Electronic vector-network-analyzer verification [Application Notes]

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently introduced a new electronic approach for verifying microwave vector- network-analyzer (VNA) calibrations with a single computer-controlled electronic verification artifact. The verification results are captured in easy-to-understand performance metrics that, unlike those derived from measurements of mechanical verification artifacts, are independent of the actual artifacts employed. The approach also verifies VNA calibrations more completely than was previously possible. Finally NIST's VeridiCal software automates the entire process and allows you to log results directly to NIST servers over the Internet or generate verification reports on site, greatly simplifying record keeping.