Welcome to this Seminar from Fluke Calibration….. Spectrum Analyzer Calibration Essentials This will be presentation from Fluke’s RF Calibration. and so, lets begin.... Welcome We are very pleased to bring you this presentation, from Fluke Calibration’s 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 Fluke’s 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 2 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 0 dBm Att 30 dB 300 Hz Marker 1 [T1 ] VBW 1 kHz -9.91 dBm SWT 5.6 s 500.000000000 MHz 0 1 • Somewhat simplified, similar to an AM superheterodyne receiver – – – SGL CLRWR -40 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 -50 -60 -70 -80 -90 -100 Center 500 MHz • Most modern spectrum analyzers use two or three down-convertors and digitize the signal. Some of the IF filtering and logarithmic conversion can be implemented in digital signal processing. Low Cost Traditional Analog -20 -30 Atten • A -10 1 AP Modern High Performance Mixer Date: 50 kHz/ IF Gain 10.JAN.2005 IF Filter 12:11:38 Span 500 kHz Det/Log Amp (RBW) Local Osc Handheld Sweep 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 Display 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 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 1st 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 Calibration Test Test Signal Frequency/Range Tested at LF Only Frequency Span Accuracy 300MHz - 1.5GHz √ Frequency Readout Accuracy 1.5GHz - 21GHz Level Accuracy Frequency Response 50MHz √ √ √ 9kHz - 26.5GHz Attenuator Switching Accuracy 50MHz √ Display Linearity 50MHz √ No input required Displayed Average Noise level 10MHz - 26.5GHz Resolution Bandwidth Accuracy 50MHz √ Resolution Bandwidth Selectivity 50MHz √ Resolution Bandwidth Switching Accuracy 50MHz √ Sweep Time Accuracy 500MHz √ Spurious Responses √ 2GHz - 21.6GHz Noise Sidebands 1GHz √ Residual FM 1GHz √ 300MHz - 3.1GHz √ Harmonic Distortion rd 3 Order Intercept (TOI) & Gain Compression Tests include HF 50MHz - 14GHz √ Frequency performance The display ‘X-axis’..... * RBW Ref 0 dBm Att 30 dB 300 Hz Marker 1 [T1 ] VBW 1 kHz -9.91 dBm SWT 5.6 s 500.000000000 MHz 0 1 A -10 SGL 1 AP CLRWR • Frequency reference determines basic frequency accuracy -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 MHz 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 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 0 dBm Att 30 dB 300 Hz Marker 1 [T1 ] VBW 1 kHz -9.91 dBm SWT 5.6 s 500.000000000 MHz 0 1 A -10 SGL 1 AP CLRWR -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: -90 -100 Center 500 MHz Date: 10.JAN.2005 – – – – 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 Atten Mixer IF Gain 50 kHz/ 12:11:38 IF Filter Log Amp/Det (VBW) ADC Processor Controller • IF circuits and ADC common to all measurements Enables many parameters/characteristics to be tested at a single low frequency, where measurements are easier and uncertainties are smaller Video Filter (RBW) LO Synth – Span 500 kHz 10MHz Freq Ref 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 10MHz Ref I/P ADC 10MHz Ref O/P 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 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 analyzer’s frequency range – – Input terminated with 50Ω 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 50Ω terminator, reducing the number of items and setup changes required. Processor Controller 10MHz Display Freq Ref UUT Spectrum Analyzer 9640A Reference Source Frequency Response • Test of amplitude response at fixed level over the analyzer’s 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 Display Freq Ref 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 10MHz Ref O/P ADC Processor Controller UUT Spectrum Analyzer 10MHz Freq Ref 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 fLO + 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 f2 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 f2 f1 Using a power splitter 2f1 - f2 Atten Mixer IF Gain IF Filter Log Amp/Det Video Filter (VBW) (RBW) LO Synth ADC Processor Controller 10MHz Freq Ref 2f2 - 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