96270A 27 GHz RF Reference Standard

One instrument can cover a large load of RF calibrations

The 96270A can cover a large number of RF calibration loads, including.

• Spectrum analyzers, including higher frequency models
• RF Power Sensors
• Regime meters and analyzers
• Measurement receivers
• frequency counter
• RF Attenuators and Components
• High Frequency Oscilloscope
• wait a minute!

The use of the 96270A will make the associated metrological calibration easier with fewer sources of uncertainty and error than traditional RF calibration systems.

"What you set is what you get" ensures high output accuracy and purity

The 96270A delivers pure, accurate level signals directly to the inputs of the device under test, exactly as set up on the front panel. This unique set-and-forget feature allows you to avoid insertion loss, mismatch errors, and uncertainties introduced by cables and other interconnecting devices, and eliminates the need for complex setups and time-consuming alternative methods to obtain accurate results. There's no need for complicated setups and time spent using other methods to get accurate results.

For low-level signals, the 96270A's rugged and precise 75Ω or 50Ω active signal header can be used. The signal head generates signals from low frequencies to as high as 4 GHz at the input of the device under test, minimizing insertion loss, noise, interference and mismatch errors, and guaranteeing low-level signal integrity over the entire 154 dB dynamic range down to -130 dBm.

For most narrow amplitude signal ranges up to 27 GHz, the 96270A with its microwave output and HF amplitude stabilization options can be used to achieve precise output of signals on a "set it and forget it" basis.

Self-calibration avoids repeated measurements and calculations

The 96270A can "self-calibrate" or offset insertion loss and attenuation caused by system components such as cables, attenuators, power dividers, and connectors with a correction file that establishes a reference plane directly at the input of the UUT. This frequency/amplitude correction file is stored in the 96270A's memory. Its memory can save correction files for up to 30 different configurations of outputs and connections. Using the correction file, the 96270A automatically applies the correction data at the output level, thus outputting the user's desired signal directly on the reference plane established with the input of the device under test. This saves you a great deal of time because there is no longer any need to measure, calculate and apply correction factors for individual components of the signaling system.

You can also export or import external correction files from the USB port on the front panel of the 96270 using a USB flash drive, or via the GPIB interface. The flexibility provided by this feature is useful if you intend to apply equipment calibration data determined from other measurements, or if you want to use a correction file to correct a mismatch (gamma) during power sensor calibration.

More than just an RF calibrator

In many R&D and production tests and automated test systems there is a need for a device that can perform better than general purpose signal generators. The 96270A is the ideal choice when wide frequency coverage, frequency resolution, low harmonic distortion, phase noise, parasitic signals, signal level and attenuation accuracy, and dynamic range are important parameters.

Halve the cost of the RF calibration system

When putting together a high-performance spectrometer calibration system such as the 96270A, you can cut your costs in half or more. It replaces all of the following components in a conventional calibration system:

Up to 5 signal sources (from audio/function generators to RF microwave sources and low phase noise sources)

• power meter
• power sensor
• Stepping Attenuator
• filters
• coupler
• 300MHz frequency meter

The 96270A not only reduces the initial cost and the time it takes to purchase, install and commission an RF system, it also reduces the amount of money spent on maintaining and calibrating this equipment. For spectrum analyzer models operating below 27 GHz, as well as most power transducers, you only need one 96270A to perform the entire calibration.

The 96270A is also easy to transport, no more heavy rack equipment and accessories, it is the ideal solution for on-site calibration.

No additional power meters, function generators or counters required

The self-contained dual power sensor readout allows you to use the 96270A as a power meter for RF calibration without the need for a separate power meter. You can replace the 40 GHz power sensor that comes with the HF High Frequency Amplitude Stabilization option with other compatible models, which can be used for power measurements even up to 67 GHz.

The 96270A RF reference standard's internal modulation capability makes it ideal for applications that require a highly accurate modulation signal to be superimposed on the output signal, such as the calibration of modulation system analyzers and spectrum analyzer sweep time testing with an AM and more accurate modulation rate. You no longer need an additional signal source as a low-frequency modulation signal source, the 96270A is perfectly suited for the job. The integrated 300 MHz frequency meter allows you to greatly reduce the number of instruments required for RF calibration.

Specifically designed for RF calibrators

Many RF calibration systems are assembled by mixing and matching multiple general-purpose signal generators, power transducers, and non-calibration-specific instruments.The 96270A is completely different, designed specifically for RF calibration. Its user interface is designed to simplify the process of calibrating items such as spectrum analyzers, RF level meters, and receivers. Following the familiar calibration process, the display of parameters such as offset, step and DUT error will make your calibration work more accurate and efficient. You will find it easier to verify the performance and errors of the instrument under test than traditional methods.

The 96270A front panel is equipped with dedicated function keys, context-sensitive softkeys, and a bright, easy-to-read color display, all of which make it easier to learn and operate. You can set the output level by power (watts or dBm) or voltage (RMS or peak-to-peak) in the familiar multiplier or exponential form. You can easily switch between voltage, power, or dBm units without changing the output value or accuracy. In error display mode, simply turn the spinning wheel and the error of the device under test can be displayed directly in dB, ppm or percentage.

The simple, calibration-oriented user interface makes it easy to diagnose and troubleshoot if results are unexpected or exceedingly poor during manual or automatic calibration.

Unrivaled low phase noise performance

The 96270A provides low phase noise signals optimized for both low and high frequency bias, with frequency offsets from 1 Hz to 10 MHz, so excellent that it completely exceeds the requirements of today's high-performance metrics loads.

Phase noise test data is included in the calibration certificate supplied with the 96270A so that users do not have to rely on the more conservative specifications in the technical specifications, but can use actual test data from their own 96270A.

Flexible configurations to match your needs and budget

A range of models, options and accessories enable you to purchase the features you need, and later, as your needs change and grow, to purchase those features you need.

The 96270A RF Reference Standard in its basic configuration has a 50Ω amplitude stabilized active signal header, while the 96270A/75 has a 50Ω and 75Ω active signal header each. The signal heads provide amplitude stabilized, large attenuation, modulated and low phase noise signals up to 4 GHz, covering the 80% for any frequency range test point of the spectrum analyzer, including high frequency models, and can also be used for power transducer linearity calibration. 96270A front panel microwave output ports provide signals with output frequencies ranging from 1 mHz to 27 GHz, and are fully comparable in terms of level accuracy with other general-purpose signal sources in terms of level accuracy.

The 96270A/HF RF Reference Standard includes a HF high frequency stabilization option, which consists of a Rohde & Schwarz 40GHz power sensor and Aglient 1167B power splitter, plus a metering grade microwave cable and a precision PC 3.5mm adapter. 96270A outputs microwave signals in this configuration to enable you to calibrate spectrum analyzers and high frequency oscilloscopes in the range of 1kHz to 27GHz. The 96270A uses this configuration to output a microwave signal that allows you to calibrate spectrum analyzers, power sensors, and high-frequency oscilloscopes in the 1 kHz to 27 GHz range. The power transducer and power divider allow the 96270A to provide automatic feedback that adjusts the 96270A to output a highly accurate, amplitude-stabilized, and high-purity signal that is set up on the front panel of the 96270A, that is, on the reference plane between the output of the power divider and the input of the device under test.

The 96270A/LL RF Reference Standard with LL Low Level Microwave Output extends the microwave output range from -4dBm at the front panel connection port (or -10dBm with the HF High Frequency Amplitude Stabilizer Option output) down to -100dBm for applications requiring low level signals up to 27GHz. However, this feature is valuable for oscilloscope calibration, or some spectrum analyzer and power transducer testing.

The 96270A/LL/HF includes both the HF high-frequency amplitude stabilization option and the LL low-level microwave output for wider load coverage.

The 9600FLT 1GHz High Offset Phase Noise Filter is designed specifically for high performance spectrum analyzer phase noise testing. Even with excellent low phase noise signal generators, technicians occasionally need to use filters in high performance spectrum analyzer phase noise tests to reduce noise levels at high offset frequencies and to improve the sidebands of the test. 9600FLT can be easily coupled to the 96270A in either benchtop or rack mount configurations.

Additional power transducers, rack-mounted slide kits, connection kits, and shipping cases make up the list of available accessories, making the 96270A easier to set up for test systems and transportation.

Calibrated as a system to ensure overall performance

To ensure overall system performance, the 96270A's mainframe and active signal head are calibrated together as a complete system at the factory, and are shipped with an ISO 17025-compliant calibration certificate containing test data for all key parameters, such as level and attenuation, the active signal head's output VSWR, and phase noise, which ensures that your 96270A is completely This ensures that your 96270A is fully traceable, making RF metrology and uncertainty analysis easier and faster. Certificates of Approval for the 96270A and the 50Ω and 75Ω active signal heads are also available upon request.

Frequency reference inputs/outputs for greater functionality

Frequency reference inputs/outputs are standard features on the rear panel of the 96270A, allowing the local clock reference to be locked to an external frequency standard such as that monitored by the Fluke 910R GPS, which is essential for applications that require highly accurate clock signals or shared clock references.The 96270A's frequency reference outputs, on the other hand, allow for the UUT to be locked to the 96270A's The 96270A's frequency reference output allows the UUT to be locked to the 96270A's internal clock, a configuration that is also necessary to minimize frequency offset errors between the device under test and the reference standard.

Simplify Frequency Response Testing with the 96270A Sweep Function

RF calibration often requires a sweep function. Using the 96270A's sweep function greatly simplifies frequency response testing of spectrum analyzers and filters.

Automatic uninterrupted calibration with MET/CAL software for improved efficiency

In typical RF automated calibrations, it is often necessary for the operator to constantly intervene to change test settings and connections, which limits the benefits of performing automated calibrations. If a calibration program developed in MET/CAL is used, the program can be executed for long periods of time without interruption because the program itself has been optimized with extensive connectivity and setup to minimize operator intervention, which can improve the calibration capability of the 25% and beyond. We have developed a MET/CAL calibration program specifically for the 96270A that can be used as an example to write other RF calibration programs to calibrate your company's proprietary equipment.

All calibration programs written for the 9640A RF reference source can also be executed with the 96270A in 9640A emulation mode.

Application of the 96270A in other automated test systems

The 96270A can be easily integrated into an existing automated test system and software. Utilizing its "test multiple units in one connection" feature to schedule tests saves time and improves efficiency.

With GPIB command emulation for commonly used devices, the 96270A can easily replace other devices in an automated test system. 96270A can emulate the HP3335A, HP8662/3A, HP 8663A, HP8340A, HP8360 B-Series, Agilent E8257 series, and Fluke's 9640A, 9640A-LPN and 9640A-LPNX.