Power Meter Calibration - HP 8753E User Manual

Power Meter Calibration

associated with power meter calibration.
An HP-IB-compatible power meter can monitor and correct RF source power to achieve leveled
power at the test port. During a power meter calibration, the power meter samples the power
at each measurement point across the frequency band of interest. The analyzer then constructs
a correction data table to correct the power output of the internal source. The correction table
may be saved in an instrument state register with the $&E key.
The correction table may be updated on each sweep (in a leveling application) or during
an initial single sweep. In the sample-and-sweep mode the power meter is not needed for
subsequent sweeps, The correction table may be read or modified through HP-IB.
Primary Applications
when you are testing a system with significant frequency response errors ( For example, a
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coupler with significant roll-off, or a long cable with a significant amount of loss.)
when you are measuring devices that are very sensitive to actual input power for proper
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operation
when you require a reference for receiver power calibration
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Calibrated Power Level
By setting the analyzer calibrated power to the desired value at the power meter, this power
level will be maintained at that port during the entire sweep. First set the source power so that
the power at the test device is approximately correct. This reduces residual power errors when
only one reading is taken. Refer to ~~~~~ :IE@?Z#@~ softkey description in
Chapter 9, "Key Definitions." When power meter calibration is on, the annotation PC is
displayed. This indicates that the source power is being updated during the sweep. Calibrated
power level becomes the active entry if any of the following softkeys are pressed:
.
Regardless of the measurement application, the analyzer's source can only supply corrected
power within the selected power range. If power outside this range is requested, the
annotation will change to PC?.
Compatible Sweep Types
Power meter calibration may be used in linear, log, list, CW, and power sweep modes. In power
sweep, the power at each point is the true power at the power meter, not the power at the
analyzer's source output.