Specifications

Innovative
Applications
Fast two-tone
intermodulation
distortion (IMD)
measurements
with simple setup
(Option 087)
IMD measurement challenges
• Two signal generators, a spectrum analyzer, and an external
combiner are most commonly used, requiring manual
setup of all instruments and accessories
• Test times are slow when swept-frequency or
swept-power IMD is measured
• Instruments and test setups often cause significant
measurement errors due to source-generated
harmonics, cross-modulation, and phase noise,
plus receiver compression and noise floor
PNA-X with IMD application provides:
• Fast swept IMD measurements of amplifiers
and frequency converters, using internal
combiner and two internal sources
• Quick and easy measurements with simplified
hardware setup and intuitive user interface
• Guided calibration that simplifies the calibration
procedure and provides high measurement accuracy
• Spectrum analyzer mode for troubleshooting or making spurious measurements,
eliminating the need for a separate spectrum analyzer
• Very clean internal sources and wide receiver dynamic range, minimizing
the measurement errors caused by other instruments
The PNA-X with IMD application
replaces two signal generators and a
spectrum analyzer in the system rack,
simplifying the system configuration
and increasing test throughput.
IMD application measures third order IMD
and IP3 at 201 frequency (or power) points
in a matter of seconds, compared to several
minutes using signal generators and a
spectrum analyzer.
Frequency-offset mode is commonly
available in VNA’s, but conventional IF filter
responses exhibit high side lobes. The IM
Spectrum mode employs an optimized
digital IF filter and provides true spectrum
measurement capability in the PNA-X.
Two internal sources with high output power, wide ALC range, -60 dBc harmonics, and a
high-isolation combiner, make the PNA-X an ideal instrument to drive the DUT for two-tone
IMD measurements. Wide dynamic-range receivers with high compression points enable
accurate measurements of low-power IMD products while the higher power main tones
are present.
DUT
Test port 1
R1
Test port 2
R2
A
B
To receivers
LO
Source 2
Output 1
Source 2
Output 2
REAR PANEL
Source 1
OUT 1 OUT 2
Pulse
modulator
Source 2
OUT 1 OUT 2
Pulse
modulator
J9 J10
J11
J8
J7
J2 J1
Swept-frequency IMD
Swept-power IMD
Frequency
offset mode
IM Spectrum
18