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Agilent PNA Microwave Network Analyzers

Application Note 1408-10

Recommendations for Testing High-Power Amplifiers

2

Introduction .....................................................................................................................................2

Power Budget Analysis and MW PNA Block Diagram .........................................................3

Example A: Dual-band handset amplifier for GSM900 and DCS1800................................5

Example B: Ku-Band solid state power amplifier..................................................................8

Step-by-Step Guide for Measuring a High Power Amplifier..............................................10

Step A. S-parameters, low-power level test, low-power setup........................................11

Step B: S-parameters, low-power level test, high-power setup.......................................15

Step C: Gain compression test, high-power setup .............................................................22

Alternative High-Power Configurations..................................................................................24

Use of external coupler ...........................................................................................................24

Two-way high-power measurements....................................................................................25

FAQ ...............................................................................................................................................261. How do I know if the network analyzer receivers are compressed? ..........................262. The uncalibrated results seem reasonable, but the calibrated data

appears incorrect. What could be the cause? ................................................................273. What is the power of the network analyzer at start-up or preset? .............................274. What is the power level of different measurement channels at preset?...................275. Can different measurement channels have different power levels? ..........................286. Can I use this setup to make hot S22 measurements?..................................................287. What happens to the power level when RF power is turned off during a sweep?......288. Is there a power limitation on the mechanical components of a calibration kit? ....289. Is there a power limitation on electronic calibration or ECal? .....................................28

10. What are the benefits of a source-power calibration?..................................................2911. What is the optimum power level for calibration? ............ ........................................... 2912. What happens to the power level at each port during various measurements? ..... 3013. What happens to the two-port calibration if the source or receiver

attenuation is changed? .....................................................................................................3014. What does the error message “source unleveled” signify?.........................................3015. What happens to the PNA output power during re-trace? ..........................................3016. What happens to the RF power during frequency band-crossings?...........................31

Appendix A: Maximum Power Levels for PNA and PNA-L Network Analyzers............32

Appendix B: Understanding PNA measurements with an external reference signal and source attenuator changes ...............................................................................40

Recommendations for High Power Measurements ............................................................47

Web Resources ............................................................................................................................47

High-power amplifiers are a common building block of RF and microwave communicationsystems. Mobile phones, used by millions of users, contain high-power amplifier chips.Satellite systems and base-stations used for transmitting data depend on multitude ofsolid-state or traveling wave tube power amplifiers. Characterizing the performance ofhigh-power amplifiers is a critical factor in the design and verification process.

This application note discusses the unique challenges involved in testing high-poweramplifiers using Agilent microwave (MW) PNA network analyzers. Agilent applicationnote 1287-6 covers configurations and concerns of testing high-power devices using network analyzers in general. For information on common amplifier tests (not unique tohigh-power), Agilent offers three complementary application notes. Application notes1408-7, 1408-8, and 1408-9 describe linear amplifier, gain compression, swept-harmonicsand intermodulation distortion measurements.

In this application note, the term high-power refers to the cases where the output powerof the MW PNA is not sufficiently high enough to measure the performance of the deviceunder test (DUT), or the output power of the DUT exceeds the maximum input level to thenetwork analyzer.

Table of Contents

Introduction

3

One of the main factors to consider in a high-power network analyzer measurement isthe power-handling capability of the internal components of the network analyzer. Highpower levels can damage the network analyzer, and it is costly to repair the internal components of the network analyzer. In addition to damage level, compression level andnoise levels also have to be considered in a high-power setup. The initial step in a high-power measurement is calculation of the power-budget or a power-flow analysis. In thissection, we examine the block diagram of a PNA network analyzer, followed by twoexamples of power-flow analysis.

Figure 1 shows the block diagram of the 20 GHz E8362B1 MW PNA network analyzer.Table 1 lists the damage level for the components of the 20/40/50 GHz E8362/3/4BPNA. Damage and compression power levels for the 67 GHz E8361A PNA can be found inthe Appendix. In general, we recommend that components not be operated near damagelevel and the power level be kept at least 3 dB (preferably 6 dB) below damage level. Theuser should be aware that optimal level could be well below damage level, as is the casewith the receivers.

A copy of this diagram (in Microsoft Visio file format) is available to download on theAgilent web site. Visit: http://www.agilent.com/find/pna , go the “Library” section andselect “Manuals & Guides”. The electronic version of this block diagram can be used toperform power flow analysis for your particular test setup.

Figure 1. MW PNA E8362B block diagram, configured with source attenuators, receiver attenuators, bias-tees, and frequency-offset mode. (Options 016, UNL, 014, 080)

Power Budget Analysisand MW PNA Block Diagram

Source

R2

B

35 dB stepattenuators

Bias-tee

` `

R1

A

60 dB step attenuators

Bias-tee

60 dB step attenuators

35 dB stepattenuators

Switch/Splitter

SOU

RCE

OU

T

RCV

R R

1 IN

SOU

RCE

OU

T

CPLR

TH

RU

CPLR

TH

RU

SOU

RCE

OU

T

RCV

R R

2 IN

SOU

RCE

OU

T

CPLR

AR

M

RCV

R A

IN

RCV

R B

IN

CPLR

AR

M

POR

T 1

POR

T 2

15 d

B C

F15 dB CF

1. E8362B configured with options 014 (configurable test set), option UNL (source attenuators and bias-tees) and option 016 (receiver attenuators)

Table 1. MW PNA E8362/3/4B power level information

Component Damage level Notes

Switch/splitter + 30 dBm The switch/splitter assembly is one of the mostsensitive components of the network analyzer. Be very careful not to damage it with high power levels. Signal levels over +30 dBm will damage this microcircuit.1

Test port 1 or 2 + 30 dBm The optimum power level at the test port is lessthan 0 dBm. Compression level at the test port: <0.1 dB at –5 dBm <0.45 dB at +5 dBm.

Receivers + 15 dBm Optimum power level at receivers (mixers) is R1,R2,A,B –20 dBm or less.

Bias-tees + 30 dBm The bias-tees can be the dominant power-limiting component of the MW PNA. Agilent provides a high-power test set that has the bias-tees eliminated (Option H85).

60 dB source + 30 dBm —attenuators

35 dB receiver + 30 dBm —attenuators

Couplers + 43 dBm < 20 GHz The coupling factor is approximately 15 dB,+ 40 dBm > 20 GHz above 600 MHz. Below 600 MHz, the coupling

factor increases with decreasing frequency at a 20 dB/decade rate.2

Why is the damage level listed at the test port +30 dBm, but +43 dBm for thecoupler? Isn’t the coupler located right at the test port?

Yes. The coupler is right at the test port, but while the coupler can handle up to +43 dBm (<20 GHz), the bias-tees (which are located immediately after the coupler) havea damage level of +30 dBm. Therefore if more than +30 dBm is applied to the test port,the bias-tees will be damaged. The receiver attenuators also have a +30 dBm damagelevel, but they can be protected with attenuation placed between the CPLR ARM andRCVR A IN jumpers. There is no jumper between the coupler and the bias-tee, so there isno way for a user to decrease the power between the coupler and the bias-tee. Thus thepower at the test port should be limited to less than +30 dBm. If you want to take advantage of the high-power capabilities of the coupler, there are two options. One is topurchase an instrument without the bias-tees (and source attenuator, which is coupledwith the bias-tees under option UNL). The second alternative is Agilent’s special MWPNA, E836x-H85. Special Option H85 adds the source attenuators, but not thebias-tees.

1. The high power switch on the Agilent 8720 network analyzer Option 085 was a mechanical switch and could handle higher power levels. On the PNA, it is an electrical switch and therefore susceptible to damage at high power levels.

2. The same couplers are used in Agilent E8362/3/4B,E8362/3/4/B Option H85 or 8720/22ES Option 085.

4

5

Example A: Dual-band handset amplifier for GSM900 and DCS1800

This is an example of dual-band handset amplifier, used in mobile communications. The specifications for this amplifier are listed in the table below. Figure 2 shows a configuration that can be used to test this handset amplifier.

Frequency range 880 to 915 MHz and 1710 to 1785 MHz

Input power range 0-3 dBm

Output power 32-35 dBm (~3 watts)

Input VSWR 1.5:1

Isolation 40 dB

2nd Harmonic distortion –40 dBc

3rd Harmonic distortion –40 dBc

AM-PM conversion 20 degrees/dB (Pout: 34 to 35 dBm)

Figure 2. MW PNA E8362B, configured to measure a dual-band handset amplifier

The input power range for this device is 0-3 dBm, at 2 GHz. The E8362B has a maximumoutput power of 3 dBm, so we can directly drive the amplifier using the MW PNA.However, the output level of +35 dBm exceeds the +30 dBm damage level of the PNA. Inthis configuration, we use an external 10 dB attenuator to protect the PNA receivers,bias-tee and switch/splitter assembly.

MW PNA Example Configurations for TestingHigh-Power Amplifiers

DU

TR2

B

0 dB - No attenuation applied

Bias-tee

` `

R1

A

0 dB - No attenuation applied

Bias-tee

10 dB

+3 dBm

+32 dB

+25 dBmS21 - forward measurement

+10 dBm

–10 dBm

–47 dBm

–40 dB

+3 dBm–7 dBm

–62 dBm

S12 - reverse measurement

Apply 20 dBattenuation

Noattenuation

applied

+35 dBm

Source

Switch/splitter

SOU

RCE

OU

T

RCV

R R

1 IN

SOU

RCE

OU

T

CPLR

TH

RU

CPLR

TH

RU

SOU

RCE

OU

T

RCV

R R

2 IN

SOU

RCE

OU

T

CPLR

AR

M

RCV

R A

IN

RCV

R B

IN

CPLR

AR

M

POR

T 1

POR

T 2

15 d

B C

F15 dB CF

NoteThe +30 dBm limitation is not due to the couplers, because the couplers can handle upto +43 dBm at 2 GHz. The limitation is due tothe bias-tee which has a maximum rating of+30 dBm.

6

Let’s examine the power-flow in the forward direction, with maximum input power to theDUT of +3 dBm. The input VSWR is specified at 1.5:1 (14 dB return loss), so we canassume that the reflected signal will be approximately –11 dBm. (3 dBm incident –14 dBreturn loss = –11 dBm upon the test port). –11 dBm will not damage the bias-tees orswitch/splitter assembly. The –11 dBm will also be reduced by the 15 dB coupling factor and the A receiver will see about –26 dBm of power, which is acceptable. Duringcalibration, when the open or short are connected and all the +3 dBm is reflected back,power levels are still acceptable. (3 dBm incident – 0 dB return loss = 3 dBm upon thetest port)

Now let’s examine the output of the DUT at this point and the S22 measurement. With aninput of 3 dBm, we can expect an output power level of approximately +35 dBm, whichwill damage the port 2 bias-tee. We add a 10 dB external attenuator to the amplifier toprotect the bias-tees and reduce the power incident upon the bias-tee to +25 dBm, 5 dBbelow damage level. This attenuator also ensures that we do not damage the transferswitch. Be sure to select an attenuator that can handle your power level. The Agilent8491 series attenuators have a maximum average power rating of 2 watts. Agilent 8498Acan handle up to 25 watts average power and is specified to 18 GHz.

While more attenuation will move the power level further away from damage level, itdoes degrade the port 2 uncorrected directivity. Therefore, we should add the leastamount of attenuation that we need. The switch/splitter can handle the +25 dBm also;damage level is +30 dBm. If the bias-tee were not present in the system, we could addthe external attenuation after the coupler (between the CPLR ARM and RCVR B INjumpers) and not degrade the directivity. We could also use PNA’s receiver attenuators.This would require adding 10 dB external attenuation between CPLR THRU and SOURCEOUT (on the port 2 side) to protect the source attenuators. (See Figure 3 for alternativeconfiguration)

With an output power of +35 dBm, 10 dB of external attenuation and 15 dB of couplingfactor, the B receiver will see +10 dBm of power, which is below the +15 dBm damagelevel. However, the B receiver will be compressed with +10 dBm. So we recommendusing 30 dB of receiver attenuation to reduce the power incident upon the B channelreceiver to –20 dBm.

During the S22 measurement, the source power incident upon the output of the amplifierwill be approximately –7 dBm (3 dBm source power, 10 dB attenuation). If we assume a10 dB output return loss, we will measure –62 dBm at the B receiver, which is above thenoise floor of the network analyzer. To measure a –62 dBm signal, we need to reduce theIFBW. The selected IFBW depends on what the user considers an acceptable amount ofnoise. Narrowing the IFBW decreases the noise level, at the cost of measurement speed.

Let’s examine the S12 measurement. The power incident upon the output port of theamplifier is approximately –7 dBm. With an isolation of 40 dB, 15 dB coupling factor, wecan expect –62 dBm at the A receiver, which is well above the noise level.

NoteIn high-power measurement, you should con-sider power levels during both measurementand calibration with the different standards.

NoteConsider the power handling capability of theexternal components.

NoteAttenuation before the coupler input degradesuncorrected directivity by twice the attenuationamount.

NoteMake sure receivers are not operating in thenoise. If the power incident upon receivers islow, reduce the IFBW or use averaging todecrease the PNA noise level.

NoteIf you are using a two-port calibration, it isimportant that you pay attention to the accura-cy of all four S-parameters. Even if you are notmeasuring the S12 or S22, a two-port cal usesall four S-parameters. So, it is critical to makesure that all four S-parameters are accurate.

7

Figure 3 shows the same measurement, using the MW PNA Option H85 configuration. Inthis case, the bias-tees are removed, thus eliminating the need for external attenuationbefore the coupler.

The input is the same as described in the previous section for Figure 2. The output is +35 dBm; the couplers can handle up to +43 dBm, so we do not need to protect them.We do need to protect the B receiver, so we use 10 dB of external attenuation and 30 dBof internal attenuation.

The external attenuator is added between the PORT 2 CPLR ARM and RCVR B IN.Compare it to Figure 2, where the attenuator is added before port 2. Attenuation addedafter the coupling arm, does not degrade the directivity. Also, we need to add an attenua-tor or isolator before the transfer switch and source attenuators, since +35 dBm is higherthan the +30 dBm specified damage level. An isolator is preferable because it does notreduce the output power available at port 2, as much as an attenuator would. The isolatormust be able to handle the high power levels and cover the frequency range of test.

Figure 3. MW PNA E8362B-H85, configured to measure a dual band handset amplifier

R2

B

` `

R1

A

DU

T

+3 dBm

+32 dB

S21 - forwardmeasurement

+35 dBm

+20 dBm

–20 dBm

10 dB

+10 dBm


Noattenuation applied

No attenuationapplied

No attenuation applied

SOU

RCE

OU

T

RCV

R R

1 IN

SOU

RCE

OU

T

CPLR

TH

RU

CPLR

TH

RU

SOU

RCE

OU

T

RCV

R R

2 IN

SOU

RCE

OU

T

CPLR

AR

M

RCV

R A

IN

RCV

R B

IN

CPLR

AR

M

POR

T 1

POR

T 2

15 d

B C

F

15 dB CF

Source

Switch/splitter

8

Example B: Ku-Band solid state power amplifier

This is an example of a solid-state power amplifier (SSPA) used in military and commercial satellite applications. The specifications for this amplifier are listed in thetable below. The input power range is higher than the network analyzer can supply (30-35 dBm) and the output power range (>+50 dBm) is higher than the network analyzerreceivers can handle.

Frequency range 13.5-17 GHz

Linear gain 34 dB

Input power range 30-35 dBm (1 to 3 watts)

Output power 50 dBm (100 watts)

Input and Output VSWR 1.8:1

P1 dB compression point 52 dBm (145 watts)

AM-PM conversion 2.5 degrees/dB

In this case, we need to use a pre-amplifier (or booster amplifier) to increase the sourcepower to +35 dBm and use attenuation on the output to reduce the power levels from 50 dBm to 30 dBm (20 dB or x100 reduction). Figure 4 shows a configuration that can beused to test this power amplifier. Since the power levels are very high, we recommend aPNA with Option H85, where the bias-tees are eliminated.

Figure 4. MW PNA E8362B-H85, configured to measure a solid state power amplifier

Hig

h P

ow

er L

oa

d

R2

B

Apply25 dB

` `

R1

A

Apply30 dB

DU

T

–20 dBm

Pre-amplifier37 dB gain

20 dB+0 dBm

+37 dBm

+17 dBm

+35 dBm

36d

B

–19 dBm

10 dB

+50 dBm

20 dB

+ 48 dBm

+30 dBm

+15 dBm

10 dB

+5 dBm

+35 dBm

+20 dBm

+10 dBm

–20 dBm

No attenuation applied No attenuation applied

Source

Switch/splitter

SOU

RCE

OU

T

RCV

R R

1 IN

SOU

RCE

OU

T

CPLR

TH

RU

CPLR

TH

RU

SOU

RCE

OU

T

RCV

R R

2 IN

SOU

RCE

OU

T

RCV

R B

IN

POR

T 1

POR

T 2

RCV

R A

IN

CPLR

AR

M

15 d

B C

F15 dB CF

9

The maximum power of a fully loaded (with options) MW PNA at 17 GHz is 0 dBm. Our amplifier under test requires an input power of +35 dBm. So, we need to add a pre-amplifier capable of putting out +36 or +37 dBm, so that after the loss of the througharm of the coupler and cables, we have +35 dBm at the DUT input.

We add a pre-amplifier to the output of the port 1 SOURCE OUT. The main arm of theexternal coupler is connected to the CPLR THRU jumper of port 1 and the coupled arm isfed back into the reference R1 receiver. The receivers’ damage level is +15 dBm and optimum value is –20 dBm. Let’s assume a 20 dB coupler. We need to add at least 10 dBof attenuation to prevent damage to the receiver. We add a 36 dB attenuator to the out-put of the coupled arm to reduce the power at the receiver to a level below compression.

The port 1 coupler will see +35 dBm, which it can handle. The test port couplers’ damagelevel is +43 dBm. If the signal is fully reflected, we will have a +20 dBm incident upon thereceiver attenuators. Without any internal receiver attenuation, the receivers will see +20 dBm, which is above their damage level of +15 dBm. For extra precaution, we add 10 dB of attenuation between the CPLR ARM and RCVR A IN. Then we apply 30 dB ofinternal PNA receiver attenuation to bring the power level at the A receiver to –20 dBm.

Now let’s look at the through connection or S21. An output power level of +50 dBm (100 watts) would damage the PNA test port couplers, so it is essential to add attenua-tion to the output, either via a coupler or high-power attenuator. We need to reduce thepower level so it’s less than the damage level of +43 dBm (20 watts). We can use a coupler and terminate the through port in a high power load. The coupled arm can be fedinto the CPLR THRU of port 2.

Without any receiver attenuation, the receivers will see +15 dBm, which is their damagelevel. So we add 10 dB of external attenuation between the CPLR ARM and RCVR B INjumpers to protect them. Next we apply 25 dB of receiver attenuation to reduce thepower level at the B receiver to –20 dBm.

The +30 dBm of power incident upon port 2 will go through the coupler and is incidentupon the source attenuator and switch/splitter leveler. This power level is just at thedamage level of the source attenuators and especially the switch/splitter assembly,therefore we need to add a high power isolator between CPLR THRU and SOURCE OUT ofport 2. Thus, when the amplifier is driven in the forward direction, the source attenuatorand switch/splitter assembly are not damaged.

NoteWe need high-power measurement only in theforward direction and are satisfied with standardmeasurements in the reverse direction. If youneed high-power measurements in both directions, refer to Figure 14.

NoteThe position of the pre-amplifier and externaldirectional couplers allows us to ratio out anydrift due to the pre-amplifier. If the pre-amplifierwas positioned directly outside of port 1 (connected to port 1 output), the drift wouldhave resulted in measurement error. Also, withthis configuration, all four S-parameters can bemeasured, whereas if the pre-amplifier isdirectly connected to port 1, the S11 and S12parameters of the DUT cannot be measured.

10

This section describes in detail the necessary steps to measure a high power amplifier.The amplifier used here is based on the Motorola IC MHPA21010, an RF high powerLDMOS amplifier. The specifications applicable to this example are listed in the tablebelow. To test this amplifier, we will use an E8364B network analyzer, loaded with configurable test set, source attenuator, receiver attenuator, bias-tees, and frequency-offset mode.

DUT Performance – RF high power LDMOS amplifier

Rating Value

Frequency range 2110-2170 MHz

RF input power (single carrier CW) +20 dBm

Power gain (f = 2140 MHz) 23.7 dB minimum, 25 dB typical

Gain flatness 0.2 dB typical, 0.6 dB maximum

Power output @ 1 dB compression (f = 2140 MHz) 41.5 dBm

Input VSWR (f = 2110-2170 MHz) 1.5:1 typical, maximum 2:1

The goal here is to measure the linear S-parameters and gain compression. The linear S-parameters can be tested easily under low-power conditions. The gain compressiontest requires that the DUT be driven with high-power levels, thus requiring a pre-amplifi-er. The setup and calibration with the pre-amplifier is more complicated and it is easy tomake mistakes. We recommend a procedure to verify the performance of the setup. Theprocedure consists of testing the S-parameters with the pre-amplifier setup, but with thepower levels set to low levels (similar to the levels without the pre-amplifier), and thencomparing the results to our initial linear S-parameters. If the values compare within areasonable range, then we can have confidence in our high-power setup and proceedwith the gain compression measurement. This process is described in the following three steps.

Measurement Steps

Step A S-parameters, low-power levels, Measuring the S-parameters under low-power setup standard (non high-power) operating

conditions. Do not need pre-amplifier on input. Use attenuator on output. See Figure 5.

Step B S-parameters, low-power levels, Use pre-amplifier on input and attenuatorshigh-power setup on output. Set power levels such that the

power incident upon the device is similar to step A. See Figure 8.

Step C Gain compression, high-power Use pre-amplifier on input and attenuators level, high-power setup on output. Test amplifier under power

sweep conditions. See Figure 11.

Step-by-Step Guide forMeasuring a High PowerAmplifier

11

Step A. S-parameters, low-power level test, low-power setup

The block diagram used for this procedure is shown in Figure 5. The first step is to perform a power-flow analysis. With an input power of -10 dBm and gain of 26 dB, wecan expect an output power of +16 dBm. While +16 dBm will not damage the bias-teesor receiver attenuators, we will choose to add a 6 dB attenuator. The reason is that thePNA has a maximum output power of +3 dBm and if we accidentally increase the powerlevel (with a gain of 26 dB) we can reach +29 dBm, which is near the damage level of thePNA components. Therefore, adding a 6 dB attenuator, we are reducing the chance ofthe PNA being damaged.

Figure 5. MW PNA E8364B for testing handset amplifier – low input power

R2

B


Bias-tee

` `

R1

ABias-tee

DU

T

6 dB

–10 dBm

+26 dB

+10 dBm

S21 - forward measurement

+16 dBm

–5 dBm

–20 dBm

Noattenuation

No attenuation applied No attenuation applied

SOU

RCE

OU

T

RCV

R R

1 IN

SOU

RCE

OU

T

CPLR

TH

RU

CPLR

TH

RU

SOU

RCE

OU

T

RCV

R R

2 IN

SOU

RCE

OU

T

CPLR

AR

M

RCV

R A

IN

RCV

R B

IN

CPLR

AR

M

POR

T 1

POR

T 2

15 d

B C

F

15 dB CF

Source

Switch/splitter

12

Before performing a calibration, connect the amplifier and make sure that the power leveland attenuator settings are at the desired levels. In order to prevent damage, thesequence below is generally recommended for connecting amplifiers.

Figure 6. Procedure and sequence to connect amplifier to network analyzer

[Preset]Set the start and stop frequency [Power] > Level > -60 dBm[Measure] S21Turn amplifier on.

Set the power level on the PNA to a very low value before applying biasing to the amplifier. It is better to use a low RF power level versus having RF power off. If you turnRF power off, you may not know where the power level will be when you turn it on; however, if the power is set to a low level, you will know the output power of the network analyzer. In this example, we start with the power set to –60 dBm. Then we lookat the S21 of the amplifier. The S21 may appear lower than the expected value. This isbecause we have an external attenuator that we have not calibrated out yet. In this case,we see a gain of about 20 dB instead of the 26 dB (6 dB loss in the attenuator). Once weperform a calibration, the attenuator loss will be removed.

Leave amplifier out of the loop. Do not connect

amplifier between the ports.

Turn network analyzer on and set RF power

to a very low level (for example –60 dBm)

Apply internal receiver attenuation to port 2

receivers (for example 20 dB)

Turn on amplifier. Apply bias.

Connect the output of the amplifier to port 2,and then connect the input of the amplifier to port 1.

Measure S21. Take into account internal andexternal attenuation.

Slowly increase RF input power level and

decrease attenuation, keeping damage levels in mind.

Connect external attenuators to output ofamplifier (for example 20 dB external attenuation)

13

We would like to measure the S-parameters of this amplifier with –10 dBm input power. With –10 dBm input, 26 dB gain, and 6 dB of attenuation, we will have +10 dBmincident upon the test port. We apply 15 dB of receiver attenuation, so that the PNAreceivers are not operating in compression. You will notice that the gain or S21 drops bythe amount of receiver attenuation. This is because we have an uncalibrated setup. The receiver attenuators can be accessed from the menu:

Channel > Power …

Slowly increase the power level and observe the gain; it should not change until youapproach the compression of the amplifier under test. However, we cannot compress thisamplifier with the power directly available from the PNA.

[Power] > Level > -10 dBm

Consider reducing the IFBW to decrease the noise level. You can examine the uncalibrat-ed S-parameters (especially the S12) with various IFBWs to determine the acceptablenoise level for your measurement. In this example, we decrease the IFBW to 1 kHz.

[Sweep Setup] > Bandwidth > 1 kHz

Now that we have a setup that works well, we can perform a calibration. Remove theamplifier under test. Perform a source-power calibration at the input point of the amplifierto ensure a constant and known power at the amplifier input. Next, perform a two-portcalibration to remove the systematic errors and effects of the external and receiver attenuators. We use an Electronic Calibration Module (ECal) in this example – we simplyconnect the ECal module in place of the amplifier. You can also perform a source-powercalibration on port 2, if the amplifier S12 and S22 are sensitive to small variations in inputpower.

NoteThe source-power cal is optional, as the outputpower of the MW PNA is well leveled; thesource-power cal simply increases measure-ment accuracy. The two-port calibration is necessary, as the effect of the attenuators(external and internal) must be removed inorder to obtain correct S-parameters.

14

Calibration > source-power cal …

Calibration > Calibration Wizard ….

The following parameters are based on the S-parameters and can be verified. Figure 7 shows the measured S-parameters for this device.

• Gain, Gain Flatness • Input VSWR or Return Loss • Output VSWR or Return Loss • Isolation (Not specified for this device, but is the same as S12)

Figure 7. S-parameters of high-power amplifier, under low-power (linear) conditions

-70-60-50-40-30-20-10

010203040

2110 2130 2150 2170

Frequency (MHz)

S21

S22S11

S12

15

Step B: S-parameters, low-power level test, high-power setup

This section describes the procedure to test the S-parameters under low power levels,with a high-power setup. The high-power setup is necessary for gain compression test.The block diagram in Figure 8 shows the necessary test setup. Again, the purpose here isto verify the high-power setup. We will compare the test results of the low-power setupwith low-power levels to the high-power setup with still low-power levels. If the resultscompare within a reasonable range, then we can have confidence in our high-powersetup and use it to perform high-power measurements, such as gain compression. Weare comparing the results of Step A and Step B.

Figure 8. High-power setup, for low-power testing of S-parameters

Hig

h P

ow

er L

oa

d

Switch/Splitter

Source

R2

B

Apply 0 dB

Ap

ply

25

dB

` `R1

ABias-tee

DU

T

–46 dBm

–40 dB

m

–6 dBm

–8

dBm26

dB

16 dB

–21 dBm

Pre-amplifier+34 dB gain

–10 dBm

DUT Gain26 dB

Bias-tee

–22 dBm

16 dB

–48 dBm

+16 dBm

0 dBm

6 d

B

Apply 20 dBA

pp

ly 0

dB

SOU

RCE

OU

T

RCV

R R

1 IN

SOU

RCE

OU

T

CPLR

TH

RU

CPLR

TH

RU

SOU

RCE

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RCV

R R

2 IN

SOU

RCE

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CPLR

AR

M

RCV

R A

IN

RCV

R B

IN

CPLR

AR

M

POR

T 1

POR

T 2

15 d

B C

F15 dB CF

NoteThe external attenuators in this setup werechosen to accommodate the high-power meas-urement conditions (see Figure 11). So in thecase of low-power measurements, they are notthe ideal components. But because they arenecessary for high-power measurements, weadd them to the system.

16

Block Diagram Components

Pre-amplifierThe main criteria for the pre-amplifier is that it can produce enough power to drive thedevice under test. An amplifier with high isolation is desirable. Of course, the frequencyrange of the pre-amplifier should cover the range of the DUT. In this example, a Mini-Circuits amplifier, part number ZHL-42 is used. This amplifier operates from 700-4200 MHz (covering the frequency range of our DUT) and compresses at +28 dBm(sufficiently above our required test input power of +20 dBm). It has a typical gain of 33 dB, so in order to get our desired +20 dBm, we need an input of –12 dBm, which thePNA can easily supply.

Reference channel coupler This coupler should be able to handle the output power of the pre-amplifier. The purposeof this coupler is to allow that part of the power to be coupled out to the referencereceiver. For an S21 measurement, we need to compare the B and R1 receivers. So weneed to measure the input power using the R1 receiver and thus, feed the amplifier inputpower to the R1 receiver. In this example, we use an Agilent internal PNA coupler, whichcan handle 30 dBm and has a 20 dB coupling factor.

A good method to test the power flow is to use a power meter to verify the power level atdifferent points in the RF path. You connect one component, test the power level at theoutput, connect the next, check the power level on the output and keep verifying thepower level at various points. If you are sweeping a wide frequency range, there will besome variations in the power level, but to a first degree, it will give you an idea of thepower levels. You can test in CW mode or over a narrow frequency span initially to determine the various power levels. The goal here is to understand the power flow and toensure that the network analyzer components will not be damaged.

Make sure the power sensor you are using can handle the high power levels. A powerlevel of 999.99 on the power meter means that you have overloaded the power sensorand probably damaged the sensor. Agilent offers the following power sensors, for high-power measurements.

Power Sensor Minimum power (dBm) Maximum power (dBm)

8481B 0 +44

8481H –10 +35

E9300B, E9301B –30 +44

E9300H, E9301H –50 +30

For more information on the 8480 Series and E-Series power sensors, visit www.agilent.com/find/powermeters

NoteAt the time of the publication of this applicationnote, the E9300 Series power sensors cannotbe used with the PNA network analyzers. Thereason is that the E9300 power sensors onlywork with the E4416/7 power meters, whichare not supported by the PNA. We have plansto add the E4416/7 power meter drivers to thePNA firmware. Check the PNA support page tofind out the status of this enhancement.

17

Set the frequency range and turn on frequency-offset mode, so that you do not need touse the reference channel input for phase-locking.

[Preset][Start/Center] > 2110 MHz[Stop/Span] > 2170 MHz[Sweep Setup] > Bandwidth > 1 kHz[Sweep Setup] > Number of Points > 201[Measure] > S21Menu item Channel > Frequency-offset …

Note: Phase-lock lost and use of frequency-offset modeIn standard network analysis, the reference receiver (R1 for forward, R2 for reverse) isused for phase-locking between the RF source and receiver LO. The phase-lockingrequirement imposes signal clarity and power level restrictions on the reference channelsignal. This makes the task of high-power measurements much more cumbersome, andusers often have to deal with the “phase-lock lost” error message. With the PNA, userscan bypass this issue by using the frequency-offset mode (Option 080). When the network analyzer is in frequency-offset mode, the R1 receiver is not used for phase locking; independent internal circuitry is used to phase lock the source and receivers.

We highly recommend that you turn on the frequency-offset mode, simply to take advantage of the independent phase locking mechanism (not to measure differentsource/receiver frequencies). Set the offset to zero, so that the source and receiver frequencies are the same.

If your PNA is not equipped with the frequency-offset mode option and you need to usethe reference channel for phase-locking, the following are the requirements on the R-channel signal: Power level between –10 and 0 dBm and a clean signal, without spurious content.

Turn frequency-offset mode On.

Do not modify these values.Leave offset at 0, Multiplier at 1and Divisor at 1.

Should reflect frequency rangeof your device under test.

18

Power level settingsNext, set the power levels and attenuator settings. Since a very low power level isrequired for port 1, uncouple port 1 and port 2 power levels. For port 2, we do not need alow power level and in fact, if we start with a low power level, attenuate it, and thenmeasure the S12 isolation, the S12 measurement will be in the noise. Therefore, we wantto uncouple the power levels and set the port 2 power to a higher level. PNA networkanalyzers have two separate source attenuators, one for port 1 and another one for port2, so you have considerable control over varying the source power levels.

Menu item Channel > Power …

In order to determine the power levels at each port, go through the block diagram andperform the various calculations. In step A, linear testing, the power incident upon ouramplifier was –10 dBm. The goal here is to determine the various settings in order toonce again achieve –10 dBm at the amplifier input.

There are various “power” values in the PNA. Table 2 and the accompanying notes examine these values and explain their relationship to the hardware settings.

Uncouple the port powers.

Make sure you select theappropriate port.

19

Table 2. PNA power level settings

A B C DPort Port power before Cal power (power Offset (in source- Source

source-power cal incident upon DUT) power cal menu) attenuator(actual PNA source menu settingpower)

1 –42 dBm –10 dBm +32 dB 20 (Auto)

2 0 dBm –22 dBm –22 dB 0 (Auto)

Table 2 notes

Column A note: If you do not have any external components between the SOURCE OUTand CPLR THRU jumper, the port power at the source and the test port is the same.However, in this case, we have a pre-amplifier and we are coupling the boosted powerback into the PNA. Consequently, the PNA source power and the port power differ by thepre-amplifier gain minus the coupler through arm loss. Before you perform a source-power calibration, the test port power value displayed in the Channel > Power… dialogbox is the actual source power of the PNA, available either at the test port or theSOURCE OUT jumper. The range of this value is the available power from the PNA. Afteryou perform a source-power cal, the power level on the Channel > Power… dialog box isnow the power level at the test port of DUT input. Thus, it represents the test power portin the new condition. This value can have a wide range and depends on what externalcomponents you have connected. It can be less than the PNA source power (if you haveattenuators, such as in the port 2 case), or it can be more, if you have a pre-amplifier(such as in the port 1 case).

Column B note: This is the power level you expect at the test port after the pre-amplifierand attenuator effects are calculated. The PNA will attempt to set the power at the testport to this value.

Column C note: The offset value you enter in the calibration dialog box is dependent onthe components you have between the PNA and your DUT. In the case of port 1, it is 32 dB, which is the gain of the pre-amplifier minus the loss of cables. In the case of port2, it is –22 dB, which is the loss of the external attenuator and coupler coupling factor.

Next, set the receiver attenuators. In this example, we will use 10 dB of attenuation onthe B receiver.

The final step is to set the network analyzer to use the amplified reference channel signal(if your PNA has Option 0811, reference receiver switch). Set the reference channelswitch to use the external input.

Menu item Channel > Test Set …

1. Option 081, External Reference Switch, is used primarily for mixer and converter measurements and is not required for amplifier measurements. However, if your analyzer is equipped with Option 081, you need to set the position of the external reference switch.

20

CalibrationWe will perform two calibrations. One, a source-power calibration, to ensure a stablepower level at the input point of the DUT (port 1) and output of the DUT (port 2 power forreverse direction measurements). Second, a full two-port calibration using ECal toremove systematic errors such as directivity, source and load match. In the source-powercal dialog box, set the offset level to the appropriate value (see Table 2 for the appropriatevalues). Make sure you select the appropriate port in source-power cal menu. The pre-amplifier should be on during this measurement.

Look for the Src Pwr Cal indicator on the status bar of the PNA in both the forward andreverse directions. Set the measurement to S21 and look for the Src Pwr Cal indicator.Then set the measurement to S12 and look for the Src Pwr Cal indicator.

Next use an ECal module to perform a two-port cal. Connect the ECal module where theDUT would be connected. You will have to unselect the Do Orientation dialog box for theECal module, to bypass the automatic orientation.

NoteSource power calibration sets up a ‘hidden’channel to perform a calibration. This channelstarts with the nominal power level, whichcould be higher than the user’s channel powerlevel. Connect the power sensor to the setupafter the firmware has asked you for the con-nection. Do not connect it earlier, as you coulddamage the power sensor with high-power.

NoteIf you get the error message "Electronic Cal:Unable to orient ECal module. Please ensurethe module is connected to the necessarymeasurement ports.” unselect “Do orienta-tion.” The ECal module requires –18 dBm fororientation (not calibration, but orientation),and since we have 26 dB of loss on the outputport, the ECal module cannot determine its orientation. Thus, the user needs to indicatethe orientation of the ECal module to the analyzer.

21

Once the calibration is performed, connect the amplifier under test and measure the S-parameters. Figure 9 shows the S-parameter measurements with and without thepre-amplifier, but with same power level incident upon the DUT. Figure 10 shows the difference between the two sets.

Figure 9. DUT S-parameters, with and without pre-amplifier

Figure 10. Difference in S-parameters, when tested with and without pre-amplifier

As you can see, the difference is very small, as expected. In addition to trace noise andmeasurement repeatability, the differences can be attributed to the degradation in directivity on port 2 (in the case of the pre-amplifier) and hence degradation in the two-port calibration. The S12 measurement is closer to the noise level, so there is some levelof uncertainty associated with the noise in the system. This noise level can be decreasedby reduction of the IF bandwidth of the PNA.

If you are performing a similar comparison, be sure to use high-quality cables, adapters,and attenuators. Poor quality components can cause a significant amount of variation inmeasurements.

The optimum setup for measuring low-power S-parameters is the initial setup withoutthe pre-amplifier and extra attenuators. If users wanted to test both low and high-powerwith the same setup, then they could use the high-power setup and reduce the inputpower levels.

-70-60-50-40-30-20-10

010203040

2110 2130 2150 2170

Frequency (MHz)

dB

S21

S22S11

S12

(Del

ta) d

B

-1

-1

0

1

1

2110 2130 2150 2170

Frequency (MHz)

S21

S22S11

S12

22

Step C: Gain compression test, high-power setup

For a gain compression test, we test the amplifier under a power sweep condition. Weneed to determine which source attenuator setting we want to use, because we cannotswitch attenuator settings through the test and maintain a valid calibration. If one atten-uator setting does not cover the required range of test, then use multiple channels, usingsingle sweeps. Multiple channels cannot have multiple attenuator settings in continuoussweep, as this would result in the switch wearing out quickly.

The power sweep ranges for the various network analyzers can be found in the specifications section of the online help system.

The power sweep range or PNA automatic level control (ALC) range is very dependent onthe frequency range. The network analyzer used in this example has the following ALCrange at 2140 MHz.

Attenuator setting Minimum power at source Maximum power at source

0 –27 dBm +7 dBm

10 –37 dBm –3 dBm

20 –47 dBm –13 dBm

Since we have a pre-amplifier, with 20 dB attenuator settings, we can achieve a range of–10 to +18 dBm at the device. The various power levels are shown in the block diagramin Figure 11.

Figure 11. A power sweep for gain compression test.

NoteTo access the online help system availablewithin the PNA, press the dark green Help hard key, or use the Help menu item. You can also find the help system at:http://www.agilent.com/find/pna > Specificproduct page, such as the E8364B > Library >Manuals & Guides > Online Help.

Hig

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no attenuation

Apply25 dB

` `

R1

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20 dB attenuation

Bias-tee

DU

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-46 to –18 dBm

–40 to

–12 dB

m

–6 to +22 dBm

–8 to +

20

dB

m

26

dB

16 dB

–6 to +22 dBm

–21 to +7 dBm

Pre-amplifier~+34 dB gain

–10 to +18 dBm

DUT Gain26 dB

Bias-tee

6 d

B

–22 to +6 dBm

16 dB

+16 to +44 dBm

0 to +28 dBm

Apply0 dB

–42 to –13 dBmSwitch/Splitter

SOU

RCE

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RCV

R R

1 IN

SOU

RCE

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CPLR

TH

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CPLR

TH

RU

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2 IN

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AR

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R A

IN

RCV

R B

IN

CPLR

AR

M

POR

T 1

POR

T 2

15 d

B C

F15 dB CF

–48 to –20 dBm

23

Procedure for gain compression test

[Preset]

[Sweep Type] > Power Sweep

[Start/Center] > CW Freq > 2140 MHz

[Sweep Setup] > Bandwidth > 1 kHz

[Sweep Setup] > Number of Points > 201

[Measure] > S21

[Power] > Start Power > -42 dBm

[Power] > Stop Power > -13 dBm

Turn on frequency-offset mode

The MW PNAs go through an automatic gain setting algorithm, when performing apower sweep. This algorithm can possibly create spurs, so we recommend users enablethe frequency-offset mode, which bypasses this algorithm. Also, use the frequency-offsetmode to eliminate the need for phase-locking through the external R channel.

Menu item Channel > Frequency-offset … > Select “Frequency Offset on/off” check boxLeave the offset at 0, multiplier and division at 1

Menu item Channel > Power… > Set the B receiver attenuator to 25 dB attenuationMenu item Channel > Test Set > Use External reference (If PNA has Option 081)

Perform a source-power calibration at the DUT input point.

Next we perform a response calibration for the S21 measurement. For the absolute B receiver measurement, we perform a source and receiver calibration. The gain

compression of the amplifier under test is shown in Figure 12.

Figure 12. Amplifier gain compression

24

The block diagrams below show two alternative methods of making high-power measurements.

Use of an external coupler

A high-power external coupler can be used instead of the internal coupler. It is importantto select a coupler with good directivity, to ensure measurement stability after calibration.

Figure 13. Use of external coupler in high-power measurements

Alternative High-PowerConfigurations

R2

B` `

R1

ABias-tee

DU

T

16 dB

Bias-tee

Switch/Splitter

Fixed + sloped pad Fixed + sloped pad

SOU

RCE

OU

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CPLR

TH

RU

CPLR

TH

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CPLR

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IN

RCV

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IN

CPLR

AR

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POR

T 1

POR

T 2

15 d

B C

F15 dB CFR

CVR

R1

IN

RCV

R R

2 IN

SOU

RCE

OU

T

pre-am

p

Source

25

Two-way high-power measurements

For two-way high-power measurements, a pre-amplifier needs to be added to each port.An isolator after each amplifier helps improve load match, as amplifiers usually have poor S22. The isolator also protects the pre-amp from high-power on the output.

Figure 14. Two-way high-power measurements

R2

B

` `

R1

A

Pre-amplifier

DU

T

Pre-amplifier

Switch/Splitter

Fixed + sloped pad Fixed + sloped pad

SOU

RCE

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1 IN

SOU

RCE

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CPLR

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2 IN

SOU

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CPLR

AR

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R A

IN

RCV

R B

IN

CPLR

AR

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POR

T 1

POR

T 2

15 d

B C

F15 dB CF

Source

26

1. How do I know if the network analyzer receivers are compressed?

When testing active devices, especially amplifiers, users should pay attention to the output power levels of their devices and the power incident upon the network analyzer’sreceivers. Using the receivers in compression can make it difficult to differentiatebetween device compression and test system error. The procedure below describes amethod to determine whether the internal network analyzer receivers are compressed ornot. This procedure requires that the network analyzer be equipped with receiver attenu-ators. On the MW PNA analyzers, receiver attenuators are available with Option 016.Receiver attenuators are not available for the lower cost MW PNA-L models.

Connect your test device between ports 1 and 2 and set up an S21 and B channel measurement. Then change the receiver attenuator settings and examine the S21 and B.If the receivers are not compressed, the traces should only vary by the amount of attenuation, and not have other variations. If the receivers are compressed, you will seechange other than the exact amount of attenuation. You can make the comparisons without calibration. Just make sure calibration is off in all cases. Markers can be helpfulto determine if the values have decreased by the attenuation amount.

Repeat this test for the R channel receiver also, since S21 and AM-PM are both ratioedmeasurements and thus both receivers need to be tested. In an intermodulation distortion measurement, you can make the same attenuation change, but monitor the difference between the fundamental tone and the mixing products (the dBc values). If the dBc values change with attenuator setting, you can suspect that the PNA receiversare compressed.

If the test shows that the network analyzer receivers are compressed with the originalsettings, increase the receiver attenuation levels until the point that the receivers are nolonger compressed.

On the MW PNA, the receiver attenuators can be controlled from the Channel > Powermenu.

Frequently AskedQuestions

27

2. The uncalibrated results seem reasonable, but the calibrated data appears incorrect. What could be the cause?

A two-port calibration calculation is based on all four S-parameters. One possible issue inhigh-power measurements is that the S12 measurement could have high uncertainty dueto noise, if the port powers are not uncoupled. When measuring high-gain amplifiers, it isrecommended that you take advantage of the Port Power Coupled feature to uncouplethe power of ports 1 and 2. Drive the input or port 1 with a low power level as to not damage the output receivers. Drive the output or port 2 with a high power level, so theisolation or S12 measurement does not approach the noise floor of the network analyzer.An accurate S12 measurement is fundamental to an accurate 2-port calibration.

3. What is the power of the network analyzer at start-up or preset?

At preset, the source power level of the MW PNA port 1 is set to a nominal level (seeTable 3), with the internal source attenuator on port 1 set to 0 dB. The port 2 power is off.On the PNA analyzers, only one port is on at a time. If the amplifier under test could bedamaged by this power level, or will be operating in its nonlinear region, do not connectthe amplifier until you have set a desirable power level. On the MW PNAs, you can savea “user preset” with different initial power setting conditions. Upon preset, the MW PNAstarts with the new power levels.

Table 3. Nominal power levels (Preset power level at port 1)

Network analyzer Standard Option 014, UNL or 014 & UNL together

E8362B (20 GHz) 0 dBm –5 dBm

E8363B and E8364B –12 dBm –17 dBm(40 and 50 GHz)

4. What is the power level of different measurement channels at preset?

Each channel is initiated with the nominal power level, even if a User Preset is savedwith a different power level for the starting channel. Therefore, if you save channel 1 witha nominal power level of –60 dBm as a User Preset, then start channel 2, channel 2 willstart with the nominal power level (–17 dBm for an option loaded E8364B). Be careful ifyou set up a new channel. You could damage the components, if you did not anticipatethe high power levels.

If you had RF power Off at the User Preset level for channel 1 and then you started achannel 2, then RF power would be off on channel 2 also. RF Power is a global parameter,versus the power level setting, which is a channel parameter.

28

5. Can different measurement channels have different power levels?

Yes. Different PNA measurement channels can have different power levels. If you set up two channels with different enough power levels resulting in different attenuator settings, the PNA will automatically put one channel in trigger hold mode. This is to protect the attenuators from switching continuously.

6. Can I use this setup to make hot S22 measurements?

If the amplifier under test is operating in its nonlinear region, the large signal S22 shouldbe measured using a load-pull technique. Traditional S-parameter measurements dependon the amplifier operating in its linear region. The PNA can be used for hot S22 measure-ments; however, additional equipment and setup is required. Consult your Agilent salesrepresentative for additional information.

7. What happens to the power level when RF power is turned off during a sweep?

The power level is turned off at the end of the sweep, so the sweep will continue with RFpower on. The next sweep will start with RF power off.

8. Is there a power limitation on the mechanical components of a calibration kit?

The open or short standards do not have a power limitation, as they do not dissipate significant energy. Most Agilent calibration kit loads have a maximum average power rating of 2 Watts or +33 dBm.

9. Is there a power limitation on electronic calibration or ECal?

The maximum power rating for ECal modules is either +10 or +20 dBm (see Table below).The ECal module also has a minimum power requirement for auto-orientation (not calibration, but orientation). If the power level at the module is less than –18 dBm, theuser has to tell the analyzer the orientation of the ECal module. Simply unselect the automatic orientation check box and manually indicate to the analyzer how the ECal module is connected. Auto-orientation means that the network analyzer determines howport 1 and 2 are connected to ports A and B of the ECal module.

ECal model Minimum power Maximum Maximum DC RF power voltage at test port

N469x (MW ECal) No minimum power +10 dBm ±10 Volts8509x (RF ECal) for calibration. See +20 dBm ±20 Volts

paragraph above for minimum power level for auto-orientation.

29

10. What are the benefits of a source-power calibration?

A source-power calibration transfers the accuracy of the power meter measurement tothe network analyzer. The output power of the network analyzer is accurate to within 2-3 dB. For the MW PNAs, the specifications are listed in the table below. A power metercalibration can provide accuracy of better than 0.5 dB.

MW PNA power level accuracy specification Variation from nominal power in range 0 (step attenuator at 0 dB setting)

Frequency range Standard Option 014 Option UNL Option 014 & UNL

10 MHz to 45 MHz ±2 dB

45 MHz to 10 GHz ±1.5 dB

10 to 20 GHz ±2 dB

20 to 40 GHz ±3 dB

40 to 45 GHz ±3 dB ±3.5 dB ±3 dB ±3.5 dB

45 to 50 GHz ±3 dB ±4 dB ±3 dB ±4 dB

In a linear S-parameter measurement, where the amplifier is operating well within the linear range, 2-3 dB of power variation may not make a significant difference. But if youare testing and specifying gain compression and trying to find the 1 dB compressionpoint, 2-3 dB is a significant difference and source-power calibration is necessary.Another instance where it is critical to perform a source-power calibration is in the caseof high-power measurements, where a pre-amplifier is used.

Also, a source power calibration is necessary prior to a receiver calibration (in order to establish the reference). Receiver calibrations are useful for absolute power measurements.

11. What is the optimum power level for calibration?

In general, a calibration should be performed under the same stimulus/response conditions as the measurement. Thus calibrating at one power level (without amplifier)and then measuring at a different power level (with amplifier) is not ideal. However, thedynamic accuracy of the MW PNA products is extremely good, so that calibrating at adifferent power level does not pose a significant error (See chart for frequencies lessthan 20 GHz). The choice the user does have is to stay within the same power range(same attenuator setting), but to calibrate at a higher power level (without the amplifier)and then reduce the power level during the measurement (with the amplifier). Since thehardware setting is essentially the same, the accuracy is hardly affected. It is alwaysbetter to calibrate at a higher power level (staying below compression), to reduce theuncertainty due to noise.

For best measurement accuracy,select the measurement and calibration power levels such thatthe test setup power levels remainin the relatively flat region.

30

12. What happens to the power level at each port during various measurements?

Parameter Port 1 Port 2 Notes

S11 On Off

S21 On Off

S22 Off On

S12 Off On

Any parameter with two port On/Off On/Off Power switches betweencal; S11, S21, S12 or S22 the two ports, as a two-port

cal requires all four S-parameters.

RF power off Off Off RF power is a global parameter and is turned off for all ports and channels.

13. What happens to the two-port calibration if the source or receiver attenuation is changed?

The calibration is invalidated if you change the attenuator settings. If you change attenuator settings after you have performed a calibration, you must perform another calibration.

14. What does the error message “source unleveled” signify?

An unleveled error message appears when the source power is set to value greater thanthe maximum specified power. Lower the power level to solve this problem. The unlevelmessage is combined with a LVL indication on the status bar. The unleveled error message can momentarily appear between attenuator settings. It does not affect themeasurement accuracy and can be ignored.

15. What happens to the PNA output power during re-trace?

The power level is maintained during re-trace, unless a frequency band is crossed. Seethe next question for frequency-band crossings.

31

16. What happens to the RF power during frequency band-crossings?

The MW PNAs have over twenty frequency bands. During band-crossings, the firmwareturns off the RF power. Beware that if you are testing a high-gain device with ALC, whenthe PNA switches bands, the power shuts down and the DUT’s ALC attempts to increasethe gain. Microseconds later, the PNA power comes back on; however, in this short timeframe, the DUT or the PNA can get damaged. The band-crossings are listed below.

Model Band Frequency range (GHz)E8362/3/4B 0 0-0.045

1 0.045-0.7482 0.748-1.53 1.5-34 3-3.85 4-4.56 4.5-4.87 4.8-6.08 6.0-6.49 6.4-7.6

10 7.6-1011 10-1212 12-12.813 12.8-15.214 15.2-1615 16-20

E8363/4B 16 20-22.817 22.8-25.618 25.6-3019 30-3220 32-3621 36-38.422 38.4-40

E8364B 23 40-45.624 45.6-4825 48-50

Watts to dBm reference table

Linear (watts) Log (dBm)

0.001 + 0

0.01 + 10

0.1 + 20

1 + 30

2 + 33

10 + 40

20 + 43

40 + 46

50 + 47

100 + 50

200 + 53

32

Appendix A: Maximum Power Levelsfor PNA and PNA-LNetwork Analyzers

1. At the time of the publication of this application note, the Z5623AK64 only works with the 4-port 20 GHz PNA-L, N5230A option 245. It does not work with other PNA or PNA-L products.

Table 1 contains power level information for PNA and PNA-L network analyzers. The recommended network analyzers for high-power measurements are the PNA networkanalyzers E8362/3/4B Option H85. These network analyzers can handle the highestpower levels and have built-in receiver attenuators. Lower cost alternatives for high-power measurements are the PNA-L products.

The next pages show block diagrams of the various network analyzers, with the powerlevels shown on the diagrams. The front panel layouts, which also show the damage levels, are shown after that. For electronic copies of the block diagrams, visithttp://na.tm.agilent.com/pna/documents.html.

In addition to the PNA network analyzers listed in Table 1, Agilent offers a high-powertest set, model number Z5623AK64. The Z5623AK64 is a high-power multiport test setthat can be used with the 4-port 20 GHz PNA-L, N5230A option 245.1 The Z5623AK64 canbe configured in several ways. The test set bypass configuration allows the user to usethe PNA in its normal mode. In the high-power mode, the test set can be configured for specific application needs by the insertion of high-power amplifiers, attenuators, isolators, and other signal conditioning accessories. This will allow high-power measure-ments at RF levels up to +43 dBm (20 Watts) from 10 MHz to 20 GHz. For more informa-tion on the Z5623AK64, contact your local Agilent sales engineer.

33

Tabl

e 1.

PN

A a

nd P

NA

-L P

ower

Lev

el In

form

atio

n

To e

nsur

e th

at th

e co

mpo

nent

s ar

e no

t dam

aged

, kee

p th

e po

wer

leve

l at l

east

3 d

B be

low

dam

age

leve

l.D

amag

e le

vel

Sign

alC

oupl

er/

Idea

lR

ecei

ver

Port

1, 2

,M

odel

M

ax.

sepa

ratio

nB

ias-

Rcv

rbr

idge

pow

er a

tPo

rt 1

, 2,

Cou

pler

A, B

, C, D

,3,

4 s

ourc

e C

oupl

erR

efer

ence

Opt

ion

081

fam

ilyfr

eq.

Mod

elTe

st s

etde

vice

1te

es2

attn

s3lo

ssre

ceiv

er4

3 or

4ar

mR

1, o

r R

2 in

out

thru

sour

ce o

utre

f. sw

itch

PNA

20 G

Hz

E836

2BCo

uple

rsYe

sYe

s13

-15

dB–2

0 dB

m+

30 d

Bm

+30

dB

m+

15 d

Bm

+30

dB

m+

30 d

Bm

+20

dB

m+

30 d

Bm

PNA

40 G

Hz

E836

3BCo

uple

rsYe

sYe

s13

-15

dB–2

0 dB

m+

30 d

Bm

+30

dB

m+

15 d

Bm

+30

dB

m+

30 d

Bm

+20

dB

m+

30 d

Bm

PNA

50 G

Hz

E836

4BCo

uple

rsYe

sYe

s13

-15

dB–2

0 dB

m+

30 d

Bm

+30

dB

m+

15 d

Bm

+30

dB

m+

30 d

Bm

+20

dB

m+

30 d

Bm

PNA

20 G

Hz

E836

2B#

H85

Coup

lers

No

Yes

13-1

5 dB

–20

dBm

+30

dB

m7

+30

dB

m7

+15

dB

m+

30 d

Bm

+30

dB

m7

+20

dB

m+

30 d

Bm

PNA

40 G

Hz

E836

3B#

H85

Coup

lers

No

Yes

13-1

5 dB

–20

dBm

+30

dB

m7

+30

dB

m7

+15

dB

m+

30 d

Bm

+30

dB

m7

+20

dB

m+

30 d

Bm

PNA

50 G

Hz

E836

4B#

H85

Coup

lers

No

Yes

13-1

5 dB

–20

dBm

+30

dB

m7

+30

dB

m7

+15

dB

m+

30 d

Bm

+30

dB

m7

+20

dB

m+

30 d

Bm

PNA

67 G

Hz

E836

1ACo

nfig

urab

leCo

uple

rsYe

sYe

s11

-15

dB–2

5 dB

m+

27 d

Bm

+30

dB

m+

15 d

Bm

+27

dB

m+

27 d

Bm

+20

dB

m+

27 d

Bm

PNA

-L6

GH

zN

5230

0-02

0St

anda

rdB

ridge

sN

oN

o15

-16

dB–1

0 dB

m+

27 d

Bm

8

PNA

-L13

.5 G

Hz

N52

300-

120

Stan

dard

Brid

ges

No

No

15-1

6 dB

–10

dBm

+27

dB

m8

PNA

-L20

GH

zN

5230

0-24

0St

anda

rd 4

-por

tB

ridge

sN

oN

o15

-16

dB–1

0 dB

m+

27 d

Bm

8

PNA

-L20

GH

zN

5230

0-22

0St

anda

rdCo

uple

rsN

oN

o13

-15

dB–1

0 dB

m+

30 d

Bm

PNA

-L40

GH

zN

5230

0-42

0St

anda

rdCo

uple

rsN

oN

o13

-15

dB–2

5 dB

m+

30 d

Bm

PNA

-L50

GH

zN

5230

0-52

0St

anda

rdCo

uple

rsN

oN

o13

-15

dB–2

5 dB

m+

30 d

Bm

PNA

-L6

GH

zN

5230

0-02

5Co

nfig

urab

le9

Brid

ges

No

No

15-1

6 dB

–10

dBm

+27

dB

m10

+15

dB

m11

+15

dB

m+

27 d

Bm

+27

dB

m10

+20

dB

m

PNA

-L13

.5 G

Hz

N52

300-

125

Conf

igur

able

Brid

ges

No

No

15-1

6 dB

–10

dBm

+27

dB

m10

+15

dB

m11

+15

dB

m+

27 d

Bm

+27

dB

m10

+20

dB

m

PNA

-L20

GH

zN

5230

0-24

5Co

nfig

urab

le,

Brid

ges

No

No

15-1

6 dB

–10

dBm

+27

dB

m10

+15

dB

m11

+15

dB

m+

27 d

Bm

+27

dB

m10

+20

dB

m4-

port

PNA

-L20

GH

zN

5230

0-22

5Co

nfig

urab

leCo

uple

rsN

oN

o13

-15

dB–1

0 dB

m+

30 d

Bm

7+

30 d

Bm

7+

15 d

Bm

+30

dB

m+

30 d

Bm

7+

20 d

Bm

PNA

-L40

GH

zN

5230

0-42

5Co

nfig

urab

leCo

uple

rsN

oN

o13

-15

dB–2

5 dB

m+

30 d

Bm

7+

30 d

Bm

7+

15 d

Bm

+30

dB

m+

30 d

Bm

7+

20 d

Bm

PNA

-L50

GH

zN

5230

0-52

5Co

nfig

urab

leCo

uple

rsN

oN

o13

-15

dB–2

5 dB

m+

30 d

Bm

7+

30 d

Bm

7+

15 d

Bm

+30

dB

m+

30 d

Bm

7+

20 d

Bm

1.O

n co

uple

r bas

ed-p

rodu

cts

the

dam

age

leve

ls o

f th

e co

uple

d ar

m a

nd th

e th

ru a

rms

are

the

sam

e. O

n br

idge

-bas

ed p

rodu

cts,

the

dam

age

leve

ls o

f the

"co

uple

d ar

m"

and

the

"thr

u ar

m"

are

diff

eren

t 2.

Bia

s-te

es a

re s

uppl

ied

with

Opt

ion

UN

L. O

ptio

n U

NL

incl

udes

two

60 d

B s

ourc

e-at

tenu

ator

s an

d tw

o bi

as-t

ees.

Opt

ion

UN

L is

ava

ilabl

e fo

r the

PN

A S

erie

s, b

ut n

ot th

e PN

A-L

. 3.

Rec

eive

r att

enua

tors

are

sup

plie

d w

ith O

ptio

n 01

6. T

wo

35 d

B re

ceiv

er a

tten

uato

rs s

uppl

ied.

Opt

ion

016

is a

vaila

ble

for t

he P

NA

Ser

ies,

but

not

the

PNA

-L.

4.Th

e “i

deal

pow

er le

vel a

t rec

eive

r” li

sted

in th

is ta

ble

is a

pow

er le

vel a

t whi

ch th

e re

ceiv

er is

not

com

pres

sed.

The

pow

er le

vel s

how

n is

the

mos

t con

serv

ativ

e va

lue

(hig

hest

freq

uenc

y, m

axim

um lo

ss).

Oft

en y

ou c

an h

ave

a hi

gher

in

cide

nt p

ower

and

stil

l not

be

in c

ompr

essi

on. T

o ca

lcul

ate

a le

ss c

onse

rvat

ive

valu

e, s

ubtr

act t

he 0

.1 d

B c

ompr

essi

on le

vel (

avai

labl

e in

the

Hel

p Sy

stem

) fro

m th

e co

uple

r or b

ridge

loss

to o

btai

n th

e m

ax re

com

men

ded

pow

er le

vel.

5.Th

e sp

ecifi

catio

ns in

this

row

app

ly to

any

sta

ndar

d E8

362/

3/4B

, or a

ny E

8362

/3/4

B th

at is

con

figur

ed w

ith o

ptio

n U

NL,

the

bias

-tee

and

sou

rce

atte

nuat

or o

ptio

n. If

the

bias

-tee

opt

ion

is in

clud

ed, t

he b

ias-

tees

is lo

cate

d di

rect

ly b

ehin

dth

e co

uple

r. Th

eref

ore,

ther

e is

no

way

to re

duce

the

pow

er b

efor

e th

e bi

as-t

ees,

so

the

max

imum

pow

er is

lim

ited

to +

30 d

Bm

, the

dam

age

leve

l of b

ias-

tees

. The

bia

s-te

es a

re th

e po

wer

lim

iting

fact

or.

6.Th

e sp

ecifi

catio

ns in

this

row

app

ly to

any

E83

62/3

/4B

that

is c

onfig

ured

with

Opt

ion

014,

the

conf

igur

able

test

set

opt

ion,

and

is n

ot c

onfig

ured

with

opt

ion

UN

L, th

e bi

as-t

ee o

ptio

n. T

hese

spe

cific

atio

ns a

pply

to th

e #

H85

hig

h po

wer

te

st s

et. T

he #

H85

opt

ion

incl

udes

opt

ions

014

(con

figur

able

test

set

), 01

6 (r

ecei

ver a

tten

uato

rs),

080

(fre

quen

cy o

ffse

t mod

e), 0

81 (r

efer

ence

rece

iver

sw

itch)

, and

sou

rce

atte

nuat

ors.

Sin

ce b

ias-

tees

are

not

par

t of t

hese

ana

lyze

rs,

atte

nuat

ors

can

be a

dded

aft

er th

e co

uple

rs a

nd b

efor

e th

e sw

itch/

split

ter a

nd re

ceiv

er a

tten

uato

rs, s

o th

at th

e us

er c

an ta

ke a

dvan

tage

of t

he h

igh-

pow

er h

andl

ing

capa

bilit

y of

the

coup

lers

.7.

The

spec

ifica

tion

for m

axim

um d

amag

e le

vel i

s +

30 d

Bm

, but

the

fron

t-en

d co

uple

rs c

an h

andl

e up

to +

43 d

Bm

<20

GH

z an

d +

40 d

Bm

>20

GH

z.Ju

st b

e su

re to

pro

tect

the

othe

r com

pone

nts

with

isol

ator

s or

att

enua

tors

.8.

Dam

age

leve

l of t

he s

witc

h/sp

litte

r ass

embl

y is

+27

dB

m. W

ithou

t a c

onfig

urab

le te

st s

et, t

he u

ser c

anno

t add

att

enua

tion

in p

ath

of th

e sw

itch/

split

ter a

nd th

e da

mag

e le

vel i

s +

27 d

Bm

.9.

With

con

figur

able

test

set

, the

use

r can

take

adv

anta

ge o

f the

hig

h-po

wer

han

dlin

g ca

pabi

lity

of th

e br

idge

s. T

he u

ser h

as to

add

att

enua

tion

afte

r the

brid

ge to

pro

tect

the

switc

h/sp

litte

r ass

embl

y an

d th

e re

ceiv

ers.

10

.The

dam

age

leve

l spe

cific

atio

n is

+27

dB

m, b

ut th

e fr

ont-

end

brid

ges

can

hand

le u

p to

+33

dB

m. J

ust b

e su

re to

pro

tect

the

othe

r com

pone

nts

with

isol

ator

s or

att

enua

tors

.11

.The

dam

age

leve

l spe

cific

atio

n is

+15

dB

m, b

ut th

e co

uple

r (b

ridg

e) a

rm c

an h

andl

e up

to +

18 d

Bm

.Jus

t be

sure

to p

rote

ct th

e ot

her c

ompo

nent

s w

ith is

olat

ors

or a

tten

uato

rs.

Stan

dard

or w

ith

Opt

ion

UN

L5

Opt

ion

014,

or

Opt

ion

H85

(but

not U

NL)

6

34

E8362/3/4B

N5230A Opt 220/420/520

E8362/3/4B Opt 014

N5230A Opt 225/425/525

N5230A Opt 220/120

N5230A Opt 240

N5230A Opt 025/125

N5230A Opt 245

TRANS REVREFL REVREFL FWD

TRANS FWD

+30 dBm (1 W) RF 40 VDC Max AVOID STATIC DISCHARGE

PORT 1 PORT 2


TRANS FWD

REFERENCE 2RCVRR2 IN

SOURCEOUT

PORT 2RCVRB IN

CPLRARM

SOURCEOUT

CPLRTHRU

+15 dBm RF 15 VDC

+30 dBm RF 7 VDC

+30 dBm RF 40 VDC

+30 dBm RF 40 VDC

+15 dBm RF 15 VDC

+20 dBm RF 15 VDC

REFERENCE 1SOURCE

OUTRCVRR1 IN

PORT 1CPLRARM

RCVRA IN

CPLRTHRU

SOURCEOUT

+30 dBm RF 7 VDC

+30 dBm RF 40 VDC

+30 dBm RF 40 VDC

+15 dBm RF 15 VDC

+20 dBm RF 15 VDC +30 dBm (1 W) RF 40 VDC Max AVOID STATIC DISCHARGE

PORT 1 PORT 2

+15 dBm RF 15 VDC


TRANS FWD

+27 dBm (0.5 W) RF 16 VDC Max AVOID STATIC DISCHARGE

PORT 1 PORT 2

PORT 1 PORT 2

+27 dBm (0.5 W) RF 16 VDC MaxAVOID STATIC DISCHARGE

PORT 3 PORT 4


TRANS FWD

REFERENCE 2RCVRR2 IN

SOURCEOUT

PORT 2RCVRB IN

CPLRARM

SOURCEOUT

CPLRTHRU

+15 dBm RF 16 VDC

+15 dBm RF 0 VDC

+27 dBm RF 16 VDC

+27 dBm RF 16 VDC

+15 dBm RF 16 VDC

+20 dBm RF 16 VDC

REFERENCE 1SOURCE

OUTRCVRR1 IN

PORT 1CPLRARM

RCVRA IN

CPLRTHRU

SOURCEOUT

+15 dBm RF 16 VDC

+15 dBm RF 0 VDC

+27 dBm RF 16 VDC

+27 dBm RF 16 VDC

+15 dBm RF 16 VDC

+20 dBm RF 16 VDC +27 dBm (0.5 W) RF 16 VDC Max AVOID STATIC DISCHARGE

PORT 1 PORT 2

SOURCEOUT

RCVRIN

CPLRARM

RCVRA IN

CPLRTHRU

SOURCEOUT+27 dBm (0.5 W) RF 16 VDC Max

AVOID STATIC DISCHARGE

PORT 1

CPLRARM

RCVRB IN

CPLRTHRU

SOURCEOUT

PORT 2

CPLRARM

RCVRC IN

CPLRTHRU

SOURCEOUT

PORT 3

CPLRARM

RCVRD IN

CPLRTHRU

SOURCEOUT

PORT 4REF

+15 dBm RF 16 VDC

+15 dBm RF 16 VDC

+15 dBm RF 0 VDC

+27 dBm RF 16 VDC

+27 dBm RF 16 VDC


+15 dBm RF 16 VDC

+15 dBm RF 0 VDC

+27 dBm RF 16 VDC

+27 dBm RF 16 VDC


+15 dBm RF 16 VDC

+15 dBm RF 0 VDC

+27 dBm RF 16 VDC

+27 dBm RF 16 VDC


+15 dBm RF 16 VDC

+15 dBm RF 0 VDC

+27 dBm RF 16 VDC

+27 dBm RF 16 VDC

+20 dBm RF 16 VDC

Front panel of PNA and PNA-L network analyzers (damage levels listed on front panels)

35

A49

IFM

UL

TIPL

EXER

FRO

MA

16P1

FRO

MA

16J1

5

W36

J1+

5V

From

Rea

rPa

nel

(Opt

ion

H1

1)

From

Rea

rPa

nel

(Opt

ion

H1

1)

From

Rea

rP

anel

(Opt

ion

H1

1)

From

Rea

rPa

nel

(Opt

ion

H1

1)

BPU

LSE

INJ4

04

J403

J402

J401

50

50

3M

Hz

B0

B1-

15

R2

PULS

EIN

J304

J303

J302

J301

50

50

3M

Hz

B0

B1-

15

R1

PULS

EIN

J204

J203

J202

J201

50

50

3M

Hz

B0

B1-

15

J103

J102

AP

ULS

EIN

J104

J101

50

50

3M

Hz

B0

B1-

15

EXT

REF

IN10

MH

z

8.33

3M

Hz

1.04

16M

Hz

B1

-1

52n

dLO

x433

.166

7M

Hz J4

W33

W32

216

5

5

96 1210

MH

zH

IGH

STA

BO

CXO

100

MH

z

PHA

SELO

CKR

EF

A10

FREQ

UEN

CYR

EFER

ENCE

215

211

218

212

213

10M

Hz

J2

J5

LOCA

LD

IGIT

AL

BU

S

POW

ER BU

S

FRO

MA

13(O

PTIO

N08

0)

W312

J5

200

Hz

3R

IL

99.5

0M

Hz

214

500

kHz

20

217

200

Hz

RI

L

ALC

ALC

2

1.5

GH

zB

2-15

J106

J101

B0-

1

2.4

GH

z

3G

Hz

750

MH

z

A8

FRA

CTIO

NA

L-N

SYN

THES

IZER

414

417

415

413

412

1.5

-3.

0G

Hz

VCO

2250

MH

zV

CO

418

Leve

lA

djus

t

B3-

15

B2

416

LOCA

LD

IGIT

AL

BU

S

POW

ER BU

S

5M

Hz

REF

J105

FRA

C-N

LOG

IC

FRA

C-N

LOG

IC

1

B0-

1

B2-

15

BIA

S/R

FLO

MA

10

X2

B8

-10,

12-

15

7.6

-10

.0G

Hz

4.8

-6.

0G

Hz

3.0

-3.

8G

Hz

3.8

-4.

8G

Hz

B0-

3

B4-

15

6.0

-7.

6G

Hz

B4

-7

,11

2

X2

X2

10.0

-12.

8G

Hz

15.0

GH

z

B0-

10,

16-

18

B11

-1

5

0.01

-20

GH

z

11G

Hz

X2

12.8

-16

.0G

Hz

16.0

-20

.0G

Hz

3

W19

W20

W18

W11

W12

W13

W14

A20

L.O

. LOD

A)

DIS

TRIB

UTI

ON

ASS

Y(

W17

W16

W15

A19

SPLI

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15M

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W26

W27

W28

A33

REC

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A34

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41.6

67kH

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41.6

67kH

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41.6

67kH

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41.6

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A31

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ERA

A32

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313

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AQ

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SWEE

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316

DEL

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ALO

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DIG

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317

315

312

314

700

kHz

20M

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15M

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6M

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311

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B0

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B0

4M

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A27

AFI

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W25

W26

W27

W28

A33

REC

EIV

ERR

2

A34

REC

EIV

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41.6

67kH

z

41.6

67kH

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41.6

67kH

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41.6

67kH

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A31

REC

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ERA

A32

REC

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ERR

1

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40

This section describes the PNA behavior when an external reference signal is used inconjunction with source attenuator changes. An external reference signal may be used toamplify the PNA signal, if high power levels are needed. We examine the S-parameterand reference receiver measurements in detail, using an example.

Figure 1 shows an E8362/3/4B PNA network analyzer. The network analyzer shownincludes the following options:

Option 014: Configurable test set (adds the front panel loops or jumpers)Option UNL: Two 60 dB source attenuators and two bias-teesOption 016: Two 35 dB receiver attenuatorsOption 080: Frequency-offset mode (no unique hardware shown in diagram,

but Opt 080 does have unique hardware)Option 081: Reference receiver switch

Figure 1. PNA (E8362/3/4B) block diagram for basic measurements

The purpose of this section is to describe the PNA behavior as the source attenuator isvaried. For this measurement scenario, we focus on the relevant terms, which are sourcepower level, source attenuator setting, S-parameter, and receiver measurements. Thestimulus parameters of frequency range, IF bandwidth and number of points are not relevant.

Appendix B:Understanding PNA measurements with anexternal reference signaland source attenuatorchanges

NoteIn this section, we are discussing source attenuators. We specifically refer to them assource attenuators, to differentiate them fromreceiver attenuators, which are also availableon PNA products.

Source

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41

Let’s examine a basic measurement scenario using the configuration shown in Figure 1.We will make a simple uncalibrated S11 measurement of an open, by leaving test port 1open. We set up three traces to measure S11, A and R1, as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2. Case A, –40 dBm power level, 20 dB source attenuator

Figure 3. Case B, –50 dBm power level, 30 dB source attenuator

NoteS11 = A/R1

42

For our first measurement, we set the power level to –40 dBm (Case A in Table 1).

Table 1.Source

PNA attenuator A displayed R1 displayed R1 incidentpower setting on analyzer on analyzer upon receiver1

Case level (dBm) (auto) (dB) S11 (dB) (dBm) (dBm) (dBm)

A –40 20 –0.09 –39.31 –39.22 –19.0

B –50 30 –0.02 –49.24 –49.22 –19.0

C –60 40 –0.05 –59.06 –59.01 –19.0

If the power is set to –40 dBm, the source attenuator setting will be 20 dB (See Figure 2).The three traces will measure –0.09 dB for S11, –39.31 dBm for A, and –39.22 dBm for R1.These are the expected values, as the power level was set to –40 dBm, the test port wasleft open, and so all the signal was reflected back. The reference receiver value displayedon the PNA is –40 dBm approximately (–39.22 dBm), and the A receiver saw all thepower reflected back (approximately all the –40 dBm or –39.31 dBm in this case).

Now let’s drop the power by 10 dB to –50 dBm (Case B, Table 1). We would expect theS11 value not to change, as the S11 of an open, a linear device, should not change significantly with power variation, and in fact, the S11 does not change. The S11 value isstill about the same, –0.02 dB. Let’s look at the A and R1 values. They both drop by theexpected 10 dB drop in power. The A receiver measurement value drops from –39.31 to–49.24 dBm, and the R1 value drops from –39.22 to –49.22 dBm. This is reasonable.

Now take a close look at the block diagram in Figure 1, specifically at the location of the60 dB source attenuator. Notice how the source attenuator is in the path of the main signal that is directed to port 1, but not in the path of the reference receiver R1. So if wechange the source attenuator value (as we did from case A to case B), we would expectthe R1 receiver value to not change. From case A to case B, the power level at the PNAsynthesized source itself did not change, but the source attenuator changed from 20 to30 dB. So purely based on the block diagram, the R1 receiver value should have stayedconstant from case A to case B. But we see from Table 1 that it did in fact change by 10 dB. So the question is, why did the R1 value not stay constant, as expected by theblock diagram?

The reason for the change in the R1 value is that in the PNA firmware we have an adjust-ment factor for the R1 receiver value that corresponds to the attenuation amount. We willcall this the “attenuation adjustment factor”. If you compare case A to case B, the actualpower incident upon the R1 reference receiver was the same in both cases , but thefirmware displayed a lower value for case B, compared to case A. You can observe thesame behavior if you go to case C, where the attenuation is increased to 40 dB.

The reason for this “attenuation adjustment factor” is that we want PNA users to receivereasonable values for their uncalibrated measurements. In the example above, if you area PNA user, from case A to case B, you do not expect the S11 value to change. You aremeasuring an open and simply varying the power level. For a linear device, such as anopen, the S11 value should approximately stay the same. If the PNA firmware did not addthe “attenuation adjustment factor”, the S11 value would have changed by 10 dB (fromcase A to case B). That can be confusing to users. Hence the “attenuation adjustmentfactor” is used in the PNA firmware.

If you are making uncalibrated high-power measurements, using an external referencesignal, and you are changing the source attenuator settings, there is a consequence tousing this adjustment factor. The measurement results will not be as you expect. Thisbehavior is discussed next.

NoteAfter examining the block diagram, you mayobserve that due to the coupling factor of thecoupler (which is 15 dB), the A receiver valueshould be 15 dB lower than the R1 receivervalue, with the source attenuator set to 0 dB.However, based on measurements and datashown in Table 1, you can see that the A andR1 receivers display the same value. The rea-son for this is a factory calibration called“mixer cal”. “Mixer cal” is the result of a set ofcalibrations performed at the factory on everynetwork analyzer. Each PNA network analyzerhas a series of files on the hard drive in theC:\Program Files\Agilent\Network Analyzer\directory, that have the prefix “mxcalfile_”.These files contain the “mixer cal” data and areunique to each network analyzer. “Mixer cal”corrects for coupler losses, cable losses, differences between receivers, and more. The data from “mixer cal” is applied to allmeasurements, so that if users do not performcalibrations such as one-port or two-port, theirmeasured data is reasonable.

1. These are approximate values for the power incident upon the R1 reference receiver. They are calculated based on the displayed R1 value, minus the source attenuation factor.

43

Figure 4 shows a block diagram of a high-power measurement setup. In this measure-ment, the test set path is set to external, with the signal flowing through the R1 loop (seeFigure 5). We have added a pre-amp to increase the source power. We also activate thefrequency-offset mode option, as shown in Figure 6. Using frequency-offset mode prevents us from having phase-locking errors, since in standard mode, the R1 referencereceiver is used for phase-locking.

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Figure 4. High-power setup connection diagram

Figure 5. Use of external test setmode for high-power measurements

Figure 6. Use frequency-offset mode to take advantage of independent phase-locking circuitry

44

With this setup, we have approximately 20 dB of gain in the R1 path, and 30 dB of gain inthe A receiver path. We start the measurement with a source power of –40 dBm. Dueto the gains in the A and R1 paths, the A value is now –10.9 dBm and the R1 value is

–20.4 dBm, giving us an S11 of 9.5 dB (See Table 2). If we decrease the power level by 10 dB to –50 dBm (case B, Table 2), we expect S11 to remain the same. Since again, theS11 of an open should not really change with power level variations1. However, we noticethat the S11 changes to 19.5 dB. Furthermore, if we decrease the power another 10 dB to –60 dBm (case C, Table 2), the S11 value changes to 29.5 dB. We know that this changein S11 is incorrect. So how do we explain this behavior?

Table 2.Source

PNA attenuator A displayed R1 displayed R1 incidentpower setting on analyzer on analyzer2 upon receiver

Case level (dBm) (auto) (dB) S11 (dB) (dBm) (dBm) (dBm)

A –40 20 9.5 –10.9 –20.4 –0.4

B –50 30 19.5 –20.9 –40.4 –10.4

C –60 40 29.5 –30.9 –60.4 –20.4

1. Assume the external pre-amplifier is operating in its linear region.

2. The value of the receiver power level is not exactly what you expect from the block diagram. Other components in the path (not shown here) affect the power level. The absolute values in external test set mode are not accurate without a calibration. The point of the data in Table 2 is the relative difference between cases A, B and C, not the absolute values.

45

This behavior is easily understood now that we know the methodology used to calculatethe R1 value. In case A, the source is set to –40 dBm. There is 30 dB of gain in the port 1path, so it makes sense that the A receiver values is –10.9 dBm. With 20 dB of gain inthe R1 receiver path, we get –20.4 dBm in the R1 path. Now if we change the powerlevel to –50 dBm (case B, Table 2), the A receiver value drops by 10 dB from –10.9 dBmto –20.9 dBm. This is as expected. However, if we look at R1, we see a 20 dB change inthe R1 value, for a 10 dB change in the source attenuator setting.

The reason is that with the configuration shown in Figure 4, the source attenuator is inthe path of the R1 receiver. In the standard configuration, shown in Figure 1, the sourceattenuator is not in the path of the R1 receiver. So the “attenuation adjustment factor”does not apply to this measurement scenario (Figure 4), but it is still applied by thefirmware. The R1 receiver sees the 10 dB drop in power, and also gets an additionalattenuation adjustment factor of 10 dB, for a total of 20 dB of drop. This explains why theR1 value is incorrect and hence the S11 value is incorrect.

The conclusion is that if you are making S-parameter measurements using an externalreference signal and are also changing the source attenuator setting, you need to cali-brate the setup for each attenuator setting. Calibration will remove the above errors. Ifyou are making gain compression measurements, you can experiment with setting thesource attenuator to manual mode, in order to determine the optimal power range foryour measurements. The PNA Help System contains the latest specifications for thepower ranges.

NoteThis behavior (the difference between externalR1 input and internal R1 input, with uncalibrat-ed measurements) will not be observed on network analyzers where the source attenuatoris located before the switch/splitter. In suchcases, both the A and R1 receivers see thesame power level, as the source attenuation isapplied to both measurements. So there is no“attenuation adjustment factor” applied to thereference receiver values.

The PNA architecture of placing the sourceattenuator in the A receiver path provides moreaccuracy (compared to the case where theattenuator is in both the A and R1 path)because the reference receiver power level canbe maintained at an optimum level, with a verygood signal to noise ratio. For example, if youare measuring a high-gain device and want alow input power level, the reference receiverwill still see a high power level and the meas-urement will not be noisy.

Additionally, in standard measurement mode1,the reference receiver is used for phase-lockingpurposes2. So a strong signal is required at thereference receiver. PNA’s phase locking tech-nique allows the PNA to make very fast meas-urements with very low trace noise. The superbcombination of speed and trace noise is one ofthe key differentiators of the PNA family of net-work analyzers.

1. Not frequency-offset mode2. Applicable to PNA Series analyzers and not

applicable PNA-L Series.

46

Example of optimal power range for a power sweep or gain compressionmeasurement

We use an example to demonstrate how you can select the optimal power range for again compression measurement. Let’s say you wanted to measure a 12 GHz device withapproximately –30 dBm, and you have a 50 GHz E8364B network analyzer. You look upthe power range specifications of the E8364B (listed in Table 3).

Table 3. E8364B power range specifications

Frequency Range Power Range ALC Range

10 MHz to 45 MHz –87 to +2 dBm 29 dB

45 MHz to 10 GHz –87 to +3 dBm 30 dB

10 to 20 GHz –87 to 0 dBm 27 dB

20 to 30 GHz –87 to –4 dBm 23 dB

30 to 40 GHz –87 to –8 dBm 19 dB

40 to 45 GHz –87 to –11 dBm 16 dB

45 GHz to 50 GHz –87 to –17 dBm 10 dB

So based on the specifications, the analyzer has a 27 dB ALC or power sweep range. Youset up a power sweep and make power measurements on your network analyzer. Table 4has an example of what you may see.

Table 4. Power ranges for a sample 50 GHz PNA, an E8364B

Default power Default power Manual Manual Attenuation range range attenuation attenuation

Range # (dB) min (dBm) max (dBm) min (dBm) max (dBm)

0 0 –27 2 –27 2

1 10 –37 –28 –37 –8

2 20 –47 –38 –47 –18

3 30 –57 –48 –57 –28

4 40 –67 –58 –67 –38

5 50 –77 –68 –77 –48

6 60 –87 –78 –87 –58

In this case, with the default setting, you would use 10 dB of attenuation and a range of–37 to –28 dBm (a 10 dB sweep range). If you use manual source attenuation, you canuse either the 10 dB setting which covers –37 to –8 dBm (a 30 dB range), or the 20 dBsetting which covers –47 to –18 dBm (another 30 dB range). You can decide which rangeis more applicable for your compression test. Thus for power sweep applications such asgain compression, it is a good idea to understand the various power ranges, and use theoptimal one.

47

Recommendations for High-Power Measurements

• Use a network analyzer with a configurable test set, especially if you need to add a pre-amplifier.

• Apply receiver attenuation to keep the network analyzer receivers out of compression.

• Attenuate the output signal after the PNA coupler and before receivers. Attenuation before the PNA coupler degrades directivity.

• Increase measurement accuracy by performing a source-power calibration.

• Eliminate the need for phase-locking through external reference channel, by using PNA’s frequency-offset mode.

• For power-meter measurements, use power sensors designated for high-power levels.

• Uncouple test port 1 and 2 port powers, to control forward and reverse power levels. Take advantage of the two independent source attenuators.

Web Resources

Visit our Web sites for additional product information and literature.

Microwave and RF network analyzers:www.agilent.com/find/na

PNA microwave network analyzers:www.agilent.com/find/pna

Electronic calibration (ECal):www.agilent.com/find/ecal

Test and measurement accessories:www.agilent.com/find/accessories

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