VectorStar™ MS464xB Series Microwave Vector Network Analyzer User Interface Reference : Calibration Menus – 4-Port VNAs : Manual 3-Port Cal Setup – 4-Port VNAs
 
Manual 3-Port Cal Setup – 4-Port VNAs
This sections described the menus and dialog boxes uses for manual 3-port calibration on a VectorStar 4-Port VNA.
THREE PORT CAL Menu – 4-Port VNAs
Button Availability
The exact composition of the menu depends on the settings made on the CAL SETUP, CAL METHOD, and LINE TYPE menus and on the resultant THREE PORT CAL SETUP dialog box.
The example procedures at the end of this chapter show examples of various THREE PORT CAL menus.
Previous
MANUAL CAL Menu – 4-Port VNAs
Navigation
MAIN | Calibration | CALIBRATION | Calibrate | CALIBRATE | Manual Cal | MANUAL CAL | 3-Port Cal | THREE PORT CAL
THREE PORT CAL Menu – 4-Port VNAs – Typical example (1 of 2)
Modify Cal Setup
Select displays the CAL SETUP menu where the Edit Cal Params button provides access to the THREE PORT CAL SETUP dialog box for the selected calibration method and line type.
The following Cal Method/Line Type combinations and their dialog boxes are represented with a figure and complete description:
This table summarizes the dialog boxes for all Cal Method/Line Type combinations:
Port Selected
Read-only display of the ports selected for the pending calibration.
Completion Menu Buttons
For this example menu, the Port 1 Reflective Devices to the Isolation (Optional) buttons link to completion submenus where additional calibration procedures are performed.
For example, the Port 1 Reflective Devices button (shown below at #1) links to the REFL. DEVICES PORT 1 submenu. As each procedure is completed, the submenu button is marked with a completion checkmark. When all the procedures on the submenu are completed, use the Back button to return to the THREE PORT CAL menu. (continued)
The Port 1 Reflective Devices button (shown below at #2) is now marked with a completion checkmark.
Port 1 Reflective Devices
Select displays the REFL. DEVICES PORT 1 submenu. When all procedures are complete, select the Back button to return to the THREE PORT CAL menu where this button is now marked with a completion checkmark.
Port 2 Reflective Devices
Select displays the REFL. DEVICES PORT 2 submenu. When all procedures are complete, select the Back button to return to the THREE PORT CAL menu where this button is now marked with a completion checkmark.
Port 3 Reflective Devices
Select displays the REFL. DEVICES PORT 3 submenu. When all procedures are complete, select the Back button to return to the THREE PORT CAL menu where this button is now marked with a completion checkmark.
Thru/Recip
Select displays the THRU/RECIP submenu. When all procedures are complete, select the Back button to return to the THREE PORT CAL menu where this button is now marked with a completion checkmark.
Isolation (Optional)
If required, select displays the ISOLATION submenu. When all procedures are complete, select the Back button to return to the THREE PORT CAL menu where this button is now marked with a completion checkmark.
Done
This button is unavailable until a successful calibration procedure has been completed. When available, it returns to the CALIBRATION menu where the Cal Status button is set to ON.
Abort Cal
This button stops the current calibration procedure and returns to the CALIBRATION menu.
THREE PORT CAL SETUP (SOLT/R, Coaxial) Dialog Box
Previous
CAL SETUP Menu – 4-Port VNAs
THREE PORT CAL Menu – 4-Port VNAs
Navigation
MAIN | Calibration | CALIBRATION | Calibrate | CALIBRATE | Manual Cal | MANUAL CAL | 3-Port Cal | THREE PORT CAL | Modify Cal Setup | CAL SETUP | Cal Method = SOLT/SOLR | Line Type = Coaxial | Edit Cal Params | THREE PORT CAL SETUP (SOLT/R, Coaxial) Dialog Box
THREE PORT CAL SETUP (SOLT/R, Coaxial) Dialog Box
1. Through selected allows user entries for length, line impedance, line loss, and frequency.
Reciprocal selected allows user entry for length.
S2P Thru selected provides buttons for loading, viewing, and characterization (to generate S2P files).
Reference Impedance
Input the reference impedance.
Input field defaulted to 50 Ohms.
Any numerical value accepted although input values < 0.01 Ohms are converted to 0.01 Ohms.
Full Three Port Calibration Configuration
Select three (3) ports from the list below. If a fourth port selection is attempted, an earlier port is discarded:
Port 1
Port 2
Port 3
Port 4
Select Throughs
Select any combination of three possible throughs as long as two (2) are selected. The available port pair throughs are based on the ports selected above. For a 3-port calibration, only three of the following port pairs are available:
Thru 1-2
Thru 1-3
Thru 1-4
Thru 2-3
Thru 2-4
Thru 3.4
Thru Buttons
Each of the throughs above enables a Thru Info button that displays the THRU INFO dialog box allowing configuration of each through. A calculator icon in the THRU INFO dialog box allows access to the AIR EQUIVALENT LENGTH CALCULATOR dialog box.
THRU INFO Dialog Box – 4-Port VNAs
AIR EQUIVALENT LENGTH Calculator Dialog Box
Load Type
Select from two radio button controlled options:
Broadband Load
Sliding Load. If Sliding Load is selected, a message appears in the “Still requires broadband loads below sliding load breakpoint frequency.”
Only three of the Test Port configuration area are available based on the port selection above.
Test Port 1 DUT Connector
If Port 1 was selected above, select the DUT Connector Type from a drop-down menu list with options of:
0.8 mm-Conn (M)
0.8 mm-Conn (F)
W1-Conn (M)
W1-Conn (F)
V-Conn (M)
V-Conn (F)
K-Conn (M)
K-Conn (F)
2.4 mm (M)
2.4 mm (F)
GPC-3.5 (M)
GPC-3.5 (F)
SMA (M)
SMA (F)
N-Conn (M)
N-Conn (F)
N-Conn (75) (M)
N-Conn (75) (F)
GPC-7
7/16 (M)
7/16 (F)
TNC (M) (Kit from Maury Microwave)
TNC (F) (Kit from Maury Microwave)
User-Defined1 (M) through User-Defined32 (M)
User-Defined1 (F) through User-Defined32 (F)
Test Port 1 DUT Connector Standard Info Button
If Port 1 was selected above, select displays the STANDARD INFO dialog box for the selected connector and calibration method that displays the connector calibration coefficients. The dialog box contents depend on the selected connector, Cal Method, and Line Type. The example here shows a typical standard information dialog box.
STANDARD INFO (SOLT/R) V-Connector (M) Dialog Box
Test Port 1 Select BB Load
If Port 1 was selected above, select BB Load number for Test Port 1:
Load 1
Load 2
Test Port 2 Configuration
If Port 2 was selected above, provides the same controls as Test Port 1 Connector above.
Test Port 3 Configuration
If Port 3 was selected above, provides the same controls as Test Port 3 Connector above.
Test Port 4 Configuration
If Port 4 was selected above, provides the same controls as Test Port 4 Connector above.
OK / Cancel
Click OK to accept the changes and return to the CAL SETUP menu.
Click Cancel to abandon any changes and return to the CAL SETUP menu.
THREE PORT CAL SETUP (SSLT, Microstrip) Dialog Box
Prerequisites
VNA Mode = 4-Port Mode
Cal Method = SSLT
Line Type = Microstrip
Previous
CAL SETUP Menu – 4-Port VNAs
THREE PORT CAL Menu – 4-Port VNAs
Navigation
MAIN | Calibration | CALIBRATION | Calibrate | CALIBRATE | Manual Cal | MANUAL CAL | 3-Port Cal | THREE PORT CAL | Modify Cal Setup | CAL SETUP | Cal Method = SSLT | Line Type = Microstrip | Edit Cal Params | THREE PORT CAL SETUP (SSLT, Microstrip) Dialog Box
THREE PORT CAL SETUP (SSLT, Microstrip) Dialog Box
1. Through selected allows user entries for length, line impedance, line loss, and frequency.
Reciprocal selected allows user entry for length.
S2P Thru selected provides buttons for loading, viewing, and characterization (to generate S2P files).
Reference Impedance
Input the reference impedance.
Input field defaulted to 50 Ohms.
Any numerical value accepted although input values < 0.01 Ohms are converted to 0.01 Ohms.
OK / Cancel
Click OK to accept the changes and return to the CAL SETUP menu. Click Cancel to abandon any changes and return to the CAL SETUP menu.
Full Three Port Calibration Configuration
Select three (3) ports from the list below. If a fourth port selection is attempted, an earlier port is discarded:
Port 1
Port 2
Port 3
Port 4
Select Throughs
Select any combination of three possible throughs as long as two (2) are selected. The available port pair throughs are based on the ports selected above. For a 3-port calibration, only three of the following port pairs are available:
Thru 1-2
Thru 1-3
Thru 1-4
Thru 2-3
Thru 2-4
Thru 3.4
Thru Buttons
Each of the throughs above enables a Thru Info button that displays the THRU INFO dialog box allowing configuration of each through. A calculator icon in the THRU INFO dialog box allows access to the AIR EQUIVALENT LENGTH CALCULATOR dialog box.
THRU INFO Dialog Box – 4-Port VNAs
AIR EQUIVALENT LENGTH Calculator Dialog Box
Only three of the Test Port configuration areas are available based on the port selection above.
Test Port 1 DUT Connector
If Port 1 was selected above, select the DUT Connector Type from a drop-down menu list with options of:
User-Defined1 through User-Defined32
Test Port 1 DUT Connector Standard Info Button
If Port 1 was selected above, select displays the STANDARD INFO dialog box for the selected connector and calibration method that displays the connector calibration coefficients. The dialog box contents depend on the selected connector, Cal Method, and Line Type. The example here shows a typical standard information dialog box.
MICROSTRIP INFO and USER DEFINED MICROSTRIP Dialog Boxes
Test Port 1 Select BB Load
If Port 1 was selected above, select BB Load number for Test Port 1:
Load 1
Load 2
Test Port 2 Configuration
If Port 2 was selected above, provides the same controls as Test Port 1 Connector above.
Test Port 3 Configuration
If Port 3 was selected above, provides the same controls as Test Port 3 Connector above.
Test Port 4 Configuration
If Port 4 was selected above, provides the same controls as Test Port 4 Connector above.
THREE PORT CAL SETUP (SSST, Coaxial) Dialog Box
Prerequisites
VNA Mode = 4-Port Mode
Cal Method = SSST
Line Type = Coaxial
Previous
CAL SETUP Menu – 4-Port VNAs
THREE PORT CAL Menu – 4-Port VNAs
Navigation
MAIN | Calibration | CALIBRATION | Calibrate | CALIBRATE | Manual Cal | MANUAL CAL | 3-Port Cal | THREE PORT CAL | Modify Cal Setup | CAL SETUP | Cal Method = SSST | Line Type = Coaxial | Edit Cal Params | THREE PORT CAL SETUP (SSST, Coaxial) Dialog Box
THREE PORT CAL SETUP (SSST, Coaxial) Dialog Box
1. Through selected allows user entries for length, line impedance, line loss, and frequency.
Reciprocal selected allows user entry for length.
S2P Thru selected provides buttons for loading, viewing, and characterization (to generate S2P files).
Reference Impedance
Input the reference impedance.
Input field defaulted to 50 Ohms.
Any numerical value accepted although input values < 0.01 Ohms are converted to 0.01 Ohms.
Full Three Port Calibration Configuration
Select three (3) ports from the list below. If a fourth port selection is attempted, an earlier port is discarded:
Port 1
Port 2
Port 3
Port 4
Select Throughs/Reciprocals
Select any combination of three possible throughs as long as two (2) are selected. The available port pair throughs are based on the ports selected above. For a 3-port calibration, only three of the following port pairs are available:
Thru 1-2
Thru 1-3
Thru 1-4
Thru 2-3
Thru 2-4
Thru 3-4
Thru Info Buttons
Each of the throughs above enables a Thru Info button that displays the THRU INFO dialog box allowing configuration of each through. A calculator icon in the THRU INFO dialog box accesses the AIR EQUIVALENT LENGTH CALCULATOR dialog box.
THRU INFO Dialog Box – 4-Port VNAs
AIR EQUIVALENT LENGTH Calculator Dialog Box
Only three of the Test Port Configuration areas are available based on the port selection above.
Test Port 1 DUT Connector
If Port 1 was selected above, select the DUT Connector Type from a drop-down menu list with options of:
0.8 mm-Conn (M)
0.8 mm-Conn (F)
W1-Conn (M)
W1-Conn (F)
User-Defined1 (M) through User-Defined32 (M)
User-Defined1 (F) through User-Defined32 (F)
Test Port 1 DUT Connector Standard Info Button
If Port 1 was selected above, select displays the STANDARD INFO dialog box for the selected connector and calibration method that displays the connector calibration coefficients. The dialog box contents depend on the selected connector, Cal Method, and Line Type. The example here shows a typical standard information dialog box.
STANDARD INFO (SOLT/R) V-Connector (M) Dialog Box
Test Port 2 Configuration
If Port 2 was selected above, provides the same controls as Test Port 1 Connector above.
Test Port 3 Configuration
If Port 3 was selected above, provides the same controls as Test Port 3 Connector above.
Test Port 4 Configuration
If Port 4 was selected above, provides the same controls as Test Port 4 Connector above.
OK / Cancel
Click OK to accept the changes and return to the CAL SETUP menu.
Click Cancel to abandon any changes and return to the CAL SETUP menu.
THREE PORT CAL SETUP Broadband Cal (SOLT/R-SSST/R, Coaxial) Dialog Box
Full Name: Three Port Cal Setup (Broadband Cal, Merged SOLT/SOLR-SSST/SSSR)
Prerequisites
VNA Mode = 4-Port Mode
Cal Method = Broadband Cal (SOLT/R-SSST/R) – Appears only with VNA in Broadband Mode (3739)
Line Type = Coaxial
Previous
CAL SETUP Menu – 4-Port VNAs
CAL METHOD Menu – 4-Port VNA
THREE PORT CAL Menu – 4-Port VNAs
Navigation
MAIN | Calibration | CALIBRATION | Calibrate | CALIBRATE | Manual Cal | MANUAL CAL | 3-Port Cal | THREE PORT CAL | Modify Cal Setup | CAL SETUP | Cal Method = Broadband Cal (SOLT/R-SSST/R) | Line Type = Coaxial | Edit Cal Params | THREE PORT CAL SETUP BROADBAND CAL, MERGED SOLT-SSST/SOLR-SSSR) Dialog Box
THREE PORT CAL SETUP Broadband Cal, Merged (SOLT/SOLR-SSST/SSSR) Dialog Box
1. Through selected allows user entries for length, line impedance, line loss, and frequency.
Reciprocal selected allows user entry for length.
S2P Thru selected provides buttons for loading, viewing, and characterization (to generate S2P files).
Reference Impedance
Input the reference impedance.
Input field defaulted to 50 Ohms.
Any numerical value accepted although input values < 0.01 Ohms are converted to 0.01 Ohms.
Full Three Port Cal Config (Select 3 ports)
Select three (3) ports from the list below. If a fourth port selection is attempted, an earlier port is discarded.
Select Thrus/Reciprocals Area
Select any combination of throughs as long as two are selected. For a 3-port calibration, the following port pairs are available:
Thru 1-2, Thru 1-3, Thru 1-4, Thru 2-3, Thru 2-4, Thru 3-4
Thru Buttons
Each of the Throughs above enables a Thru Info button that displays the THRU INFO dialog box allowing configuration of each through. A calculator icon in the THRU INFO dialog box allows access to the AIR EQUIVALENT LENGTH CALCULATOR dialog box.
THRU INFO Dialog Box – 4-Port VNAs
AIR EQUIVALENT LENGTH Calculator Dialog Box
Breakpoint Frequency
67 GHz is recommended for the 3656 (1 mm) calibration kit.
80 GHz is recommended for the 3659 (0.8 mm) calibration kit.
In this combined calibration, the breakpoint frequency defines the frequency above which the SSS algorithm will be used (and SOL will be used for the frequencies at or below the breakpoint). Default values are based on Anritsu calibration kits and are optimal for those components.
Test Port 1 Connector Type Area
Select the DUT Connector type from a drop-down menu list with options of:
0.8 mm-Conn (M)
W1-Conn (M)
User-Defined1 (M) through User-Defined32 (M)
0.8 mm-Conn (F)
W1-Conn (F)
User-Defined1 (F) through User-Defined32 (F)
Test Port 1 Connector Standard Info Button
Select displays the STANDARD INFO dialog box for the selected connector and calibration method that displays the connector calibration coefficients. The dialog box contents depend on the selected connector, Cal Method, and Line Type. The following link shows a typical standard information dialog box for broadband cal.
STANDARD INFO (Broadband Cal) 0.8 mm Connector (M) Dialog Box
The following link shows a typical User-defined Standard information dialog box for broadband cal.
USER DEFINED STANDARD (Broadband Cal) Dialog Box
Test Port 2 and Test Port 3 Connector Type Area
Identical function as with the Test Port 1 Connector Area above. Select the DUT Connector Type from a drop-down menu list.
Test Port 2 and Test Port 3 Connector Standard Info Button
Identical function as with the Test Port 1 Connector Standard Info Button above. Select displays the STANDARD INFO dialog box for the selected DUT Connector.
OK / Cancel
Click OK to accept the changes or Cancel to abandon any changes and return to the CAL SETUP menu.
THREE PORT CAL SETUP (TRL/TRM, Coaxial) Dialog Box
Previous
CAL SETUP Menu – 4-Port VNAs
THREE PORT CAL Menu – 4-Port VNAs
Navigation
MAIN | Calibration | CALIBRATION | Calibrate | CALIBRATE | Manual Cal | MANUAL CAL | 3-Port Cal | THREE PORT CAL | Modify Cal Setup | CAL SETUP | Cal Method = TRL/TRM | Line Type = Coaxial | Edit Cal Params | THREE PORT CAL SETUP (TRL/TRM, Coaxial)
THREE PORT CAL SETUP (TRL/TRM, Coaxial) Dialog Box – Cal A Tab
 
Reference Impedance
Input the reference impedance.
Input field defaulted to 50 Ohms.
Any numerical value accepted although input values < 0.01 Ohms are converted to 0.01 Ohms.
Dielectric
Enter a value if different than the default.
Select Cal Type
Select one of the calibration options from:
TRL/M + Singleton
Two TRL/Ms
Full Three Port Cal Config (1-2, 3-4 combos are not allowed):
Cal A (Select Port Pair)
1,3
1,4
2,3
2,4
Cal B (Select Port Pair, One port must be shared with Cal A)
1,3
1,4
2,3
2,4
Cal A / Cal B Tabs
Access the Cal A or Cal B functions and controls by selecting either the Cal A or Cal B tab.
Line Length Representation
Select from three radio button controlled options:
Effective Length (the free-space equivalent length)
Delay
Physical Length
Band Definition
Select one to five bands from the drop-down menu.
Number of Bands = 1. Only the Band 1 Definition and editable parameters appear.
Number of Bands = 2. The Band 2 Definition and editable parameters appear.
Number of Bands = 3. The Band 3 Definition and editable parameters appear.
Number of Bands = 4. The Band 4 Definition and editable parameters appear.
Number of Bands = 5. The Band 5 Definition and editable parameters appear.
Band Parameter Definitions
Cal Device
Line
Match
Device Effective Length (mm)/Match
Line: Enter device effective length for each band
Match: USER DEFINED MATCH DEVICES Dialog Box – TRL/TRM
Reflection Type
Enter a reflection type for each band.
Short-like
Open-like
Breakpoint (GHz)
Enter a breakpoint frequency for Band 2–5. (The entries are active for bands 2–5.)
Breakpoint Calculation
Select to calculate a breakpoint frequency for band:
Reflection Component
Enforce Passivity – Forces the reflection value to be passive at an intermediate step in the calibration, which rescales the reflection tracking terms.
Enter Open-like and/or Short-like offset length
Last Loaded Kit Name, Save Kit, Load Kit, Restore Defaults
Last Loaded Kit Name – Loaded kit name appears in the field. The name can be edited in this field and then saved as another kit.
Save Kit – Saves the present cal setup.
Load Kit – Click opens window to navigate to a desired existing TRL/TRM cal kit file (.lcf).
Restore Defaults – Loads the instrument default values for the Cal Setup.
OK/Cancel
OK and Cancel returns user to the CAL SETUP menu.
THREE PORT CAL SETUP (LRL/LRM, Coaxial) Dialog Box
Previous
CAL SETUP Menu – 4-Port VNAs
THREE PORT CAL Menu – 4-Port VNAs
Navigation
MAIN | Calibration | CALIBRATION | Calibrate | CALIBRATE | Manual Cal | MANUAL CAL | 3-Port Cal | THREE PORT CAL | Modify Cal Setup | CAL SETUP | Cal Method = LRL/LRM | Line Type = Coaxial | Edit Cal Params | THREE PORT CAL SETUP (LRL/LRM, Coaxial)
THREE PORT CAL SETUP (LRL/LRM, Coaxial) Dialog Box – Cal A Tab
 
Overview
The dialog box provides common areas at the top for Reference Impedance, Three Port Calibration Configuration, and Thru Selection. Below these common sections are two tabbed dialog areas for Cal A and Cal B.
Reference Impedance
Input the reference impedance.
Input field defaulted to 50 Ohms.
Any numerical value accepted although input values < 0.01 Ohms are converted to 0.01 Ohms.
Dielectric
Enter a value if different than the default.
Select Cal Type
Select one of the calibration options from:
LRL/M + Singleton
Two LRL/Ms
Full Three Port Cal Config (1-2, 3-4 combos are not allowed):
Cal A (Select Port Pair)
1,3
1,4
2,3
2,4
Cal B (Select Port Pair, One port must be shared with Cal A)
1,3
1,4
2,3
2,4
Cal A / Cal B Tabs
Access the Cal A or Cal B functions and controls by selecting either the Cal A or Cal B tab.
Reference Plane Location
Select from two radio button controlled options:
Ends of Line 1
Middle of Line 1
Line Length Representation
Select from three radio button controlled options:
Effective Length (the free-space equivalent length)
Delay
Physical Length
Band Definition
Select one to five bands from the drop-down menu.
Number of Bands = 1. Only the Band 1 Definition and editable parameters appear.
Number of Bands = 2. The Band 2 Definition and editable parameters appear.
Number of Bands = 3. The Band 3 Definition and editable parameters appear.
Number of Bands = 4. The Band 4 Definition and editable parameters appear.
Number of Bands = 5. The Band 5 Definition and editable parameters appear.
Band Parameter Definitions
Band # (Device #)
Band 1 defines Devices as X = 1 and Y = 2
Band 2 defines Devices as X = 3 and Y = 4
Band 3 defines Devices as X = 5 and Y = 6
Band 4 defines Devices as X = 7 and Y = 8
Band 5 defines Devices as X = 9 and Y = 10
Cal Device X
Band 1 choice is
Line
Band 2 choices are
New Line
Bnd1 Cal Dev X
Bnd1 Cal Dev Y
Band 3 choices are
New Line
Bnd1 Cal Dev X
Bnd1 Cal Dev Y
Bnd2 Cal Dev X
Bnd2 Cal Dev Y
Band 4 choices are
New Line
Bnd1 Cal Dev X, Bnd1 Cal Dev Y
Bnd2 Cal Dev X, Bnd2 Cal Dev Y
Bnd3 Cal Dev X, Bnd3 Cal Dev Y
Band 5 choices are
New Line
Bnd1 Cal Dev X, Bnd1 Cal Dev Y
Bnd2 Cal Dev X, Bnd2 Cal Dev Y
Bnd3 Cal Dev X, Bnd3 Cal Dev Y
Bnd4 Cal Dev X, Bnd4 Cal Dev Y
Device X Length (mm)
Enter device length for each band
Cal Device Y
Select Line or Match for each band.
Device Y Length (mm)/Match
Enter device length for each band if Device Y is Line.
Select Match Info if Device Y is Match. Opens USER DEFINED MATCH DEVICES Dialog Box – LRL/LRM.
Loss (dB/mm)
Enter loss for each band.
@Frequency (GHz)
Enter frequency for line loss for each band.
Reflection Type
Enter a reflection type for each band.
Short-like
Open-like
Both (available only if Cal Device Y= Match)
Breakpoint (GHz)
Enter a breakpoint frequency for Band 2–5. (The entries are active for bands 2–5.)
Breakpoint Calculation
Select to calculate a breakpoint frequency for band:
Reflection Component
Enforce Passivity – Forces the reflection value to be passive at an intermediate step in the calibration, which rescales the reflection tracking terms.
Enter Open-like and/or Short-like offset length
Last Loaded Kit Name, Save Kit, Load Kit, Restore Defaults
Last Loaded Kit Name – Loaded kit name appears in the field. The name can be edited in this field and then saved as another kit.
Save Kit – Saves the present cal setup.
Load Kit – Click opens window to navigate to a desired existing LRL/LRM cal kit file (.lcf).
Restore Defaults – Loads the instrument default values for the Cal Setup.
OK/Cancel
OK and Cancel returns user to the CAL SETUP menu.
THREE PORT CAL SETUP (mSSS, Coaxial) Dialog Box
Prerequisites
VNA Mode = 4-Port Mode
Cal Method = mSSS
Line Type = Coaxial
Previous
CAL SETUP Menu – 4-Port VNAs
THREE PORT CAL Menu – 4-Port VNAs
Navigation
MAIN | Calibration | CALIBRATION | Calibrate | CALIBRATE | Manual Cal | MANUAL CAL | 3-Port Cal | THREE PORT CAL | Modify Cal Setup | CAL SETUP | Cal Method = mSSS | Line Type = Coaxial | Edit Cal Params | THREE PORT CAL SETUP (mSSS, Coaxial) Dialog Box
THREE PORT CAL SETUP (mSSS, Coaxial) Dialog Box
1. Through selected allows user entries for length, line impedance, line loss, and frequency.
Reciprocal selected allows user entry for length.
S2P Thru selected provides buttons for loading, viewing, and characterization (to generate S2P files).
Reference Impedance
Input the reference impedance.
Input field defaulted to 50 Ohms.
Any numerical value accepted although input values < 0.01 Ohms are converted to 0.01 Ohms.
Select Throughs
Select any combination of three possible throughs as long as two (2) are selected. The available port pair throughs are based on the ports selected above. For a 3-port calibration, only three of the following port pairs are available:
Thru 1-2
Thru 1-3
Thru 1-4
Thru 2-3
Thru 2-4
Thru 3-4
Thru Info Buttons
Each of the throughs above enables a Thru Info button that displays the THRU INFO dialog box allowing configuration of each through. A calculator icon in the THRU INFO dialog box allows access to the AIR EQUIVALENT LENGTH CALCULATOR dialog box.
THRU INFO Dialog Box – 4-Port VNAs
AIR EQUIVALENT LENGTH Calculator Dialog Box
Test Ports: Port 1 Tab – Short Definition
Number of Shorts
Select number of shorts from 3-10.
Offset Length (mm)
Editable if the Cal Kit Sel selected is “Other”; otherwise it will reflect the offset length of the selected short in the cal kit standard (Kit Info column).
Cal Kit Selection
Select the DUT Connector Type from a drop-down menu list with options of:
Other
0.8 mm-Conn (M)
0.8 mm-Conn (F)
W1-Conn (M)
W1-Conn (F)
User-Defined1 (M) through User-Defined32 (M)
User-Defined1 (F) through User-Defined32 (F)
Kit Info Button
Select displays the STANDARD INFO or USER DEFINED STANDARD dialog box for the selected connector and calibration method that displays the connector calibration coefficients. The dialog box contents depend on the selected connector, Cal Method, and Line Type. The examples show typical standard information dialog boxes.
STANDARD INFO (TRIPLE OFFSET SHORT) W1-Connector (M) Dialog Box
Since the STANDARD INFORMATION (mSSS) dialog derives from the SSS calibration kit definition, three shorts are available and the one to be used for the current line in the mSSS table is defined by the Select Short to use field. All of the shorts in the kit can be employed in the mSSS calibration, but each must be assigned to a separate line in the table.
USER DEFINED STANDARD (Broadband Cal) Dialog Box
Loss (dB/mm)
This field (in conjunction with the @Frequency field and the offset length) is used to compute the loss in the short and hence the magnitude of its reflection coefficient. This is mainly relevant for very large offset lengths (> 10 mm) at microwave frequencies or somewhat shorter lengths at millimeter wave frequencies.
@Frequency (GHz)
This field (in conjunction with the loss in dB/mm and the offset length) is used to compute the loss of the offset short (and hence the magnitude of its reflection coefficient) at each frequency. If a non-zero value is entered here, it is treated as the reference frequency fref at which the loss (dB/mm) was defined and the loss at all other frequencies is scaled by sqrt(f/fref). If 0 is entered here, the loss is assumed to be constant with frequency.
Use Match Checkbox
When this box is checked, a match measurement is acquired during the calibration and is used whenever even the collection of offset shorts does not have enough phase separation (value defined within the USER DEFINED MATCH dialog: Electrical line length delta for match use, expressed in degrees). The decision to use the match data is made on a frequency-by-frequency basis. See the MS464XB Calibration and Measurement Guide for more information. This helps increase bandwidth of the calibration, particularly at lower frequencies, if a match standard is available.
Match Info Button
Opens the USER DEFINED MATCH dialog.
USER DEFINED MATCH Dialog Box – mSSS
Optimal Offset Length Super-Weighting Checkbox
When this box is checked, more weight is given to those offset shorts that contribute most to large electrical length deltas and hence to bandwidth of the calibration. More details can be found in the MS464XB Calibration and Measurement Guide. Using this feature can increase the available bandwidth of the calibration, but does reduce immunity to repeatability variances in the setup, so it is not advised in more repeatability challenged scenarios (e.g., fixtures where the short standards are attached by spring force alone).
Port 2, Port 3, and Port 4 Tabs – Short Definition
Identical functions as with the Test Ports: Port 1 Tab above.
OK / Cancel
Click OK to accept the changes and return to the CAL SETUP menu.
Click Cancel to abandon any changes and return to the CAL SETUP menu.
Summary of 3-Port Calibration Setup Dialog Boxes
The table below summarizes the available fields in all available 3-port calibration setup dialog boxes. If the dialog box is described in greater detail above, a link is provided to that description. To view each dialog box, set the CAL METHOD and LINE TYPE menus to the appropriate settings, and then select the Edit Cal Params button. All three-port dialog boxes are named “Three Port Cal Setup (Cal Method, Line Type)
3-Port Manual Cal Setup Dialog Box Summary – 4-Port VNAs (1 of 8)
Cal Method
Line Type
Dialog Box Controls and Functions
SOLT/R
Coaxial
Reference Impedance (Ohms)
Test Ports: Select 3 ports from Port 1, Port 2, Port 3, Port 4.
Select Throughs:
At least 2 throughs that connect to all ports must be selected. Only three throughs are available from the ports selected above.
Thru 1-2, Thru 1-3, Thru 1-4, Thru 2-3, Thru 2-4, Thru 3-4
Thru Info buttons: Displays the THRU INFO dialog box for the selected through.
Load Type: Broadband Load, Sliding Load
The Test Port Configuration areas below are only available if the port was selected above.
Test Port 1 DUT Connector: 0.8 mm-Conn (M), 0.8 mm-Conn (F), W1-Conn (M), W1-Conn (F), V-Conn (M), V-Conn (F), K-Conn (M), K-Conn (F), 2.4 mm (M), 2.4 mm (F), 2.4 mm V (M), 2.4 mm V (M), GPC-3.5 (M), GPC-3.5 (F), SMA (M), SMA (F), N-Conn (M), N-Conn (F), N-Conn (75) (M), N-Conn (75) (F), GPC-7, 7/16 (M), 7/16 (F), TNC (M), TNC (F), User-Defined1 (M) to User-Defined32 (M), User-Defined1 (F) to User-Defined32 (F)
Test Port 1 Connector Standard Info Button: For each DUT port connector, displays the STANDARD INFORMATION dialog box for the selected connector.
Test Port 1 Select BB Load: Load 1, Load 2.
Test Port 2, Test Port 3, and Test Port 4 controls are the same as Test Port 1, but only available if that test port was selected.
SOLT/R
Non-Dispersive
Same controls and functions as SOLT/R Coaxial above.
SOLT/R
Waveguide
SOLT/R is not recommended for Waveguide calibrations.
 
Same controls as SOLT/R Coaxial with the following changes:
Waveguide Kit: User-Defined 1 to User-Defined 32
Waveguide Info button: Displays USER DEFINED WAVEGUIDE dialog box for the waveguide kit selected above.
SOLT/R
Microstrip
Same controls as SOLT/R Coaxial with the following changes:
 
Microstrip Kit: 10 Mil Kit, 15 Mil Kit, 25 Mil Kit, User-Defined 1 to User-Defined 32
Microstrip Info button: Displays either the MICROSTRIP INFO or the USER DEFINED MICROSTRIP dialog box for the microstrip kit selected above.
Test Port DUT Connector: User-Defined1 to User-Defined32
Test Port 1 Connector Standard Info Button: Select displays the STANDARD INFORMATION dialog box for the selected connector.
SSLT
Coaxial
Reference Impedance (Ohms)
Test Ports: Select 3 ports from Port 1, Port 2, Port 3, Port 4.
Select Throughs:
At least 2 throughs that connect to all ports must be selected. Only three throughs are available from the ports selected above.
Thru 1-2, Thru 1-3, Thru 1-4, Thru 2-3, Thru 2-4, Thru 3-4
Thru Info buttons: Displays the THRU INFO dialog box for the selected through.
Load Type: Broadband Load, Sliding Load
The Test Port Configuration areas below are only available if the port was selected above.
Test Port DUT Connector: 0.8 mm-Conn (M), 0.8 mm-Conn (F), W1-Conn (M), W1-Conn (F), User-Defined1 (M) to User-Defined32 (M), User-Defined1 (F) to User-Defined32 (F)
Test Port Connector Standard Info Button: Select displays the STANDARD INFORMATION dialog box for the selected connector.
Test Port Select BB Load: Load 1, Load 2.
Test Port 1, Test Port 2, Test Port 3, and Test Port 4 controls are the same.
SSLT
Non-Dispersive
Same controls SSLT Coaxial above.
SSLT
Waveguide
Warning: Not recommended to perform waveguide cal with SOLT/R method.
 
Same controls as SSLT Coaxial with the following changes:
Waveguide Kit: Select from WR10, WR12, WR15, User-Defined 1 to User-Defined 32
Waveguide Info button: Displays WAVEGUIDE INFO dialog box for selected calibration method and kit.
SSLT
Microstrip
Same controls as SSLT Coaxial with the following changes:
Microstrip Kit: Select from 10 Mil Kit, 15 Mil Kit, 25 Mil Kit, User-Defined 1 to User-Defined 32
Microstrip Info button: Displays MICROSTRIP INFO dialog box for selected calibration method and kit.
Test Port DUT Connector: User-Defined1 to User-Defined32
Test Port Connector Standard Info Button: Select displays the STANDARD INFORMATION dialog box for the selected connector.
SSST
Coaxial
Reference Impedance (Ohms)
Test Ports: Select 3 ports from Port 1, Port 2, Port 3, Port 4.
Select Throughs:
At least 2 throughs that connect to all ports must be selected. Only three throughs are available from the ports selected above.
Thru 1-2, Thru 1-3, Thru 1-4, Thru 2-3, Thru 2-4, Thru 3-4
Thru Info buttons: Displays the THRU INFO dialog box for the selected through.
The Test Port Configuration areas below are only available if the port was selected above.
Test Port DUT Connector: 0.8 mm-Conn (M), 0.8 mm-Conn (F), W1-Conn (M), W1-Conn (F), User-Defined 1 (M) to User-Defined 32 (M), User-Defined 1 (F) to User-Defined 32 (F)
Test Port Connector Standard Info Button: Select displays the STANDARD INFORMATION dialog box for the selected connector.
Test Port 1, Test Port 2, Test Port 3, and Test Port 4 controls are the same.
SSST
Non-Dispersive
Same controls as SSST Coaxial.
SSST
Waveguide
Same controls as SSST Coaxial with the following changes:
Waveguide Kit: User-Defined 1 to User-Defined 32
Waveguide Info button: Displays WAVEGUIDE INFO dialog box for selected calibration method and kit.
SSST
Microstrip
Same controls as SSST Coaxial with the following changes:
Microstrip Kit: 10 Mil Kit, 15 Mil Kit, 25 Mil Kit, User-Defined 1 to User-Defined 32
Microstrip Info button: Displays MICROSTRIP INFO dialog box for selected calibration method and kit.
Test Port DUT Connector: User-Defined1 to User-Defined32
Test Port Connector Standard Info Button: Select displays the STANDARD INFORMATION dialog box for the selected connector.
Broadband
(SOLT/SOLR-
SSST/SSSR)
Coaxial
See full description of controls and display logic at THREE PORT CAL SETUP Broadband Cal (SOLT/R-SSST/R, Coaxial) Dialog Box.
Note: Broadband Calibration is available only in Broadband configuration enabled with Option 08x and 3739 Test Set.
Reference Impedance
Input the reference impedance. Input field defaulted to 50 Ohms.
Any numerical value accepted although input values < 0.01 Ohms are converted to 0.01 Ohms.
Select Through Area
Select any combination of throughs as long as three are selected. For a 4-port calibration, the following port pairs are available:
Thru 1-2, Thru 1-3, Thru 1-4, Thru 2-3, Thru 2-4, Thru 3.4,
Thru Buttons
Each of the Throughs enables a Thru Info button that displays the THRU INFO dialog box allowing configuration of each through. A calculator icon in the THRU INFO dialog box allows access to the AIR EQUIVALENT LENGTH CALCULATOR dialog box.
Breakpoint Frequency
67 GHz is recommended for the 3656 (1 mm) calibration kit.
80 GHz is recommended for the 3659 (0.8 mm) calibration kit.
Test Port 1 Connector Type Area
Select the DUT Connector Type from a drop-down menu list with options of:
0.8 mm-Conn (M), 0.8 mm-Conn (F), W1-Conn (M), W1-Conn (F), User-Defined1 (M) through User-Defined32 (M), User-Defined1 (F) through User-Defined32 (F)
Test Port 1 Connector Standard Info Button
Select displays the STANDARD INFO dialog box for the selected connector and calibration method that displays the connector calibration coefficients. The dialog box contents depend on the selected connector, Cal Method, and Line Type. The following link shows a typical standard information dialog box for broadband cal.
The following link shows a typical User-defined Standard information dialog box for broadband cal.
Test Port 2, Test Port 3, and Test Port 4 Connector Type Area: Identical function as with the Test Port 1 Connector Area above. Select the DUT Connector Type from a drop-down menu list.
Test Port 2, Test Port 3, and Test Port 4 Connector Standard Info Button: Identical function as with the Test Port 1 Connector Standard Info Button above. Select displays the STANDARD INFO dialog box for the selected DUT Connector.
OK / Cancel: Click OK to accept the changes or Cancel to abandon any changes and return to the CAL SETUP menu.
TRL/TRM
Coaxial
See full description of controls and display logic at THREE PORT CAL SETUP (TRL/TRM, Coaxial) Dialog Box.
Reference Impedance (Ohms)
Dielectric – Enter a value if different than the default.
Select Cal Type: TRL/M + Singleton, Two TRL/Ms
Cal A Ports: Select two port pairs from 1-3, 1-4, 2-3, 2-4
Cal B Ports: Auto-selected non-Cal A Port Pairs: 1-3, 1-4, 2-3, 2-4
Cal A and Cal B tabs: The “A” and “B” calibration parameters are selected via a tabbed menu within the dialog box.
Line Length Representation: Effective Length, Delay, Physical Length
Number of Bands: 1 through 5
Cal A Configuration Parameters:
Cal A Reference Plane Location: Ends of Line, Middle of Line 1
Cal A Number of Bands: 1 through 5
Cal A Band 1 Device 1 Line: Line Length (mm) or Delay (ps), Line Loss (dB/mm), @ Frequency (GHz)
Cal A Band 1-5 Type: Line, Match; Device Effective Length (mm)/Match; If Device 1 = Match, Match Info button displays USER DEFINED MATCH DEVICES dialog box for selected calibration kit.
USER DEFINED MATCH DEVICES Dialog Box – TRL/TRM
Reflection Type: Open-Like Short-Like; Cal A Band Breakpoint: Calculate Recommended Value, Use Recommended Frequency (GHz), Define New Frequency (GHz).
Cal A Reflection Component: Enforce Passivity
Cal A Reflection Component: Open-like Length (mm), Short-like Offset Length (mm)
Last Loaded Kit Name – TRL/TRM/LRL/LRM Cal Kit file name last loaded
Save Kit – Save calibration kit data to an TRL/TRM/LRL/LRM cal kit file (.lcf)
Load Kit – Recall existing TRL/TRM/LRL/LRM cal kit file (.lcf)
Cal B Configuration Parameters
Cal B parameters are the same as those for Cal A.
TRL/TRM
Non-Dispersive
Same controls as TRL/TRM Coaxial above.
TRL/TRM
Waveguide
Same controls as TRL/TRM Coaxial above with the following changes:
Cutoff Frequency (GHz)
Dielectric Value
TRL/TRM
Microstrip
Same controls as TRL/TRM Coaxial above with the following changes:
Microstrip Kit: 10 Mil Kit, 15 Mil Kit, 25 Mil Kit, User-Defined 1 to User-Defined 32
Microstrip Info button: Displays MICROSTRIP INFO dialog box for selected calibration kit.
LRL/LRM
Coaxial
See full description of controls and display logic at THREE PORT CAL SETUP (LRL/LRM, Coaxial) Dialog Box.
Reference Impedance (Ohms)
Dielectric – Enter a value if different than the default.
Select Cal Type: LRL/M + Singleton, Two LRL/Ms
Cal A Ports: Select two port pairs from 1-3, 1-4, 2-3, 2-4
Cal B Ports: Auto-selected non-Cal A Port Pairs: 1-3, 1-4, 2-3, 2-4
Cal A and Cal B tabs: The “A” and “B” calibration parameters are selected via a tabbed menu within the dialog box.
Reference Plane Location: Ends of Line 1, Middle of Line 1
Line Length Representation: Effective Length, Delay, Physical Length
Number of Bands: 1 through 5
If 1, only Band 1 Device 1 and Band 1 Device 2 controls appear.
If 2, the above plus Band 2 Device 3 and Band 2 Device 4 controls appear.
If 3, the above plus Band 3 Device 5 and Band 3 Device 6 controls appear.
If 4, the above plus Band 4 Device 7 and Band 4 Device 8 controls appear.
If 5, the above plus Band 5 Device 9 and Band 5 Device 10 controls appear.
Cal A Configuration Parameters:
Cal A Reference Plane Location: Ends of Line, Middle of Line 1
Cal A Number of Bands: 1 through 5
Cal A Band 1 Device 1 Line: Line Length (mm) or Delay (ps), Line Loss (dB/mm), @ Frequency (GHz)
Cal A Band 1 Device 2 Type: Line, Match; Use Short-like component, Use Open-like component, Use both; If Device 2 = Match, Match Info button displays USER DEFINED MATCH DEVICES dialog box for selected calibration kit.
Cal A Band 2 Device 3: Use device 1, Use new line
Cal A Band 2 Device 4: Line, Match, Type of Reflection (Use Open-like component, Use Short-like component), Line Length (mm)
Cal A Band Break Point: Calculate Recommended Value, Use Recommended Frequency (GHz), Define New Frequency (GHz).
Cal A Reflection Component: Enforce Passivity
Cal A Reflection Component: Open-like Length (mm), Short-like Offset Length (mm)
Last Loaded Kit Name – TRL/TRM/LRL/LRM Cal Kit file name last loaded
Save Kit – Save calibration kit data to an TRL/TRM/LRL/LRM cal kit file (.lcf)
Load Kit – Recall existing TRL/TRM/LRL/LRM cal kit file (.lcf)
Cal B Configuration Parameters
Cal B parameters are the same as those for Cal A.
LRL/LRM
Non-Dispersive
Same controls as LRL/LRM Coaxial above.
LRL/LRM
Waveguide
Same controls as LRL/LRM Coaxial above with the following changes:
Cutoff Frequency (GHz)
Dielectric Value
LRL/LRM
Microstrip
Same controls as LRL/LRM Coaxial above with the following changes:
Microstrip Kit: 10 Mil Kit, 15 Mil Kit, 25 Mil Kit, User-Defined 1 to User-Defined 32
Microstrip Info button: Displays MICROSTRIP INFO dialog box for selected calibration kit.
mTRL
The mTRL calibration method is not available for three-port calibrations.
mSSS
Coaxial
 
Reference Impedance (Ohms)
Test Ports: Select 3 ports from Port 1, Port 2, Port 3, Port 4.
Select Throughs:
At least 2 throughs that connect to all ports must be selected. Only three throughs are available from the ports selected above.
Thru 1-2, Thru 1-3, Thru 1-4, Thru 2-3, Thru 2-4, Thru 3-4
Thru Info buttons: Displays the THRU INFO dialog box for the selected through.
Test Ports: Port 1, Port 2, Port 3, Port 4
Number of Shorts: 3-10
Offset Length: Cal Kit Sel selected is “Other”, otherwise reflects the offset length of the selected short in the cal kit standard (Kit Info column)
Cal Kit Selection: Other, 0.8 mm-Conn (M), 0.8 mm-Conn (F), W1-Conn (M), W1-Conn (F), User-Defined1 (M) through User-Defined32 (M), User-Defined1 (F) through User-Defined32 (F)
Kit Info Standard Info Button: Displays the STANDARD INFORMATION (mSSS) or USER DEFINED STANDARD (mSSS) dialog box for the selected short.
The short to be used for the current line in the mSSS table is defined by the Select Short to use field.
Loss (dB/mm): Used to compute the loss in the short and hence the magnitude of its reflection coefficient.
@Frequency: Used to compute the loss of the offset short (and hence the magnitude of its reflection coefficient) at each frequency.
Use Match: When this box is checked, a match measurement is acquired during the calibration and is used whenever even the collection of offset shorts does not have enough phase separation.
Optimal Offset Length Super-Weighting: When this box is checked, more weight is given to those offset shorts that contribute most to large electrical length deltas and hence to bandwidth of the calibration.
Test Port 1, Test Port 2, Test Port 3, and Test Port 4 controls are the same.
mSSS
Non-Dispersive
Same controls as mSSS Coaxial above.
mSSS
Waveguide
Same controls as mSSS Coaxial with the following changes:
Cutoff Frequency: The cutoff frequency for the TE10 mode in the waveguide size being used for this calibration (all shorts are assumed to have the same aperture dimensions and hence the same cutoff frequency).
Dielectric: The dielectric constant of any filling material in the waveguide interface being used for the calibration (assumed 100% fill; default value is 1).
mSSS
Microstrip
Same controls as mSSS Coaxial with the following changes:
Cal Kit Selection: User-Defined1 through User-Defined32.
Microstrip Kit: 10 Mil Kit, 15 Mil Kit, 25 Mil Kit, User-Defined 1 to User-Defined 32
Microstrip Info button: Displays MICROSTRIP INFO dialog box for selected calibration method and kit.