CALIBRATION DEVICE

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a calibration device and an operating method for a calibration device. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known from WO 2006 / 034801 that vector network analyzers must be calibrated before measuring the transmission and reflection coefficients of a test object. Coefficient measurements are performed on several known, different calibration standards, from which error terms are calculated, which are then used to perform system error corrections during the actual test object measurement. Calibration standards used include, for example, an open circuit (open), a short circuit (short), a load resistor (load), a match, or a through connection (thru), which are connected sequentially to the test ports. It is known to arrange these calibration standards, for example, in a base body from which connectors protrude from the sides.Such a calibration unit with fixed calibration points is connected to the corresponding test ports of the network analyzer via plugs and cables for calibration.

[0003] For example, EP 2 101 182 A2 shows an arrangement for calibrating a vector network analyzer in a laboratory. Various calibration components are connected to the network analyzer one after the other. This arrangement can be disadvantageous, for example, when a network analyzer is to be calibrated in a field or outdoors, since a significant number of individual components must be carried along.

[0004] To avoid this, various compact calibration kits are known from the state of the art, such as the Anritsu TOSLK(F)50A-40 or the Spinner 533898.

[0005] The document "OSLT compact calibration kit" dated June 9, 2011, XP055394694, published by Spinner GmbH, also shows a compact calibration arrangement for calibrating a network analyzer with several calibration points for direct or indirect connection to a network analyzer and with a base body which is connected to the calibration points.

[0006] However, the known state of the art generally has mechanical disadvantages, which, for example, have a negative impact on the service life of the calibration kit, or electrical disadvantages, which have a negative impact on the accuracy of the calibration.

[0007] This is a situation that needs to be improved. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of providing an improved calibration arrangement which extends the service life of a calibration arrangement.

[0009] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a calibration arrangement having the features of patent claim 1 and / or by a method having the features of the patent claim.

[0010] Accordingly, it is provided: A calibration arrangement for calibrating a network analyzer with multiple calibration points for direct or indirect connection to a network analyzer; with a base body which is connected to the calibration points; wherein the calibration point is rotatable relative to the base body of the calibration arrangement for a through connection. A method for operating a calibration arrangement with multiple calibration points, comprising the following steps: connecting a calibration point of the calibration arrangement to a network analyzer for adaptation, a short circuit, and / or an open circuit and performing the corresponding calibration; separating the calibration arrangement and the network analyzer; rotating a part of the calibration arrangement which has a calibration point to establish a through connection to the network analyzer; establishing a through connection between the calibration arrangement and the network analyzer.

[0011] The idea underlying the present invention is to provide a calibration arrangement with a plurality of calibration points, wherein the calibration point is rotatable relative to a base body of the calibration arrangement for a through connection.

[0012] It is understood that the through-connection calibration point of a calibration arrangement must have a pair of through-connections, hereinafter referred to as through-connectors. The present invention enables a shorter design of the through-connector, since the dimensions of additional connections or calibration points of the calibration arrangement no longer need to be taken into account with regard to the mechanical design of the through-connector. A shorter design is advantageous with regard to the electrical properties of the calibration arrangement and the quality of the calibration. In this way, for example, the number of support disks that hold the inner conductor in the outer conductor can be reduced. Support disks are, for example, the cause of reflections of electrical signals,

[0013] Furthermore, the rotatability of the through connector relative to the base body of the calibration assembly extends the service life of a calibration assembly compared to a known calibration assembly, whose through connector is offset by 90° relative to the base body but is not rotatable.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the further subclaims and from the description with reference to the figures of the drawing.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the base body comprises a first base body part and a second base body part, wherein the second base body part is rotatable relative to the first base body part. The coupling of the through-connector to the second base body part has a beneficial effect on the service life of the calibration assembly.

[0016] Alternatively, it is conceivable to structurally separate the through connector from the base body and to design only the through connector so that it can be rotated.

[0017] According to a further preferred embodiment, the first base body part is connected to the second base body part via at least one connecting element.

[0018] Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the first base body part is screwed directly to the second base body part, for example by both base body parts having corresponding threads.

[0019] According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one connecting element is designed as a screw, pin, magnet, or the like. In this way, the two base body parts are permanently connected to each other, which has an advantageous effect on the handling of the calibration assembly according to the invention.

[0020] According to another preferred embodiment, the force required to rotate the base body part can be adjusted via the connecting element. For example, the rotating force can be set by selecting the magnetic strength of a connecting element embodied as a magnet. Alternatively, the rotating force can be set by tightening the connecting element embodied as a screw. If the connecting element is embodied as a pin, the rotating force can be set by the length or thickness, via the frictional force applied by the pin.

[0021] In this way, the twisting force can be determined application-specifically during assembly of the calibration assembly.

[0022] According to a further preferred embodiment, a spring for the screw connection is arranged in the first base body. This allows tolerance compensation or the holding force of the force-locking connection to be directly varied. Furthermore, the spring reduces wear on the calibration assembly according to the invention due to twisting.

[0023] According to a further preferred embodiment, at least one disc, in particular a plastic disc, is formed in the base body. It is advantageous to arrange the disc wherever different components are in contact. The disc reduces wear caused by abrasion of the two friction partners.

[0024] In particular, it is advantageous to arrange the disc between the spring and the connecting element and / or between the spring and the first base body and / or between the first and the second base body. There is an increased abrasion potential between the said components.

[0025] The above embodiments and further developments can be combined with one another as desired, where appropriate. Further possible embodiments, further developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention not explicitly mentioned above or described below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. In particular, those skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention. TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE DRAWING

[0026] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawing. In the drawings: Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a calibration assembly according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a schematic front view of a calibration assembly according to the invention in a first state; Fig. 3 shows a schematic front view of a calibration assembly according to the invention in a second state; Fig. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of a calibration assembly according to the invention according to a first embodiment; Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a first base body part of a calibration assembly according to the invention; Fig. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a second base body part of a calibration assembly according to the invention;

[0027] The accompanying drawing figures are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention.

[0028] They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the noted advantages will become apparent upon review of the drawings. Elements of the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0029] In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally identical and acting elements, features and components are provided with the same reference symbols, unless otherwise stated. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Although the present invention has been fully described above using preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto but can be modified in many ways.

[0031] Figure 1 shows a calibration assembly 10 according to the invention according to a first embodiment. The calibration assembly 10 comprises a base body, which is shown in Figure 1 is designed as a preassembled module. The base body 14 comprises a first base body part 14 and a second base body part 16. The first base body part 14 has a plurality of calibration standards 20 (Short), 22 (Load / Match), and 24 (Open). The second base body part 16 has a receptacle for a calibration standard 18 for a through connection.

[0032] The first and second base body parts 14, 16 are connected by a screw (in Figure 1 not shown). The two base body parts 14, 16 can be rotated relative to each other.

[0033] The assembly of the calibration assembly 10 in Figure 1 is not yet completed. The Figures 2 and 3 show the calibration arrangement 10 according to Figure 1 in a fully assembled state. Figures 2 and 3show a calibration arrangement 10 with connections or calibration points.

[0034] In Figure 2 It can be seen that the calibration standard 18 has a pair of terminals 18a and 18b for a through connection. The calibration assembly 10 is shown in Figure 2 shown in a first state. The through connection of the calibration arrangement 10 is in the state according to Figure 2 may not be connectable to a network analyzer because the standards 20, 22 may protrude too far and thus prevent connection of the calibration points 18a, 18b. The condition according to Figure 2 can therefore also be described as storage condition. In particular, the calibration arrangement 10 in Figure 2 a flat support surface and is therefore better protected against scratching or damage to the interface of the calibration connections.

[0035] Figure 3 shows the calibration arrangement 10 according to Figure 2in a second state, In Figure 3 the second base body part 16 is rotated relative to the first base body part 14. In the state according to Figure 3 A network analyzer (not shown) can be easily connected to the standard 18 for a through connection.

[0036] As opposed to Figure 2 the condition is according to Figure 3 only suitable to a limited extent for the storage of the calibration assembly 10, since the calibration assembly could be easily scratched or exposed to other damage due to its uneven nature in the second state, particularly on its standards 18, 20, 22, 24.

[0037] Figure 4 shows a sectional view of a calibration arrangement 10 according to the invention according to one of the Figures 1-3 The calibration arrangement 10 has Figure 4a screw 26, which connects the first base body part 14 to the second base body part 16. The screw 26 is arranged in a bore in each of the two base body parts 14, 16. The first base body part 14 can be rotated relative to the second base body part 16 by the screw 26 "rotating" along with it.

[0038] A spring 28 is arranged between a stop formed by the base body portion through the bottom of a blind hole in the base body 14 and the head of the screw 26. The spring 28 ensures tolerance compensation and reduces wear caused by twisting. Furthermore, the spring 28 ensures a certain force is applied when the screw is screwed downward, i.e., toward the second base body 16.

[0039] To prevent further wear, the calibration assembly 10 has a plastic washer 30 between the spring 28 and the head of the screw 26, which prevents the screw from rubbing against the spring 28. Accordingly, another plastic washer 32 is also arranged between the spring 28 and the first base body part 14.

[0040] The first base body part 14 has, on its side facing the second base body part 16, an approximately cloverleaf-shaped recess 36, which is formed as a milled recess. The second base body part 16 has, on its side facing the first base body part 14, a step 40 corresponding to the cloverleaf-shaped recess 36. The recess 36 and the step 40 are designed such that the step 40 can engage with the recess 36 in two different positions at right angles to one another. Accordingly, the recess 36 forms a stop or a locking mechanism for the step 40.

[0041] In order to rotate the base body parts 14, 16 against each other, a user pulls on the second base body part 16 so that the spring 28 is compressed and the step 40 is lifted out of the recess 36.

[0042] It is understood that it is also possible to arrange the screw 26 and the spring 28 in the calibration arrangement 10 in a mirror image, so that the spring 28 and the head of the screw 26 are arranged in the second base body part 16.

[0043] Figure 5 shows the first base body part 14 of the calibration arrangement 10 according to one of the Figures 1-4 . Figure 5 shows in particular the cloverleaf-shaped recess 36.

[0044] Figure 6 shows the second base body part 16 in round design of the calibration arrangement 10 according to one of the Figures 1-4 . Figure 6 shows in particular the step 40, which can lock with the recess 36 in various mutually perpendicular positions.

[0045] Particularly advantageous in an exemplary embodiment of a calibration arrangement 10 according to the invention according to the Figures 1-4is that the first base body part 14 and the second base body part 16 can be rotated relative to one another without the second base body part 16 having to be pulled out of the receptacle 36. For this purpose, the receptacle 36 is designed such that the step 40 on the second base body part 16 has a stop at a 90° angle to the starting position. For this purpose, the screw 26 is tightened until the spring force of the spring 28 provides sufficient counterhold to prevent the second base body part 16 from being lifted out of the first base body part 14. This simplifies handling in a particularly intuitive manner. List of reference symbols

[0046] 10Calibration assembly 12Base body 14First base body part 16Second base body part 18Through connector standard 18aThrough connector connection 18bThrough connector connection 20Short standard 22Open standard 24Load standard 26Screw 28Spring 30Plastic washer 32Plastic washer 34Plastic washer 36Receptacle 40Step

Claims

1. Calibration arrangement (10; 50) for calibrating a network analyser with - multiple calibration points (18, 20, 22, 24) for direct or indirect connection to a network analyser, wherein one of the calibration points (18, 20, 22, 24) is a calibration point for a through connection (18); - with a base body (10) which has the calibration points (18, 20, 22, 24); characterized in that the calibration point for a through-connection is rotatable relative to the base body of the calibration arrangement.

2. Calibration arrangement (10; 50) according to claim 1, wherein the base body (12) has a first base body part (14) and a second base body part (16), wherein the second base body part is rotatable relative to the first base body part.

3. Calibration arrangement (10; 50) according to claim 2, wherein the first base body part is connected to the second base body part via at least one connecting element (26).

4. Calibration arrangement (10; 50) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one connecting element is configured as a screw, driver pin, magnet or the like.

5. Calibration arrangement (10; 50) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the force to be applied for rotating the first and / or second base body part is adjustable via the connecting element.

6. Calibration arrangement (10; 50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a spring (28) is arranged in the first base body part and / or in the second base body part.

7. Calibration arrangement (10; 50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one disk (30; 32; 34), in particular a plastic disk, is formed in the base body (12).

8. Calibration arrangement (10; 50) according to claim 7, wherein the disc is arranged between the spring (28) and the connecting element and / or between the spring (28) and the base body part which has the spring (28), and / or between the first and the second base body part.

9. Method for operating a calibration arrangement (10; 50) with multiple calibration points (18, 20, 22, 24), which has the following steps: - connecting a calibration point of the calibration arrangement (10; 50) to a network analyser for a matching, a short circuit, and / or an open circuit and performing the corresponding calibration; - separating the calibration arrangement (10; 50) and the network analyser; - rotating a part of the calibration arrangement relative to the base body of the calibration arrangement, wherein said part has a calibration point for establishing a through-connection to the network analyser; - establishing a through-connection between the calibration arrangement (10; 50) and the network analyser.