Technical data

Service Guide N5230-90025 8-13
PNA Series Microwave Network Analyzers General Purpose Maintenance Procedures
N5230C Error Terms
Isolation (E
XF
and E
XR
)
Isolation, or crosstalk, is the uncorrected forward and reverse isolation error terms that represent leakage
between the test ports and the signal paths. The isolation error terms are characterized by measuring
transmission (S
21
, S
12
) with loads attached to both ports during the measurement calibration.isolation
errors affect transmission measurements primarily where the measured signal level is very low.
The measurements most affected by isolation error terms are DUTs with large insertion loss. Since these
terms are low in magnitude, they are usually noisy (not very repeatable).
Typical Cause of Failure A loose cable connection or leakage between components in the test set are the
most likely cause of isolation problems.
After verifying the cable and its connections, suspect the analyzer switch splitter, step attenuator, coupler,
or receivers, and associated cabling.
To troubleshoot, refer to “Checking the Receiver Group” on page 4-42 or to “Checking the Signal Separation
Group” on page 4-38.