SureCAL Frequently Asked Questions

Which IEEE-488 interface boards does SureCAL support?

All IEEE-488 interfaces are listed in: "Supported IEEE 488 Devices"

How can I use my bussed standard if it's not listed in the equipment list?

Contact SureCAL Metrology Engineering to see if a driver is available. If none are available, a driver can be written if the customer supplies an instrument and manuals.

I am having trouble setting up the Power Sensor Package with my standards.

The Power Sensor Package setup is explained in tips for first time users.

Can I use SureCAL's Power Sensor Package with the HP 11760S System?

Yes, the Power Sensor Package can be use to calibrate sensors on the HP 11760S System. The setup is explained in Tips for 11760S users.

Do the current SureCAL calibration procedures test all parameters and specifications outlined in the performance test and/or calibration section of the OEM's (Original Equipment Manufacturer's) manuals?

SureCAL develops automated performance tests which are based on the latest available OEM manual performance tests. The SureCAL test points, test methodology, recommended test equipment, and data sheet output are comparable to the OEM procedures. In cases where the OEM suggests a test methodology that is determined to be poor metrology, we make a decision on how SureCAL could improve the test. This is noted on our Software Development Data Sheet. Other differences would include adding the ability to substitute standards of an equivalent capability. And we may change the order of tests to minimize operator hookup changes and maximize the time savings of automating the calibration process.

Assuming no substitution of standards (and / or using substitutions of equivalent or better) are the existing procedures written to provide a Test Accuracy Ratio (TAR) of 4 to 1 or greater? Are deviations from this noted in the data sheet?

SureCAL has automatic TAR calculations for low frequency AC/DC test equipment such as DMMs with options to guardband the specs when TAR drops below 4:1. The TAR is printed on the data sheet with the measured data and specs. High frequency test equipment is more controversial when it comes to calculating the test accuracy ratio. We are working toward making this a user manageable option to select an uncertainty budget and choose the method of calculating and reporting uncertainty to comply with the new international standard ISO/IEC 17025. Presently TAR is not an automatic function in SureCAL High Frequency Test Equipment procedures. There are exceptions, but following the OEM procedure is usually considered sufficient. In cases where an audit has revealed that the OEM test methodology fails to achieve an acceptable test accuracy ratio, SureCAL Metrology Engineering makes a determination on what alternate test methods and/or standards should be required to support the measurement in question.

What is the average time savings?

Substantial. All tests are automated. Using SureCAL, a technician can easily test a Spectrum Analyzer in an average of 2 to 3 hours. For some tests the run time is half the manual calibration time.

Can I run multiple copies of Test Manager? Will other applications running in background interfere with Test Manager?

"Multiple copies of Test Manager should not be run, but other programs can be ran in the background with no effect on SureCAL"