VectorStarâ„¢ MS4640A Series Microwave Vector Network Analyzers : Mixer Setup and Measurement : Typical Required/Recommended Active Channel Mixer Calibrations
 
Typical Required/Recommended Active Channel Mixer Calibrations
The required calibrations are dependent on what measurements are going to be completed. Since the active channel setup is somewhat less of a guided approach than is the full mixer wizard (to be discussed in a later section), the guidance in this section will be at something of a macro level. All but the power calibrations and traditional receiver calibrations are located in the main Calibration menu system.
For Mixer Port Return Loss
A full 1 Port calibration is normally used. The calibration must exist over the runner frequency range for this mode and is often done in standard mode. It can be in the form of a full 2 Port calibration to capture isolation terms.
For Isolation
A transmission frequency response calibration can be used or it can be combined with return loss measurements in a full 2 Port cal.
For Conversion Loss
As has been discussed, a normalization-cased calibration or an enhanced match calibration can be used. The latter provides a higher level of correction and provides return loss data as well at the expense of additional calibration steps.
For Power Calibration
A power calibration is also often recommended for conversion loss situations in that it can improve the accuracy of the receiver calibration that is embedded in both types of conversion loss calibrations. The power calibrations are discussed in separate chapters but use a power meter to more accurately establish an absolute power level at a given reference plane (e.g., at the end of a cable where the DUT will be connected).