Measurement Accuracy - Keysight N1911A User Manual

7 Using 8480 Series Power Sensors

Measurement Accuracy

Power sensors have small errors in their response over frequency. The response of
each sensor is measured during manufacture (and during periodic calibration) and
the resulting frequency compensation information is supplied in the form of
calibration factors. Using calibration factors enables you to achieve improved
measurement accuracy. The P-Series power meters provide two methods of using
the calibration factors:
– inputting the individual calibration factor for a frequency prior to making the
– using sensor calibration tables.
If you are making most of your measurements at a single frequency, or in a narrow
range of frequencies, entering a specific calibration factor is a more effective
method. Only a minimal amount of data entry is required.
However, if you are making measurements on a wide range of signal frequencies,
a sensor table is more effective as you only need to enter the frequency of the
signal you are measuring. The power meter automatically selects and applies the
calibration factor from the selected table.
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measurement, or
Keysight N1911A/1912A User's Guide