cal executive

[Jeep CJ7]

We are trying to calibrate a PXIe 5622 for the first time using Cal Executive version 3.4.1. We are using an Agilent E4432B sig gen, Agilent E4418B power meter, E9301A power sensor, 11667B power splitter on the very first measuring test. We have a couple issues, but the main problem is after “characterization” of the power splitter as the procedure has you perform, the first reading it tries to take fails. The unit appears it does not know what it is reading. You manually enter the data on the power meter into the program. We assume it should all be in dbm, but the program does not tell you. We have tried Watts as well with the same results. The results, when it fails, says the reading you entered is “NA dbm” and it is looking for +/- 0.05dbm. We have used the soft front panel and the unit is working fine. We have more units in now and they all do the same thing. We have changed chassis, slots, test equipment and they all fail. What is the first reading the test looking for? 0dbm, .707V, 1W, etc? We have entered every combination we can think of and it always says the result is “NA dbm” and it fails. If we knew what the unit is looking for we might be able to at least see if the program will run.  

[Vimal_F]

Hello,

I just want to make sure you have all the correct documentation to perform this calibration.

Make your way to the Calibration Executive Help, which should be under Start> Programs> National Instruments.

When the help is open, navigate to Device Calibration Procedures> Modular Instruments> High-speed Digitizers> NI 5622 Calibration. Please make sure you are following this, and let me know of any discrepancies between this file and what you are actually doing.

Also, look at this online Calibration Procedure: https://www.ni.com/docs/en-US/bundle/372669c/resource/372669c.pdf

Thank you,

Vimal Fernandez || Applications Engineer  || National Instruments || (512)683-1781 || Vimal.Fernandez@ni.com 

[Jeep CJ7]

Never mind. It is apparent that our description of the issue was not even read.

[Vimal_F]

Hello Jeep CJ7,

The reason I sent you those two links is to make sure that you and I are on the same page and also for furture reference since those documents are very helpful. I am in the process of solving this issue and I am working with other engineers to figure out the solution to this issue. I will be back with you shortly.

Thank you,

Vimal Fernandez || Applications Engineer  || National Instruments || (512)683-1781 || Vimal.Fernandez@ni.com 

[Vimal_F]

Hello Jeep CJ7,

Yes, you are correct that this value should be in dBm.

The next thing we have to do is compare the hardware you are using to the hardware we recommend. You can find more about the hardware we recommenend on page on page 7 of this manual.

Please find the following information and specifications for your devices:

---------------------Sig Gens----------------------------------------

Agilent E4432B

Freq Range: 250kHz to 3 GHz

Power Measurement Level Setting Range: ??

Frequency accuracy?

Rohde and Schwarz SMA-B103

Frequency Range: 900 kHz to 820 MHz

Power Measurement Level Setting Range: –4 dBm to 10 dBm

±0.1 ppm frequency accuracy

---------------------Power Meters----------------------------------

Agilent E4418B

Frequency Range: 9 kHz to 110 GHz

Power Measurement Range: –70 dBm to 44 dBm

Maximum VSWR: ?

Absolute Power Measurement Uncertainty:?

Relative Power Measurement Uncertainty: ?

Rohde and Schwarz NRP-Z91

Frequency Range: 900 kHz to 820 MHz

Power Measurement Range: –4 dBm to 3 dBm

Maximum VSWR: 1.11 (23 ±5 °C)

Absolute Power Measurement Uncertainty: 0.1 dB (23 ±5 °C)

Relative Power Measurement Uncertainty: 0.05 dB (23 ±5 °C)

---------------------Power Splitter----------------------------------

Agilent 11667B

Frequency Range: dc to 26.5 GHz

Input Power Range: ?

Maximum VSWR (Output ports): 1.22

Maximum Amplitude Tracking: ?

Weinschel WA1507R

Frequency Range: 900 kHz to 820 MHz

Input Power Range: –4 dBm to 3 dBm

Maximum VSWR (Output ports): 1.15

Maximum Amplitude Tracking: 0.15 dBm

---------------------Attenuator----------------------------------

Mini-Circuits VAT-3+

Frequency Range: 900 kHz to 820 MHz

Minimum Power (W): 10 mW

Maximum VSWR: 1.20

Nominal Attenuation: 3 dB

Please find the same for yours.

---------------------SMA Termination----------------------------------

Mini-Circuits ANNE-50+

50 Ohms

Please find the same for yours.

---------------------SMA Cable----------------------------------

SMA Cable

50 Ohms; Maximum VSWR: 1.20

Frequency Range: 900 kHz to 820 MHz

Power Measurement Range: –4 dBm to 3 dBm

Relative Shielding: –100 dB

Please find the same for yours.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Also, are you running Cal Exec in automatic or manual mode? Are you doing verify or verify and adjust?

Please get back to me when you can.

Thank you,

Vimal Fernandez || Applications Engineer  || National Instruments || (512)683-1781 || Vimal.Fernandez@ni.com 

[Jeep CJ7]

We solved this on our own. All units must be entered in mW's. The program never tells you this and needs to be changed.

[Vimal_F]

Great to hear! Have a great day. I will also pass your request to the correct group.

Thanks