Calibration

RF & MW

SIQ’s calibration laboratory is accredited to perform internationally traceable measurements in the radio frequency (RF) domain according to ISO/IEC 17025.

Our general capabilities include:

Frequency measurements up to 26.5 GHz
RF Power measurements from -130 dBm to 60 dBm up to 26.5 GHz
Scattering parameters (S-parameters) measurements in 50 Ω systems from 20 Hz up to 26.5 GHz and from 20 Hz to 3 GHz in 75 Ω systems

SIQ can perform RF calibrations in our laboratory or on-site at customers’ laboratory if that is more convenient for the customer. Fast turnaround time is very important for customers, so we have invested heavily in the development of fast, accurate and automatic procedures that ensure quick return of equipment back to customers.

RF equipment calibration services

Calibration parameters of the most common RF equipment are listed below. Additional parameters and equipment can be calibrated on the customer’s request.

Calibration of test equipment at SIQ

RF Signal generators

frequency setting accuracy
time base stability and accuracy
signal power accuracy
harmonic and spurious signal distortions
analog modulation parameters (AM, FM, PM accuracy, modulation frequency accuracy, residual AM, FM, PM and modulation distortion)
rise time

Spectrum analyzers

time base stability and accuracy
frequency readout and marker counter accuracy
SSB Phase noise performance
frequency span readout accuracy
display linearity
reference level switching uncertainty
input attenuator switching uncertainty
resolution bandwidth switching uncertainty
resolution bandwidth accuracy
absolute signal level measurement accuracy and frequency response
signal distortions (harmonic distortions and third intermodulation distortion)
displayed average noise level
input reflection coefficient (VSWR)

Attenuators and step attenuators

reflection coefficients
attenuation

RF Couplers

coupler ports reflection coefficients
main line attenuation
coupling factor value and flatness
directivity

Power splitters

splitter ports reflection coefficients
attenuation
tracking between output ports
effective source match

Coaxial VNA calibration standards, RF terminations

Typically me calibrate

reflection coefficient (VSWR)
attenuation

All calibration results can be provided with their uncertainty in an appropriate file format so that the customer can use this data to perform VNA traceable error correction.

RF power sensors

calibration factor (CF)
reflection coefficient
linearity

Power meters

Power meters are usually calibrated according to manufacturers performance tests. Typically, the reference output is checked (power level and frequency), zeroing, linearity, calibration factor, DC accuracy, etc.