Specifications

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Measurement challenges
Agilent network analyzers can be used to easily measure commonly specified amplifier
parameters such as gain, gain and phase compression, isolation, return loss, and group de-
lay. The power sweep function is often required to make amplifier measurements, and
harmonic distortion is commonly used to understand an amplifier’s nonlinear behavior. It
requires the receiver to be tuned at a different frequency from the source, and the analyzer
needs wide frequency coverage. Additional instruments and signal conditioning devices may
be required for testing with two-tone, higher input and output power, or for other types of
measurements including noise figure, ACP, and EVM. As a result, the test system becomes
complicated or requires multiple stations.
Highly integrated, more accurate amplifier
measurements with PNA-X
The PNA-X employs very clean signal sources, which minimizes harmonics and IMD
measurement errors. The built-in combining network with two internal sources eliminates
external components and cable wear, which makes two-tone measurements much faster
and simpler. The internal switches and RF access loops maximize the flexibility to add signal
conditioning devices and to switch one measurement to another without disconnecting the
device from the analyzer.
Agilent’s nonlinear vector network analyzer application adds powerful capabilities, X-parameters,
nonlinear component characterization, and nonlinear pulse envelope domain.
The integrated pulse generators/modulators with pulse measurement application software
increase measurement speed, simplify the test setup, and provide full pulse measurement
capabilities such as average pulse, point-in-pulse and pulse-profiling. It can be configured as a
uni- or bi-directional pulsed measurement system.
Integrated noise figure measurements with
industry-leading accuracy
The PNA-X's unique noise-figure calibration technique uses an ECal module as an impedance tuner
to remove the effects of imperfect system source match, providing accurate measurements of
50-ohm noise figure. Measurement accuracy surpasses standalone Y-factor-based noise figure
analyzers or spectrum-analyzer-based solutions. With a single connection to the amplifier, the
PNA-X network analyzer offers fast, high-accuracy measurements of S-parameters, noise figure,
gain and phase compression, IMD, harmonics, and more.
Evolving standard, ENA’s enriched versatility
In addition to the highest measurement performance and richest capability in its class,
the ENA provides the external test set mode for high power amplifier measurements.
Attenuators for high gain amplifiers and other signal conditioning devices can be placed
behind the external couplers so that the system is appropriately calibrated. The ENA’s DC
measurement capability enables power added efficiency (PAE) measurements in parallel
with RF measurements.
Power meter calibration
For both mixer and amplifier testing, power meter calibration provides leveled absolute power
to devices that are sensitive to absolute input or output levels. This function automatically
controls power meters to set the power anywhere in the test setup with power meter accuracy,
or to calibrate the network analyzer’s receivers for accurate absolute-power measurements.
Measurement Solutions for Your Application
Amplifier measurements
The integrated and flexible nature
of PNA-X simplifies amplifier
measurements.
Fully error-corrected amplifier gain
(S21), gain and phase compression,
IMD, and source-correct noise figure,
performed with a single connection
between the amplifier and network
analyzer.