Calibration for RF and optical test equipment

"Calibration" gets used loosely. Our version: we run your instrument against calibrated reference standards, document the measured values before and after any adjustments, and issue a certificate with the actual data. Not just a sticker with a date. The measured numbers, the reference standards used, and the traceability chain.

We work on RF/microwave and optical instruments, with particular depth in OSAs, PM fusion splicers, and the instruments OEMs have stopped supporting. If you've been quoted $2,000+ to calibrate an Ando AQ6317 that's worth $3,500 used, call us first.

What we calibrate

Optical spectrum analyzers

OSAs are the instruments we work on most. Grating motor drift, wavelength offset, noise floor degradation after years of use - we've seen all of it. The calibration process for these is more involved than a spot check, and we don't cut it short.

Supported models

What's included

• Multi-point wavelength alignment using 1310 nm and 1550 nm reference sources
• Sensitivity and noise floor verification at rated RBW
• Dynamic range validation
• Resolution bandwidth check against a known narrowband source
• Sweep speed and grating motor condition assessment
• Optical bench cleaning and alignment
• Power offset correction
• Firmware and LCD diagnostics where applicable
• NIST-traceable certificate with measured data

PM fusion splicers (Fujikura)

Polarization-maintaining fiber alignment is unforgiving. A small rotational error means high splice loss, and most general service centers don't have the procedures for PM-specific calibration. We do. We've been working on Fujikura PM splicers long enough to know where they drift and what the failure modes look like.

Fujikura models

• PM axis rotational alignment and verification
• Arc calibration and arc power tuning
• Electrode conditioning and replacement
• Z/X/Y motor cleaning and recalibration
• Loss-estimation recalibration
• Heater calibration
• Optical bench cleaning and dust/debris removal
• Touchscreen and LCD repair if needed

Seeing high splice loss, alignment drift, or arc failures? That's usually fixable. Send us the model number and a description of what you're seeing and we'll tell you honestly what we think it needs.

We also work on Sumitomo, Fitel, and INNO splicers (SM and PM types).

What actually happens during calibration

Walk-through for OSAs since those are our bread and butter. RF instruments follow similar logic.

1. Physical inspection first

   We check the unit's condition, clean optical ports, and power on to clear any error codes before anything else. If there's a hardware problem, we tell you before we proceed.

2. Wavelength alignment

   Multi-point alignment using calibrated reference laser sources at 1310 nm and 1550 nm. We verify against the internal reference where the instrument supports it.

3. Amplitude and sensitivity

   Level linearity sweep across the instrument's full range. Noise floor and dynamic range verified at the rated RBW setting.

4. Resolution bandwidth verification

   RBW checked at minimum and maximum settings against a known narrowband source.

5. Certificate issued

   Pass/fail summary, measured values at each test point, calibration date, and due date. Traceable to our reference standards, with the traceability chain documented. Printed certificate or PDF, your choice.

For RF instruments: full RF path calibration, amplitude accuracy, attenuator verification, and alignment of all internal references.

RF and microwave instruments

We calibrate spectrum analyzers, signal generators, VNAs, RF power meters, frequency counters, and phase noise analyzers across a wide range of brands. Common ones we see: Keysight/Agilent (856x series, E440x, E8257D, E4438C, PNA/ENA series), Rohde & Schwarz (FSV, FSU, ZVL, ZNB, SMU200A), Anritsu, Tektronix, Advantest, HP legacy models.

Not on this list? Send us the model number. If we haven't worked on it before we'll say so upfront rather than guess.

What the certificate includes

• Measured data at each test point - not just pass/fail
• Calibration date and due date (12-month default, adjustable)
• Physical calibration sticker on the instrument
• Reference standards used, with their traceability chain
• Optional PDF for audit records or ISO 17025 files

Turnaround and shipping

Most instruments are calibrated and shipped back within 1 to 3 business days of arrival. Rush is available - mention it when you request a quote and we'll confirm if we can hit your deadline.

We ship via FedEx, UPS, or DHL. International service supported. If you're sending a fragile optical instrument, ask for packing instructions before you box it - double-boxing with foam-in-place for anything with a monochromator.

Payment: credit/debit, ACH, wire transfer, PayPal. Net-30 terms available for approved accounts.

Have several instruments to turn around? Ask about volume rates.

Calibration reference table

What we cover per instrument type and what the calibration actually measures.