When should I pick an ECal module instead of a mechanical SOLT kit?

Choose an ECal when you need fast, repeatable calibrations with fewer manual connector changes. Keysight ECal modules (for example, N4691B, 85093C, 85092C) perform single‑connection full two‑port calibrations and use solid‑state switching; the N4431B supports single‑connection three‑ or four‑port calibrations and is listed as NIST‑traceable. Mechanical kits are still appropriate when you need the highest frequency coverage or physical standards for custom test fixturing.

Which product covers the highest frequency in Keysight’s lineup shown here?

The 85056A 2.4 mm mechanical calibration kit is specified for DC to 50 GHz, which is the highest upper frequency among the listed mechanical kits and ECal modules.

I need a 75 Ω kit and an APC‑7 solution — which models are relevant?

For 75 Ω work, the 85036B is a dedicated 75 Ω Type‑N calibration kit specified DC to 3 GHz. For precision APC‑7 (7 mm) genderless calibrations, the 85031B and the 16195B (APC‑7 set for impedance analyzers) are the applicable kits for DC to 6 GHz and DC to 3 GHz use respectively.

Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) Calibrators and Standards

17 models with full specifications in Calibrators, Standards.

This page summarizes Keysight (formerly Agilent/HP) products for calibration and reference standards relevant to RF/microwave VNAs, impedance analyzers, power meters and modular test systems. It explains how Keysight’s offering is organized (electronic ECal modules, mechanical SOLT kits, and specialized reference standards), highlights the attributes that distinguish each class, and points to the models that illustrate common selection tradeoffs. The guidance is aimed at engineers and technical buyers choosing a calibrator or standard for lab verification, production-line calibration, or traceable transfer standards.

ECal example coverage: N4691B: 300 kHz to 26.5 GHz (2‑port, USB powered)
Highest-frequency mechanical kit: 85056A: DC to 50 GHz (2.4 mm)
Type‑N mechanical kit example: 85032F: DC to 9 GHz (Type‑N)
APC‑7 (7 mm) kit example: 85031B: DC to 6 GHz (genderless APC‑7)

All models

Model	Type	Frequency Range	Nominal Impedance	Operating Temperature
N4691B	Calibrators, misc	300 kHz to 26.5 GHz	—	—
85033E	Calibration Kits	DC - 9 GHz	—	—
N4431B	Calibrators, misc	—	—	—
85093C	Calibrators, misc	300 kHz to 9 GHz	50 Ω	—
85032B	Calibration Kits	—	50 Ω	15 °C to 35 °C
85033D	Calibration Kits	DC to 6 GHz	50 Ω	15 °C to 35 °C
85052D	Calibration Kits	DC to 26.5 GHz	50 Ω	—
85092C	Calibrators, misc	300 kHz to 9 GHz	50 Ω	—
11683A	Calibrators, misc	—	—	0 to 55 °C
85032F	Calibration Kits	DC to 9 GHz	50 Ω	15 to 35 °C
85036B	Calibration Kits	DC to 3 GHz	75 Ω	+15 °C to +35 °C
16195B	Calibration Kits	DC to 3 GHz	50 Ω	15 °C to 35 °C
70310A	Standards, Frequency	—	—	0 to 55 °C
85031B	Calibration Kits	DC to 6 GHz	50 Ω	15 to 35 °C
85056A	Calibration Kits	DC to 50 GHz	50 Ω	15 °C to 35 °C
16380A	Standard, Capacitors	—	—	0 °C to 55 °C
V11644A	Calibration Kits	50 GHz to 75 GHz (V-band)	Waveguide (characteristic impedance is frequency-dependent)	20 °C to 26 °C

How the range is structured

Keysight’s calibrators and standards fall into three practical families: electronic calibration (ECal) modules, mechanical SOLT calibration kits, and dedicated reference standards. ECal modules provide single‑connection, fast calibrations and are offered in different connector forms and port counts — for example, the N4691B is a 2‑port 3.5 mm ECal covering 300 kHz to 26.5 GHz, while the N4431B is positioned for full three‑ or four‑port transfer calibrations with an overall frequency range from 9 kHz to 13.5 GHz. The 85093C and 85092C are 2‑port ECal modules for 3.5 mm and Type‑N interfaces respectively (300 kHz to 9 GHz). Mechanical SOLT kits supply the physical open/short/load/thru standards in many connector formats and frequency bands — examples include 3.5 mm kits (85033E, 85052D), Type‑N kits (85032F, 85032B), APC‑7 (85031B) and high‑frequency 2.4 mm kits (85056A up to 50 GHz). Specialized standards cover impedance and power references (16380A standard capacitor set, 11683A power range calibrator) and frequency references for modular systems (70310A).

What distinguishes Keysight’s products

Electronic calibrators: Keysight ECal modules emphasize single‑connection automated calibration with solid‑state switching and traceability. The N4431B explicitly supports fast single‑connection three‑ or four‑port calibrations and is described as NIST‑traceable; 85093C and 85092C provide rapid, repeatable two‑port ECal capability and list NIST traceability as well. Some ECal modules are USB controllable or USB powered (N4691B is USB powered; 85093C is USB bus powered), which matters for integration with PNA/ENA class VNAs.

Mechanical kits: Mechanical SOLT kits are available by connector and frequency class. Keysight’s mechanical kits include torque guidance and phase‑matched adapters where needed — for example, the 85052D kit specifies a torque wrench setting of 90 N·cm (8 in‑lb) and covers DC to 26.5 GHz; 85056A is the 2.4 mm kit sized for DC to 50 GHz and includes sliding‑load standards and broadband load return‑loss specifications. Specialized kits for 75 Ω measurement (85036B) and APC‑7 genderless connections (85031B, 16195B) address nonstandard impedances and precise LCR/impedance analyzer work.

Reference standards: Items such as the 16380A standard capacitor set and the 11683A range calibrator are intended as device‑specific transfer standards (LCR meters and power meters respectively). The 70310A delivers 10 MHz and 100 MHz reference outputs with tight stability and warm‑up specs for modular systems.

How to choose between models

Start with connector type and impedance: pick a kit or ECal that matches the DUT and test port (3.5 mm, 2.4 mm, Type‑N, APC‑7, 75 Ω Type‑N). Next, check frequency coverage: choose mechanical kits when you need the highest frequency capability (85056A covers DC to 50 GHz) or specific broadband load performance; choose an ECal when frequent automated calibration and minimized connector handling are priorities (examples: N4691B, 85093C, 85092C). For multiconductor or multiport transfer standards and lab traceability, consider the N4431B, which supports full three‑ or four‑port single‑connection calibrations and is cited as NIST‑traceable. If you work with LCR/impedance instruments or need calibrated capacitance standards, choose the 16380A set; for verifying legacy power meters the 11683A provides dedicated calibration outputs and stated calibration uncertainty. Finally, observe recommended torque/coupling values and calibration intervals where provided — for example, 85093C lists a recommended calibration interval of one year and some kits specify connection torque guidance (85092C recommended coupling torque 1.35 N·m; 85032F recommends 1.3 N·m).