Network Analyzer Basics

Network Analyzer

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Network Analysis is NOT.

Router
Bridge
Repeater
Hub

Your IEEE 802.3 X.25 ISDN

switched-packet data stream
is running at 147 MBPS with
-9
a BER of 1.523 X 10 . . .

Network Analyzer

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Low

Integration

High

What Types of Devices are Tested?

Duplexers
Diplexers
Filters
Couplers
Bridges
Splitters, dividers
Combiners
Isolators
Circulators
Attenuators
Adapters
Opens, shorts,
loads
Delay lines
Cables
Transmission lines
Waveguide
Resonators
Dielectrics
R, L, C's
Passive

Network Analyzer

RFICs
MMICs
T/R modules
Transceivers
Receivers
Tuners
Converters

Antennas
Switches
Multiplexer
s
Mixers
Samplers
Multipliers
Diodes

Device
type

VCAs
Amplifiers
VCOs
VTFs
Oscillators
Modulators
VCAttens
Transistors

Activ
e

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Comple
x

Device Test Measurement Model

84000

RFIC
test

Ded. Testers
VSA

Response
tool

SA
VNA
TG/SA
SNA
NF Mtr.

Imped. An.

Simpl
e

Param. An.
Power Mtr.

IV

Harm.
Dist.
LO
stability
Image Gain/Flat.Compr'
Phase/GDn
Rej.
Isolation AM-PM
Rtn
Ls/VSWR
Impedance
Sparameters
LCR/
Z

Det/Scope
DC

Absol.
Power
Gain/Flatne
ss

CW

Swept
freq
modulation
Simpl
e

Network Analyzer

N
F

BER
EVM
ACP
Regrowt
Intermodulation
h
Distortion
Constell
.
Eye

Full call
sequenc
e

Pulsed Sparm.
Pulse
profiling

N
F

Measurement
plane
Swept
power
RF

Noise 2-tone

Stimulus
type

Multi-

Complex
tone

Pulsed-

Protocol
Comple
x

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Lightwave Analogy to RF Energy

Inciden
t
Reflecte
d

Transmitte
d

Lightwave

DUT
RF

Network Analyzer

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Why Do We Need to Test

Components?
Verify specifications of building blocks for more
complex RF systems
Ensure distortionless transmission
of communications signals
linear: constant amplitude, linear phase / constant
group delay
nonlinear: harmonics, intermodulation,
compression, AM-to-PM conversion

Ensure good match when absorbing

power (e.g., an antenna)
KPWR

Network Analyzer

FM 97

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The Need for Both Magnitude and Phase

S21

1. Complete
characterization of
linear networks

S11

S22
S12

2. Complex
impedance
needed to design
matching circuits

4. Time-domain
characterization
Mag

3. Complex values
needed for
device modeling
High-frequency transistor model

Time

5. Vector-error correction
Error

Base
Collector

Emitter

Network Analyzer

Measured
Actual

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Agenda

Network Analyzer

What measurements do we
make?

Transmission-line basics

Reflection and transmission

parameters

S-parameter definition
Network analyzer hardware

Signal separation devices

Detection types

Dynamic range

T/R versus S-parameter test sets

Error models and calibration

Types of measurement error

One- and two-port models

Error-correction choices

Basic uncertainty calculations

Example measurements
Appendix

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Transmission Line Basics

+

Low frequencies

wavelengths >> wire length

current (I) travels down wires easily for

efficient power transmission

measured voltage and current not dependent

on position along wire

High frequencies

wavelength or << length of

transmission medium

need transmission lines for efficient

power transmission

matching to characteristic impedance

(Zo) is very important for low reflection
and maximum
Network
Analyzer power transfer

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Transmission line Zo

Zo determines relationship between voltage and current waves

Zo is a function of physical dimensions and

Zo is usually a real impedance (e.g. 50 or 75 ohms)

1.5

Twisted-pair
Waveguide

normalized values

1.3

Coaxial

1.2
1.1

50 ohm standard

1.0
0.9
0.8

0.7

w1

w2
Coplanar

attenuation is
lowest at 77
ohms

1.4

0.6
0.5
10

Microstrip

Network Analyzer

power handling
capacity peaks at 30
ohms
20

30

40

50 60 70 80 90100

characteristic impedance
for coaxial airlines (ohms)

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Power Transfer Efficiency

RS

For complex impedances,

maximum power transfer occurs
when ZL = ZS* (conjugate match)

Load Power
(normalized)

RL

Rs

1.2

+jX

-jX

0.8
0.6

RL

0.4
0.2
0
0

10

RL / RS

Maximum power is transferred when RL =

RS

Network Analyzer

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Transmission Line Terminated with Zo

Zs =
Zo

Zo = characteristic
impedance
of
transmission line

Zo

Vinc
Vrefl = 0! (all the incident
power
is absorbed
in the load)
For reflection, a transmission line
terminated in Zo behaves like an
infinitely long transmission line

Network Analyzer

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Transmission Line Terminated with

Short, Open
Zs =
Zo

Vinc
Vrefl

In-phase (0o) for open,

out-of-phase (180o) for short

For reflection, a transmission

line terminated in a short or
open reflects all power back to
Network Analyzer
source

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Transmission Line Terminated with 25

Zs =
Zo
ZL = 25

Vinc
Vrefl
Standing wave
pattern does not go
to zero as with short
Network Analyzer
or open

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High-Frequency Device Characterization

Inciden
t

Transmitte
d

Reflected

A
TRANSMISSION

REFLECTION
Reflected
Inciden =
t

SWR
S-Parameters
S11, S22
Coefficien
Reflection
t

Transmitted
Inciden
=
t

A
R

Return
Loss
Impedance,
Admittance
R+jX
,
G+jB

Network Analyzer

Gain / Loss
S-Parameters
S21, S12
Transmission
Coefficien
t

B
R

Group
Dela
y
Insertio
n
Phase

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Reflection Parameters
Vreflecte
Reflectio
= d
=
n
Vinciden
t
Coefficien
tReturn loss = -20 log(),=

ZL ZO
ZL + ZO

Standing
Emax Voltage
Wave Ratio
1+
Emax
Emin
VSWR =
=
Emin
1-

No
reflection
(ZL = Zo)

dB

RL

VSWR

Network Analyzer

Full reflection
(ZL = open,
short)

0 dB

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Smith Chart Review

.

+j
X

Polar
plane
+
R

+ 18
0

-jX

9
0

.
. 6
4

.
2

- o
90

Constant X
Constant R

Z L = Zo

Network Analyzer

Rectilinear
impedance plane

Smith Chart
maps
rectilinear
impedance
plane onto
polar plane

1.
. 0
8

=0

ZL
=

Z L = 0(short
)
= 1 18 O
0

Smith
chart

(open
)O
=1 0

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Transmission Parameters
V Inciden
t

DUT

Transmission Coefficient
= =
Insertion Loss (dB) = - V
20Trans
Log

V Inc

Gain (dB) = 20
Log

Network Analyzer

VTrans
V Inc

V Transmitte
d
Transmitte
V
d
Inciden
V t

= - 20 log

= 20 log

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Linear Versus Nonlinear Behavior

A * Sin 360o * f (t to)

Sin 360o * f *
t

Tim
e

f
1

f
1

DUT

Input

Tim
e

to

Linear behavior:

phase shift
= to * 360o
*f
Frequenc
y

Output

Nonlinear behavior:

Frequenc
y

Tim
e

f
1

Network Analyzer

input and output frequencies

are the same (no additional
frequencies created)
output frequency only
undergoes magnitude and
phase change

Frequenc
y

output frequency may

undergo frequency shift
(e.g. with mixers)
additional frequencies
created (harmonics,
intermodulation)

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Criteria for Distortionless Transmission

Linear Networks
Linear phase
over bandwidth of
interest

Magnitude

Constant amplitude
over bandwidth of
interest

Phase

Frequency

Frequency

Network Analyzer

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Magnitude Variation with Frequency

F(t) = sin wt + 1/3 sin 3wt + 1/5 sin 5wt

Time

Time

Magnitude

Linear
Network

Frequency

Network Analyzer

Frequency

Frequency

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Phase Variation with Frequency

F(t) = sin wt + 1 /3 sin 3wt + 1 /5 sin 5wt
Linear
Network
Time

Magnitude

Time

0
Frequency

-180

Frequency
Frequency

-360

Network Analyzer

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Deviation from Linear Phase

Use electrical delay to
remove linear portion
of phase response

Phase 45 /Div

RF filter response

(Electrical delay function)

Deviation from
linear phase
Phase 1 /Div

Linear electrical
length added

+
Frequency

Low resolution

Network Analyzer

yields

Frequency

Frequency

High resolution

Cop

Group Delay
Frequency

tg

Group delay ripple

to

Phase

Average delay

Group Delay =
g
(t )

d
d

1
36
0

in radians

*d

Frequency

in radians/sec

in
degrees
f in Hertz ( f)

Network Analyzer

group-delay ripple indicates phase

distortion
average delay indicates electrical length
of DUT
aperture of measurement is very
important

Cop

Phase

Phase

Why Measure Group Delay?

f
d
d

d
d

Group
Delay

Group
Delay

Same p-p phase ripple can result in

different group delay

Network Analyzer

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Characterizing Unknown Devices

Using parameters (H, Y, Z, S) to
characterize devices:

gives linear behavioral model of our device

measure parameters (e.g. voltage and current)
versus frequency under
various source and load
conditions (e.g. short and open circuits)
compute device parameters from measured data
predict
circuit performance
under any
HYZ- source and
load
conditions
parameters
parameters
parameters
V1 = h11I1 +
I1 = y11V1 +
V1 = z11I1 +
h12V2
y12V2
z12I2
I2 = h21I1 +
I2 = y21V1 +
V2 = z21I1 +
h22V2
V2
z22I2
h11y22V
1I1 V =
(requires short
=
0
circuit)
h12 V
1
V
I=
(requires open
= 2 0
circuit)
2

Network Analyzer

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Why Use S-Parameters?

relatively easy to obtain at high frequencies

measure voltage traveling waves with a vector network

analyzer

don't need shorts/opens which can cause active devices to

oscillate or self-destruct

relate to familiar measurements (gain, loss, reflection

coefficient ...)

can cascade S-parameters of multiple devices to predict

S 21
Inciden
Transmitte
system performance
a1 t
d
DU
b2S-parameters if

can compute H,S11

Y, or Z parameters
from
T
Reflecte
S22
desired
d
Port 2 Reflecte
Port 1
b1

can easily import

and use S-parameter
files
in our electronica2
d
Inciden
S12
simulation toolsTransmitte
t
d

b1 = S11a1 +S 12 a 2

b2 = S21a1 +S 22 a 2

Network Analyzer

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Measuring S-Parameters
a1

Forward

S1

b1

S
S

11

21

Transmitted

Z0

Incident

= a
1

Z0
Load

a2 =0

a2 =0

a 2 =0

DUT

Load

b1 Transmitted

22

S 12 =

a1 = 0

Network Analyzer

b2

Transmitted

2
1

DUT

Reflected
1

b1
Reflected
= a
Incident
1

Inciden
t

S1
2

b2
Reflected
= a
Incident
2
Transmitted

= a
Incident
2

S2

a1 =0

b2

2
Reflected

Inciden
t

a 1 =0

a2

Revers
e

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Equating S-Parameters with Common

Measurement Terms
S11 = forward reflection coefficient (input
match)
S22 = reverse reflection coefficient (output
match)
S21 = forward transmission coefficient (gain or
loss)
S12 =
reverse transmission
coefficient
Remember,
S-parameters
are
(isolation)
inherently complex, linear
quantities -- however, we
often express them in a logmagnitude format
Network Analyzer

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Criteria for Distortionless

Transmission
Nonlinear
Saturation,
crossover,Networks
intermodulation, and other
nonlinear effects can cause
signal distortion
Effect on system depends on
amount
and type of distortion
Time
and system architecture

Frequency

Network Analyzer

Time

Frequency

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Measuring Nonlinear Behavior

Most common measurements:

using a network analyzer and

power sweeps

gain compression

AM to PM conversion

using a spectrum analyzer +

source(s)

harmonics, particularly
second and third

intermodulation products
resulting
from two or
more RF carriers
8563A

LPF

LPF

Network Analyzer

SPECTRUM ANALYZER

RL 0 dBm

ATTEN

10 dB

10 dB / DIV

9 kHz - 26.5 GHz

DUT

CENTER 20.00000 MHz

RB 30 Hz
VB 30 Hz

SPAN 10.00 kHz

ST 20 sec

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What is the Difference

Between Network and
Spectrum Analyzers?

Measures
known
signal

Amplitud
e

Amplitude Ratio

8563
A

Frequency

Network analyzers:
measure components,
devices,
circuits, sub-assemblies

contain source and

receiver

display ratioed amplitude

and phase
(frequency or power
Network
sweeps) Analyzer

Spectrum analyzers:

9 kHz -

Measures
unknown
signals
Frequency

SPECTRUM ANALYZER
26 .5 GHz

measure signal amplitude

characteristics
carrier level, sidebands,
harmonics...)
can demodulate (& measure)
complex signals
are receivers only (single
channel)
can be used for scalarCop

Agenda

Network Analyzer

What measurements do we
make?
Network analyzer hardware
Error models and calibration
Example measurements
Appendix

Cop

Generalized Network Analyzer

Block Diagram
Inciden
Transmitte
t

SOURCE

DU
T

Reflected

SIGNAL
SEPARATION
INCIDEN
T (R)

REFLECTED
(A)

TRANSMITTE
D
(B)

RECEIVER / DETECTOR

PROCESSOR / DISPLAY

Network Analyzer

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Source

Supplies stimulus for system

Swept frequency or power
Traditionally NAs used
separate source
Most Agilent analyzers sold
today have integrated,
synthesized sources

Network Analyzer

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Signal Separation

Incident

SOURCE

Transmitted

DU
T

Reflected

SIGNAL
SEPARATION
INCIDENT
(R)

REFLECTED
(A)

TRANSMITTED
(B)

RECEIVER / DETECTOR

measure incident signal for reference

separate incident and reflected signals

PROCESSOR / DISPLAY

splitter

bridge

directional
coupler

Network Analyzer

Detector
Test Port

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Directivity
Directivity is a measure of how
well a coupler can separate
signals moving in opposite
directions
(undesired
leakage signal)

(desired reflected
signal)

Test port

Directional
Coupler

Network Analyzer

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Data Max

Devic
e

DUT RL = 40
dB

Return
Loss

3
0

Add in-phase

Devic
e

Frequency

Directivit
y
Devic
e

6
0

Directivit
y

Interaction of Directivity with

the DUT (Without Error
Correction)

Data
Min
Add out-ofphase
(cancellation)

Network Analyzer

Directivit
y

Data = Vector
Sum

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Incident

Detector Types
SOURCE

Scalar broadband
(no phase
Diode
information)

SIGNAL
SEPARATION
INCIDENT
(R)

REFLECTED
(A)

TRANSMITTED
(B)

RECEIVER / DETECTOR

AC

Tuned Receiver
RF

IF = FLO F RF

ADC / DSP

Vector
(magnitude and
phase)

IF Filter

LO

Network Analyzer

Transmitted

Reflected

PROCESSOR / DISPLAY

DC
RF

DU
T

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Broadband Diode Detection

Easy to make broadband

Inexpensive compared to tuned receiver

Good for measuring frequency-translating

devices

Improve dynamic range by increasing power

Medium sensitivity / dynamic range

10 MHz

Network Analyzer

26.5 GHz

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Narrowband Detection - Tuned Receiver

ADC / DSP

Best sensitivity / dynamic range

Provides harmonic / spurious

signal rejection

Improve dynamic range by

increasing power, decreasing IF
bandwidth, or averaging

Trade off noise floor and

measurement speed

10 MHz

Network Analyzer

26.5 GHz

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Comparison of Receiver Techniques

Broadband
(diode)
detection

0 dB

0 dB

-50 dB

-50 dB

-100 dB

-100 dB
-60 dBm Sensitivity

Narrowband
(tunedreceiver)
detection

< -100 dBm Sensitivity

higher noise
high dynamic
floor
range

false responses
harmonic
Dynamic range = maximum receiver
immunity
power - receiver noise floor

Network Analyzer

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Dynamic Range and Accuracy

Error Due to Interfering Signal
100

Error (dB, deg)

10

Dynamic
range is very
important for
measurement
accuracy!

phase
error

magn error

0.1

0.01

0.001
0

-5

-10

-15

-20

-25

-30

-35

-40

-45

-50

-55

-60

-65

-70

Interfering signal (dB)

Network Analyzer

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T/R Versus S-Parameter Test Sets

Transmission/Reflection Test
Set
Source

S-Parameter Test Set

Source

Transfer
switch

R
B

Port 1

Port 2

Fwd

Port 2

Port 1

DU
T

RF always comes out

port 1

port 2 is always
receiver

response,
one-port
Network
Analyzer

Fwd

DU
T

Rev

RF comes out port 1 or

port 2
forward and reverse
measurements
two-port calibration
Cop

Processor / Display
Inciden
t

DU
T

Transmitte
d
50 MH-20GHz
NETW ORK ANYZER
ACTIVE
CHANNEL

SOURCE

Reflected

SIGNAL
SEPARATION
INCIDENT
(R)

REFLECTED
(A)

ENTRY

RESPONS
E

STIMULU
S

TRANSMITTED
(B)

T
HP-IB STATUS

PORT 1

PORT 2

RECEIVER / DETECTOR

PROCESSOR / DISPLAY

markers

limit lines

pass/fail
indicators

linear/log
formats

grid/polar/Smith
charts

Network Analyzer

R
CHANNEL

INSTRUMENT
STATE

Cop

R L

Internal Measurement Automation

Simple: recall states
More powerful:

Test sequencing

available on 8753/
8720 families
keystroke recording
some advanced
functions

IBASIC

available on 8712
family
sophisticated
programs
custom user
interfaces

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0123456789 + - / * = < > ( ) & "" " , . / ? ; : '

[ ] 1 ASSIGN @Hp8714 TO 800
2 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"SYST:PRES; *WAI"
3 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"ABOR;:INIT1:CONT OFF;*WAI"
4 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"DISP:ANN:FREQ1:MODE SSTOP"
5 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"DISP:ANN:FREQ1:MODE CSPAN"
6 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"SENS1:FREQ:CENT 175000000 HZ;*WAI"
7 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"ABOR;:INIT1:CONT OFF;:INIT1;*WAI"
8 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"DISP:WIND1:TRAC:Y:AUTO ONCE"
9 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"CALC1:MARK1 ON"
10 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"CALC1:MARK:FUNC BWID"
11 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"SENS2:STAT ON; *WAI"
12 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"SENS2:FUNC 'XFR:POW:RAT 1,0';DET NBAN; *WAI"
13 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"ABOR;:INIT1:CONT OFF;:INIT1;*WAI"
14 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"DISP:WIND2:TRAC:Y:AUTO ONCE"
15 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"ABOR;:INIT1:CONT ON;*WAI"
16 END

Network Analyzer

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Agilents Series of HF Vector Analyzers

Microwav
e

8510C
series

8720ET/ES series

13.5, 20, 40 GHz

economical
fast, small,
integrated
test mixers, highpower amps

RF
8712ET/ES
series

1.3, 3 GHz
low cost
narrowband and
broadband
detection
IBASIC / LAN

Network Analyzer

110 GHz in
coax

highest
accuracy

modular,
flexible

pulse
systems

Tx/Rx module
8753ET/ES
test
series

3, 6 GHz
highest RF
accuracy
flexible
hardware
more features
Offset and
Cop RF
harmonic

Agilents LF/RF Vector Analyzers

Combination NA / SA
4395A/4396B

500 MHz (4395A), 1.8 GHz

(4396B)
impedance-measuring option
fast, FFT-based spectrum analysis
time-gated spectrum-analyzer
option
IBASIC
standard test fixtures

E5100A/B

LF

Network Analyzer

180, 300 MHz

economical
fast, small
target markets: crystals, resonators,
filters
equivalent-circuit models
evaporation-monitor-function option

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Spectrum Analyzer / Tracking Generator

RF in

IF

8563A

SPECTRUM ANALYZER

LO

DU
T

Spectrum analyzer
TG out

f=
IF

Tracking generator

DUT

Key differences from network analyzer:

one channel -- no ratioed or phase measurements

More expensive than scalar NA (but better dynamic

range)

Only error correction available is normalization (and

possibly open-short averaging)

Poorer accuracy

Small incremental cost if SA is required for other

Cop
Network
Analyzer
measurements

9 kHz - 26.5 GHz

Agenda
What measurements
do we make?

Network analyzer
hardware

Error models and

calibration

Example
measurements
Why do we even
need error
Appendix
correction and calibration?

It is impossible to make perfect

hardware

It would be extremely expensive to

make hardware
good enough to eliminate the need for
error correction

Network Analyzer

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Calibration Topics
What measurements do
we make?

Network analyzer
hardware

Error models and

calibration

measurement errors

what is vector error

correction?

calibration types

accuracy examples

calibration
considerations

Example measurements

Appendix

Network Analyzer

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Measurement Error Modeling

L
CA

L
CA
E
R

Systematic errors

due to imperfections in the analyzer and test

setup

assumed to be time invariant (predictable)

Random errors

vary with time in random fashion (unpredictable)

main contributors: instrument noise, switch and

connector repeatability
Drift errors

due to system performance changing after a

calibration has been done
Errors

primarily caused
SYSTEMATI
:by temperature variation
Measured
Data

Network Analyzer

C
RANDO
M
DRIF
T

Unknown
Device

Cop

Systematic Measurement Errors

R

Crosstal
k

Directivit A
y

DU
T
Frequency response

reflection tracking (A/R)

transmission tracking
(B/R)

Sourc
e
Mismatc
h

Load
Mismatc
h

Six forward and six reverse

error terms yields 12 error
terms for two-port devices

Network Analyzer

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Types of Error Correction

response (normalization)
simple to perform
only corrects for tracking errors
stores reference trace in memory, thru
then does data divided by memory

vector
requires more standards
requires an analyzer that can measure
phase
accounts for all major sources of systematic
error

SHORT

S1 a
1

thru

OPEN

S1 m

LOAD

Network Analyzer

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What is Vector-Error Correction?

Process of characterizing systematic error terms

measure known standards

remove effects from subsequent measurements

1-port calibration (reflection measurements)

only 3 systematic error terms measured
directivity, source match, and reflection tracking

Full 2-port calibration (reflection and

transmission measurements)
12 systematic error terms measured
usually requires 12 measurements on four
known standards (SOLT)

Standards defined in cal kit definition file

network analyzer contains standard cal kit
definitions
CAL KIT DEFINITION MUST MATCH ACTUAL
CAL KIT Analyzer
USED!
Network

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Reflection: One-Port Model

RF in

Ideal

RF in

S11A

ES

ED
S11M

S11M

Error
Adapter
1

ERT

ED = Directivity

S11A

ERT = Reflection tracking

ES = Source Match
S11M = Measured
S11A = Actual

To solve for error

S11A
terms, we measure 3
S11M = ED +
1 - ES S11A
standards to generate
ERT
3 equations and 3
unknowns
Assumes
good termination at port two if testing two-port devices
If using port 2 of NA and DUT reverse isolation is low (e.g., filter
passband):
assumption of good termination is not valid
two-port error correction yields better results

Network Analyzer

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Before and After One-Port Calibration

0

2.0

20

1.1
VSWR

Return Loss (dB)

data before 1-port

calibration

40
1.01

data after 1-port

calibration

60

1.001
6000

Network Analyzer

MHz

12000

Cop

Two-Port Error Correction

Reverse model

Forward
model
EX
Port 1
a1

ED

b1

ES

E RT

Port 1
Port 2

S 21A
S11A

Port 2

S 22A

b2

ETT
EL

a2

S 12

E RT'

S 21

a1

E L'

b1

E TT'

S11

S 22A

E S'

E D'

S12A
E X'

E L = fwd load match

ED = fwd directivity
ETT = fwd transmission tracking
E S = fwd source match
E
E RT = fwd reflection tracking X = fwd isolation
E L' = rev load match
E D' = rev directivity
E TT' = rev transmission tracking
E S' = rev source match
E RT' = rev reflection tracking E X' = rev isolation

Each actual S-parameter is a

function
of all four
measured S-parameters
Analyzer must make forward
and reverse sweep to
update any one S-parameter
Luckily, you don't need to
know these equations to
use
network
analyzers!!!
Network
Analyzer

Cop

b2
a2

Crosstalk: Signal Leakage

Between Test Ports During
CanTransmission
be a problem with:

DUT

high-isolation devices (e.g., switch in open

position)
high-dynamic range devices (some filter
stopbands)

Isolation calibration
adds noise to error model (measuring near
noise floor of system)
only perform if really needed (use averaging
if necessary)
if crosstalk is independent of DUT match,
use two terminations
if dependent on DUT
match, use DU
DUT with
DU
T
T
termination on output

LOAD

Network Analyzer

LOAD

Cop

Errors and Calibration Standards

UNCORRECTED

RESPONSE
FULL 2-PORT
SHORT

DUT
Convenient

Generally not
accurate

No errors
removed

OPEN

thru

LOAD

SHORT

SHORT

OPEN

OPEN

LOAD

LOAD

DUT
Easy to perform

Use when
highest
accuracy is not
required

Removes
frequency
response error

DUT

thru

ENHANCEDRESPONSE
Combines response and 1-port

1-PORT

Corrects source match for

transmission measurements

Network Analyzer

For reflection
measurements

Need good termination

for high accuracy with
two-port devices

Removes these errors:

Directivity
Source match
Reflection tracking

DUT

Highest accuracy
Removes these
errors:
Directivity
Source, load
match
Reflection
tracking
Transmission
tracking
Crosstalk

Cop

Calibration Summary
Test Set (cal type)

Reflection

T/R

SHORT

S-parameter

(one-port) (two-port)

OPEN

Reflection

tracking

Directivity

Source match

Load match

LOAD

Test Set (cal type)

Transmission
error can be
corrected
error cannot be corrected

enhanced response cal

corrects for source match
during transmission
measurements

S-parameter

(two-port)
(response, isolation)

Transmission
Tracking

Network Analyzer

T/R

Crosstalk

( *
)
Source match
Load match

Cop

Reflection Example Using a One-Port Ca

Load
match:
18 dB
(.126)
Directivity:
40 dB (.010)

.158

(.891)(.126)(.891) = .100

Network Analyzer

DUT

16 dB RL (.158)
1 dB loss (.891)

Remember: convert all

dB values to linear for
uncertainty calculations!
(-dB )

20

or loss(linear)

= 10

Measurement
uncertainty:
-20 * log (.158 + .100 + .
010)
= 11.4 dB (-4.6dB)
-20 * log (.158 - .100 - .
010)
Cop
= 26.4 dB (+10.4
dB)

Using a One-Port Cal +

Attenuator

Directivity:
40 dB (.010)

.158

Measurement
uncertainty:
-20 * log (.158
+ .039)
= 14.1 dB (-1.9
dB)

Load
match:
18 dB
(.126)
10 dB attenuator
-20 * log (.158 - .
(.316) SWR =
039)
1.05 (.024)

DUT

16 dB RL (.158)
1 dB loss (.891)

= 18.5 dB (+2.5
dB)

Low-loss bi-directional
devices
generally require two-port
Worst-case error = .010 + .010 + .019 = .
calibration
039
for low measurement
Network Analyzer
uncertaintyCop
(.891)(.316)(.126)(.316)(.891) = .
010
(.891)(.024)(.891) = .019

Transmission Example Using

Response Cal
RL = 18 dB
(.126)
RL = 14 dB
(.200)

Thru calibration (normalization) builds

error into measurement due to source
and load match interaction
Calibration
Uncertainty
(1 S L)
=
= (1 (.200)
(.126)
= 0.22 dB

Network Analyzer

Cop

Filter Measurement with Response Cal

Source
match = 14
dB (.200)

DUT
1 dB loss
(.891)
16 dB RL
(.158)

Load match
= 18 dB
(.126)
1
(.126)(.158) = .
020
(.126)(.891)(.200)(.891) = .
020

Total measurement
uncertainty:
+0.60 + 0.22 = +
0.82 dB
-0.65 - 0.22 = 0.87 dB Analyzer
Network

(.158)(.200) = .
032
Measurement
uncertainty
=1
(.020+.020+.032)
= 1 .072
= + 0.60 dB
- 0.65 dBCop

Measuring Amplifiers with a Response C

Source
match = 14
dB (.200)

DUT
16 dB RL
(.158)

Load
match =
18 dB
(.126)

(.126)(.158) = .
020
(.158)(.200) = .
032

Total measurement
uncertainty:
+0.44 + 0.22 = +
0.66 dB
-0.46 - 0.22 =
- 0.68
dB Analyzer
Network

Measurement
uncertainty
= 1 (.020+.032)
= 1 .052
= + 0.44 dB
- 0.46 dB

Cop

Filter Measurements
using the Enhanced
Response Calibration
Effective source
match = 35 dB!
Source
match = 35
dB (.0178)

DUT
1 dB loss (.891)
16 dB RL (.158)

Load
match =
18 dB
(.126)

Calibration
(1
Uncertainty
S(1
L
) (.0178)
==
(.126)
= .02 dB
1

Measurement uncertainty
=1
(.126)(.158) = .020(.020+.0018+.0028)
= 1 .0246
(.126)(.891)(.0178)(.891) = .0018
= + 0.211 dB
- 0.216 dB
(.158)(.0178) = .0028

Network Analyzer

Total measurement
uncertainty:
0.22 + .02 =
0.24 dB
Cop

Using the Enhanced Response

Calibration Plus an Attenuator
10 dB attenuator (.316)
SWR = 1.05 (.024 linear or
32.4 dB) load match =18 dB (.126)
Analyzer

Source
match = 35
dB (.0178)

DUT
1 dB loss (.891)
16 dB RL (.158)

Calibration
(1
Uncertainty
) (.0178)
S L
=
=(1
(.0366)
= .01 dB

Effective load match = (.316)(.316)(.126) + .024

= .0366 (28.7dB)
1

Measurement uncertainty
(.0366)(.158) = .006 = 1
(.006+.0005+.0028)
= 1 .0093
(.0366)(.891)(.0178)(.891) = .0005
= 0.08 dB
(.158)(.0178) = .0028

Network Analyzer

Total measurement
uncertainty:
0.01 + .08 =
0.09 dB
Cop

Calculating Measurement
Uncertainty After a Two-Port
DUT
1 dB loss
Calibration
(.891)

Corrected error
terms:

16 dB RL
(.158)

(8753ES 1.3-3 GHz Type-N)

Directivity
47 dB
Source match
36 dB
Load match
47 dB
Refl. tracking
.019 dB
Trans. tracking
.026 dB
Isolation
=
dB

Reflection uncertainty

=
=
=

= 0.158 .0088 = 16 dB +0.53 dB, -0.44 dB (worst-case)

Transmission uncertainty

100

= 0.891 .0056 = 1 dB 0.05 dB (worst-case)

Network Analyzer

Cop

Response versus Two-Port Calibration

Measuring filter insertion
loss

CH1 S21&M log MAG

CH2 MEM log MAG
Cor

1 dB/
1 dB/

REF 0 dB
REF 0 dB

After two-port calibration

After response calibration

Cor

x2 1
START 2 000.000 MHz

Network Analyzer

Uncorrected

2
STOP 6 000.000
MHz

Cop

ECal: Electronic Calibration

(85060/90 series)

Variety of modules cover 30 kHz to

26.5 GHz
Six connector types available (50

and 75 )
Single-connection
reduces calibration time
makes calibrations easy to
perform
minimizes wear on cables and
standards
eliminates operator errors
Highly repeatable temperature- Microwave modules use a
transmission line shunted
compensated terminations provide
by PIN-diode switches in
excellent accuracy
various combinations
85093A
Electronic Calibration Module
30 kHz - 6 GHz

Network Analyzer

Cop

Adapter
reflection from desired
Considerations
adapter
leakage
signal

Coupler directivity = 40
dB

Worst-case
System Directivity

28 dB
17 dB
14 dB

Network Analyzer

signal

measure
d

Adapte
r

= Directivit
adapte

+
+ DUT
y
r

DUT

Adapting from APC-7 to

SMA (m)

Terminatio
n

DUT has SMA (f) connectors

APC-7 calibration done

here

APC-7 to SMA (m)

SWR:1.06
APC-7 to N (f) + N (m) to SMA (m)
SWR:1.05
SWR:1.25
APC-7 to N (m) + N (f) to SMA (f) + SMA (m) to (m)
SWR:1.05
SWR:1.25
SWR:1.15

Cop

Calibrating Non-Insertable
Devices

When doing a through cal, normally test

ports mate directly

cables can be connected directly without

an adapter

result is a zero-length through

What is an insertable device?

has same type of connector, but different

sex on each port

has same type of sexless connector on

each port (e.g. APC-7)
What is a non-insertable device?

one that cannot be inserted in place of a

zero-length through

has same connectors on each port (type

and sex)

has different type of connector on each

port
(e.g., waveguide on one
port, coaxial
on the other)
Network
Analyzer

DUT

Cop

Swap Equal Adapters Method

Port 1

Port 1

Adapte
rA

Port 1

Port 1

Port 2

DUT

DUT

Port 2

Accuracy depends on how

well the adapters are
matched - loss, electrical
length, match and
impedance should all be
1. Transmission
cal using adapter A
equal

Adapter
B

Port 2

2. Reflection cal using adapter B.

Adapter
B

Port 2

3. Measure DUT using adapter B.

Network Analyzer

Cop

Adapter Removal Calibration

Calibration is very accurate and traceable

In firmware of 8753, 8720 and 8510 series
Port 1
DUT
Port 2
Also accomplished with ECal modules
(85060/90)
Uses adapter with same connectors as DUT
Must specify electrical length of adapter to
within 1/4 wavelength of highest frequency
Cal
Port
(to avoid phase
ambiguity)
Adapte
Adapter
1. Perform 2-port cal with adapter on port 2.
Port 1

Save in cal set 1.

Cal Set 1

Port 1

Cal
Adapte
r

Adapter
B

Port
2

2. Perform 2-port cal with adapter on port 1.

Save in cal set 2.

Cal Set 2

[CAL] [MORE] [MODIFY CAL

SET]
[ADAPTER REMOVAL]
Port 1

DUT

Adapter
B

Network Analyzer

Port
2

3. Use ADAPTER REMOVAL

to generate new cal set.
4. Measure DUT without cal adapter.

Cop

Thru-Reflect-Line (TRL) Calibration

We know about Short-Open-Load-Thru (SOLT)
calibration...
What is TRL?

A two-port calibration technique

Good for noncoaxial environments (waveguide,

fixtures, wafer probing)

Uses the same 12-term error model as the more

common SOLT cal
TRL was developed for

Uses practical calibration standards

that
non-coaxial
microwave
are easily fabricated and measurements
characterized

Two variations: TRL (requires 4 receivers)

and TRL* (only three receivers needed)

Other variations: Line-Reflect-Match (LRM),

Thru-Reflect-Match (TRM), plus
many others

Network Analyzer

Cop

Agenda

Network Analyzer

What measurements do we
make?
Network analyzer hardware
Error models and calibration
Example measurements
Appendix

Cop

Frequency Sweep - Filter Test

CH1 S 2
1

log MAG

10 dB/ REF 0 dB

CH1 S11

log MAG

5 dB/

REF 0 dB

Cor

Stopb
and
rejecti
on

69.1 dB

START .300 000 MHz

STOP 400.000 000 MHz

Cor

CH1 S 2
1

SPAN 50.000 MHz

CENTER 200.000 MHz

log MAG

1 dB/

REF 0 dB

Return loss

m1:
4.000 000 GHz
-0.16 dB
refm2-ref: 2.145 234 GHz 2
0.00 dB
Cor
Insertion loss

x 1
2 START 2 000.000 MHz

Network Analyzer

2
STOP 6 000.000 MHz

Cop

Optimize Filter Measurements with

Swept-List Mode
Segment 3: 29 ms
(108 points, -10 dBm, 6000 Hz)

CH1 S 21

log MAG

12 dB/

REF 0 dB

PRm

Swept-list sweep:
349 ms
(201 pts, variable BW's
PASS
& power)

Linear sweep:
676 ms
(201 pts, 300 Hz,
-10 dBm)

Segment 5: 129 ms
(38 points, +10 dBm, 300 Hz)

Segment 1: 87 ms
(25 points, +10 dBm, 300 Hz)

START 525.000 000 MHz

STOP 1 275.000 000 MHz

Segments 2,4: 52 ms
(15 points, +10 dBm, 300 Hz)

Network Analyzer

Cop

Output Power (dBm)

Power Sweeps - Compression

Saturated output
power

Compression
region
Linear region
(slope = small-signal
gain)

Input Power
(dBm)

Network Analyzer

Cop

Power Sweep - Gain Compression

CH1 S21
dB

1og MAG

1 dB/ REF 32 dB

30.991
12.3

dBm

input power
resulting in 1
dB drop in
gain

START -10 dBm

Network Analyzer

CW 902.7 MHz

1 dB
compressio
n:

STOP 15 dBm

Cop

AM to PM Conversion
Amplitud
e

Measure of phase deviation caused by

amplitude
variations
Power sweep

AM
(dB
)

Mag(A
min)

DUT

PM
(deg
)

Test
Stimulus

AM - PM
Conversion =
Mag(P
(deg/
m
Mag(A
out)
dB)
min)

AM can be undesired:
supply ripple, fading,
thermal
AM can be desired:
modulation (e.g. QAM)
Q

Time
Amplitud
e

AM
(dB
)

Mag(AMo
ut)

PM
(deg
)

Mag(Pmo
ut)

Output
Response

Network Analyzer

Time

I
AM to PM
conversion can
cause bit
errors

Cop

Measuring AM to PM
Conversion
Ref 21.50 dB
1:Transmissio
Log Mag 1.0 dB/
2:Transmissio
/
n
n
M

5.0
deg/
Ch1:Mkr1
20.48
dB
Ch2:Mkr2

Ref -115.7
deg

Phase

-4.50 dBm
1.00 dB

0.86 deg

Use transmission
setup
with a power sweep

Display phase of S21

AM - PM = 0.86
deg/dB

2
1

2
1
Start -10.00 dBm
Start -10.00 dBm

CW 900.000
CW
MHz900.000 MHz

Network Analyzer

1
Stop 0.00 dBm
Stop 0.00
dBm

Cop

Agenda

What measurements do we make?

Network analyzer hardware
Error models and calibration
Example measurements

Appendix

Network Analyzer

Advanced Topics
time domain
frequency-translating devices
high-power amplifiers
extended dynamic range
multiport devices
in-fixture measurements
crystal resonators
balanced/differential
Inside the network analyzer
Challenge quiz!

Cop

Time-Domain Reflectometry (TDR)

What is TDR?
time-domain reflectometry
analyze impedance versus time
distinguish between inductive and
capacitive transitions
With gating:
analyze transitions
inductive
analyzer standards
transition

impedanc
e

Z
o

time
capacitive
transition

Network Analyzer

non-Zo transmission
line

Cop

TDR Basics Using a Network Analyzer

start with broadband frequency sweep (often requires

microwave VNA)
use inverse-Fourier transform to compute time-domain
resolution inversely proportionate to frequency span

Time Domain

Frequency Domain

CH1 S 2
2

Cor

t
t

F(t)*d
t

Integrate

TDR

Re

50 mU/ REF 0 U

20
GHz

6 GHz

1/s*F(s
)

Network Analyzer

CH1 START 0 s

STOP 1.5 ns

Cop

Time-Domain Gating

TDR and gating can remove undesired reflections (a

form of error correction)
Only useful for broadband devices (a load or thru for
example)
S1 & log MAG
5 dB/
REF 0 dB
Define gate to only includeCH1
DUT
M
1
PRm
Use two-port calibration
Co
r

CH1 MEM Re
PRm
Co
RISE TIME
r
29.994
8.992
ps
mm

20 mU/ REF 0 U
1: 48.729 mU638
668
2: 24.961 mUps
1

3: -10.891
mU

Gat
e

1: -45.113 dB
2: -15.78 dB 6.000
0.947 GHz
GHz

ps
721
ps

2
3

Thru in time
domain
CH1 START 0 s

STOP 1.5 ns

Network Analyzer

Thru in frequency
domain, with and
without gating

START .050 000 000 GHz

STOP 20.050 000 000 GHz

Cop

Ten Steps for Performing TDR

1. Set up desired frequency range (need wide span
for good spatial resolution)
2. Under SYSTEM, transform menu, press "set freq
low pass"
3. Perform one- or two-port calibration
4. Select S11 measurement *
5. Turn on transform (low pass step) *
6. Set format to real *
7. Adjust transform window to trade off rise time with
ringing and overshoot *
8. Adjust start and stop times if desired
9. For gating:

set start and stop frequencies for gate

turn gating on *

adjust gate shape to trade off resolution with

ripple *
10.
To display
gated(even
response
in frequency
domain
* If using
two channels
if coupled),
these parameters
must be set

independently
for second
channelgating on) *
turn transform
off (leave

change format to log-magnitude *

Network Analyzer

Cop

Time-Domain Transmission
RF Input

RF
Output
CH1 S21 log MAG

Main
Wave
Leakage

Surface
Wave

Triple
Travel
CH1 S21 log MAG

10 dB/ REF 0 dB

15 dB/ REF 0 dB

Cor

Cor

RF
Leakage

Triple
Travel

Gate off
Gate on

Network Analyzer

STOP 6 us

START -1 us

Cop

Time-Domain Filter Tuning

Deterministic method used

for tuning cavity-resonator
filters
Traditional frequency-domain
tuning is very difficult:
lots of training needed
may take 20 to 90 minutes
to tune a single filter
Need VNA with fast sweep
speeds and fast time-domain
processing

Network Analyzer

Cop

Filter Reflection in Time Domain

Network Analyzer

Set analyzers center frequency

= center frequency of the filter
Measure S11 or S22 in the time domain
Nulls in the time-domain response
correspond to individual resonators
in filter

Cop

Tuning Resonator #3

Network Analyzer

Easier to identify mistuned resonator

in time-domain: null #3 is missing
Hard to tell which resonator is
mistuned from frequency-domain
response
Adjust resonators by minimizing null
Adjust coupling apertures using
the peaks in-between the dips

Cop

Frequency-Translating Devices
Medium-dynamic range
measurements (35 dB)

High-dynamic range
measurements (100 dB)

FREQ OFFS
ON off

8753ES
Ref In
1

8753ES

LO
MENU

DOWN
Filter

CONVERTER

Ref out

UP
CONVERTER
Attenuator

Start: 900 MHz

Stop: 650 MHz

Attenuator

Start: 100 MHz

Stop: 350 MHz

Fixed LO: 1 GHz

LO power: 13 dBm
CH1 CONV MEAS

Ref in

RF > LO
RF < LO
VIEW
MEASURE

Filter

Reference
mixer
Attenuator

RETURN
log MAG 10 dB/

REF 10 dB

Attenua
tor

DU
T

Attenuator

ESG-D4000A
START 640.000 000 MHz

STOP 660.000 000 MHz

Network Analyzer

Cop

Pow
er
splitt
er

High-Power Amplifiers
Pream
p

8753ES
Ref In

Pream
p

Source

AUT
DUT
R
B

AUT

+43 dBm max input (20

watts!)

8720ES Option 085

Network Analyzer

85118A HighPower
Amplifier Test
System

Cop

High-Dynamic Range
Measurements
CH1 MEM LOG
CH2 MEM LOG

15 dB/ REF 3 dB
15 dB/ REF 3 dB

PRm

Cor
Avg
10

PRm

Standard 8753ES
Cor
Avg
10

8753ES Special Option H16

CH1
CH2

START 775.000000MHz
START 775.000000MHz

Network Analyzer

STOP 1000.000000MHz
STOP 1000.000000MHz

Cop

Multiport Device Test

8753 H39
CH1
CH2

S 21
S 12

log MAG
log MAG

10 dB/
10 dB/

REF 0 dB
REF 0 dB

1_ -1.9248 dB
1_ -1.2468 dB
839.470 000 MHz

PRm

Duplexer Test - Tx-Ant and Ant-Rx

Cor

Hld
PASS
1

880.435 000 MHz

PRm
Cor
2

PASS

Hld
CH1 START 775.000 000 MHz
CH2 START 775.000 000 MHz

STOP 925.000 000 MHz

STOP 925.000 000 MHz

Network Analyzer

Multiport analyzers and test sets:

improve throughput by
reducing the number of
connections to DUTs with more
than two ports

allow simultaneous viewing of

two paths (good for tuning
duplexers)

include mechanical or solidstate switches, 50 or 75 ohms

degrade raw performance so

calibration is a must (use twoport cals whenever possible)

Agilent offers a variety of

standard and custom multiport
analyzers and test sets

Cop

SelfCal

Once a month:
perform a Test Set Cal
with external standards to
remove systematic errors in
the analyzer, test set,
cables, and fixture

Test Set Cal

87050E/87075C Standard Multiport Test

Sets

Fixture
DUT
Once an hour:

automatically perform a
For use with 8712E family
SelfCal using internal
standards to remove
50 : 3 MHz to 2.2 GHz, 4, 8, or 12 ports
systematic errors in the
analyzer and test set
75 : 3 MHz to 1.3 GHz, 6 or 12 ports
Test Set Cal and SelfCal dramatically improve
calibration times
Systems offer fully-specified performance at test ports

Network Analyzer

Cop

Test Set Cal Eliminates

Redundant Connections of
Calibration Standards

Reflection Connections

Through Connections

12-port

12-port

8-port

8-port

4-port

4-port

100

200

300

Network Analyzer

400

Test Set Cal

Traditional VNA
Calibration

25

50

Cop

75

In-Fixture Measurements
Measurement problem: coaxial
calibration plane is not the same
as the in-fixture measurement
plane
Measurement
plane

Calibration
plane
Fixtur
e
ED

ES
ET

Error correction with coaxial

calibration

Network Analyzer

DUT

Loss
Phase shift
Mismatch

Cop

Characterizing Crystal Resonators/Filter

Ch1

E5100A/B Network
Analyzer

Z: R

phase

40 / REF 0

1: 15.621 U
31.998 984 925 MHz
Min

Cor

START 31.995 MHz

SEG START

STOP

POINTS

STOP 32.058 MHz

POWER

IFBW

1 31.995 MHz

32.008 MHz

200

0 dBm

200Hz

> 2 32.052 MHz

32.058 MHz

200

0 dBm

200Hz

END

Example of crystal resonator

measurement

Network Analyzer

Cop

Balanced-Device Measurements

ATN-4000 series (4-port test set + software)

measure tough singled-ended devices like couplers

measure fully-balanced or single-ended-to-balanc
characterize mode conversions (e.g. common-to-differe
incorporates 4-port error correction for exceptional
works with 8753ES and 8720ES analyzers
more info at www.atnmicrowave.com

Channel Partner

Network Analyzer

Cop

Traditional Scalar Analyzer

Incident

SOURCE

DU
T

Transmitted

Reflected

SIGNAL
SEPARATION

processor/displa
y
sourc
e

INCIDENT
(R)

REFLECTED
(A)

TRANSMITTED
(B)

RECEIVER / DETECTOR

PROCESSOR / DISPLAY

Example: 8757D/E

requires external detectors, couplers, bridges, splitters

good for low-cost microwave scalar applications

RF

B
RF

Detecto
r

Reflectio
n

Bridg
DU
e
T

Network Analyzer

Detecto
r
DU
T

Terminatio
n

Detecto
r

Transmission

Cop

Directional Coupler Directivity

Directivity = Coupling Factor (fwd) x
Loss (through arm)
Isolation (rev)
Directivity (dB) = Isolation (dB) - Coupling
Factor (dB) - Loss (dB)
50 dB

Examples:

20 dB
Test
port

50 dB

30 dB
Test
port
10 dB

60 dB

Directivity = 50 dB - 20 dB = 30
dB

Directivity = 50 dB - 30 dB - 10 dB =
dB

20 dB
Test
port

10 dB

Network Analyzer

Directivity = 60 dB - 20 dB - 10 dB =
dB

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One Method of Measuring Coupler Directi

1.0 (0 dB) (reference)

Coupler
35 dB
Directivity
(.018)

Sourc
e

shor
t
.018 (35 dB) (normalized)

Directivity = 35 dB - 0
dB
= 35 dB
Sourc
e

Network Analyzer

loa
d

Assume perfect
load (no
reflection)

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Directional Bridge

50

50

Detector

50

Test Port

Network Analyzer

50-ohm load at test port

balances
the bridge -- detector reads
zero
Non-50-ohm load
imbalances bridge
Measuring magnitude and
phase of imbalance gives
complex impedance
"Directivity" is difference
between maximum and
minimum balance

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Incident

NA Hardware: Front
Ends, Mixers Versus
Samplers

SOURCE

DU
T

Transmitted

Reflected

SIGNAL
SEPARATION
INCIDENT
(R)

REFLECTED
(A)

TRANSMITTED
(B)

RECEIVER / DETECTOR

PROCESSOR / DISPLAY

Sampler-based front end

ADC / DSP

ADC / DSP

Mixer-based front
end

It is cheaper and easier to

make broadband front ends
using samplers instead of
mixers

Network Analyzer

Harmonic
generato
r

frequency
"comb"

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Three Versus Four-Receiver Analyzers

Source

Source

Transfer switch
Transfer
switch

R
1

R
A

R
2
Port 1

Port 2

3 receivers

more economical
TRL*, LRM* cals only
includes:
8753ES
8720ES (standard)

Network Analyzer

Port 2

Port 1

4 receivers

more expensive
true TRL, LRM cals
includes:
8720ES (option 400)
8510C

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Why Are Four Receivers Better Than

Three?

TRL

TRL*

8720ES Option 400 adds

fourth sampler, allowing
full TRL calibration
TRL*
assumes the source and load match of a test port are equal
(port symmetry between forward and reverse measurements)
this is only a fair assumption for three-receiver network
analyzers

TRL
four receivers are necessary to make the required
measurements
TRL and TRL* use identical calibration standards

In noncoaxial applications, TRL achieves better source and

load match correction than TRL*

What about coaxial applications?

SOLT is usually the preferred calibration method
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Network
Analyzer
coaxial TRL can be more accurate than SOLT, but not

Challenge Quiz
1. Can filters cause distortion in communications systems?
A. Yes, due to impairment of phase and magnitude response
B. Yes, due to nonlinear components such as ferrite inductors
C. No, only active devices can cause distortion
D. No, filters only cause linear phase shifts
E. Both A and B above

2. Which statement about transmission lines is false?

A. Useful for efficient transmission of RF power
B. Requires termination in characteristic impedance for low VSWR
C. Envelope voltage of RF signal is independent of position along line
D. Used when wavelength of signal is small compared to length of
line
E. Can be realized in a variety of forms such as coaxial, waveguide,
microstrip
3. Which statement about narrowband detection is false?
A. Is generally the cheapest way to detect microwave signals
B. Provides much greater dynamic range than diode detection
C. Uses variable-bandwidth IF filters to set analyzer noise floor
D. Provides rejection of harmonic and spurious signals
E. Uses
mixers or samplers as downconverters
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Network
Analyzer

Challenge Quiz (continued)

4. Maximum dynamic range with narrowband detection is defin

A. Maximum receiver input power minus the stopband of the device
test
B. Maximum receiver input power minus the receiver's noise floor
C. Detector 1-dB-compression point minus the harmonic level of the
D. Receiver damage level plus the maximum source output power
E. Maximum source output power minus the receiver's noise floor

5. With a T/R analyzer, the following error terms can be correct

A. Source match, load match, transmission tracking
B. Load match, reflection tracking, transmission tracking
C. Source match, reflection tracking, transmission tracking
D. Directivity, source match, load match
E. Directivity, reflection tracking, load match
6. Calibration(s) can remove which of the following types of
measurement error?
A. Systematic and drift
B. Systematic and random
C. Random and drift
D. Repeatability and systematic
E. Analyzer
Repeatability and drift
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Network

Challenge Quiz (continued)

7. Which statement about TRL calibration is
false?
A. Is a type of two-port error correction
B. Uses easily fabricated and characterized
standards
C. Most commonly used in noncoaxial
environments
D. Is not available on the 8720ES family of
microwave network analyzers
E. Has a special version for three-sampler network
analyzers
8. For which component is it hardest to get
accurate transmission and reflection
measurements when using a T/R network
analyzer?
A. Amplifiers because output power causes receiver
compression
B. Cables because load match cannot be corrected
C. Filter stopbands because of lack of dynamic
range
Network D.
Analyzer
Mixers because of lack of broadband detectorsCop

Answers to Challenge Quiz

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Network Analyzer

E
C
A
B
C
A
D
B
E
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