Technical data

Service Guide N5230-90025 5-5
PNA Series Microwave Network Analyzers Theory of Operation
N5230C Network Analyzer System Operation
Signal Separation Group
The incident signal from the source group is separated into a reference path and a test path. The reference
signal is transmitted to the receiver group. The test signal is transmitted through—and reflected from—the
DUT and is then transmitted to the receiver group.
The signal separation group also provides:
• RF path switching to allow forward and reverse measurements
• external connections for the DUT (Option 014)
• a step attenuator in the source path to reduce power to the DUT (Option 1E1)
Refer to “Signal Separation Group Operation” on page 5-16.
Receiver Group
The receiver converts the test and reference signals to 7.66 MHz intermediate frequency (IF) signals for
signal processing, retaining both magnitude and phase characteristics. The IF signals are converted to
digital information by the digital processing group.
Options 146 and 246 add a reference channel switch to the output of source 1 and source 2, to switch the
reference signal to the reference receiver between the two sources as required for measurements.
Refer to “Receiver Group Operation” on page 5-22.
Digital Processor and Digital Control Group
The digital processor and digital control group are divided into a front panel group and a data acquisition and
processing group. The front panel group provides communication to the network analyzer. The data
acquisition and processing group provides the output to the display, in addition to signal processing and
analyzer control.
Refer to “Digital Processing and Digital Control Group Operation” on page 5-25.
Power Supply Group
The power supply functional group provides power for the other assemblies in the instrument.
Refer to “Power Supply Group Operation” on page 5-30.