Automatic Calibration   

A Calibration Unit is an integrated solution for automatic system error correction of vector network analyzers. For analyzers of the R&S ZVAB family, Rohde & Schwarz provides different types of calibration units:

• The 2- and 4-port calibration units R&S ZV-Z51, R&S ZV-Z52, R&S ZV-Z53, R&S ZV-Z54, and R&S ZVA-Z55 are especially suited for R&S ZVB and R&S ZVA vector network analyzers.  

• The 8- and 6-port calibration units R&S ZV-Z58 and R&S ZV-Z59 are especially suited for R&S ZVT vector network analyzers.

The units contain calibration standards that are electronically switched when a calibration is performed. The calibration kit data for the internal standards are also stored in the calibration unit, so that the analyzer can calculate the error terms and apply the calibration without any further input.

• Advantages of automatic calibration

  Automatic calibration is generally faster and more secure than manual calibration, because:

  • There is no need to connect several standards manually. The number of connections to be performed quickly increases with the number of ports; see TOSM Calibration.

  • Invalid calibrations due to operator errors (e.g. wrong standards or improper connections) are almost excluded.

  • No need to handle calibration kit data.

  • The internal standards don't wear out because they are switched electronically.

• Limitations: Some calibration types (TOM, TRM, TRL, TNA) are not available.

The use of the calibration units is described in the following sections:

• Connecting the calibration unit

• Performing an automatic calibration

• Calibration procedure

• Manual characterization of calibration units