PS-Cal®
Power Sensor Calibration Software FAQs
Please click the arrows below to read solutions & answers to the listed scenarios.
PS-Cal generates an error when printing a calibration report
Issue:
The reports integration for PS-Cal relies on the operating system’s default printer to properly layout and scale the report. If the default printer is set to the P-Touch P900W label printer, or some other printer with a non-standard format, the report creator generates an error.
Resolution:
Set the operating system’s default printer to a standard 8.5 x 11 printer. Note that in Windows 10, users may have to uncheck Let Windows manage my default printer in Settings -> Devices -> Printers & scanners.
PS-Cal generates a communication error during the Configure Station routine during calibration
Issue:
When beginning a calibration, after clicking Configure Station, PS-Cal generates a communication error. During the calibration initialization, PS-Cal performs basic setup and standardization of the connected equipment. If an instrument sends an unexpected response or request times out, PS-Cal will generate the error. This is often due to an incorrect resource string or selecting the wrong instrument during template creation.
Resolution:
First, using NI MAX or Keysight/Agilent I/O, verify that each connected instrument is able to communicate over the bus. Simply sending a *IDN command and verifying a correct response is sufficient.
If all instruments successfully communicate, check the PS-Cal Station Configuration Resource String settings. For each instrument listed in the PS-Cal Station Configuration (Configuration -> Edit Configuration), verify that the Resource String is identical to the VISA Resource shown in NI MAX (or relevant VISA/488.2 manager). Correct any errors, click Save and Close, then restart PS-Cal to ensure the corrected Station Configuration is loaded into memory. Lastly, verify that the template is using the correct instruments. Generally this will require create a new template, and verifying at each step that the proper instrument is chosen.
Incorrect results when calibrating measurement receiver sensors
Issue:
These sensors require will not indicate correctly when the RF cable is not properly terminated.
Resolution:
Terminate the sensor RF cable with a 50 Ω termination.
Calibrating the HP 1172xA Sensor Modules Using PS-Cal
Issue:
These sensors require an 8902A to set the internal RF switch to the proper position for calibration. Further, the sensors have two cables – one for the power sensor functionality, and another for RF.
Resolution:
When calibrating sensor modules for the HP 8902A Measuring Receiver using PS-Cal:
1. If necessary, connect the DUT sensor to the Measuring Receiver and manually set the DUT switch to the “sensor” position;
2. Connect a 50 Ω termination to the free end of the DUT RF cable;
3. Connect the DUT to an E4418x or similar power meter, and calibrate as usual using PS-Cal.
How to configure PS-CAL for dual standards
Issue:
A select few DUT power sensors have a frequency range that spans across two RF standards. In those cases, users can define a Split Frequency, at which frequency PS-Cal will prompt the user to move the DUT to the second RF standard.
Resolution:
1. Open PS-CAL;
2. Open the template file of the DUT;
3. Select the Cal Factor tab;
4. On the upper left side of the Cal factor window, there will either be a “Configure Station” button or a “Config Low Freq” and “Config High Freq” button;
a. If “Configure Station” is shown, then the template will need saved and reopened with the “Dual Standard” parameter set to “Yes”.
5. Click the “Config Low Freq” button.
6. Follow the prompt that pops up and click Continue.
7. The next dialog box that will pop-up alerts that a standards file is needed, click Continue.
8. Select the “standards file” of your low frequency mount and click Open.
9. PS-CAL will instruct you to connect the low frequency mount to your bolometer. Follow all prompts and click Continue.
10. PS-CAL should now say “Ready”, Click “Test” and follow the prompts to begin testing the frequencies below your split frequency with the low frequency mount.
11. Once PS-CAL is finished testing, it will go back to its main screen and report “Ready”
12. Next, click the “Config High Freq” button
13. Follow the prompt that pops up and click Continue.
14. The next dialog box that will pop-up alerts that a “standards file” is needed, click Continue.
15. Select the “standards file” of your high frequency mount and click Open.
16. PS-CAL will instruct you to connect the high frequency mount to your bolometer. Follow all prompts and click Continue.
17. PS-CAL should now say “Ready”, Click “Test” and follow the prompts to begin testing the frequencies above your split frequency with the high frequency mount.
18. Once PS-CAL is finished, the calibration of the DUT should be complete and ready for generating reports.