Automated calibrations with Excel

[pmelgeek]

Just curious, has anyone else out there tried automating calibrations with Excel?  I've been using it for a few years now to calibrate the AC portions of the 5700/5720 using the 5790, multimeters that aren't supported in NextGen, and dabbled with a few others.  It seems like a cheap and easy way to automate calibrations, and since everybody has microsoft office. . . it gets around all the sticky computer and network rules.     

[CalibratorJ]

We use it for measuring passive microwave devices. Got a really nifty spreadsheet that runs the MMR aka PSA aka Boat Anchor and an Anritsu sweeper to do em. Attenuators (fixed and variable) and mismatches and VSWR bridges.

Also use excel to load cal factors into 8902, E4419, 437B...... to name a few.

[pmelgeek]

Using it for the MMR sounds like a good idea.  A couple of people at the last contract I worked for used it quite a bit like that.  Our MMR here hasn't left the hold shelf for more than a month.

My pie in the sky idea is to do an excel version of old 8902MS software that will work with generators other than the 8673's or Anritsu's . . . at least we could calibrate a few attenuators automated again until the bugs are worked out   of the MMR and NexGen. . . which will probably in about 10 years or so <insert sarcasm here>.       

I wouldn't mind re-doing the PMCS software with it as well.  But unfortunately, I just don't have time at the moment. 

[mdbuike]

Geek, you still have your MMS computer up and running?

If so, I have the latest templates we've worked out for it, many utilizing the MMR, tho' some things are still with the 8902..

As I've stated in another thread, we seperate our files into three sub-directories, ATT, SIG, and CUP, as the old DOS computer can only handle so many files per directory...if I get some time, I'll be breaking out the SIG into HP-Agilent, and all others...

If you want a copy, PM me, we have no problem sharing, if for no other reason it makes life easier..

Got the 8663's down to an hour on the MMS and less than a day on the phase noise

BTW, I recommend you make templates for your phase noise measurements, as it's easier to call up "8662-3 10 to 119 MHz" than reprogramming it every time, plus, it will save the limit lines if you program them..also, on the 8662' & 3's, we have made custom measurement tables to eliminate the hump at around 3k, and for troubleshooting purposes..

We're still supporting a lot of old stuff, but are adapting to the new

Mike

[pmelgeek]

Yep, we still have the old DOS machine.  I had a whole pile of generators going with it when I used to work at Hickam, but unfortunately they got lost during one of the many moves since.  I was hoping to get some of those going again here, but our big problem is the generators for doing anything above 1300MHz.  The 8673's are long gone and the replacement Wiltron/Anrisu's spend most of their time AWP.  I might still be able to get at least some of the calibration done without them though, so I really appreciate any files you can share with us. 

We managed to get a site license for the Agilent cal and alignment soffware for the new Agilent stuff though, so we should be good on the new items once we get it up and running.  We have the software loaded on a nice new fresh laptop, but we're so swamped right now I just can't get to it. 

       

[CalibratorJ]

Oh yes, the wonderful TME..... hopefully you have ALL of the Agilent/HP stuff it calls for. If you are missing even the right option on a piece, it is usually all south from there...... ntm you can't actually see what the TME is doing. Great for automation, but crappy if you want to see what it is doing and/or substitute standards.......

[pmelgeek]

Yeah, I've not heard good things about it, and labs having to spend $100K+ on extra equipment to get it all going with all the options.  Our main goal in purchasing it was for alignment of the E-series spectrum analyzers, and we have what we need to that for the options we support.  Anything else we can do with it after that (even if it's only parts) is more than were doing now. . . . which is nothing.  I'm sure we're in for some frustration getting it going, but I guess thats the price you pay for trying something new.  Personally, I think all this licensing crap to do an alignment is a crock. . . just another way to  bleed more $$ out of you. 

Anyway, I shot Hoopty an e-mail with an Excel automation example for posting in the downloads section.  I'm sure I'm going to catch all hell for my cheesy VBA code, and if I was to do it again, I'd do it way different. . . but it'll give everyone a place to start.  The thing started from an example from the National Instruments Website, and I just went from there. 

   

[mdbuike]

I've sent the MMS files to Hoopty to post in downloads.

We have them in three separate sub-directories (DOS file limitations), and on some, we've integrated the MMR.

Back them up first if you DL them, and look at how the code works.

I hope you can use it, it is a time saver.

Mike

[CalibratorJ]

geek,

The main problem you are going to have doing adjustments or even the cal using the TME is your power sensors need an option H84 cal. Every 100 MHz all the way to 50 GHz. Then there is the splitter cal- same thing. And they use a precision 50 MHz attenuator, not 30 MHz like we have for years. (I do think the AF has a precision 50 MHz attenuator though) Plus the hassle of a yearly license.

Not that I am bashing the TME, it does work great once you have everything you need. And it does make it easier to align and troubleshoot the PSA aka MMR aka Boat Anchors. And with the amount of these things needing adjustments every year....... it makes a HUGE difference.

[Hoopty]

pmelgeek's file can be found here: Excel Spreadsheet Example

[pmelgeek]

Thanks for posting the spreadsheet.  I hope it helps. 

As for the Agilent Software, I'm sure we've got allot to learn with it before we can get it all going.  The intent was that we could get this going on a regional level so if your E-series analyzers need adjustment, you could send them to us instead of Agilent.  If we have to send sensors off for a special cal to make that happen, I don't think it's a show stopper.   

[CalibratorJ]

Just checked the spreadsheet out geek, looks nice. Unfortunately though, we run MetCal to do the cal then the verification. I think, I might be wrong, but your spreadsheet just does a cal verification?

Yeah, the TME is a pain to get going, but once you do, it's great. I think we have it at 10 sites worldwide now- all of our reference labs are running it with a few extra here and there based on needs. We also have the TME to run the N5532A sensors as well. Very easy to use, but again, you have to have quite a pile of N848X sensors to run it.

I take it you are in the private sector geek?

[pmelgeek]

I'm currently working in an Air Force lab. . . if we were allowed to use/buy MetCal, I wouldn't have bothered making the spreadsheet in the first place.   

[pmelgeek]

Hey J,

Just wanted to let you know we finally got the time to get the Agilent TME up and running here for the E-Series Spectrum Analyzers. I see what you mean about the Sensors and the Attenuator, but I think I can get around that since we only have to meet the TAR requirements of the Air Force calibration procedures...which are reduced from what Agilent requires. I'll have to dig into the math on that one a bit more first though. We can do a good 90% of it automated now though, which beats the crap of doing them manually! The alignment works quite well too. Overall, The set-up was rather a pain as you mentioned, but overall I'm pretty happy with it.

[CalibratorJ]

Good to hear, glad you are liking it so far