3. Set the PXIe-5654 RF frequency to 4 GHz, 0 dBm.
4. Export the reference clock to the RefOut terminal.
5. Initiate signal generation.
6. Disable the RF output.
7. Check the signal generation status and verify that there are no reported errors or
warnings.
8. Measure the PXIe-5654 REF OUT 10 MHz front panel connector power using the power
meter.
9. Correct the power meter reading for the 10 MHz measurement frequency and ensure that
the corrected power is between 3 dBm and 7 dBm.
10. Close the device session.
14 | ni.com | PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 Calibration Procedure

Verifying 100 MHz Reference Frequency Accuracy
This procedure verifies that the internal 100 MHz reference circuitry is adjusted for correct
frequency accuracy.
1. Connect the PXIe-5654 REF OUT 2 100 MHz front panel connector to the signal source
analyzer RF IN front panel connector using the K(m)-to-K(m) cable as shown in the
following figure.
Figure 7. Reference Frequency Accuracy Verification (100 MHz) 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
1
2
3
1. PXIe-5654 RF Analog Signal Generator
2. Signal Source Analyzer
3. K(m)-to-K(m) Cable
2. Create a new device session for the PXIe-5654.
3. Set the PXIe-5654 RF frequency to 4 GHz, 0 dBm.
4. Export the reference clock to the RefOut terminal.
5. Initiate signal generation.
6. Disable the RF output.
PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 15

7. Check the signal generation status and verify that there are no reported errors or
warnings.
8. Configure the signal source analyzer using the following settings:
• Center frequency: 100 MHz
• Reference level: 10 dBm
• Frequency span: 250 kHz
• Reference Clock source: External
• Frequency counter resolution: 0.1 Hz
9. Use the signal source analyzer frequency counter to measure the frequency of the peak at
approximately 100 MHz.
10. Calculate the deviation using the following formula:
Δ�=
�Measured MHz −100 MHz
100 MHz ppm
11. Ensure that the deviation found in the previous step is less than the result of the following
equation:
Initial Accuracy + Aging + Temperature Stability
where
Initial Accuracy = ±0.1 ppm
Aging = ±(0.01 ppm × Number of Days Since Last Adjustment)
Temperature Stability (15 °C to 35 °C) = ±0.2 ppm
12. Close the device session.
Verifying 100 MHz Reference Amplitude Accuracy
This procedure verifies that the internal 100 MHz reference circuitry is adjusted for correct
amplitude accuracy.
1. Connect the power sensor to the PXIe-5654 REF OUT 2 100 MHz front panel connector
as shown in the following figure.
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Figure 8. Reference Amplitude Accuracy Verification (100 MHz) 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
1
1. PXIe-5654 RF Analog Signal Generator
2. Power Meter
3. Power Sensor
2. Create a new device session for the PXIe-5654.
3. Set the PXIe-5654 RF frequency to 4 GHz, 0 dBm.
4. Export the reference clock to the RefOut terminal.
5. Initiate signal generation.
6. Disable the RF output.
7. Check the signal generation status and verify that there are no reported errors or
warnings.
8. Use the power meter to measure the PXIe-5654 REF OUT 2 100 MHz front panel
connector power.
9. Correct the power meter reading for the 100 MHz measurement frequency. Ensure that
the corrected power is between 3 dBm and 7 dBm.
10. Close the device session.
PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 17

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
IN front panel connector using the K(m)-to-K(m) cable.
The completed hardware setup is shown in the following figure.
Figure 9. 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.
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, as shown in the following
table.
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Table 4. Test Frequencies Containing 100 MHz and 1 GHz
PXIe-5654 Model Increment Size Required Frequencies Maximum Frequency
10 GHz 1 GHz 100 MHz
1 GHz
10 GHz
20 GHz 1 GHz 100 MHz
1 GHz
20 GHz
5. Create a list of test frequencies, including endpoints, containing 100 MHz and 1 GHz to
20 GHz with 1 GHz increments.
6. Set the RF frequency to the first value of the frequency array created in step 4 and
commit the settings to hardware.
7. Set the RF output to 0 dBm.
8. Initiate signal generation.
9. Enable the RF output.
10. Check the signal generation status and verify that there are no reported errors or
warnings.
11. 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 kHz
• Reference Clock source: External
• Frequency counter resolution: 0.1 Hz
12. Measure the frequency of the peak that is returned by the signal source analyzer at
approximately the corresponding point in the frequency array you created in step 4.
13. Calculate the deviation using the following formula:
Δ�=
�Measured MHz − �Expected MHz
�Expected MHz
ppm
14. Ensure that the deviation found in the previous step is less than the result of the following
equation:
Initial Accuracy + Aging + Temperature Stability
where
Initial Accuracy = ±0.1 ppm
Aging = ±(0.01 ppm × Number of Days Since Last Adjustment)
Temperature Stability (15 °C to 35 °C) = ±0.2 ppm
15. Repeat steps 6 through 13 for each subsequent point in the frequency array created in
step 4.
PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 19

16. 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
IN front panel connector using the K(m)-to-K(m) cable.
The complete hardware setup is shown in the following figure.
Figure 10. 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.
20 | ni.com | PXIe-5654 with PXIe-5696 Calibration Procedure