Introduction to Calibration of Spectrum Analyzer (Using Manual Methods)

Spectrum analyzer calibration is a task best handled by skilled metrologists, who have both the necessary equipment and an in-depth understanding of the procedures involved. Still, it's helpful for everyone who works with spectrum analyzers to understand the value of calibrating these instruments. This paper is intended both to help application engineers who work with spectrum analyzers understand the importance of regular calibration and to explain to calibration lab metrologists the key steps in calibrating a spectrum analyzer. Calibrating a Spectrum Analyzer is complex procedure. Most of the measurements, requires a suitable input signal. Cal procedures generally calls for a signal generators and RF step attenuators with other accessories such as RF cable, terminations, etc to make a set up for calibration of one parameter. This paper provides an overview of spectrum analyzer calibration with discussion of the most common calibration tests, their signal requirements, and approaches for meeting those requirements.