Traceable calibration of Vector Signal Analyzers

We have developed a calibration technique for Vector Signal Analyzers (VSA) that provides traceability to primary standards. This technique has been implemented using standard commercial equipment. A multisine signal generator provides detailed magnitude and phase stimulus over the instrument bandwidth and a Digital Sampling Oscilloscope (DSO) measures the same multisine waveform. Traceability is provided via the DSO, calibrated against the primary standard (Electro-Optic Sampler). The VSA can be characterized over its full-bandwidth (magnitude and phase) at any operating frequency. The reproducibility of three different multi-sine measurements, averaged over an 80 MHz bandwidth was 3.4% (power) and 1.3 degrees (phase).