R&S ZN-Z15 Series User manual

R&S®ZN-Z15x
Calibration Units
User Manual
1337596302
Version 04
(=UÉÍ2)

This User Manual describes the following R&S ZN-Z15x models:
●R&S®ZN-Z150, N (f), 2 ports, 5 kHz to 6 GHz (1335.6710.72)
●R&S®ZN-Z151, SMA (f), 2 ports, 100 kHz to 8.5 GHz (1317.9134.32)
●R&S®ZN-Z151, N (f), 2 ports, 100 kHz to 8.5 GHz (1317.9134.72)
●R&S®ZN-Z152, SMA (f), 6 ports, 100 kHz to 8.5 GHz (1319.6003.36)
●R&S®ZN-Z153, SMA (f), 4 ports, 100 kHz to 8.5GHz (1319.6178.34)
●R&S®ZN-Z156, 1.85 mm (f), 2 ports, 5 GHz to 67 GHz (1332.7239.02)
●R&S®ZN-Z156, 1.85 mm (f), 2 ports, 10 MHz to 67 GHz (1332.7239.03)
User manual 1326.5080.02 covers the R&S®ZN-Z154 calibration unit.
© 2022 Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
Muehldorfstr. 15, 81671 Muenchen, Germany
Phone: [phone] - 0
Email: [email protected]
Internet: www.rohde-schwarz.com
Subject to change – data without tolerance limits is not binding.
R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.
Trade names are trademarks of the owners.
1337.5963.02 | Version 04 | R&S®ZN-Z15x
Throughout this manual R&S® is abbreviated as R&S.

Contents
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Contents
1 Safety and regulatory information....................................... 3
2 Key features........................................................................... 4
3 Preparing for use................................................................... 5
4 Working with R&S ZN-Z15x.................................................. 9
5 Contacting customer support............................................ 12
1 Safety and regulatory information
The product documentation helps you use the product safely and efficiently. Fol-
low the instructions provided here and in the following chapters.
Intended use
This calibration unit has been designed to be used with Rohde & Schwarz vector
network analyzers of the R&S ZNx and R&S ZVx family. They are intended for the
development, production and verification of electronic components and devices in
industrial, administrative and laboratory environments. Use the R&S ZN-Z15x
only for its designated purpose. Observe the operating conditions and perfor-
mance limits stated in the data sheet.
Where do I find safety information?
Safety information is part of the product documentation. It warns you of potential
dangers and gives instructions on how to prevent personal injury or damage
caused by dangerous situations. Safety information is provided as follows:
●The multilingual printed "Safety Instructions" are delivered with your Rohde &
Schwarz vector network analyzer R&S ZNx or R&S ZVx.
●Throughout the documentation, safety instructions are provided when you
need to take care during setup or operation.

Key features
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1.1 Labels on the product
Labels on the casing inform about:
●Product and environment safety
●Identification of the product
Table 1-1: Labels regarding product and environment safety
Potential hazard
Read the product documentation to avoid product damage.
Take care when handling electrostatic sensitive devices.
Labeling in line with EN 50419 for disposal of electrical and electronic equipment after
the product has come to the end of its service life. For more information, see the prod-
uct user manual, chapter "Disposal".
1.2 Warning messages in the documentation
A warning message points out a risk or danger that you need to be aware of. The
signal word indicates the severity of the safety hazard and how likely it will occur
if you do not follow the safety precautions.
NOTICE
Potential risks of damage. Could result in damage to the supported product or to
other property.
2 Key features
A calibration unit enables the automatic calibration of several network analyzer
ports in one simple procedure. It contains calibration standards that are electroni-
cally switched by the analyzer firmware, when a calibration is performed. The
characteristic data of these standards is stored in the calibration unit, so that the
analyzer can calculate the error terms and apply the calibration without any fur-
ther input.

Preparing for use
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Automatic calibration is faster and less error-prone than manual calibration:
●There is no need to connect calibration standards manually, which is particu-
larly time-saving if you want to calibrate multiple ports.
●Invalid calibrations due to operator errors (e.g. wrong standards or improper
connections) are almost excluded.
●There is no need to handle calibration kit data.
●The internal standards do not wear out because they are switched electroni-
cally.
The R&S ZN-Z15x calibration units differ in the number of calibration ports and
the connector types. For an overview, refer to the data sheet.
3 Preparing for use
Here, you can find basic information about setting up the product for the first time.
3.1 Unpacking and checking
1. Unpack the product carefully.
2. Retain the original packing material. Use it when transporting or shipping the
product later.
3. Using the delivery notes, check the equipment for completeness.
4. Check the equipment for damage.
If the delivery is incomplete or equipment is damaged, contact
Rohde & Schwarz.
Unpacking and checking

Preparing for use
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3.2 Choosing the operating site
Specific operating conditions ensure proper operation and avoid damage to the
product and connected devices. For information on environmental conditions
such as ambient temperature and humidity, see the data sheet.
Electromagnetic compatibility classes
The electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) class indicates where you can operate
the product. The EMC class of the product is given in the data sheet under "Gen-
eral data".
●Class B equipment is suitable for use in:
– Residential environments
– Environments that are directly connected to a low-voltage supply network
that supplies residential buildings
●Class A equipment is intended for use in industrial environments. It can cause
radio disturbances in residential environments due to possible conducted and
radiated disturbances. It is therefore not suitable for class B environments.
If class A equipment causes radio disturbances, take appropriate measures to
eliminate them.
3.3 Considerations for test setup
Cable selection and electromagnetic interference (EMI)
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can affect the measurement results.
To suppress electromagnetic radiation during operation:
●Use high-quality shielded cables, for example, double-shielded RF and LAN
cables.
●Always terminate open cable ends.
●Ensure that connected external devices comply with EMC regulations.
●Use ≤ 3 m for the USB cable length or the USB cable delivered with the cali-
bration unit, if possible.
Considerations for test setup

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Signal input and output levels
Information on signal levels is provided in the data sheet. Keep the signal levels
within the specified ranges to avoid damage to the product and connected devi-
ces.
If you use an external power amplifier, make sure that the maximum RF
input power of the calibration unit quoted in the data sheet is never excee-
ded. See Chapter 3.5, "RF connections", on page 8.
Preventing electrostatic discharge (ESD)
Electrostatic discharge is most likely to occur when you connect or disconnect a
DUT.
►NOTICE! Risk of electrostatic discharge. Electrostatic discharge can damage
the electronic components of the product and the device under test (DUT).
Ground yourself to prevent electrostatic discharge damage:
a) Use a wrist strap and cord to connect yourself to ground.
b) Use a conductive floor mat and heel strap combination.
3.4 USB connection
The calibration unit is equipped with a USB Type-C connector at the rear. The
USB connection is used to power-supply and control the unit from a network ana-
lyzer of the R&S ZVx or R&S ZNx family.
A direct USB connection is recommended. You can connect several calibration
units to different USB ports of the analyzer and you can connect other USB devi-
ces (mouse, keyboard, memory stick etc.) simultaneously.
In general, an unused calibration unit can remain connected to the USB port of
the analyzer and you can connect or disconnect it while the network analyzer is
operating. However, note the following restrictions.
USB connection

Preparing for use
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●The calibration unit relies on a USB voltage supply of 5V. If you connect
it via a USB hub, you have to use an active one.
●During a firmware update of the network analyzer, the calibration unit
must be disconnected.
●Do not disconnect the unit while data is being transferred between the
analyzer and the unit.
See also "Cable selection and electromagnetic interference (EMI)"
on page 6.
3.5 RF connections
The calibration unit provides two RF connectors (numbered 1 to 2), to be connec-
ted to the test ports of the analyzer. The connector type is the same for all RF
ports of a calibration unit.
The maximum RF input power of the calibration unit is beyond the RF output
power range of the analyzer. If the device is directly connected to the test ports of
the analyzer, there is no risk of damaging the calibration unit.
See also "Signal input and output levels" on page 7.
RF connections

Working with R&S ZN-Z15x
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4 Working with R&S ZN-Z15x
4.1 Establishing the USB connection
To establish the USB connection between calibration unit and network analyzer,
proceed as follows:
1. Switch on and start up your network analyzer.
2. Connect the USB Type-A connector of the USB cable to any of the USB Type-
A connectors on the front or rear panel of the analyzer. You can also connect
the unit before switching on the analyzer.
Note: Wear a grounded wrist strap during this step (see "Preventing electro-
static discharge (ESD)" on page 7).
3. Wait until the operating system has recognized and initialized the new hard-
ware. After completing the initialization, the status LED will switch to green
(see Chapter 4.2, "Function of the status LED", on page 9).
The unit is ready to use, as outlined below.
4.2 Function of the status LED
The LED on top of the Calibration Unit informs about the actual status of the
device. The different states have the following meaning:
OFF The calibration unit is not connected or defective.
Red The micro controller is running but there is no USB communication with the
network analyzer.
With a current network analyzer firmware and error-free operation, this status
only appears for a short time after connecting the calibration unit.
Blinking red During the boot sequence of the network analyzer, the LED possibly shows a
fast blinking red until the operating system is started. The LED switches
between red and green, until the firmware comes up.
Green The calibration unit is ready use.
Function of the status LED

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Blinking orange Data transfer between the calibration unit and the network analyzer. Do not
disconnect the USB cable.
Blinking blue Calibration in progress. Do not disconnect the USB cable.
4.3 Performing an automatic calibration
Once the USB connection between calibration unit and network analyzer has
been established, an automatic calibration can be performed as follows:
1. Start the automatic calibration function of your network analyzer.
2. Configure the automatic calibration. In particular:
a) Select the test ports to calibrate, and the desired calibration type.
b) Select the appropriate R&S ZN-Z15x model and characterization.
c) Configure the required RF port assignments between analyzer and calibra-
tion unit.
3. For each RF port assignment:
a) Connect the calibration unit ports to the test ports of the network analyzer,
as depicted in the analyzer GUI.
b) Start the calibration data acquisition.
4. Disconnect the RF ports of the calibration unit.
Wear a grounded wrist strap during steps 3 and 4 (see "Preventing electro-
static discharge (ESD)" on page 7).
Accuracy considerations
To ensure an accurate calibration, please observe the following items:
●Do not use adaptors between the calibration unit and the test ports.
●After connecting the unit to the USB port, allow for a sufficient warm-up time
(see data sheet) before starting the calibration.
●To ensure best accuracy, the analyzer automatically reduces the source power
to –10 dBm. If the test setup contains a large attenuation, deactivate Auto-
matic Power Reduction for Calibration Unit in the Calibration tab of the Sys-
tem Configuration dialog and ensure an input power of –10 dBm at the ports
of the calibration unit (please also refer to the data sheet).
Performing an automatic calibration

Working with R&S ZN-Z15x
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The calibration type depends on the number of ports and of the analyzer type. If a
single port is calibrated, the analyzer uses a reflection calibration type (e.g. Full
One Port / Refl OSM). For 2 and more ports, you can choose among several cali-
bration types.
4.4 User characterization
The calibration unit offers the possibility to store multiple user characterization
data files either on its internal flash memory or on the microSD card (R&S ZN-
Z152, R&S ZN-Z153). Use the "Characterize Cal Unit" function of your network
analyzer for this purpose. For details, refer to the analyzer’s help system.
4.5 microSD card
On the rear of the R&S ZN-Z152 and R&S ZN-Z153 calibration units, there is a
microSD card slot. The microSD card can be used to store user characterization
data. The factory data is always stored on the internal memory.
●Use the microSD card shipped with the calibration unit, if possible.
●Before removing or inserting the microSD card, disconnect the USB
connection between calibration unit and network analyzer.
4.6 Mounting the calibration unit
To mount the calibration unit e.g. on a wafer prober, remove the elastic buffers on
the bottom of the housing. There are either two threads (R&S ZN-Z156) or four
threads for use of M2.5 screws.
Mounting the calibration unit

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5 Contacting customer support
Technical support – where and when you need it
For quick, expert help with any Rohde & Schwarz product, contact our customer
support center. A team of highly qualified engineers provides support and works
with you to find a solution to your query on any aspect of the operation, program-
ming or applications of Rohde & Schwarz products.
Contact information
Contact our customer support center at www.rohde-schwarz.com/support, or fol-
low this QR code:
Figure 5-1: QR code to the Rohde & Schwarz support page