2 port calibration

[paulyc]

I am confused by the 1 Port and 2 Port calibration for a Network Analyzer. I was initially taught by a more seasoned engineer to use a cal kit and connect the Short, open, and load standards directly to the Port being calibrated. Someone else just told me that you need to hook up the cable you will be using to the port, and then connect the standard to it. Which is correct? Is there any reason to connect the standards directly to the port?

Also, what is the point of doing a Normalize (thru) cal? I have always seemd to get 'good' results by only doing the Normalize before using the Network Analyzer. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[jbartos]

Suggestions:
1. It may be better to follow the literature in addition what you are informed about verbally. Some literature is available on web sites.
2. Visit

http://www.aplac.hut.fi/publications/mtt/kimmo-2/main.html

http://www.aplac.hut.fi/research/calibration.html

http://www.caip.rutgers.edu/~kahrs/testeq/network-analysis.html

http://www.eecs.umich.edu/emag/labmanual/EECS230_AppendixA.pdf

http://www.boulder.nist.gov/div813/rfelec/micro/dylan/papers/4-port.pdf

etc. for more info