Over time, the active components in the FieldFox age and the performance may degrade or drift. To ensure that the FieldFox is performing to the published specifications, you should have an instrument calibration performed periodically.
How Often Should Calibrate My Instrument?
You determine the calibration period which best meets your requirements. However, a 12 month calibration cycle is appropriate for most users.
There are two things to consider: performance drift and connector wear.
The instrument specifications are set to consider the performance drift that may occur over a 12 month period. Therefore, getting the instrument calibrated at 12 month intervals ensures that the analyzer maintains performance within the operating specifications. If you need the analyzer to maintain more consistent operation, you may want to have the instrument calibrated more often.
Connector wear is a bigger factor and depends on the number of connections that are made. The test ports become noticeably worn after 500 to 700 connections. This could represent about 12 months with average use. With more frequent connections, the calibration cycle should be sooner. You can extend the time between calibrations and thereby save money by using connector savers and by performing proper Connector Care. Learn more in “Connector Care Review” on page 977.
How do I Get an Instrument Calibration?
To get your Keysight instrument calibrated, send it to one of the Keysight Technologies service centers. Please visit this website to learn how: www.keysight.com/find/calibration.
What Are My Choices of Instrument Calibration?
The following types of instrument calibration are available from Keysight Technologies service center:
Keysight Calibration | Includes the test data from the calibration and the certificate of calibration, stating the instrument has been calibrated and is operating within the published specifications. |
ANSI Z540 Calibration | Includes the test data from the calibration and the certificate of calibration, stating the instrument has been calibrated using a process in compliance with ANSI Z540.1 and is operating within the published specifications |
ISO 17025 Calibration | Includes the test data from the calibration and the certificate of calibration, stating the instrument has been calibrated using a process in compliance with ISO 17025 and is operating within the published specifications.Chapter 3, “CAT (Cable and Antenna Test) Mode.” |