Agilent Antenna Test Selection Guide
Table of Contents 1. Introduction ............................................................................................. 3 Use this guide to: ...................................................................................................................... 3 Main parts of an antenna range ............................................................................................ 4 Channel Partners ..................................................................................................
1. Introduction Agilent Technologies provides many of the components you need to make accurate antenna and radar cross-section (RCS) measurements. This Antenna Test Selection Guide will help you select the hardware necessary to meet your antenna measurement requirements. This note is primarily for customers who want to design, integrate, and install their own antenna measurement system using Agilent antenna test equipment, and for customers migrating to Agilent’s latest network analyzers.
Main parts of an antenna range A typical antenna range measurement system can be divided into two separate parts: the transmit site and the receive site (see Figure 1). The transmit site consists of the microwave transmit source, amplifiers (optional), the transmit antenna, and the communications link to the receive site. The receive site consists of the antenna under test (AUT), a reference antenna, receiver, LO source, RF downconverter, positioner, system software, and a computer.
2. Overview of antenna applications using Agilent PNA Series network analyzers The Agilent PNA-X measurement receiver and PNA/PNA-X series network analyzers incorporate new technologies and features to provide better performance and capabilities for antenna and radar cross-section (RCS) test applications. High sensitivity The Agilent PNA-X measurement receiver is a direct replacement for the previous 8530A model with fast throughput and higher measurement sensitivity.
Near-field antenna measurements In near-field applications, the probe is located very close to the antenna under test (AUT), so sensitivity and dynamic range are not as important a performance consideration as in a far-field antenna range. The user selectable bandwidth feature can be used to optimize the measurement speed vs. sensitivity tradeoff. By selecting the widest bandwidth available (600 kHz), the measurement speed is maximized. The PNA-X analyzer is mixer based, with fundamental mixing to 26.
Far-field antenna measurements The N5264A PNA-X measurement receiver based system uses 85320A/B broadband external mixers and a 85309B distributed frequency converter and provides the best measurement solution (shown in Figure 4). With Option 108, the internal microwave synthesized source can be used as the LO source for the 85309B LO/IF Distribution Unit.
5320A Test mixer Source antenna AUT Optional amplifier 85320B Reference mixer PSG Synthesized source PSG or MXG 85309B LO out (Opt. H11 LAN Router/Hub Positioner Power Supply 8.33 MHz Trigger in/out LO in 10 MHz Positioner controller LAN 10 MHz Trigger in/out Figure 5. Typical antenna measurement configuration using PNA network analyzers with Option H11.
If the range allows the use of amplifiers instead of a PSG, you can take advantage of the excellent frequency agility of the PNA/PNA-X which minimizes the frequency switching time for far-field measurements configurations. See Figure 6. Transmit amplifier Antenna under test Transmit antenna 85320A test mixer LO/IF 85320B ref mixer IF LO J2 LO amp Det J5 J4 85309B LO Input J1 J3 J9 TEST IF J10 REF IF Fixed 8.
Radar cross-section measurements The PNA Series provides the excellent measurement sensitivity, fast frequency agility and data acquisition speeds necessary for RCS measurements. Excellent measurement sensitivity is provided by mixer based downconversion technology; very fast frequency agility is achieved through the source and receiver being located in the same instrument.
Banded millimeter-wave measurements With firmware version A.04.00 or later, the PNA microwave E836xC network analyzers are capable of supporting banded millimeter-wave modules, extending the frequency range of your network analyzer up to 500 GHz. Additionally, you can customize the most cost-effective solution specific for your application by purchasing just the module and frequency range you need. Figure 10 shows a typical millimeter-wave configuration.
Broadband Solution Configuration Configuring a 10 MHz to 110 GHz solution using separate components Configuration of the single sweep solution using individual system components is easily done by selecting one each of the following components 1. 67 GHz PNA with configurable test set or PNA-X network analyzer 2. Either a N5261A (2-port) or N5262A (4-port) millimeter-wave test set controller 3.
Broadband Solution Configuration Measurement options The following is a list of measurement options that are supported with the N5251A or the individually configured PNA/PNA-X solution. These measurement options are supported across the 10 MHz to 110 GHz frequency range and are required if using the N5227A PNA or N5247A PNA-X.
Banded Solution Configuration Configuration of a banded solution is similar to configuration of a single sweep solution using separate components. With the support of several frequency extenders and vector network analyzer options, the banded solutions offer industry leading flexibility and extensibility for measurements to 1.1 THz. To configure basic hardware required for a particular solution select the following three components: 1.
Banded Solution Configuration Millimeter-wave test set controllers for banded and single sweep N5261A 2-port millimeter-wave test set controller for PNA/PNA-X based configuration N5261A-102 A set of cables for 3.5 mm connection to a 2-port N5222A or N5242A N5261A-104 A set of cables for 3.5 mm connection to a 4-port N5222A or N5242A N5261A-106 A set of cables for 2.4 mm connection to a 2-port N5224A/N5225A or N5244A/N5245A N5261A-108 A set of cables for 2.
Banded Solution Configuration Single channel receive modules (OML Inc.) Waveguide flange Frequency GHz Standard single channel receive modules WR15 WR12 WR10 WR08 WR06 WR05 WR03 WR02.
Banded Solution Configuration Millimeter-wave calibration kits (OML Inc.) Waveguide flange Frequency GHz Calibration kit WR15 WR12 WR10 WR08 WR06 WR05 WR03 WR02.2 Extended WR12 50 - 75 60 - 90 75 - 110 90 - 140 110 - 170 140 - 220 220 - 325 325 - 500 56 - 94 V11644A N5260AC12 W11644A N5260AC08 N5260AC06 N5260AC05 N5260AC03 N5260AC02 N5260AC12 Banded waveguide transmission reflection modules (Virginia Diodes Inc.) Modules compatible with Waveguide 26.
Banded Solution Configuration Banded waveguide receive only modules (Virginia Diodes Inc.) Waveguide flange Frequency GHz Modules compatible with 26.5 GHz PNA or PNA-X Modules Compatible with PNA or PNA-X 43.5 GHz and above N5261A or N5262A test set controller compatible modules WR15 50 to 75 N5262AR15-026 N5262AR15-STD N5262AR15-TST WR12 60 to 90 N5262AR12-026 N5262AR12-STD N5262AR12-TST WR10 75 to 110 N5262AR10-026 N5262AR10-STD N5262AR10-TST WR8.
Option Descriptions • Millimeter Module Cable Options ( for N5261A and N5262A Millimeter Test Set Controller) • Option 501: A set of 4 foot cables for connection of a module to the test set controller. • Option 502: A set of 2 meter cables for connection of module to the test set controller. • Option 503: A set of 3 meter cables for connection of module to the test set controller. • Option 505: A set of 5 meter cables for connection of module to the test set controller.
• Reference receiver switch (Option 081) Option 081 adds a solid-state internal RF transfer switch in the R1 reference-receiver path. The switch allows the instrument to easily switch between standard S-parameter (non-frequency-offset) measurements and frequency-offset measurements such as relative phase or absolute group delay that require an external reference mixer.
Figure 12. Typical millimeter-wave antenna application with PNA E836xC with Option 014, 080, 081, UNL and H11. Figure 13. Typical millimeter-wave antenna application with N5242A PNA-X Option 020. For additional information about millimeter measurements, see Application Note 1408-15: Banded Millimeter-Wave Measurements with the PNA, literature number 5989-4098EN.
3. Antenna measurement design considerations When designing an antenna measurement system, there are many parameters that must be considered in order to select the optimum equipment. Begin by considering the components for the transmit site, then move to the receive site. Designing a complete antenna system often requires you to configure the transmit site, then the receive site, and then make adjustments to the transmit site and recalculate the values for optimum performance.
Calculate the effective radiated power The effective radiated power (ERP) is the power level at the output of the transmit antenna.
Dynamic range The dynamic range required to test the AUT is the difference, in decibels, between maximum boresite level and minimum AUT level that must be measured. Examples of these include side-lobe level, null depth, and cross-polarization levels. Measurement accuracy/signal-to-noise ratio Measurement accuracy is affected by the measurement sensitivity of the system. The signal-to-noise ratio will directly impact the measurement accuracy of the system for both amplitude and phase measurements.
Sensitivity The PNA should be located as closely as possible to the test antenna to minimize the RF cable lengths. The measurement sensitivity of the PNA must be degraded by the insertion loss of the RF cable(s) to determine the system measurement sensitivity needed. Now, determine the sensitivity required of the PNA Sensitivity = PAUT – DR – S/N – L Note This equation assumes the simplest antenna system with no remote mixing. See Figure 10.
Choosing a network analyzer The frequency and sensitivity requirements of your antenna system will determine the network analyzer specifications. Agilent offers three families of network analyzers: the PNA Series, the PNA-L Series and the ENA Series. Agilent has developed options for the PNA Series specifically for antenna measurements. Because of these options, the PNA Series is often the preferred analyzer for antenna solutions.
Receive site configuration with external mixing RF in Pin < 26 dBm L2 PTM 85320A Test mixer 85320B RF in Reference mixer Pin < 26 dBm L1 PRM Pin = 8 to 16 dBm L4 LO in Pin = 8 to 16 dBm L3 Pout =19 dBm Pout = 19 dBm LO in Pin = 0 to 6 dBm 85309B Amplifier Input Freq Max input (.1 dB) Damage level Front Opt. 014 A,B,R1,R2 20 MHz –10 dBm +15 dBm 8.33 MHz –27 dBm –20 dBm Rear Option H11 A,B,R1,R2 L5 L6 RF out (PS) PNA network analyzer with Option 014 & H11 Figure 17.
RF in Pin < 26 dBm L2 PTM 85320A Test mixer 85320B RF in Reference mixer Pin < 26 dBm L1 PRM Pin = 8 to 16 dBm L4 LO in Pin = 8 to 16 dBm L3 Pout = 19 dBm Pout = 19 dBm LO in Pin = 0 to 6 dBm 85309B L5 Input Freq Max input (.1 dB) Damage level IF inputs 7.605634 MHz –10 dBm +15 dBm Rear input Option 020 7.605634 MHz –9 dBm +23 dBm L6 RF out (PS) PNA-X measurement receiver with Option 108 Figure 19.
Calculate required power of LO source Ps= cable length (meters) X cable loss (dB/meter) + Pin (85309B) where Ps = Power out of the LO source (dBm) Pin = Required power into 85309B (0 to 6 dBm) Select a source that meets your individual preferences and needs. Higher-output power sources or an amplifier must be used if Pin is insufficient.
Power at reference mixer Calculation of the power level at the reference mixer depends on the method used to obtain the reference signal. Almost all ranges obtain the reference channel signal using a stationary reference antenna to receive a portion of the radiated transmit signal. Select one of the two methods below for your configuration. 1.
Power at the analyzer inputs Calculate the IF power levels at the receiver using the following equations: PREF = PRM – conversion loss of mixers1 + conversion gain of 85309B – (L3 + L5) PTEST = PTM – conversion loss of mixers1 + conversion gain of 85309B – (L4 + L6) Where L = Cables losses as shown in Figure 11 Conversion gain of 85309B: ~23 dB (typical) Caution: These values must not exceed the maximum input power level (0.
Determining measurement speed Upgrade note In general, the PNA will provide significant speed improvements over the 8510 or 8530 analyzers. However, some measurement setups will require additional external component speed improvements in order to fully capture the PNA speed benefits. Table 1 shows the measurement speed (for data taking only) of the analyzer.
Example measurement time for a PNA network analyzer PNA with 201 points, 1 GHz span and 10 kHz BW sweep First, determine if most PNA points are in step or swept mode. If BW ² 1kHz or time/ point > 1mS, all points will be stepped, otherwise it will be swept. In addition, source power cal, power sweep and frequency offset mode all force step mode. Data taking: time/point = 1/BW = 1/10 kHz = 100 uSec (Since this is faster than 1 mS, the PNA is probably in swept mode.) So, 201 points at 100 uS/point is 20.
Legacy PNA interface requirements When configuring the PNA it is critical that power levels are considered to avoid damaging the PNA. Ideally, power should not exceed the 0.1 dB compression levels indicated in the figures below. Damage levels are printed on the instrument, as shown in Figure 20.
PNA-X N5242A Network Analyzer CPLR ARM PORT 1 +30 dBm +15 dBm SOURCE OUT CPLR THRU +30 dBm SOURCE OUT +15 dBm PORT 2 RCVR A IN RCVR B IN CPLR ARM +15 dBm +30 dBm CPLR THRU SOURCE OUT +30 dBm +30 dBm RCVR R1 IN +20 dBm RCVR R2 IN REF 1 SOURCE OUT REF 2 +15 dBm +15 dBm 0.1 dB compression level: –5 dBm typical at 26.5 GHz Figure 21. PNA-X N5242A network analyzer front panel connectors.
Triggering (remote access): • BNC connectors • Edge-triggering (pos/neg) • Trigger in/out • Remote access with SCPI • Available on PNA models E8361C, E836xC, and N5230C. Option H11 Connectors: • PNA RF source and LO outputs for external mixing • Pulsed measurement capability with Option 008 • Direct access to the internal IF Test set RF Pulse in LO B R2 0.1 dB Compression point: –27 dBm 8.
Option H11 – IF access Option H11 is only available on the PNA network analyzers. Option H11 also requires Options 014, 080, 081 and UNL. Option H11 provides direct access to the first IF downconversion stage. The external IF input allows 8.33 MHz IF signals from remote mixers to be input directly to the PNA digitizer, bypassing the PNA’s RF conversion stage. The test system becomes a distributed network analyzer with a tracking source and a tuned receiver.
The 85309 LO/IF distribution unit interfaces with the PNA, PNA-X in two different ways, providing either a 20 MHz IF signal for PNA and PNA-X or an 8.33 MHz for PNA, a 7.606534 MHz for PNA-X and PNA-X measurement receiver IF signal. It is important to understand the differences in each configuration before setting up your measurement.
Setting up the PNA LO for an 8.33 MHz IF signal Note The following equations are not required for frequencies under 20 GHz. At lower frequencies, the PNA operates in fundamental mixing mode and the LO frequency is automatically offset by 8.33 MHz. The PNA LO must be set so that an 8.33 MHz IF signal is produced by the mixers for input to the PNA Option H11 inputs. Using the equations below, the appropriate LO frequency can be calculated.
Using the PNA E836xC front panel Port 1 Source Out as the LO input for the 85309: We know that for a mixer, IF= N(LO) – RF where N = external mixer harmonic number Since IF = 8.33 MHz, then 8.33 = N(LO) – RF LO (MHz) = (RF + 8.33)/N To set the LO frequency of the 85309, simply set the RF output on the PNA to the LO frequency calculated above. Turning on Option H11 with PNA and PNA-X Although Option H11 is installed, you must assure that the IF switch is set correctly for it to function properly.
Near-field data collection Frequency multiplexing during a data scan/acquisition can result in a misalignment of the rectangular near-field grid between forward and reverse data scan directions. This introduces an error into the measured near-field data set which results in a far-field pattern. One way to eliminate this error is to always collect data measurements in the same scan direction, but this would double the data scan acquisition time.
4. Migrating from 8510/8530 to PNA Migration from 8510/8530 based antenna systems to PNA network analyzer based systems Table 3 shows the various system components of 8510/8530 based antenna systems and their recommended replacement components. While the components listed are recommended replacements, some interface requirements are different. Refer to the “Antenna measurement design considerations” section on page 14 for interface requirements. Table 3.
Engineering services provided for 8510/8530 migration to PNA series network analyzers For current users of the 8510/8530 Series of network analyzers, Agilent offers a spectrum of engineering services that provide training, code conversion, and/or test plan design.These services allow you to take advantage of the excellent performance of the PNA Series with ease.
Migration examples When migrating from an 8510/8530 to a PNA Series network analyzer, it is important to recognize the differences in power, speed and sensitivity between the analyzers. In remote mixing configurations, using Option H11, the damage level of the PNA is much lower than the 8510/8530. You must assure that the power going into the analyzer does not exceed –27 dBm by placing attenuators between the 85309B and the H11 inputs.
8511A RCS automation software Coupler 83631B Synthesized source 8530A Microwave receiver Positioner/controller Personal computer HP-IB To transmit antenna LAN RF source To computer 45
5. Antenna measurement components catalog Microwave network analyzers Figure 30. Legacy (E836xC) PNA network analyzer. Figure 31. PNA N523xA network analyzer. Figure 32. PNA-X N5242A network analyzer. Figure 33. PNA N5222A network analyzer. PNA Series network analyzers The microwave PNA Series instruments are integrated vector network analyzers equipped with a built-in S-parameter test set, synthesized sources, hard and floppy disk drives, and an LCD display.
Options Time-domain capability - Option 010 Optional time-domain capability is available with the PNA Series network analyzer. Time domain is most often used for locating reflections inside anechoic chambers. Time domain displays reflections versus time or distance inside an anechoic chamber. Knowing the distance of a reflection from the source antenna helps the operator locate the reflection source, and helps to identify and mitigate the reflection.
IF inputs for antenna and millimeter-wave - Option 020 - PNA N522xA and PNA-X N524xA The PNA-X IF access option provides network analyzer IF signal path access for applications including antenna measurements, and extended frequency coverage beyond 26.5 GHz. With Option 020 IF access, antenna-test professionals can use an externally generated 10.7 MHz IF, bypassing the PNA-X’s internal first converter to achieve maximum sensitivity with remote mixing for antenna measurements.
Pulse measurements (Option 008)1 The PNA receiver has optional Pulse measurement capability (Option 008). This option provides software to set up and control pulsed-RF measurements with point-in-pulse and pulse-profile capability.
PNA-L Series network analyzers The PNA-L has many of the same great characteristics of the PNA family but differs in the following ways. Option H11, IF access, and Option 008, Pulsed-RF measurement capability are not available. The PNA-L cannot be upgraded to millimeter frequencies. The PNA-L allows even wider IF bandwidth settings than the PNA and has speed advantages over the PNA. It has slightly less sensitivity than the PNA (refer to Table 1 in section 3 for a sensitivity comparison).
Select a transmit source from the following table: Table 5.
Frequency converters Figure 38. 85309 LO/IF distribution unit and 85320A/B mixer modules. The 85309B LO/IF distribution unit and the 85320A/B mixers downconvert a microwave signal to an IF signal that can be measured by the PNA. The distributed frequency converter uses external mixers for microwave downconversion. These mixers can be located directly at the antenna under test. The frequency of operation depends upon the frequency range of the external mixers selected.
Specifications Table 7. 85309B specifications 85309B Options 40x Output Power Limits for HIGH Band LO Output Power (+6 dBm Input) 85309B Standard or Options 001 or 002 Output Power Limits LO Output Power (+6 dBm Input) 85309B Options 40x Output Power Limits for LOW Band LO Output Power (+6 dBm Input) Frequency Range Power Level Frequency Range Power Level Frequency Range Power Level 0.3 – 0.5 GHz > +21.3 dBm 0.3 – 0.5 GHz > +21.6 dBm 0.1 – 1 GHz > +14 dBm 0.5 – 3 GHz > +22.4 dBm 0.
The following diagram shows the power levels for the various mixer configurations. L.O./I.F. Dist. unit LO in 85320A/B Opt H20 Dwn conv. mixers 85309B LO out Pin = 6 to 10 dBm ALC Po = 16 dBm Pmxr = 8 to 16 dBm (0.3 - 3 GHz) Ref chan. 0.3 - 3 GHz Test chan. PNA-X N5242A network analyzer (Option 020) 8 dB max. 85320A/B L.O./I.F. Dist. unit LO in Dwn conv.
Special options Occasionally an application requires locating the mixers at a distance greater than is possible with a standard 85309B. Greater distances require additional LO output power from the 85309B. Several special options that increase the output power of the 85309B are available. Refer to the 85309B-H30 section in this document. Other information Connectors Environmental Non-operating conditions Power consumption Weight Size Ref antenna RF input to mixers = –24 dBm (.
85320A/B mixer modules Figure 41. 85320A/B mixer module. The 85320A/B, 85320A/B-H20, and 85320A/B-H50 mixer modules are designed for use with the 85309B LO/IF distribution unit. Each antenna range should have one reference mixer (B model numbers) and one to three text mixers (A model numbers). In conjunction with the 85309B, the mixers serve to downconvert microwave frequencies to an IF signal for measurement by the PNA network analyzer.
85320A test mixers The 85320A, 85320A-H20 and 85320A-H50 contain a diplexer that combines the LO input and IF output onto a single coaxial connector, which is useful for systems using a rotary joint. Mixer IF 3 dB attenuator RF input Connector type varies with option number LO Diplexer Type-N connector LO input IF output Figure 42. 85320A test mixer.
Specifications Frequency range 85320A/B-H20 85320A/B 85320A-H50 85320A-H50 Fundamental mixing mode Fundamental mixing mode Fundamental mixing mode Third-harmonic mode 300 MHz to 3 GHz 1 to 18 GHz 2 to 18 GHz 18 to 50 GHz Maximum input levels Maximum DC voltage at input Maximum signal level at RF or LO inputs 10 volts +20 dBm (Option H20) +26 dBm (standard, Option H50) Optimum input levels (when connected to 85309B LO/ IF Distribution Unit) LO input power RF input power +11 to +14 dBm < –24 dBm Table
Connector types RF input type-N female (Option H20) 3.5 mm male (standard) 2.4 mm male (Option H50) All other connectors type-N female Environmental characteristics Operating conditions Non-operating conditions 0 to +55 °C 0 to +45 °C (Option H50) –40 to +75 °C; 5 to 90% relative humidity, non-condensing. Size 85320A (excluding connectors) 97 mm (3.8 in) W x 122 mm (4.8 in) L x 34 mm (1.3 in) D (Option H20, H50) 83 mm (3.25 in) W x 122 mm (4.8 in) L x 33 mm (1.
N5280/1A Frequency converter Figure 44. N5280A frequency converter front and rear panels. Figure 45. N5281A frequency converter rear panel detail. Description The Agilent N5280/1A is a four channel frequency converter test set. This test set is used with the Agilent N5242A 2-port or 4-port PNA-X network analyzer, and a N5264A measurement receiver. It can be operated with other microwave accessories (couplers, power splitters).
N5280/1A Test set options: The N5280/1A has two available options: • Standard – There are no attenuators in the RF input paths. • Option 001 – There are four 35 dB attenuators in the RF paths to reduce the power levels. N5280/1A instrument dimensions Weight: Height: Width: Depth: 11.4 kg (25 lb) 8.9 cm (3.5 in) 42.5 cm (16.7 in) 48.3 cm (19 in) Table 11. N5280/1A frequency range and connectors Port Frequency range Connectors RF port 0.01 to 26.5 GHz/0.01 to 50 GHz 3.5 mm (f)/2.4 mm (f) LO port 0.
LP OUT A IF OUT LP IN +18 dBm Max +/- 10 Volts DC Max BW IF RF A RF B LO LP OUT B IF OUT LP IN IF Max BW LO LP OUT C IF OUT RF IN LP IN IF Max BW RF C RF D LO LP OUT D IF OUT LP IN IF Max BW LO +/- 9 Volts DC + 15 Volts DC 1810-0118 0dB Gain Nominal Power Supply 0950-4729 LO AUX 0dBm to 18GHz +6dBm to 26.5GHz (prefer + 8 dBm) 5087-7308 LO IN 1250-1251 SMA (f) E8356-20071 N5280A 5062-6618 3.
Figure 49. N5281A block diagram (Standard 700) Figure 50.
Amplifiers 83020A 2 to 26.5 GHz 83018A 2 to 26.5 GHz 83006A 0.01 to 26.5 GHz 83017A 0.5 to 26.5 GHz 83050A 2 to 50 GHz 83051A 0.045 to 50 GHz 87415A 2 to 8 GHz Figure 51. Amplifiers. Agilent Technologies, Inc. has a variety of amplifiers that find applications on antenna and RCS ranges. These amplifiers are small and compact, with high gain and output power. An external power supply is required for these amplifiers.
Table 15. Amplifier specifications Output power at Frequency Psat Model (GHz) (dBm/mW) Output power at P1dB (dBm/mW) (min) Gain (dB) (min) Noise figure (dB) (typ) Detector 1 output/dc connector RF bias (nom) Connectors (input/ output) 83006A 0.01 to 26.5 +18/64 typ. to 10 GHz +16/40 typ. to 20 GHz +14/25 typ. to 26.5 GHz +13/20 to 20 GHz +10/10 to 26.5 GHz 20 13 to 0.1 GHz 8 to 18 GHz 13 to 26.5 GHz No +12 V at 450 mA –12 V at 50 mA 3.5 mm (f) 83017A 0.5 to 26.5 +20/100 typ.
Multiple-channel measurements Figure 52. 2 and 4-port PIN switches. 85331B 1P2T PIN switch (0.045 to 50 GHz) 85332B 1P4T PIN switch (0.045 to 50 GHz) Note The 85331B and 85332B do not contain a switch control unit. If your system is configured with an 85330A multiple channel controller, the switch control unit must be ordered separately (Agilent part number 85331-60061). The 85331B and 85332B PIN switches offer the ability to switch between test channels quickly.
Application flexibility Far-field antenna measurements These products are ideally suited for antennas with multiple test ports, or applications that require measuring the co- and cross-polarization response. One PIN switch can switch transmit polarization, and a second PIN switch can switch between the separate test ports of the antenna. With this technique, the co- and cross-polarization response of each test port can be measured in one rotation of the antenna.
Switch specifications Table 17. 85331/32B specifications Model number Frequency range (GHz) ON S21 (db) OFF S21 (db) OFF S22 (db) ON S22 (db) ON S11 (db) Max power (dBm) 85331B 1P2T 0.045 to 0.5 0.5 to 18 18 to 26.5 26.5 to 40 –2.0 –4.5 –6.0 –10.0 –85 –90 –90 –85 –19.0 –19.0 –12.5 –10.0 –10.0 –10.0 –6.0 –6.0 –10.0 –10.0 –5.5 –4.5 +27 +27 +27 +27 85332B 1P4T 0.045 to 0.5 0.5 to 18 18 to 26.5 26.5 to 40 –2.0 –4.5 –7.0 –12.0 –85 –90 –90 –85 –19.0 –19.0 –12.5 –10.0 –9.0 –9.0 –5.0 –4.
Drive levels Refer to Figure 56 for pin locations. Note the notch and red mark on the bias connector outer ring are used for reference. To turn ON a port, supply a –7VDC (± 0.35V) bias voltage. Current is approximately 41 mA. To turn OFF a port, supply a +6.3VDC (± 0.32V) bias voltage. Current is approximately 95 mA. Only one port can be turned on at a time, or all ports can be off. The total current is approximately 400 mA for 85332B, 200 mA for 85331B with all ports off.
Measurement automation Agilent’s PNA network analyzers provide several interface methods for automating antenna measurements. Applications can be run using external computers or controllers. User loaded applications can be executed directly from the PNA’s internal Microsoft Operating System. Measurement automation allows the user to quickly and easily control the PNA for operations such as frequency sweeps and making antenna pattern measurements.
Appendix 1: PNA Series security features Terms and definitions Clearing The process of eradicating the data on media before reusing the media so that the data can no longer be retrieved using the standard interfaces on the instrument. Clearing is typically used when the instrument is to remain in an environment with an acceptable level of protection. Sanitization The process of removing or eradicating stored data so that the data cannot be recovered using any known technology.
PNA Series memory This section contains information on the types of memory available in your PNA. It explains the size of memory, how it is used, its location, volatility, and the sanitization procedure. Table 18.
User and remote interface security measures Screen and annotation blanking You can prevent frequency information from appearing on the PNA screen and printouts. To set security levels from the PNA menu, click System, then Security. When the security level is set to Low or High, frequency information is blanked from the following: • Display annotation • Calibration properties • All tables • All toolbars • All printouts • GPIB console – When set to None or Low, nothing is blanked.
Procedure for declassifying a faulty instrument When shipped from the factory, all PNAs have PNA-specific files stored on the hard disk drive. When replacing a hard disk drive, in order to achieve specified performance, the PNA-specific files must be copied to the new hard drive. These files all begin with mxcalfiles_ and are located in the directory: C:\Program Files\Agilent\Network Analyzer. Perform the following procedure to declassify a PNA if it needs to be removed from a secure area. 1.
Appendix 2: How to select PNA Series (PNA/ PNA-X) IF BW with performance comparable to 8510 Averaging on an 8510 is similar to the IF BW filtering of the PNA, both are like a DSP filter. The IF BW of the PNA is similar to point averaging on the 8510. Increasing the averaging factor of the 8510 reduces the noise level. Each point on an 8510 receives the same weight in the averaging function. The IF BW on a PNA reduces noise in the same way.
Appendix 3: How to configure an external source for use with a PNA Series Connect the PNA-X, PNA or PNA-L to PSG, ESG, or MXG source as shown in Figure 57. There is a LAN or GPIB interface available on the rear of the instrument to connect external sources. Below is an example setup for the GPIB interface. PSG or MXG source Trigger in Trigger out Trigger in/out PNA Series LAN or GPIB Figure 57. Configuring an external source. 1. Setting up a source: a) Obtain GPIB addresses of your sources. 2.
The Select Sources dialog box will appear. This shows all sources that were previously added. b) Select Configure if a new source needs to be added. The External Source Configuration dialogue box will appear. c) Select Add to add another source. d) From the Modify Source dialogue box: i) Type in source name. ii) Select source type from drop-down menu. iii) Select OK.
e) From the External Source Configuration dialogue box select the trigger mode. Note: Hardware trigger is TTL and is faster than Software trigger. To learn more, select the Help button. f) From the Select Sources dialogue box: i) Highlight source name. ii) Select Add. iii) Select OK. If all of your sources have been setup properly then the external sources should start to sweep. 3. Verify operation: a) Go to Frequency Offset dialog box and you should see the external source listed.
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