A cost effective, compact solution for RF and microwave calibration systems

The 9640A Series is an RF reference that takes the central role and typically halves the cost of a high capability RF calibration system. Its unique features and performance enable it to replace up to four signal sources (from audio/function generators to RF signal and low phase noise sources), power meters and power sensors, step attenuators, filters, pads, couplers, and also a frequency counter with the 9600FC integrated counter option. For many spectrum analyzer models operating below 4 GHz, only the 9640A Series is required to perform their entire calibration.

The 9640A Series performs more than 80 percent of all the tests required during high performance spectrum analyzer calibration. For workload with frequency requirements beyond 4 GHz, an existing RF and microwave source can be used alongside the 9640A rf reference to address the few remaining higher frequency test points all controlled by MET/CAL software.

The features of the 9640A Series provide many benefits in spectrum analyzer calibration. They also make the 9640A ideal for other workload, including RF millivoltmeters, signal level meters, modulation analyzers, receivers, counter/timers and attenuator calibration. Reducing the number of instruments in a calibration system brings many benefits. Metrology is simpler with fewer error sources and uncertainty contributions to consider. System support costs are reduced, as there are fewer instruments to calibrate and maintain. A smaller, more compact and robust system with a dependable rf reference is also a practical onsite calibration solution with lower transport costs.

The 9640A models are designed to match or exceed the performance and functionality of the HP3335A and HP8662/3A in calibration systems. With HP3335A GPIB command emulation as standard in both 9640A models and optional HP8662/3A emulation in the 9640A-LPNX, replacing these popular but obsolete and difficult-to-maintain products becomes just a plug-and-play substitution. HP8662/3A GPIB command emulation is installed on the 9640A-LPNX as "try before you buy" temporary license for convenient and thorough compatibility testing.

9640A Series designed to simplify RF calibration procedures and RF metrology

The 9640A Series provides unrivalled level and attenuation accuracy, with high signal purity, low harmonic and spurious content. A rugged, precision leveling head delivers the 9640A signals directly to the unit under test, minimizing losses, noise, interference, and mismatch errors, and maintains the integrity of low-level signals—all through a single connection, and eliminating the need for power meters and sensors, step attenuators and filters required when using general purpose signal generators in calibration applications.

This unique "connect once, measure many" capability not only simplifies the calibration process but also greatly reduces the number of measurement error sources and uncertainty contributions. The standard 9640A and 9640A-LPNX models are supplied with a 50 ohm leveling head and the /75 models have both 50 ohm and 75 ohm leveling heads. The mainframe and heads are calibrated together as a system.

Each 9640A instrument is supplied with a comprehensive ISO17025 compliant certificate of calibration with data for all key parameters, including level and attenuation, output VSWR, and phase noise. In addition to providing traceability, RF metrology and uncertainty analysis become much simpler and faster. Accredited certification is available for both 9640A models and both 50 ohm and 75 ohm heads.

The 9640A Series user interface is designed to simplify common calibration processes for typical items in your workload, such as spectrum analyzers, RF level meters and receivers. Parameter offset, stepping, relative and UUT/DUT error readout modes allow calibration technicians and metrologists to work quickly, accurately and efficiently, following familiar calibration procedures and making it easy to determine performance and tolerances of units under test.

The simplicity of the calibration oriented user interface also benefits troubleshooting activities if an unexpected result or out-of-tolerance condition is encountered in either manual or automated calibration procedures

Use MET/CAL® software for "walk-away" automation

In a typical automated RF calibration process, the operator must frequently intervene to change test setups, thus limiting the benefits that can be realized by the automation. Walk-away automation can increase calibration system capacity by up to 25 percent and will free up 50 percent more operator time for other value-adding tasks rather than waste time waiting for the next system setup change. For example, the manufacturer’s calibration procedure for calibrating the Agilent E4407B 26.5 GHz spectrum analyzer requires 27 different and complex test setups.

On the other hand, the 9640A Series, used with MET/CAL Plus Calibration Management Software, performs the major core of required tests with a single setup. Only six additional setups are needed to complete the MET/CAL procedure. MET/CAL procedures created by Fluke for the 9640A models optimize operator time, maximizing the time available for the operator to leave the system running unattended while attending to other work. For example, the E4407B MET/CAL procedure for the 9640A-LPNX allows for a total of 90 minutes of "walk-away" time within the entire two-hour runtime.

Use MET/CAL software’s Flexible Standards feature to automate the other instruments in your system. This capability allows you to substitute equivalent standards within the procedures, so you aren’t locked into a specific reference model. Flexible Standards support is available for popular microwave synthesizers including the HP8340, HP83630, Agilent E8254 and E8257, and other models from Anritsu and Rohde & Schwarz.

Fluke has developed calibration procedures for many instruments that make up the calibration workload for the 9640A Series, and new procedures are released regularly. A current list of procedures is available on the Fluke web site at www.fluke.com/mclist.

Using the 9640A Series to advantage with other automation systems

The 9640A Series is also integrated easily into existing automated systems and software. The time savings and efficiency gains offered by the 9640A Series can be realized by structuring test sequences to take full advantage of its "connect once, test many" capabilities. Alternatively, the 9640A Series’ HP3335A and HP8662/3A emulation provides a drop-in replacement solution overcoming reliability and support problems with these obsolete products.

9640A-LPNX state-of-the-art phase noise performance

With reduced phased noise at low offset frequencies and specifications from 1 Hz to 10 MHz offsets, the 9640A-LPNX offers exceptional phase noise performance.

With more than ample capability for today’s high performance spectrum analyzer workload, there is performance margin for future workload enhancements. Phase noise data is included in the 9640A Series certificate of calibration. Instead of relying only on the more conservative guaranteed specifications, users have actual performance data for their unit. Even with the best low phase noise signal generators, filters are commonly used during spectrum analyzer phase noise measurement tests, reducing noise levels at wide (high) offset frequencies to improve test margins. The 9600FLT 1 GHz bandpass filter accessory is purpose-designed for high performance spectrum analyzer wide-offset phase noise testing and connects easily to 9640A models in either benchtop or rack-mounted applications.

General purpose applications

There are many applications in R&D, manufacturing test and ATE needing better performance than a general purpose signal generator. If wide frequency coverage, frequency resolution, low harmonics and spurious content, signal level and attenuation accuracy, or dynamic range are critical parameters the 9640A Series is the ideal solution, with the 9640A-LPNX model for applications requiring frequency resolution, low phase noise and jitter. Replacement of HP3335A and HP8662/3A level and signal generators in automated systems is made easy by the 9640A Series GPIB emulation of these aging obsolete products.