N7874A Performance Tests Overview

In all test equipment configurations, cables and adapters must be properly torqued. Exceeding recommended torque values can cause damage to a cable or adapter, and can cause inaccurate test results.

There are specific configuration requirements for a TME test station running the N7874A calibration software. Refer to the TME Test Station Configuration Requirements in the Getting Started topic.

The performance verification tests are designed to provide the highest level of confidence that the instrument being tested conforms to the published, factory-set specifications. The tests are designed to test an instrument operating within the temperature range defined by the instrument specifications.

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Module temperatures and performance tests

Each test will check at the beginning of the test that the module is not exceeding the maximum module temperature specification for that test. A warning will be given to the user if the module temperature is exceeded.

Refer to the Recommended Practices for Module/Chassis Temperature Control for more information.

The recommended calibration cycle is every 12 months. Performance tests are listed in the order that they should be performed.

To successfully complete the module calibration, all performance tests must be run and passed within 14 days to run the Store Cal Info to Module test. Note that this excludes any functional tests such as the Receiver Calibration Verification (Functional) Test.

  1. Operator's Check

  2. Uncorrected Error Terms

  3. Maximum Output Port Power

  4. Power Level Accuracy

  5. Receiver Compression

  6. Noise Floor

  7. Dynamic Accuracy

  8. Frequency Accuracy

  9. Trace Noise

  10. Store Cal Info to Module

  11. Receiver Calibration Verification (Functional) Test