Q-P Detector Absolute Calibration Performance Test

This test compares the amplitude of a 60 dBuv CW signal to the amplitude of a pulsed signal in Quasi-Peak Detection mode.

The measurements are performed with pulsed signals set to the reference PRF rates of 25 Hz (Band A), or 100 Hz (Bands B, C, and D). This test measures three frequencies: 100 kHz (Band A), 10 MHz (Band B), and 100 MHz (Band C). Band D is not tested due to limitations in the DC Pulse Generator.

Test Solutions

There are two test solutions available depending on the existence of the pulse generator calibration data. At the start of the test, TME will detect if there is existing calibration data for the pulse generator. If there is calibration data, it will show as Available in Test Solution 1 as shown in the image below. To use Test Solution 1, the user will first need to run the Pulse Generator Calibration Data Editor Utility which will enter the pulse generator's amplitude corrections and calibration uncertainties from the calibration report/certificate. Test Solution 1 is the preferred solution as explained in the next section.

If there is no calibration data detected for the pulse generator, select Test Solution 2 in the dialog and continue with the test.

TME dialog

Test Solution 1 is the preferred solution

Although either solution can be selected if the calibration data is detected, it is strongly recommended to choose Test Solution 1 and run the Pulse Generator Calibration Data Editor Utility. This solution will use characterized data and uncertainties which will give better margins and lower test uncertainties.

In Test Solution 2, the pulse generator specifications will be used in the uncertainty calculations which will yield greater uncertainty numbers.

Sine Wave Generator Setups

The N7818A E.10.00 release introduced the Schwarzbeck IGUU 2918 as the recommended pulse generator. The Schwarzbeck IGUU 2916 is discontinued but will be supported as the alternative model. The difference in the two models is that the IGUU 2918 model does not have a built-in sine wave generator. To accommodate for this difference, the test will now use a PSG signal generator as the sine wave generator. This signal generator solution will be used with both pulse generator models: the IGUU 2918 model and the discontinued IGUU 2916 model. The setup in previous releases using the sine wave generator in the IGUU 2916 pulse generator will no longer be supported.

Troubleshooting

You may get an GPIB connection error when using the IGUU 2918.

There is a known issue with certain versions of the Keysight IO Library not recognizing the Schwarzbeck IGUU 2918 pulse generator and therefore causing a GPIB connection failure. There are two work-around methods to correct this error. Refer to the Connecting GPIB Instruments section of Getting Started for more information.

For other troubleshooting tips for this test, click here.

Required Test Equipment

Connection Setups

Click on the links below for images depending on the pulse generator model being used.