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The StatistiCALTM VNA Calibration Software Package is our newest VNA calibration software package. It accommodates almost all coaxial and on-wafer standards, and enables a “mix and match” philosophy to VNA calibration. The software is based on an algorithm developed at the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) of Germany, which is able to estimate the uncertainty of its own results due to random errors. The algorithm features a high degree of robustness, allowing it to find solutions even with poor initial estimates.

The software combines a decade of experience in statistics and orthogonal distance regression with an easy-to-use user interface. Research at NIST has extended the analysis of uncertainties caused by random errors to include systematic errors in the solution. The uncertainties in the solution are represented by a covariance matrix that relates errors in both the VNA calibration and measurements of the device under test. In addition, the algorithm determines coverage factors based on the different numbers of degrees of freedom associated with various parts of the solution.

This software runs on Microsoft* Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT, and XP operating systems. No additional interpreter is required. To simplify upgrading, MultiCal 1.04c automatically generates menus for this new software package from existing MultiCal menus.

Read a paper describing the algorithms employed by this new software package. Read a paper comparing this algorithm to MultiCal.

To receive a free copy of the software, download the installation file, read the user agreement, and request a password. Please include the statement "I have read and agree to the terms and conditions of the NIST Measurement Software user agreement" in your e-mail.

(*We use trade names here to assist the user of this web site. It does not imply a recommendation or endorsement by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. StatistiCAL is a trademark of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.)

MultiCal
® (HTBasic* or HP9000 series*)

MultiCal was developed by the NIST/Industrial Measurement Consortium. On-wafer measurement software implementing the multiline TRL calibration, LRM with imperfect standards, off-wafer CPW calibrations, calibrations for lossy lines, and the calibration comparison method for accuracy assessment. HP9000 series programs run under Rocky Mountain Basic. Download the user's manual. The HTBasic* interpreter runs under DOS*, Win3.1*, Win95*, and some other operating systems.

Read the user agreement. Request a password. Please include the statement "I have read and agree to the terms and conditions of the NIST Measurement Software user agreement" in your e-mail.

(We use trade names here to assist the user of this web site. It does not imply a recommendation or endorsement by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.)



NISTCal Four-Port Measurement Software (Win95*)

NISTCal was developed by the NIST/Industrial Measurement Consortium. This software performs most of the most-used functions of MultiCal® in a four-port measurement environment. It supports multi-line TRL calibrations with impedance correction, LRM calibrations with imperfect standards, and calibrations for lossy lines. It is capable of performing orthogonal two-port, three-port, and four-port measurements with in-line on-wafer calibrations and the addition of some inexpensive hardware.

Read the user agreement. Request a password. Please include the statement "I have read and agree to the terms and conditions of the NIST Measurement Software user agreement" in your e-mail. Download the MultiCal user's manual, useful for understanding the functions implemented in NISTCal. Download a paper describing the 4-port hardware and algorithm.



Characteristic Impedance of Silicon Transmission Lines (Win95*)

Software designed to accurately determining the characteristic impedance of transmission lines fabricated on silicon substrates. The Characteristic Impedance of Silicon Transmission Lines Software was developed by the NIST/Industrial Measurement Consortium and is only available to Consortium members until May 1999.

Read the user agreement. Request a password. Please include the statement "I have read and agree to the terms and conditions of the NIST Measurement Software user agreement" in your e-mail. Download a paper comparing this algorithm to other methods.



CausalCat Software: Computation of |Z0| from arg(p0) (Win95*)

Software for computing causal characteristic-impedance magnitude from the phase of the integral of the Poynting vector over the guide cross section. The resulting characteristic impedance satisfies the requirements of a new causal power-normalized circuit theory.

Read the user agreement. Request a password. Please include the statement "I have read and agree to the terms and conditions of the NIST Measurement Software user agreement" in your e-mail. Download preprint of a paper describing the algorithm. Read the story of the Causal Cat.

Software for correcting for jitter, drift, and time-base distortion in your oscilloscope.

Fourier-Transform Helper Software

Software to assist in correctly applying the numerical Fourier Transform. See related paper describing terminology for oscilloscope calibrations.

Software for time-domain network analysis.


* We provide product names or links to sites marked with a "*" because they may be of interest to the users of this site. NIST does not endorse any commercial products, and other products may work as well or better. NIST also does not necessarily endorse the products, views expressed, or facts presented on sites with links on this page.

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Date created: January 25, 2002
Last updated: January 25, 2002