NAVAIR 17-20AA-138

TECHNICAL MANUAL
AA-138

INSTRUMENT CALIBRATION PROCEDURE

AMPLIFIERS

ITHACO
451, 453, 454, 455, 455-27
481OPT13 OR 451OPT01

THIS PUBLICATION SUPERSEDES NAVAIR 17-20AA-138

DATED 1 SEPTEMBER 1999

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT C. DISTRIBUTION AUTHORIZED TO U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND THEIR

CONTRACTORS TO PROTECT PUBLICATIONS REQUIRED FOR OFFICIAL USE OR FOR ADMINISTRATIVE OR
AA-138

OPERATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. OTHER REQUESTS FOR THIS DOCUMENT SHALL BE REFERRED TO
MEASUREMENT SCIENCE DEPARTMENT, CORONA DIVISION, NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER,
P.O. BOX 5000, CORONA, CA 92878-5000.

DESTRUCTION NOTICE - FOR UNCLASSIFIED, LIMITED DOCUMENTS, DESTROY BY ANY METHOD

THAT WILL PREVENT DISCLOSURE OF CONTENTS OR “RECONSTRUCTION OF THE DOCUMENT.”

PUBLISHED BY DIRECTION OF COMMANDER NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND

1 MARCH 2007
NAVAIR 17-20AA-138

LIST OF EFFECTIVE PAGES

The purpose of this list is to identify the pages in this document affected by any technical content changes made since the
previous release of the document.

NOTE: On a revised page, with the exception of the Title, the A, and the i pages, the technical changes are indicated by a vertical
line in the outer margin of the page.

Page Page Page

No. ** Revision* No. ** Revision* No. ** Revision*
Title 0
A 0
i 0
1 to 7 0
9 to 11 0

*Zero in this column indicates an original page.

“R” in this column indicates a revised page.
**All pages not listed are blank pages.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page

1 Introduction and Description ................................................................................................................... 1

2 Equipment Requirements......................................................................................................................... 2

3 Preliminary Operations ............................................................................................................................ 3

4 Calibration Process .................................................................................................................................. 3

4.1 Amplifier Gain Test ............................................................................................................................. 3
4.2 Frequency Response Tests ................................................................................................................... 6
4.3 Distortion Test...................................................................................................................................... 7
4.4 Noise Test............................................................................................................................................. 7

Navy Calibration Checklist...................................................................................................................... 9

ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure Page

1 Amplifier Gain Test Configuration.......................................................................................................... 3

2 Frequency Response Test Configuration ................................................................................................. 6

TABLES
Table Page

1 Calibration Description............................................................................................................................ 1
2 Equipment Requirements......................................................................................................................... 2

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 NAVAIR 17-20AA-138

SECTION 1

INTRODUCTION AND DESCRIPTION

1.1 This procedure describes the calibration of the Ithaco 451, 453, 454, 455, 455-27, 481OPT13 or 451OPT01 Amplifiers.
The instrument being calibrated is referred to herein as the TI (Test Instrument).

1.2 All comments concerning this procedure should be directed to the Measurement Science Department, Corona Division,
Naval Surface Warfare Center, P.O. Box 5000, Corona, CA 92878-5000.

1.3 This procedure includes tests of essential performance parameters only. Any malfunction noticed during calibration,
whether specifically tested for or not, should be corrected.

1.4 This procedure can be performed using test equipment from UK calibration standards.

Table 1. Calibration Description

TI Performance Test
Characteristics Specifications Method
Gain Range: -10 to +90 dB in 1 dB steps Measure output with a digital
Tolerance: ±1% multimeter with known inputs
(481OPT13) applied.
Range: -12 to +78 dB in 6 dB steps
Tolerance: ±0.1 dB
(451OPT01)
Range: -10 to +90 dB
Tolerance: ±1%
(450-27)
Range: -10 to +80 dB in 5 dB steps
Tolerance: ±1%
Frequency response Range: 1 Hz to 100 kHz, -3 dB max at Measure output with a digital
1 Hz and 100 kHz multimeter while monitoring the
(451, 451OPT01, 453, 455, 455-27 or input.
481OPT13)
Adjustable low frequency rolloff, -3 dB
±0.3 dB at 1, 10, 100 Hz, 1 and 10 kHz
Distortion Tolerance: 0.5% max Measured with a distortion
(481OPT13) analyzer.
Tolerance: 0.25% max
Noise Range: 600 µV rms max broadband at Measure the TI output with the
min gain input shorted.
(481OPT13)
Range: 500 µV rms max broadband at
min gain

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NAVAIR 17-20AA-138

SECTION 2

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

NOTES

Minimum use specifications are the principal parameters required for performance of the calibration, and are
included to assist in the selection of alternate equipment, which may be used at the discretion of the using
laboratory. Satisfactory performance of alternate items shall be verified prior to use. All applicable
equipment must bear evidence of current calibration.

The instruments utilized in this procedure were selected from those known to be available at Navy calibration
facilities and the listing by make or model number carries no implication of preference, recommendation, or
approval for use by other agencies. It is recognized that equivalent equipment produced by other
manufacturers may be capable of equally satisfactory performance in this procedure.

Table 2. Equipment Requirements

Item Minimum Use Calibration

2.1 AC calibrator
2.2 Ratio transformer
2.3 Digital multimeter
(DMM)
2.4 Distortion analyzer
(with built-in
100 Hz to 100 kHz
oscillator)
2.5 Differential
voltmeter
(DVM)
2.6 Decade resistor
2.7 True RMS voltmeter
2.8 Pin adapters
Specifications Equipment
Frequency: 1 kHz Fluke 5200A
Output voltage: 0 to 10 V
Uncertainty: ±0.2 % iv
Frequency: 1 kHz Tegam M1011AOPT11
Decade range: 0.0001000 to 1.0000000
(seven decades)
Uncertainty: ±0.1% of setting
Frequency range: 100 Hz to 100 kHz Hewlett-Packard 3458A; or
Voltage range: 0.5 to 1.5 V rms Fluke 8600AOPT01 or
Uncertainty: ±0.1% 8800AAA
Capable of measuring, 0.1% distortion, Sound Technology
100 Hz to 100 kHz 1700BOPT003, 005
Output frequency uncertainty: ±2% of setting
Output voltage: 1 mV to 3 V rms
Output distortion: <0.02%
Frequency range: 100 Hz to 100 kHz Hewlett-Packard 34401A or
Voltage range: 300 µV to 3 V rms Fluke 931BOPT01 or 887AB
Resolution: 1 mV rms
Uncertainty: ±0.3%
Range: 600 Ω QuadTech 1433-24 or
Uncertainty: ±1 Ω GenRad 1433B or 1432B
Range: 500 µV rms minimum Hewlett-Packard 3400A, 3400B
Uncertainty: NA or 3403C; or
Fluke 8920A
For use with TI 455 and 455-27 Rear inputs Local supply

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SECTION 3

PRELIMINARY OPERATIONS

3.1 Ensure that all power switches are set to off, and set all auxiliary equipment controls as necessary to avoid damage to the
equipment and so that dangerous voltages will not be present on output terminals when the power switches are turned on.

3.2 Connect the TI and all auxiliary equipment to the appropriate power source.

3.3 Turn on all power switches and allow a sufficient warm up time for the equipment. The TI requires 30 minutes to
warm-up.

3.4 Set the TI LF ROLLOFF switch to 1 Hz (for 451, 451OPT01, 453, 455, 455-27, 481OPT13).

3.5 Set the TI MODE CONTROL to MANUAL (for 481OPT13 only).

SECTION 4

CALIBRATION PROCESS

NOTE

Unless otherwise specified, verify the results of each test and take corrective action whenever the test
requirement is not met, before proceeding.

NOTE

For 455 and 455-27, connect the input to pins A (-) and C (+) on the rear panel.

4.1 AMPLIFIER GAIN TEST

4.1.1 Set the TI gain controls to minimum.

4.1.2 Connect the equipment as shown in Figure 1.

2.1 2.2 TI 2.3

AC CALIBRATOR RATIO DMM
TRANSFORMER

INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT

OUTPUT

Figure 1. Amplifier Gain Test Configuration

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CAUTION

SIGNAL PATH SHOULD NOT BE GROUNDED AT THE AC CALIBRATOR IN ORDER TO PREVENT

ANY UNDESIRABLE GROUND CURRENT SINCE THE TI ALREADY GROUNDS THE SIGNAL
PATH.

4.1.3 Set the ratio transformer to 0.31600 (0.398000 for 481OPT13). Set the AC calibrator for a frequency of 1 kHz and an
output level of 10 V rms. Verify that the indication on the DMM (item 2.3) is within 0.99 to 1.01 V rms.

4.1.4 Set the ratio transformer to 0.1000000 (0.2000000 for 481OPT13).

4.1.5 Set the TI gain controls for 0 dB gain (-6 dB for 481OPT13). Verify that the DMM indication is within 0.99 to
1.01 V rms.

4.1.6 Set AC calibrator output level to 1.0 V rms. Repeat steps 4.1.4 and 4.1.5 for the following ratio transformer settings
and TI gain switch settings. At each setting, verify that the DMM indication is within the tolerance limits listed in the following
tables.

Models 451, 453, 454 and 455

Ratio Transformer TI Gain Settings DMM Indication

Setting 1 dB 10 dB (V rms)

0.3160000 0 10 0.99 to 1.01

0.1000000 0 20 ”
0.0316000 0 30 ”
0.0100000 0 40 ”
0.0031600 0 50 ”
0.0010000 0 60 ”
0.0031600* 0 70 ”
0.0010000* 0 80 ”
0.0031600** 10 80 ”
0.316 10 0 ”
0.355 9 0 ”
0.398 8 0 ”
0.447 7 0 ”
0.501 6 0 ”
0.562 5 0 ”
0.631 4 0 ”
0.708 3 0 ”
0.794 2 0 ”
0.891 1 0 ”
* Change the output level of the AC calibrator to 0.1 V rms.
** Change the output level of the AC calibrator to 0.01 V rms.

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Models 451OPT01

Ratio Transformer TI Gain Settings DMM Indication

Setting Vernier 10 dB (V rms)

0.3160000 Fully ccw 10 0.99 to 1.01

0.1000000 ” 20 ”
0.0316000 ” 30 ”
0.0100000 ” 40 ”
0.0031600 ” 50 ”
0.0010000 ” 60 ”
0.0031600* ” 70 ”
0.0010000* ” 80 ”
* Change the output level of the AC calibrator to 0.1 V rms.

Model 481OPT13
Ratio Transformer TI DMM Indication
Setting Gain setting (dB) (V rms)
0.999999X 0 0.99 to 1.01
0.5010000 6 ”
0.2510000 12 ”
0.1260000 18 ”
0.0631000 24 ”
0.0316000 30 ”
0.0158000 36 ”
0.0079400 42 ”
0.0039800 48 ”
0.0020000 54 ”
0.0010000 60 ”
0.0050100* 66 ”
0.0025100* 72 ”
0.0012600* 78 ”
* Change the output level of the AC calibrator to 0.1 V rms.

4.1.7 For the 455-27, set the 0/5 dB switch to 5 dB. Set the ratio transformer to 0.5620000. Verify that the DMM indicates
between 0.99 and 1.01 V rms.

4.1.8 Disconnect the equipment from the TI.

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NAVAIR 17-20AA-138

4.2 FREQUENCY RESPONSE TESTS

4.2.1 Connect the equipment as shown in Figure 2.

2.4 TI 2.3
DISTORTION DMM
ANALYZER
OUTPUT
OUTPUT INPUT INPUT

2.5
DVM

Figure 2. Frequency Response Test Configuration

NOTE

If the TI is a 454, start at step 4.2.2. If the TI is a 451, 451OPT01, 453, 455, 455-27, or 481OPT13, start at
step 4.2.3.

4.2.2 The 454 only:

4.2.2.1 Set the TI 10 dB gain switch to position 0 and the 1 dB gain switch to position 0. Adjust the distortion analyzer
controls for a DVM indication of 1.00 V rms at a frequency of 10 Hz.

4.2.2.2 Verify that the DMM indicates between 0.99 and 1.01 V rms.

4.2.2.3 Adjust the distortion analyzer controls for a DVM indication of 1.00 V rms at a frequency of 10 kHz. Verify that the
DMM indicates between 0.99 and 1.01 V rms.

4.2.2.4 Adjust the distortion analyzer controls for a DVM indication of 1.00 V rms at a frequency of 100 kHz. Verify that the
DMM indicates 0.707 V rms or greater. Skip to Section 4.3.

4.2.3 The 451, 453, 455, 455-27, or 481OPT13 only.

4.2.3.1 Set the TI gain switch for 0 dB gain. Adjust the distortion analyzer controls for a DVM indication of 1.00 V rms at a
frequency of 10 Hz.

4.2.3.2 Set the TI LF ROLLOFF switch to 10 Hz. Verify that the DMM indicates 0.684 to 0.733 V rms.

4.2.3.3 Adjust the distortion analyzer controls for a DVM indication of 1.00 V rms at a frequency of 100 Hz.

4.2.3.4 Set the TI LF ROLLOFF switch to 100 Hz. Verify that the DMM indicates 0.684 to 0.733 V rms.

4.2.3.5 Adjust the distortion analyzer controls for a DVM indication of 1.00 V rms at a frequency of 1 kHz.

4.2.3.6 Set the TI LF ROLLOFF switch to 1 kHz. Verify that the DMM indicates 0.684 to 0.733 V rms.

4.2.3.7 Adjust the distortion analyzer controls for a DVM indication of 1.00 V rms at a frequency of 10 kHz.

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 NAVAIR 17-20AA-138

4.2.3.8 Set the TI LF ROLLOFF switch to 10 kHz. Verify that the DMM indicates 0.684 to 0.733 V rms.

4.3 DISTORTION TEST

4.3.1 Adjust the decade resistor, item 2.6, to 600 Ω. Then connect item 2.6 across the TI output terminals. Set the TI LF
ROLLOFF switch to 1 Hz (for 451, 451OPT01, 453, 455, 455-27 or 481OPT13 only).

4.3.2 Adjust the distortion analyzer controls for a DVM indication of 1.00 V rms at a frequency of 1 kHz.

4.3.3 Measure the TI output distortion with the distortion analyzer, and verify that the distortion is 0.5% (0.25% for
481OPT13) maximum.

4.3.4 Set the distortion analyzer oscillator controls for minimum output, and disconnect the equipment from the TI.

4.4 NOISE TEST

4.4.1 Connect a short across the TI input, and change the TI 10 dB gain switch to position -10. (Set the GAIN switch to
-12 dB for 481OPT13.) Connect the true RMS voltmeter input to the TI output.

4.4.2 Measure the TI noise and verify that the true RMS voltmeter indicates 600 µV rms maximum (500 µV rms maximum
for 481OPT13).

4.4.3 Unless further tests are to be performed, turn all power switches to off, and disconnect the test equipment.

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 NAVAIR 17-20AA-138

CALIBRATION CHECKLIST
TEST INST (S) Ithaco 451, 451OPT01, 453, 454, 455, 455-27, or 481OPT13 Amplifiers

PROC. NO. NA 17-20AA-138 MFR MODEL SER. NO.

PROCEDURE MEASURED VALUES OUT
STEP FUNCTION TESTED NOMINAL FIRST RUN SECOND RUN OF CALIBRATION TOLERANCES
NO. TOL
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)

4.1 Amplifier Gain Test (451, 453, 454, 455)

” 1 dB 10 dB Gain Settings (V rms) (V rms)
4.1.3 0 -10 1.00 0.99 to 1.01
4.1.5 0 0 ” ”
4.1.6 0 10 ” ”
” 0 20 ” ”
” 0 30 ” ”
” 0 40 ” ”
” 0 50 ” ”
” 0 60 ” ”
” 0 70 ” ”
” 0 80 ” ”
” 0 90 ” ”
” 10 0 ” ”
” 9 0 ” ”
” 8 0 ” ”
” 7 0 ” ”
” 6 0 ” ”
” 5 0 ” ”
” 4 0 ” ”
” 3 0 ” ”
” 2 0 ” ”
” 1 0 ” ”

4.1 Amplifier Gain Test (455-27)

(V rms) (V rms)
4.1.3 -10 dB Setting 1.00 0.99 to 1.01
4.1.7 5 dB setting ” ”

Page 1 of 3

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NAVAIR 17-20AA-138

CALIBRATION CHECKLIST
TEST INST (S) Ithaco 451, 451OPT01, 453, 454, 455, 455-27, or 481OPT13 Amplifiers

PROC. NO. NA 17-20AA-138 MFR MODEL SER. NO.

PROCEDURE MEASURED VALUES OUT
STEP FUNCTION TESTED NOMINAL FIRST RUN SECOND RUN OF CALIBRATION TOLERANCES
NO. TOL
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)

4.1 Amplifier Gain Test (481OPT13)

Gain setting (dB) (V rms) (V rms)
4.1.3 -12 1.00 0.99 to 1.01
4.1.5 -6 ” ”
4.1.6 0 ” ”
” 6 ” ”
” 12 ” ”
” 18 ” ”
” 24 ” ”
” 30 ” ”
” 36 ” ”
” 42 ” ”
” 48 ” ”
” 54 ” ”
” 60 ” ”
” 66 ” ”
” 72 ” ”
” 78 ” ”

4.1 Amplifier Gain Test (451OPT01)

” 10 dB Vernier 10 dB Gain settings
(V rms) (V rms)
4.1.3 fully ccw -10 1.00 0.99 to 1.01
4.1.5 ” 0 ” ”
4.1.6 ” 10 ” ”
” ” 20 ” ”
” ” 30 ” ”
” ” 40 ” ”
” ” 50 ” ”
” ” 60 ” ”
” ” 70 ” ”
” ” 80 ” ”

Page 2 of 3

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 NAVAIR 17-20AA-138

CALIBRATION CHECKLIST
TEST INST (S) Ithaco 451, 451OPT01, 453, 454, 455, 455-27, or 481OPT13 Amplifiers

PROC. NO. NA 17-20AA-138 MFR MODEL SER. NO.

PROCEDURE MEASURED VALUES OUT
STEP FUNCTION TESTED NOMINAL FIRST RUN SECOND RUN OF CALIBRATION TOLERANCES
NO. TOL
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)

4.2 Frequency Response Tests

4.2.2 454 only (V rms) (V rms)
4.2.2.2 Input freq: 10 Hz 1 0.99 to 1.01
4.2.2.3 Input freq: 10 kHz ” 0.99 to 1.01
4.2.2.4 Input freq: 100 kHz -- ck( ) ≥0.707
4.2.3 451, 453, 455, 455-27, and 481OPT13 only (V rms)
4.2.3.2 LF Rolloff @ 10 Hz -- ck( ) 0.684 to 0.733
4.2.3.4 LF Rolloff @ 100 Hz -- ck( ) ”
4.2.3.6 LF Rolloff @ 1 kHz -- ck( ) ”
4.2.3.8 LF Rolloff @ 10 kHz -- ck( ) ”

4.3 Distortion Test

4.3.3 Distortion -- ck( ) <0.5%
<0.25% (for 481OPT13)

4.4 Noise Test

4.4.2 Noise -- ck( ) <600 µV rms
<500 µV rms
(for 481OPT13)

Page 3 of 3

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