NI PXIe-5163 Manual

CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
PXIe-5163
This document contains the verification and adjustment procedures for the PXIe-5163. Refer
to ni.com/calibration for more information about calibration solutions.
Please review and become familiar with the entire procedure before beginning the calibration
process.
Contents
Required Software.....................................................................................................................2
Related Documentation.............................................................................................................2
Test Equipment..........................................................................................................................2
Test Conditions..........................................................................................................................9
Password................................................................................................................................... 9
Calibration Interval................................................................................................................... 9
As-Found and As-Left Limits................................................................................................... 9
Calibration Overview..............................................................................................................10
Test System Characterization..................................................................................................10
Zeroing the Power Sensor............................................................................................... 10
Characterizing Power Splitter Amplitude Balance and Loss.......................................... 11
Verification..............................................................................................................................18
Verifying DC Accuracy...................................................................................................21
Verifying AC Amplitude Accuracy.................................................................................24
Verifying 50 Ω Passband Amplitude Flatness and Bandwidth....................................... 27
Verifying 1 MΩ Bandwidth.............................................................................................32
Verifying Timebase Accuracy.........................................................................................36
Verifying RMS Noise......................................................................................................37
Adjustment.............................................................................................................................. 38
Adjusting the PXIe-5163................................................................................................ 38
Adjusting 1 MΩ Compensation Attenuator ................................................................... 39
Adjusting 1 MΩ DC Reference ......................................................................................39
Adjusting 50 Ω DC Reference ....................................................................................... 40
Adjusting Timebase.........................................................................................................40
Adjusting 50 Ω Passband Amplitude Flatness and Bandwidth.......................................41
Adjusting 1 MΩ Bandwidth............................................................................................44
Reverification..........................................................................................................................47
Updating Verification Date and Time..................................................................................... 47
Revision History..................................................................................................................... 47
Product Certifications and Declarations................................................................................. 47
NI Services..............................................................................................................................47

Required Software
Calibrating the PXIe-5163 requires you to install the following software on the calibration
system:
• NI-SCOPE. The PXIe-5163 was first supported in NI-SCOPE 18.7.
• LabVIEW Instrument Design Libraries for Reconfigurable Oscilloscopes. The PXIe-5163
was first supported in LabVIEW Instrument Design Libraries for Reconfigurable
Oscilloscopes 18.0.
• Supported application development environment (ADE)—LabVIEW.
You can download all required software from ni.com/downloads.
Related Documentation
For additional information, refer to the following documents as you perform the calibration
procedure:
•PXIe-5163 Getting Started Guide
•NI High-Speed Digitizers Help
•NI Reconfigurable Oscilloscopes Help
•PXIe-5163 Specifications
Visit ni.com/manuals for the latest versions of these documents.
Test Equipment
Refer to the following table for a list of necessary equipment and model recommendations for
calibration of the PXIe-5163.
If you do not have the recommended equipment, select a substitute calibration standard using
the specifications listed in the minimum requirements column of the table.
2| ni.com | PXIe-5163 Calibration Procedure

Table 1. PXIe-5163 Test Equipment
Equipment
Recommended
Model Where Used Minimum Requirements
Oscilloscope
calibrator
Fluke 9500B/600
with Fluke 9530
Active Head
Verifications:
• Timebase
accuracy
• DC accuracy
Adjustment
Sine wave generation:
• Amplitude: 0.9 V pk-pk into
50 Ω
• Frequency: 11 MHz and
99 MHz
• Frequency accuracy:
±0.25 ppm
Square wave generation:
• Amplitude: 0.5 V pk-pk to
45 V pk-pk into 1 MΩ
symmetrical to ground (0 V)
• Frequency: 500 Hz
• Abberations: <2% of peak
for the first 500 ns
DC generation:
• Amplitude: ±2.5 V into 50 Ω,
±200 V into 1 MΩ
• Accuracy:
±(0.025% of output + 25 µV)
PXIe-5163 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments Corporation | 3

Table 1. PXIe-5163 Test Equipment (Continued)
Equipment
Recommended
Model Where Used Minimum Requirements
DMM NI PXI-4071 or
PXIe-4081
Verifications:
• AC amplitude
accuracy
AC voltage measurement:
• Range: 0.125 V pk-pk to
20 V pk-pk
• Input impedance: ≥10 MΩ
• Bandwidth: ≥50 kHz
• Accuracy at 50 kHz
– ±(0.07% of reading +
14 µV) for
0.125 V pk-pk test point
– ±(0.06% of reading +
71 µV) for 0.25 V pk-pk
to 1.25 V pk-pk test
points
– ±(0.06% of reading +
707 µV) for 2.5 V pk-pk
to 12.5 V pk-pk test
points
– ±(0.12% of reading +
35 mV) for
20.0 V pk-pk test point
Function
generator
NI PXI-5402/5406
or Agilent 33220A
Verifications:
• AC amplitude
accuracy
Sine wave generation:
• Amplitude:
– 0.125 V pk-pk to
2.5 V pk-pk into 50 Ω
– 0.125 V pk-pk to
20 V pk-pk into 1 MΩ
• Frequency: 50 kHz
BNC tee
(m-f-f)
Pasternack PE9174 Verifications:
• AC amplitude
accuracy
Impedance: 50 Ω
Double
banana plug to
BNC (f)
Pasternack PE9008 Verifications:
• AC amplitude
accuracy
Impedance: 50 Ω
4| ni.com | PXIe-5163 Calibration Procedure

Table 1. PXIe-5163 Test Equipment (Continued)
Equipment
Recommended
Model Where Used Minimum Requirements
BNC (m)-to-
BNC (m)
cable (×2)
Pasternack PE308 Verifications:
• AC amplitude
accuracy
Length: ≤1 meter
Power sensor Rohde & Schwarz
NRP-Z91 or
NRP18A(N)
Test system
characterization
Adjustment
Verifications:
• Passband
amplitude
flatness and
bandwidth
Power measurement:
• Frequency range: 50 kHz to
495.1 MHz
• Power range: -16 dBm to
10 dBm
• VSWR: ≤1.11:1
• Absolute accuracy
– <0.048 dB for 50 kHz to
<100 MHz
– <0.063 dB for 100 MHz
to 495.1 MHz
• Relative accuracy at -4 dBm
– <0.022 dB for 50 kHz to
<100 MHz
– <0.022 dB for 100 MHz
to 495.1 MHz
Signal
generator
Rohde & Schwarz
SMA100A
Test system
characterization
Adjustment
Verifications:
• Passband
amplitude
flatness and
bandwidth
Sine wave generation:
• Amplitude: -10 dBm to
16 dBm
• Frequency: 50 kHz to
495.1 MHz
• Harmonics: <-30 dBc
• Frequency accuracy:
±100.0 ppm
PXIe-5163 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments Corporation | 5

Table 1. PXIe-5163 Test Equipment (Continued)
Equipment
Recommended
Model Where Used Minimum Requirements
Power
splitter1
Keysight 11667A
or Aeroflex/
Weinschel 1593
Test system
characterization
Adjustment
Verifications:
• Passband
amplitude
flatness and
bandwidth
• Amplitude: -16 dBm to
16 dBm
• Frequency: 50 kHz to
495.1 MHz
• VSWR: ≤1.10:1
50 Ω BNC (f)
terminator
Fairview
Microwave
ST3B-F
Test system
characterization
• Amplitude: 10 dBm
• Frequency: DC to
495.1 MHz
• VSWR: ≤1.25:1
50 Ω
BNC (m)
terminator
Fairview
Microwave ST2B
Verifications:
• RMS noise
• Frequency: DC to
495.1 MHz
• VSWR: ≤1.15:1
Type N (m)-
to-Type N (m)
cable2
Maury Microwave
SP-N-MM-24
Test system
characterization
Adjustment
Verifications:
• Passband
amplitude
flatness and
bandwidth
• Frequency: DC to
495.1 MHz
• VSWR: ≤1.10:1
• Length: ≤1 meter
1The Aeroflex/Weinschel 1593 must be verified to VSWR ≤1.10:1 from 50 kHz to 495.1 MHz.
This calibration procedure is written for the Keysight 11667A. If using the Aeroflex/
Weinschel 1593, use the prescribed connectors and adapters in an analogous manner.
2Required if using the Keysight 11667A.
3Required if using the Aeroflex/Weinschel 1593.
6| ni.com | PXIe-5163 Calibration Procedure

Table 1. PXIe-5163 Test Equipment (Continued)
Equipment
Recommended
Model Where Used Minimum Requirements
SMA (m)-to-
SMA (m)
cable3
— Test system
characterization
Adjustment
Verifications:
• Passband
amplitude
flatness and
bandwidth
• Frequency: DC to
495.1 MHz
• VSWR: ≤1.10:1
• Length: ≤1 meter
Type N (m)-
to-BNC (m)
adapter (×2)2
Maury Microwave
8821D1
Test system
characterization
Adjustment
Verifications:
• Passband
amplitude
flatness and
bandwidth
• Frequency range: DC to
495.1 MHz
• VSWR: ≤1.08:1
SMA (f)-to-
N (m)
adapter3
Fairview
Microwave
SM4226
Test system
characterization
Adjustment
Verifications:
• Passband
amplitude
flatness and
bandwidth
• Frequency range: DC to
495.1 MHz
• VSWR: ≤1.05:1
PXIe-5163 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments Corporation | 7

Table 1. PXIe-5163 Test Equipment (Continued)
Equipment
Recommended
Model Where Used Minimum Requirements
BNC (f)-to-
N (f) adapter
Fairview
Microwave
SM3526
Test system
characterization
Adjustment
Verifications:
• Passband
amplitude
flatness and
bandwidth
• Frequency range: DC to
495.1 MHz
• VSWR: ≤1.10:1
• Impedance: 50 Ω
SMA (m)-to-
BNC (m)
adapter (×2)3
Fairview
Microwave
SM4716
Test system
characterization
Adjustment
Verifications:
• Passband
amplitude
flatness and
bandwidth
• Frequency range: DC to
495.1 MHz
• VSWR: ≤1.10:1
• Impedance: 50 Ω
BNC feed-
thru
terminator2
Pomona 4119-50 Adjustment
Verifications:
• Bandwidth
• Amplitude: 10 dBm
• Frequency: 50 kHz to
301 MHz
• VSWR:
– ≤1.10:1 at ≤250 MHz
– ≤1.20:1 at >250 MHz,
≤301 MHz
• Impedance: 50 Ω
SMA feed-
thru
terminator3
Pasternack PE6026 Adjustment
Verifications:
• Passband
amplitude
flatness and
bandwidth
• Amplitude: 10 dBm
• Frequency: 50 kHz to
301 MHz
• VSWR: ≤1.25:1 at
≤301 MHz
• Impedance: 50 Ω
8| ni.com | PXIe-5163 Calibration Procedure

Test Conditions
The following setup and environmental conditions are required to ensure the PXIe-5163 meets
published specifications:
• Allow a warm-up time of at least 15 minutes after the chassis is powered on. The warm-
up time ensures that the PXIe-5163 is at a stable operating temperature.
• Allow all test instruments a warm-up time of at least the stated amount of time in their
specification document. The warm-up time ensures that the test instruments are at a stable
operating temperature.
• 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-5163, including front panel connections and
screws, are secure.
• Use shielded copper wire for all cable connections to the module. Use twisted-pair wire
to eliminate noise and thermal offsets.
• Maintain an ambient temperature of 23 °C ± 3 °C.
• Keep relative humidity between 10% and 90%, noncondensing.
• 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.
• Plug the chassis and the instrument standard into the same power strip to avoid ground
loops.
Password
The default password for password-protected operations is NI.
Calibration Interval
Recommended calibration interval 2 years
As-Found and As-Left Limits
The as-found limits are the published specifications for the PXIe-5163. NI uses these limits to
determine whether the PXIe-5163 meets the 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-5163,
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
PXIe-5163 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments Corporation | 9

specification limits at the end of the calibration cycle. Use the as-left limits when performing
verification after adjustment.
Calibration Overview
Install the device and configure it in NI Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) before
calibrating.
Calibration includes the following steps:
1. Self-calibration—Adjust the self-calibration constants of the device.
2. Test system characterization—Characterize the amplitude balance of the output ports on
your power splitter and amplitude loss through your power splitter.
The results of this step are used as a correction in the following procedures:
•Verifying 50 Ω Passband Amplitude Flatness and Bandwidth
•Verifying 1 MΩ Bandwidth
•Adjusting 50 Ω Passband Amplitude Flatness and Bandwidth
•Adjusting 1 MΩ Bandwidth
3. Verification—Verify the existing operation of the device. This step confirms whether the
device is operating within the published specification prior to adjustment.
4. Adjustment—Perform an external adjustment of the calibration constants of the device.
The adjustment procedure automatically stores the calibration date and temperature in the
nonvolatile memory to allow traceability.
5. Re-verification—Repeat the Verification procedure to ensure that the device is operating
within the published specifications after adjustment.
Test System Characterization
The following procedures characterize the test equipment used during verification.
Notice The connectors on the device under test (DUT) and test equipment are
fragile. Perform the steps in these procedures with great care to prevent damaging
any DUTs or test equipment.
Zeroing the Power Sensor
1. Ensure that the power sensor is not connected to any signals.
2. Zero the power sensor using the built-in function, according to the power sensor
documentation.
10 | ni.com | PXIe-5163 Calibration Procedure

Characterizing Power Splitter Amplitude Balance and
Loss
This procedure characterizes the amplitude balance of the two output ports of the power
splitter and amplitude loss through the power splitter over a range of frequencies.
The results of the characterization are later used as a correction in the following procedures:
•Verifying 50 Ω Passband Amplitude Flatness and Bandwidth
•Verifying 1 MΩ Bandwidth
•Adjusting 50 Ω Passband Amplitude Flatness and Bandwidth
•Adjusting 1 MΩ Bandwidth
Table 2. Power Splitter Characterization
Config Test Point: Frequency (MHz)
1 0.05
2 1.1
3 6.1
4 10.1
5 30.1
6 45.1
7 60.1
8 75.1
9 90.1
10 100.1
11 120.1
12 150.1
13 170.1
14 190.1
15 200.1
16 210.1
17 230.1
18 245.1
PXIe-5163 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments Corporation | 11

Table 2. Power Splitter Characterization (Continued)
Config Test Point: Frequency (MHz)
19 250.1
20 270.1
21 285.1
22 290.1
23 330.1
24 350.1
25 370.1
26 390.1
27 400.1
28 420.1
29 450.1
30 460.1
31 470.1
32 480.1
33 485.1
34 490.1
35 495.1
1. Connect the BNC (f)-to-Type N (f) adapter to the power sensor.
Refer to this assembly as the power sensor.
Figure 1. Power Sensor
2. Zero the power sensor as described in the Zeroing the Power Sensor section.
3. Connect the RF OUT connector of the signal generator to the input port of the power
splitter using a Type N (m)-to-Type N (m) cable.
4. Connect a Type N (m)-to-BNC (m) adapter to one of the power splitter output ports.
12 | ni.com | PXIe-5163 Calibration Procedure

Refer to this assembly as splitter output 1.
Figure 2. Splitter Output 1
5. Connector the 50 Ω BNC (f) terminator to splitter output 1.
6. Connect the other Type N (m)-to-BNC (m) adapter to the other output port of the power
splitter.
Refer to this assembly as splitter output 2.
Figure 3. Splitter Output 2
7. Connect the power sensor to splitter output 2.
The following figure illustrates the hardware setup.
PXIe-5163 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments Corporation | 13

Figure 4. Connection Diagram for Measuring at Splitter Output 2
1
2
5
4
3
4
6
7
1. Signal generator
2. Type N (m)-to-Type N (m) cable
3. Keysight 11667A power splitter
4. Type N (m)-to-BNC (m) adapter
5. 50 ΩBNC (f) terminator
6. Type N (f)-to-BNC (f) adapter
7. Power sensor
8. Configure the power sensor with the following settings:
• Power measurement: continuous average
• Path selection: automatic
• Averaging: automatic
• Averaging resolution: 4 (0.001 dB)
• Aperture: 20 ms
9. Configure the signal generator to generate a sine waveform with the following
characteristics:
• Frequency: the Test Point Frequency value from the Power Splitter Characterization
table
• Amplitude level: 2.0 dBm
14 | ni.com | PXIe-5163 Calibration Procedure

10. Configure the power sensor to correct for the Test Point Frequency value using the power
sensor frequency correction function.
11. Wait 0.1 seconds for settling.
12. Use the power sensor to measure the power in dBm.
13. Repeat steps 9 on page 14 through 12 on page 15 for each configuration in the Power
Splitter Characterization table.
Record each result as Splitter Output 2 Power, where each configuration has a
corresponding value.
14. Disconnect the power sensor and 50 Ω BNC (f) terminator from splitter output 2 and
splitter output 1.
15. Connect the power sensor to splitter output 1.
16. Connect the 50 Ω BNC (f) terminator to splitter output 2.
The following figure illustrates the hardware setup.
PXIe-5163 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments Corporation | 15

Figure 5. Connection Diagram for Measuring at Splitter Output 1
1
2
7
6
4
3
4
5
1. Signal generator
2. Type N (m)-to-Type N (m) cable
3. Keysight 11667A power splitter
4. Type N (m)-to-BNC (m) adapter
5. 50 ΩBNC (f) terminator
6. Type N (f)-to-BNC (f) adapter
7. Power sensor
17. Configure the signal generator to generate a sine waveform with the following
characteristics:
• Frequency: the Test Point Frequency value from the Power Splitter Characterization
table
• Amplitude level: 2.0 dBm
18. Configure the power sensor to correct for the Test Point Frequency value using the power
sensor frequency correction function.
19. Wait 0.1 seconds for settling.
20. Use the power sensor to measure the power in dBm.
21. Repeat steps 17 on page 16 through 20 on page 16 for each configuration in the Power
Splitter Characterization table.
16 | ni.com | PXIe-5163 Calibration Procedure

Record each result as Splitter Output 1 Power, where each configuration has a
corresponding value.
22. Calculate the splitter balance for each frequency point using the following equation:
Splitter Balance = Splitter Output 2 Power - Splitter Output 1 Power
23. Calculate the splitter loss for each frequency point using the following equation:
Splitter Loss = Signal Generator Amplitude Level - Splitter Output 2 Power
24. Disconnect the 50 Ω BNC (f) terminator from splitter output 2.
Refer to the remaining assembly as the power sensor assembly.
Note Do not disassemble the power sensor assembly. The power splitter
amplitude balance and loss characterization is invalid if the power sensor
assembly has been disassembled.
Figure 6. Power Sensor Assembly
The power sensor or power sensor assembly will be used in the following procedures:
•Verifying 50 Ω Passband Amplitude Flatness and Bandwidth
•Verifying 1 MΩ Bandwidth
PXIe-5163 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments Corporation | 17

•Adjusting 50 Ω Passband Amplitude Flatness and Bandwidth
•Adjusting 1 MΩ Bandwidth
Verification
The performance verification procedures assume that adequate traceable uncertainties are
available for the calibration references.
Verification of the PXIe-5163 is complete only after you have successfully completed all tests
in this section using the As-Found Limits.
Refer to the following figure for the names, locations, and functions of the PXIe-5163 front
panel connectors and LED indicators.
18 | ni.com | PXIe-5163 Calibration Procedure

Figure 7. PXIe-5163 Front Panel
PXIe-5163
200 MHz Oscilloscope
ACCESS ACTIVE
CH 0
CAT II TO
50 Ω: 5 V Peak MAX
1 MΩ: 250 V Peak MAX
CH 1
250 V RMS
MAX INPUT:
+5 V MAX
CLK
IN
PFI 0
AUX 0
Table 3. Connectors
Signal Connector Type Description
CH 0 and CH 1 BNC female Analog input connection; digitizes data and triggers
acquisitions.
CLK IN SMB Imports an external reference clock or sample clock to
the oscilloscope.
PXIe-5163 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments Corporation | 19

Table 3. Connectors (Continued)
Signal Connector Type Description
PFI 0 SMB PFI line for digital trigger input/output, probe
compensation.
AUX 0 MHDMR Reference clock input, reference clock output,
bidirectional digital PFI, and 3.3 V power output.
Table 4. Access LED
Color Indications
Off The module is not yet functional or the module has detected a problem with a power
rail.
Amber The module is being accessed.
Green The module is ready to be programmed.
Table 5. Active LED
Color Indications
Off Module is not armed, triggered, or acquiring a waveform.
Amber The module is armed and waiting for a Reference (Stop) Trigger.
Green The module has received a Reference (Stop) Trigger. Also indicates that the module
is acquiring a waveform.
Red The module has detected an error. The LED remains red until the error condition is
removed. The following scenarios are examples of potential errors:
• Detected an unlocked condition on a previously locked PLL. A PLL that is
unlocked while in reset does not show an error.
• Unable to detect the external sample clock.
• Detected an overheating or overpowering error.
Note Certain driver interactions may cause the Active LED to flash red.
An error condition does not exist unless the Active LED remains red.
20 | ni.com | PXIe-5163 Calibration Procedure