The Keysight (Agilent/HP) N4431B is an RF electronic calibration (ECal) module for vector network analyzers (VNAs). It provides a single-connection electronic calibration technique that performs full three- or four-port calibrations faster than mechanical cal kits while preserving comparable accuracy.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | USB (direct control by Keysight PNA and ENA series VNAs) |
| Display | None (no local user display) |
Identification
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Keysight Technologies (formerly Agilent/HP) |
| Model Number / Part Number | N4431B |
| Series | ECal module series |
| Product Name | RF electronic calibration (ECal) module |
| Manufacturer legacy note | Originally marketed under Agilent/HP; now Keysight Technologies |
Overview
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Intended use | Provide fast, single-connection electronic calibration for vector network analyzers; transfer-calibration standard |
| Supported measurements / calibration scope | Full three- or four-port calibrations (single-connection ECal) |
| Key features | Single-connection ECal, fast 3- or 4-port calibration, solid-state switching, NIST-traceable accuracy, USB control |
| Typical applications | VNA calibration and verification; laboratory and production VNA setups where reduced calibration time and connector wear are desired |
| Switching technology | Reliable solid-state switching (no mechanical switching required for internal standards) |
| Typical workflow | Connect the single ECal module to the VNA test port and perform automated calibration via VNA control software |
| Recommended use case | Laboratory and production environments requiring frequent calibrations and reduced downtime |
| Benefit vs mechanical cal kits | Fewer operator connections and less operator interaction reduces human error during calibration |
Electrical / RF Performance - General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency range (overall) | 9 kHz to 13.5 GHz |
Calibration Functions and Standards
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Transfer-standard capability | ECal module serves as a transfer standard capable of transferring factory calibration accuracy to the network analyzer |
| Traceability | NIST-traceable accurate calibrations |
| Factory data / factory calibration | Factory calibration data / transfer-standard calibration supplied (module is a transfer standard) |
| Included / provided calibration capability | Provides the internal standards required to perform VNA automated calibration sequences (single-connection ECal) |
Control, Interfaces and Communication
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Control interface details | USB interface for direct control by Keysight PNA and ENA series VNAs |
| VNA compatibility notes | Directly controlled by Keysight PNA and ENA series network analyzers |
| Notes on control | Controlled by the VNA over USB; the VNA software automates the ECal sequence (operator only connects module) |
Mechanical & Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Connector arrangement (external) | Four RF test ports (one per VNA port); user connects each VNA port to a corresponding ECal port |
| Nominal impedance | 50 ohm |
| Effect on connector wear | Reduces connector wear versus repeated mechanical calibrations (single external connection) |
Technology
Electronic calibration (ECal) module for VNAs
Applications
Calibration of vector network analyzers (PNA and ENA series); transfer-standard VNA calibrations