Using the U9361 RCal Receiver Calibrator with 89600 VSA Software

 Introduction

Signal analyzers deliver measurement precision at the reference plane of their RF port. Yet, in practical scenarios involving an actual device under test (DUT), elements like cabling, couplers, attenuators, and filters invariably introduce varying amounts of system loss. The pressing question is: how can these losses be effectively compensated to reveal the true performance of the DUT?

Enter the U9361 RCal receiver calibrator. Designed to optimize calibration efficiency, this tool elevates the accuracy of your test receiver system. It enables the calibrated power reference plane to be shifted from the equipment’s RF port to the DUT. In doing so, the RCal ensures corrections for test fixture, down-converter and cable losses within the receiver system. This means that you can accurately measure power at the DUT reference plane. Furthermore, the U9361 Rcal can generate flatness corrections in both magnitude and phase for up to 5 GHz IF bandwidths and frequencies ranging from 10 MHz up to 110 GHz.

In the latest 89600 VSA 2024 Patch Release, integration with the RCal U9361 receiver calibrator is possible with any Keysight hardware that communicates with the VSA, including oscilloscopes, digitizers and signal analyzers. Now it is possible to perform a comprehensive receiver system calibration right up to the DUT reference plane. Moreover, the calibration coefficients can be seamlessly applied across all 89600 VSA measurements, including but not limited to Digital Demod, Flex Frame, Custom OFDM, 5G NR, and DVB-S2X.

Key Features of the RCal U9361 Receiver Calibrator

The U9361 RCal receiver calibrator is a versatile tool designed to streamline the calibration process. It singularly eliminates the need for multiple pieces of equipment to calibrate your whole receiver measurement system, making it a pivotal component in achieving precise measurements at the DUT reference plane.

• Enhanced Accuracy: Improve your test Rx system accuracy by an order of magnitude

• Flexible Reference Plane Migration: With its simple command structure and automation, moving the reference plane to the DUT’s output becomes effortless.

• Wide Frequency Range: Models available for calibration frequencies up to 110 GHz.

• Broad IF Bandwidth: Supports bandwidths up to 5 GHz.

• Compact Design: Designed to be palm-size, USB-powered and controlled, making it user-friendly and space-efficient.

• Precision: Comes with ultra-stable and repeatable functions, supported with precision factory calibration data.

• Comprehensive Corrections: Provides both magnitude and phase corrections, using tunable BPSK comb modulation.

• Thought Leadership: Recognized with a US Patent for its BPSK modulation calibrator

Licensing Requirements for RCal with 89600 VSA

To integrate the U9361 RCal with the 89600 VSA, you will need the 89601200C license on the same PC where the VSA software is installed. This license supports all the Keysight hardware instruments compatible with the VSA, including but not limited to:

• X-series signal analyzers, such as the UXA, PXA, MXA

• Oscilloscopes, such as the UXR or MXR

• PXI modular analyzers and transceivers

• Digitizers such as the M5200A