How to add attenuators to a calibration?
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solutionseeker
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How to add attenuators to a calibration?
We are using the RadiMation software version 2013.1.8. We wish to perform tests according to the EN 61000-4-6 standard, Conducted immunity test. Before starting the test, we must first perform a calibration. There are 10dB and 20dB attenuators placed at the input of the spectrum analyzer. How can I let the software know that these attenuators are placed?
Re: How to add attenuators to a calibration?
There are different methods how you can create the correction files for these attenuators. It is possible to add these correction factors manually or have RadiMation calculate these correction factors for you by performing one or more calibrations. When you use calibration the corrections of these attenuators are calculated.
First of all, you can choose to calibrate the attenuators and the cable all together. This calibration will result in one correction file (.COR), which has to be attached to the test setup. However, if for instance there is a need of changing any cable, you probably have to re-calibrate the whole test setup again, which includes this new cable. If you split up the calibrations in parts, it might be easier when changing or replacing a component of the test setup. For more information about this method: viewtopic.php?f=15&t=9&p=17&hilit=attenuation#p17
Secondly, the attenuator(s) can be added manually by creating correction files for it (So, without calibrating). For example, an attenuator of 10dB is added. This correction will contain for each frequency the value of 10dB attenuation. In practice, when you calibrate the attenuator, these values will probably be slightly different depending on the frequencies. Also, when using this method, it is possible to split up or combine these corrections.
So, with this brief description about the possible methods for your correction files, back to your initial question regarding how to add these correction factors. Adding these corrections to your test setup is not depending on which method is used.
Step1
First of all you have to create the correction file (either manually or by calibration). For this example we add it manually. Go to MENU->FILE->NEW->CORRECTION FILE or just use the keys CTR+O.(Optional: Click ‘Columns/Units’, remove ‘Correction’ and add ‘Attenuation’. Click ‘Close’.) Use the ‘Add Row’ button to add two rows. Fill in the start frequency and in the second column the value 10 and in the bottom row the end frequency and again 10. MENU->FILE->SAVE CORRECTION to save this new .COR file.
Step 2
Go to MENU->DEVICES->CONFIGURE... Now select the Device driver type ‘Cables’ from the drop-down menu. Click the ‘New’ button on the bottom of this window. Select the ‘Configurable Cable’ from the list and click the ‘New’ button (or double click from the list). Now type the name e.g. “CI Attenuator of 10dB ID0123” and click ‘Ok’. Double click this name from the list and you’ll see this window:
Add your correction file.
Step 3
Add your cable(s) to your test equipment. MENU->TEST-SITES->CONFIGURE… and select your test equipment. Select the 'Cables' tab and use the 'Add' button to add one or more cables created in the previous steps.
After these steps these cables (and therfore the attenuator(s)) are used by this test equipment.
First of all, you can choose to calibrate the attenuators and the cable all together. This calibration will result in one correction file (.COR), which has to be attached to the test setup. However, if for instance there is a need of changing any cable, you probably have to re-calibrate the whole test setup again, which includes this new cable. If you split up the calibrations in parts, it might be easier when changing or replacing a component of the test setup. For more information about this method: viewtopic.php?f=15&t=9&p=17&hilit=attenuation#p17
Secondly, the attenuator(s) can be added manually by creating correction files for it (So, without calibrating). For example, an attenuator of 10dB is added. This correction will contain for each frequency the value of 10dB attenuation. In practice, when you calibrate the attenuator, these values will probably be slightly different depending on the frequencies. Also, when using this method, it is possible to split up or combine these corrections.
So, with this brief description about the possible methods for your correction files, back to your initial question regarding how to add these correction factors. Adding these corrections to your test setup is not depending on which method is used.
Step1
First of all you have to create the correction file (either manually or by calibration). For this example we add it manually. Go to MENU->FILE->NEW->CORRECTION FILE or just use the keys CTR+O.(Optional: Click ‘Columns/Units’, remove ‘Correction’ and add ‘Attenuation’. Click ‘Close’.) Use the ‘Add Row’ button to add two rows. Fill in the start frequency and in the second column the value 10 and in the bottom row the end frequency and again 10. MENU->FILE->SAVE CORRECTION to save this new .COR file.
Step 2
Go to MENU->DEVICES->CONFIGURE... Now select the Device driver type ‘Cables’ from the drop-down menu. Click the ‘New’ button on the bottom of this window. Select the ‘Configurable Cable’ from the list and click the ‘New’ button (or double click from the list). Now type the name e.g. “CI Attenuator of 10dB ID0123” and click ‘Ok’. Double click this name from the list and you’ll see this window:
- DeviceDrivers_Cables_Add_Correction_Files.png (30.96 KiB) Viewed 4700 times
Step 3
Add your cable(s) to your test equipment. MENU->TEST-SITES->CONFIGURE… and select your test equipment. Select the 'Cables' tab and use the 'Add' button to add one or more cables created in the previous steps.
After these steps these cables (and therfore the attenuator(s)) are used by this test equipment.