Cirris recommends tester calibration be verified annually at a minimum. This can be performed using a Performance Check Kit following a fully documented process.
Each kit is designed for a specific tester type and includes a series of standards, the values of which are certified and traceable to NIST (the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology).
The certificate of calibration included with a performance check kit is valid for two years.
Part Numbers & Kit Manuals
| Tester | Kit Part Number | Manual |
| 4200 | PCHK-42 | |
| 4250 | PCHK-42 | |
| Easy-Touch Pro / Easy-Touch | PCHK-3 | |
| CH2 | PCHK-C2 | |
| CR | PCHK-CR | |
| 1100H+ | PCHK-3 | |
| 1100R+ | PCHK-3 | |
| 1000LC | PCHK-LC | |
| 1000RX | PCHK-2 | |
| 1000R+ | PCHK-2 | |
| Touch1 | PCHK-3 | |
| Touch1 LV | PCHK-3 | |
| Pin-Sight | PCHK-PS |
What Do They Do?
Signal Routing System Check
All kits verify the proper operation of the signal routing system by scanning all test points on the tester. Each tester model generates a unique code as part of this test which must conform to a known standard. This verification process insures that all points function as expected.
- The zero Ohm test adapter is the standard used for the 'Signal Routing System' test.
- The 'Resistor Leak' adapter is the test standard used for this type of verification.
Note: This process cannot be described as a "calibration" process, (because you cannot 'dial in' or 'tweak' a setting to make a correction to a unit.) This process should be thought of as a process to verify that each test point is functioning and is operating as designed.
Resistance Measurement System Check
Tester models which have the capacity to measure resistance values during the normal test cycle must have the "resistance measuring system" verified by comparing resistances found at selected points in the tester against the known resistance values of the 'Resistive Test Standard'.
Capacitance Standards Measured and Verified
In a similar manner, testers with other testing capabilities; IE: Capacitance measuring, 4 wire Kelvin measurements, diode presence and bias etc., each have their capabilities tested when the proper test adapter is used to verify that capability.
Measurement of Voltage Outputs on Hipot Testers
Using a high impedance voltmeter (or a standard voltmeter with a High Voltage Probe attached) the verification kits designed for hipot testers will measure and verify output voltages of the 'high voltage supply'. This process verifies that the hipot test voltages selected by the user during a high voltage test are at the voltage level selected. Again, this verification process cannot be called a calibration process because there are no adjustments that you can make to bring testers into 'compliance'. If the tester fails any verification test, the tester must be returned to Cirris Systems for repair.
What's Included In the Kit?
A Users Manual (See table above)
The step-by-step manual walks the user through each phase of the verification process and provides blank documentation sheets for recording parametric test data.
Precision Standards
The test standards are certified gauges with traceability to the N.I.S.T. When used in accordance with the verification procedures outlined in the manual, traceability can be transferred to your Cirris cable tester.
Depending on the model of your tester, each check kit contains:
- Zero-Ohm board
- Precision Resistive standard
- Capacitance check standard
(The 'Precision Standards' allow you to verify your tester with the same level of precision as Cirris technicians qualifying units in for calibration.)
Note: The type and number of test standards in each kit vary depending on the capabilities of each model.
Certificate of Calibration
Each kit contains a Certificate of Calibration that provides traceability to the N.I.S.T. The 'standards' are calibrated and certified for a service period of two years, after which they must be replaced.
When Cirris first introduced Performance Check Kits, ISO-9000 and other quality systems did not exist. As more customers implemented quality systems, the 5-year service period of PCHK's became problematic. If a kit fails final certification it can render invalid all testing performed on testers verified with the kit since its last certification. We felt that a two year period would better serve our customer's needs.
