RF & MW
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
![](https://www.siq.si/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Signal-generator-e1654255955457.jpg)
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)
![](https://www.siq.si/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Spectrum-Analyzer-e1630486390428.jpg)
Vector network analyzers (VNAs)
- time base stability and accuracy
- source frequency setting accuracy
- noise level
- trace noise
- crosstalk
- calibration coefficients (uncorrected system performance)
- source output power accuracy
- source harmonic distortions
- VNA receiver linearity
![](https://www.siq.si/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/VNA-N522B-PNA-e1630486478198.jpg)
Attenuators and step attenuators
- reflection coefficients
- attenuation
![](https://www.siq.si/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Attenuator-e1630486513352.jpg)
RF Couplers
- coupler ports reflection coefficients
- main line attenuation
- coupling factor value and flatness
- directivity
![](https://www.siq.si/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/RF-Coupler-e1630486548172.jpg)
Power splitters
- splitter ports reflection coefficients
- attenuation
- tracking between output ports
- effective source match
![](https://www.siq.si/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Splitters-e1629721184291.jpg)
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.
![](https://www.siq.si/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Terminations-e1629721272702.jpg)
RF power sensors
- calibration factor (CF)
- reflection coefficient
- linearity
![](https://www.siq.si/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Power-Sensor-e1630486581939.jpg)
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.
![](https://www.siq.si/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Power-Meter-e1630486608657.jpg)
RF Cables
Parameters that are usually calibrated are:
- reflection
- attenuation
For VNA measuring cables we additionally calibrate:
- magnitude and phase tracking and symmetry
- real and imaginary reflection stability
![](https://www.siq.si/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Cables-e1629721363350.jpg)
RF amplifiers
- signal gain
- gain compression
- harmonic distortion
- input reflection coefficient (VSWR)
![](https://www.siq.si/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/RF-Amplifier-e1630486637845.jpg)
Oscilloscopes
For low-frequency oscilloscopes (bandwidth less than 500 MHz) we typically measure:
- vertical gain at 50 Ω and 1 MΩ
- time base accuracy
- rise time
- frequency response
For oscilloscopes with higher bandwidth, we additionally measure:
- DC input resistance
- offset null
- offset setting
- RMS noise level
- input reflection coefficient (VSWR)
![](https://www.siq.si/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Digital-oscilloscope-e1630325402866.jpg)