This is a method of network calibration that is used in electronics field. It is often termed as on wafer calibration. The standards used in this calibration are termed as short open load and thru which constitutes the SOLT calibration kit. These standards are used to calculate the calibration algorithm which is important to make error free measurements. This method is carried out by connecting a short circuit, and open circuit and a load in successive manner to one port of the and the measurements are taken to complete the reflection calibration within a vector network analyzer plane.

This is typical calibration method that implies three impedance and one transmission standards to specify the reference plane. The three impedances are matched typically with the three standards a Short, Open, Load, and Thru which constitutes the SOLT calibration setup. While as in the other calibration methods like as TRL calibration and others the thru reflection and line standards are used to measure the calibration.

Both of the calibration methods are used and any of the calibration setup can be used to measure the performance of the network as per the availability of calibration standards and functionality of the network analyzer.

The SOLT calibration method is quite useful in deciding the measurement for network performance that is specified as per the mechanical dimensions. While performing SOLT Calibration process you must find the standard values. Then you should attach the calibration setup with the above standards to the Network Analyzer calibration port, the end of a cable, or inside a test fixture where the measurement is to be made. This is considered as the reference plane or measurement plane.

The network connections like as the insert-able connection like as male to female cable connection and others. These connections don’t require other external connections. The external adapters or devices are used to complete the through connection during SOLT calibration. While performing network calibration you must use all the components that are to be used in calibration or else it may result in measurement error.

Calibration can be done without insertable thru this is useful in handling the non-insertable devices. The simplest method of doing this is by using a set of phase-equal adapters with shorts, opens, and loads of male and female adaptors. Now by connecting one adapter to complete the through connection during calibration and then replacing it to swap by another adapter connected with the Device Under Test gives the calibration measurements.

This method of calibration is quite useful in designing the devices operating on the cascading networks and uses high frequencies but can be tested with insertable thru connection. It is quite useful in RF devices. Apart from this there are various other methods of calibration.