Welcome to this Seminar from Fluke Calibration..

Spectrum Analyzer Calibration Essentials

This will be presentation from Flukes RF

Calibration.

and so, lets begin....

Welcome
We are very pleased to bring you this presentation, from Fluke Calibrations RF.

The Fluke 9640A series

RF Reference Sources.
The key component in any RF & Microwave calibration system

This Seminars from Fluke Calibration aim to help you in your daily RF Calibration and Metrology
applications and are based on Flukes extensive experience in:
the use and design of Calibration Instruments and MET/CAL Software
our understanding of the unique problems faced when performing RF metrology

Thank you for your time, we hope you find the seminar both valuable and useful.

2010 Fluke Corporation

Fluke Calibration Web Seminar

Welcome to this Seminar from Fluke Calibration..

Spectrum Analyzer Calibration Essentials

Presenter:
Bill Gaviria
Regional Product Manager,
Electrical, RF and Software
Fluke Calibration
Office: +1.321.574.0728
Direct: +1.425.446.6031
Cell: +1.321.626.7845
Email: Bill.gaviria@flukecal.com
Web: www.flukecal.com
(UTC/GMT-5)

The game is changing

simplifying and streamlining RF & Microwave calibration

Welcome to this Fluke Calibration Web Seminar ..

RF and Microwave
Spectrum
Analyzer Calibration
Calibration Fundamentals
Essentials
Spectrum Analyzers represent one of the most common RF & Microwave
calibration workload items, with calibration procedures among the most
complex.
A typical spectrum analyzer calibration procedure includes around 20 tests
totaling in excess of 400 test points.
Todays topics:
Examining key tests required for a complete & adequate calibration
Relating tests to typical analyzer architectures and applications
Simplifying test setups & accelerating procedures with purpose-designed
calibration equipment

What is a Spectrum Analyzer?

.a measuring instrument for representation and assessment of the frequency spectrum of a
signal in terms of frequency and level.
.allowing users to determine whether signals are free from harmonics, or to separate and
weight the components of a modulated signal at different frequencies, etc
* RBW

Ref

dBm

Att

30

dB

300

VBW

SWT

5.6

Hz

Marker

[T1

kHz
s

-9.91

dBm

500.000000000

MHz

Somewhat simplified, similar to an AM

superheterodyne receiver

Tuning is swept to display the required

frequency range.
The mixer frequency-shifts (down-converts)
the input signal to an intermediate frequency
(IF) for processing
IF or Resolution Bandwidth (RBW) filter
provides ability to distinguish (resolve)
signals close in frequency

-10
1

SGL

AP

CLRWR

-20

-30

-40

-50

-60

-70

-80

-90

-100

Center

Atten

Mixer
Date:

500

MHz

50

IF Gain
10.JAN.2005

kHz/

IF Filter

12:11:38

Span

500

Det/Log
Amp

(RBW)

Most modern spectrum analyzers use two or

three down-convertors and digitize the signal.

Some
of the IF Traditional
filtering
and logarithmic
Low Cost
Analog
Modern High Performance
conversion can be implemented in digital
signal processing.

Local
Osc

Handheld

Sweep

kHz

Video
Filter

(VBW)

Display

Real Time

Frequency extension
Microwave spectrum analyzer

Attenuator

Tunable
Preselector
Filter

Harmonic
Mixer

IF Gain

IF Filter

Log Amp/Detector

(RBW)

Video
Filter

(VBW)

Local
Oscillator
Sweep

LO Harmonics mixed with the input signal

Direct conversion to the low IF

Preselection bandpass filter ensures only

desired range of input frequencies mix
with LO to avoid false indications

Band changes automatic, providing

continuous frequency sweep display

Display

Example: HP8563 26GHz Analyzer

30Hz 2.9GHz
Band 0 = Normal operation, high 1st IF
2.75GHz 6.46GHz
Band 1 = Preselected, low 1st IF
5.86GHz 13.2GHz
Band 2 = Preselected, low 1st IF, LO 2nd harm
12.4GHz 26.8GHz
Band 3 = Preselected, low 1st IF, LO 3rd harm

Generalized architecture
(Simplified block diagram. Practical implementations use double or triple conversion with high 1 st IF frequency, and with preselector/harmonic
mixer for frequency extension. Also often include optional preamp for increased sensitivity).

Attenuator

Mixer

IF Gain

IF
Filter

Video
Filter

Log
Amp/Detector

(RBW)

(VBW)

Local Osc
Synthesizer

Signal digitised after analog IF

processing

Synthesized Local Oscillator

IF digitized directly by fast ADC for FFT

RBW filters and Log conversion

Cursors, trace storage, remote interface

Real Time architecture similar, signal

digitized over wide BW with DSP
frequency domain conversion

Low Cost

Traditional Analog

ADC
Processor
Controller

10MHz

Display

Freq Ref

Modern High Performance

Handheld

Real Time

Why calibrate?
Spectrum analyzers are sophisticated measuring instruments

High performance, tight specifications

A multitude of measurement features
Applications require numeric data
No longer indication only

So, calibrate the underlying analyzer performance, on which these measurement

features/personalities depend
Need confidence that measurements are true indication of signal characteristics,
not artefacts or impairments introduced by the analyzer itself

3GPP WCDMA adjacent channel leakage ratio

measurement

Spurious close to carrier measurement

WCDMA code domain power measurement

Calibrated parameters

Our analysis of spectrum analyzer cal procedures for 15 models from 5 manufacturers
found 80 different tests described...
20 tests performed on majority of models in study
In general, common tests are:

Frequency Accuracy
Level Accuracy
Frequency Response
Attenuator Response
Display Linearity
Displayed Average Noise Level
Resolution Bandwidth Accuracy
Resolution Bandwidth Selectivity
Resolution Bandwidth Switching Accuracy
Sweep Time Accuracy
IF Image Response
Noise Sidebands
Residual FM
Residual & Spurious Responses
Harmonic Distortion
3rd order Intercept (TOI)
Tracking generator tests

Also including other spectrum analyzer calibration

standards documents:
German VDE VDI/VDE/DGQ/DKD 2622 Part 11
Chinese JJG501-2000

(Manufacturers often use specific test names and groupings, but most are similarly titled)

Typical procedure analysis

Analysis of published calibration procedure for a 26GHz analyzer:
E4407B 26 GHz
Example: The calibration guide published by
Agilent Technologies for its ESA series spectrum
analyzer product range is 640 pages long!
This tables summarizes tests and test point
frequencies for the E4407B model, totalling over
400 individual test points.
Majority of testing is at lower frequencies: 80% of testpoints <3GHz

Frequency performance
The display X-axis.....
* RBW

Ref

dBm

Att

30

dB

300

VBW

SWT

5.6

Hz

kHz
s

Marker

[T1

-9.91

dBm

500.000000000

MHz

-10
1 AP
CLRWR

Frequency reference determines basic frequency

accuracy

SGL
-20

-30

-40

-50

-60

Reference accuracy & drift/ageing measured directly

-70

-80

-90

-100

LO synthesiser performance influence frequency

span & readout accuracy

Center

500

Date: 10.JAN.2005

IF (RBW) filter group delay can cause centre frequency shift

during sweeping

LO synth resolution, frequency stepping regime, etc..

Atten

Mixer IF Gain

Other Freq Ref & LO Synth influences

Phase noise, residual FM

MHz

50

kHz/

Span

500

kHz

12:11:38

IF Filter

Log
Amp/Det

Video
Filter

(VBW)

(RBW)

LO Synth

ADC
Processor
Controller

Not strictly x-axis effects, but still key characteristics

10MHz

Freq Ref

Display

Amplitude performance
The display Y-axis.....
* RBW

Majority of calibration tests & test points relate to

amplitude performance

Ref

dBm

Att

30

dB

300

VBW

SWT

5.6

Hz

Marker

[T1

kHz
s

-9.91

dBm

500.000000000

MHz

-10
1 AP
CLRWR

SGL
-20

-30

And the majority of those are performed at frequencies well

below the analyzer upper frequency limit

-40

-50

-60

-70

-80

Amplitude performance is related to many elements

within the analyzer, eg:

Absolute accuracy related to the entire input-ADC chain

Frequency response related to the front-end attenuator and
mixer
Harmonics, intermodulation and spurious responses mainly
related to the mixer
Linearity (scale fidelity/log conformance) related to log amp
& detector and/or the ADC

-90

-100

Center

500

MHz

Date: 10.JAN.2005

Atten

Mixer

IF
Gain

50

kHz/

IF Filter

Log
Amp/Det

Enables many parameters/characteristics to be tested at a

single low frequency, where measurements are easier and
uncertainties are smaller

(VBW)
ADC

Processor
Controller

10MHz

Freq Ref

kHz

Video
Filter

(RBW)

IF circuits and ADC common to all measurements

500

12:11:38

LO Synth

Span

Display

Any questions so far ..

Use the WebEx Chat or Q&A features, please send your questions/comments to the session
host
2010 Fluke Corporation

Fluke Calibration Web Seminar

13

Frequency/Span Accuracy
Test of frequency span and readout accuracy
Frequency reference accuracy generally tested directly

10MHz Ref O/P measured with counter, and frequency standard

Displayed Center Frequency & Span affected by other

factors

Atten

LO synthesizer resolution, IF BW centre frequency alignment, IF

filter group delay, etc

Tested with accurate (calibrated) frequency synthesizer, locking

analyzer and frequency source to common 10MHz reference

Ref locking not used if frequency readout accuracy tested via

displayed signal frequency accuracy alone

Mixer

IF
Gain

IF Filter

Log
Amp/Det

Video
Filter

(VBW)

(RBW)

LO Synth

ADC
Processor
Controller

10MHz

Freq Ref

Display

Frequency/Span Accuracy
Test of frequency span and readout accuracy
Frequency reference accuracy generally tested directly

10MHz Ref O/P measured with counter, and frequency standard

Displayed Center Frequency & Span affected by other

factors

Atten

LO synthesizer resolution, IF BW centre frequency alignment, IF

filter group delay, etc

Tested with accurate (calibrated) frequency synthesizer, locking

analyzer and frequency source to common 10MHz reference

Ref locking not used if frequency readout accuracy tested via

displayed signal frequency accuracy alone

Mixer

IF
Gain

IF Filter

Log
Amp/Det

Video
Filter

(VBW)

(RBW)

LO Synth

ADC
Processor
Controller

10MHz

The 9640A frequency counter feature replaces the counter traditionally

needed for the UUT Freq Ref accuracy test. The 9640A can be locked to
an external frequency standard if additional accuracy is required

10MHz Ref I/P

10MHz Ref O/P

10MHz Ref O/P

9640A Counter I/P

Display

Freq Ref

UUT Spectrum Analyzer

9640A Reference Source

Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL)

Test of noise floor over the analyzers frequency range

Input terminated with 50

Tested at higher RBW setting and normalised to 1Hz or 10Hz to reduce test time

Residual/Spurious responses often included with DANL tests as the same

setup is required

UUT Spectrum Analyzer

Atten

Mixer

IF
Gain

IF Filter

Log
Amp/Det

(VBW)

(RBW)

LO Synth

Termination

Video
Filter

ADC

The 9640A output off (STBY) condition provides a

convenient alternative to a 50 terminator, reducing the
number of items and setup changes required.

Processor
Controller

10MHz

Freq Ref

Display

UUT Spectrum Analyzer

9640A Reference Source

Frequency Response
Test of amplitude response at fixed level over the analyzers
frequency range, relative to its response at a reference
frequency

May be tested at a number of levels/attenuator settings

Requires accurate signal level at the analyzer input

UUT Spectrum Analyzer

9640A Reference Source

The 9640A provides accurately

levelled outputs directly to the
UUT input, from 1mHz to 4GHz

Signal generators do not provide sufficient accuracy, even for lowperformance analyzer models
Covering the frequency range (few Hz to many GHz) can be challenging,
traditionally requiring multiple generators and techniques

Using the 9640A, with its leveling head

connected directly to the UUT input

Atten

Mixer

IF
Gain

IF Filter

Log
Amp/Det

Video
Filter

(VBW)

(RBW)

LO Synth

ADC
Processor
Controller

10MHz

Freq Ref

Display

Using a power sensor and splitter at

higher frequencies (>4GHz)

Display Linearity/Scale Fidelity

Test of amplitude linearity over wide dynamic range at fixed input
attenuator and reference level (IF gain) settings
Tested at single frequency, typically 50 MHz
Logarithmic scale, and also linear scale for many UUTs
Traditionally a level generator with high precision attenuation linearity or calibrated step
attenuators used as calibration standards

Atten

Mixer

IF
Gain

IF Filter

Log
Amp/Det

Video
Filter

(VBW)

(RBW)

LO Synth

This test is much simpler and faster with the 9640A

9640A features provide the UUT error directly without any need
for calculations or use of attenuator calibration corrections

ADC
Processor
Controller

10MHz

Freq Ref

Display

UUT Spectrum Analyzer

9640A Reference Source

RBW Filter Bandwidth & Shape

Test of IF (RBW) filter 3 dB and 60 dB response for each of the available
filter bandwidth settings

RBW (resolution bandwidth) accuracy tests 3dB BW

Shape factor = 60dB BW / 3dB BW

Tested at single input frequency, usually 50 100 MHz

Many procedures use analyzer cursor measurements,
relying on calibrated performance for linearity and
frequency span

3dB
60dB

Atten

Mixer

IF
Gain

IF Filter

Log
Amp/Det

Other procedures require input of accurate attenuation

and frequency signals, effectively calibrating the specific
characteristics during the test
Video
Filter

ADC
Processor
Controller

10MHz

Traditionally requiring calibrated step attenuators

The 9640A provides a simpler, faster alternative

(VBW)

(RBW)

LO Synth

Simply requiring a stable input signal

10MHz Ref I/P

10MHz Ref O/P

Display

Freq Ref

UUT Spectrum Analyzer

9640A Reference Source

RBW Switching

Tests that filter gain remains constant when changing filter bandwidth
setting
Tested at single input frequency, usually 50 100 MHz
dB
Procedure simply requires a stable input level

Atten

Mixer

IF
Gain

IF Filter

Log
Amp/Det

UUT and source often share common frequency reference

to avoid displayed frequency errors at narrow spans

Video
Filter

10MHz Ref I/P

(VBW)

(RBW)

LO Synth

ADC
Processor
Controller

UUT Spectrum Analyzer

10MHz

Freq Ref

10MHz Ref O/P

Display

9640A Reference Source

Any questions so far ..

Use the WebEx Chat or Q&A features, please send your questions/comments to the session
host
2010 Fluke Corporation

Fluke Calibration Web Seminar

21

Sweep Time Accuracy

Test of sweep timing accuracy
Tested in zero span mode where display horizontal axis is time

Like an oscilloscope

AM modulated signal produces time domain display

Atten

Mixer

IF
Gain

IF Filter

Log
Amp/Det

Video
Filter

(VBW)

(RBW)

LO Synth

ADC

The 9640A triangular AM feature is purpose designed for

spectrum analyzer sweep time calibration, providing a
simpler faster alternative to the traditional RF signal
generator modulated by a function generator

Processor
Controller

10MHz

Display

Freq Ref

UUT Spectrum Analyzer

9640A Reference Source

IF Image Rejection
Tests for unwanted response at IF image frequencies

The analyzer responds to input signal at frequencies f LO + fIF and fLO - fIF
The analyzer design and choice of IF and local oscillator (LO) frequencies are intended to
ensure correct display of input signal content at only one frequency
However, some residual response remains at the image frequency

Test frequencies are dependant on the particular analyzer design

Can be complicated with 2 & 3 stage downconversion

Use manufacturers test frequency recommendations

The IF image response test is often included with other

tests of unwanted/spurious responses: Image, Multiple,
Out-Of-Band, responses, Other Input-related spurious
responses, Immunity to Interference, etc

Atten

Mixer

IF
Gain

IF Filter

Log
Amp/Det

IR

Video
Filter

(VBW)

(RBW)

LO Synth

ADC
Processor
Controller

10MHz

Freq Ref

Display

A signal is input at f1 with the analyzer center frequency

also set to f1 to correctly display the signal at a specific
level
The signal and analyzer center frequencies are then both
set to the IF image frequency f 2
The change in displayed signal level corresponds to the
analyzer IF image rejection

Noise Sidebands & Phase Noise

Test of ability to discern close-in signals, related to local oscillator phase
noise

Noise sidebands: noise level at frequency offsets above and below the carrier

Test of phase noise measurement capability

An important measurement feature in modern analyzers, at low and high offset frequencies

Tested at a single input frequency (usually 1GHz)

Atten

Mixer

Requires low phase noise signal generator(s) used as

reference standard
Typically using UUT analyzer phase noise measurement
features
Phase noise usually normalised to 1Hz bandwidth, and
expressed as ratio to fundamental (carrier) signal
(dBc/Hz), for a given offset (f) from the signal frequency.
IF
Gain

IF Filter

Log
Amp/Det

Video
Filter

(VBW)

(RBW)

LO Synth

The 9640A provides low phase noise signals

capable of testing most spectrum analyzers, with
the 9640A-LPNX for the high-performance models

ADC
Processor
Controller

10MHz

Freq Ref

Display

UUT Spectrum Analyzer

9640A Reference Source

To avoid noise correlation the signal source and UUT

analyzer must not share a frequency reference.

Residual FM
Test for any residual FM present on the analyzer local oscillator
Tested at single input frequency (usually 1GHz)

Requires low residual FM signal generator as reference standard

Test method uses linear portion of RBW filter as

FM slope demodulator

Atten

Mixer

RBW filter slope determined using marker features with

normal sweep display
Peak-peak residual FM displayed in zero-span mode,
adjusting center frequency to obtain on-screen display
Measure displayed signal pk-pk with markers, and
convert to FM by applying RBW filter slope detection
sensitivity
IF
Gain

IF Filter

Log
Amp/Det

Video
Filter

(VBW)

(RBW)

LO Synth

The 9640A provides low residual FM signals

capable of testing most spectrum analyzers with
the 9640A-LPNX for the high-performance models

ADC
Processor
Controller

10MHz

Freq Ref

Display

UUT Spectrum Analyzer

9640A Reference Source

Harmonics
Test for any input signal harmonics generated internally by the analyzer

Typically analyzer harmonic suppression is quoted at a specific mixer level

Requires low harmonic content input signal

Signal generators require low pass filtering to obtain sufficiently low harmonic content

A signal is input at f1 with the analyzer center frequency

also set to f1 to correctly display the signal at a specific
level
Without changing any other settings, the analyzer center
frequency is set to the 2nd harmonic frequency f2
The change in displayed signal level corresponds to the
analyzer 2nd harmonic suppression (rejection)

Note: Second harmonic intercept (SHI) is a mixer level independent

specification of harmonic performance, calculated from the harmonic
suppression and mixer level. Testing SHI allows use of higher signal
levels, relaxing signal source harmonic content requirements.
Atten

Mixer

IF
Gain

IF Filter

Log
Amp/Det

Video
Filter

(VBW)

(RBW)

LO Synth

ADC

The 9640A provides low harmonic content signals capable

of testing the majority of spectrum analyzer models
without the need for low pass filters

Processor
Controller

10MHz

Freq Ref

Display

UUT Spectrum Analyzer

9640A Reference Source

3rd Order Intercept (TOI)

Test for unwanted intermodulation products generated internally
by the analyzer
TOI is mixer level independent intercept value

Tested with two equal level signals with a small (50kHz) frequency
difference
Signals applied via a splitter or directional coupler

f1

f2

IR3

2f1 - f2

Atten

Mixer

IF
Gain

IF Filter

Log
Amp/Det

(VBW)
ADC

Processor
Controller

10MHz

Freq Ref

Using a power splitter

2f2 - f1

Video
Filter

(RBW)

LO Synth

f2

f1

Display

f2
Using a directional coupler/bridge.
Signal levels are adjusted to account for
differing coupler/bridge port losses.

f1

Gain Compression
Tests for reduction in gain caused by increasing signal amplitude
Tested by measuring change in displayed level of a small signal when a
large signal is also applied to the input

Signals traditionally applied via a splitter or directional coupler

Smaller signal around 35dB < larger signal at UUT I/P

f2

f1

Using a power splitter

Atten

Mixer

IF
Gain

IF Filter

Log
Amp/Det

Video
Filter

(VBW)

(RBW)

LO Synth

ADC
Processor
Controller

10MHz

Freq Ref

Display

f2
Using a directional
coupler/bridge.

f1

Using purpose designed equipment

Typical 26GHz analyzer calibration procedure

requires 24 equipment setups

Employs 6 individual signal sources

Many are obsolete or presenting maintenance & support
difficulties, usually the lower frequency sources

Cost effective alternative: deployment of a 9640A

Reference Source as core of spectrum analyzer
calibration system

24 setups reduced to 4 for a typical 26GHz analyzer

Majority of testing addressed by a single source
Automated system capacity increased up to 25%
Automated system operator intervention significantly
reduced, 90mins walkaway time in a 2 hour run
Operator efficiency greatly improved, by up to 60%

Fluke 9640A RF Reference Source

Using purpose designed equipment

Displayed Noise Level

Residual Responses

Level Accuracy
Frequency Response

Frequency
Accuracy
RBW Accuracy
Filter Shape
RBW Switching
Display Linearity
Attenuator
Accuracy
Image Responses

Display Linearity
Attenuator Accuracy

Noise Sidebands
Phase Noise
Residual FM

3rd Order Intercept

Gain Compression

Harmonics

Sweep Time Accuracy

Further related information

White papers, application notes, etc, relevant to spectrum analyzer and other RF
and microwave calibrations....

Visit www.flukecal.com/products/rf-calibration , selecting

the Knowledge and information tab from the 9640A RF
Reference Source page for related technical papers and
application notes, including:

These technical papers contain further useful references

Spectrum analyzer harmonics calibration

Phase noise in RF calibration
Attenuator calibration
Precision modulation measurement
RF & Microwave calibration fundamentals
Etc....

Including conference proceedings, technical journals and

other industry sources, etc...

Visit www.flukecal.com/rfvideos for several brief RF

demonstration videos, including

Spectrum analyzer calibration automation

Spectrum analyzer scale fidelity testing
Power sensor linearity testing
Benefits of the 9640A over traditional RF Cal methods
Other 9640A applications and features.....

2011 Fluke Corporation

31

Calibration and metrology training

Instructor-Led Classroom Training

Instructor-Led Web-Based Training

MET/CAL Database Web-Based Training

MET/CAL Procedure Development Web-Based Training

Self-Paced Web-Based Training

MET-101 Basic Hands-on Metrology

MET-301 Advanced Hands-on Metrology
MET-302 Hands-on Metrology Statistics
Cal Lab Management for the 21st Century
Metrology for Cal Lab Personnel (A CCT prep course)
MET/CAL Database and Reports
MET/CAL Procedure Writing
MET/CAL Advanced Programming Techniques
On-Site Training
Product Specific Training

Introduction to Measurement and Calibration

Precision Electrical Measurement
Measurement Uncertainty
AC/DC Calibration and Metrology
Metrology for Cal Lab Personnel (A CCT prep course)

Self-Paced Training Tools

MET/CAL-CBT7 Computer Based Training

MET/CAL-CBT/PW Computer-Based Training
Cal-Book: Philosophy in Practice textbook

More information:
www.flukecal.com/fluketraining/courses
2010 Fluke Corporation

Fluke Calibration Web Seminar

32

Thank you.
For material related to this session, visit our web site:
http://www.flukecal.com