How to Load Calibration File Agilent Instruments in LabView 2012

[high-Q]

I use a vector network analyzer. Calibration is critical to give our measurement results creditbility. In our case, we use Agilent instruments. Newer models allow certain calibration profiles to be saved as calibration states. These files are saved in the local hard disk of the unit and are loaded when needed.

What is the equivalent to setting all the calibration parameters on that .cal file in the Agilent instrument with Labview 2012?

I have downloaded the driver for my instrument and even ran some of the sample programs. It works great but the calibration is set to the preset state which makes my whole system inaccurate.

[high-Q]

Here is the process to save calibration files manually.

http://na.tm.agilent.com/pna/help/latest/S5_Output/SaveRecall.htm 

[billko]

How old is this VNA?  All the Agilent/HP VNAs I've worked with all can save calibration data.

[high-Q]

The VNA is about 10 years old. (Windows 2000) and I'm in the process of upgrading to XP. Saving the calibration data on the VNA itself is fairly understood and I don't have any issues with that. I use that feature without any issues.

I would like to load these calibration files via LabVIEW 2012 in my automation setup. Is this possible?

[billko]

Shouldn't be a problem, but be prepered to open up that (probably several hundred page) programmer's guide.

[nyc_(is_out_of_here)]

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@billko wrote:

Shouldn't be a problem, but be prepered to open up that (probably several hundred page) programmer's guide.

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Many if not most of Agilent's newer network analyzers and vector anaylzers manuals are in *.chm files these days.

Very easy to search.

[high-Q]

What do you mean by opening up the programmer's guide? 

This can not be done by a Labview Subpalette that's already built in? I would have to write code to perform this?

[billko]

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@high-Q wrote:

What do you mean by opening up the programmer's guide? 

This can not be done by a Labview Subpalette that's already built in? I would have to write code to perform this?

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I assume you looked at the included VIs and couldn't find anything to load cal files?  If that is the case, unfortunately you must write your own code.  I prefer to write my own drivers because then I have only myself to blame for stuff that doesn't work right.  😉

[high-Q]

Yuck! (coming from an RF Engineer).

:manindifferent:

So what's the point of LabVIEW if I still have to resort to writing code???

[ngarneski · Accepted solution]

 It should look something like this(assuming its a PNA you are using):