Specifications

NETWORK ANALYZERS
376 For product ordering information, see pages 4 – 10
•Adapters, attenuators, terminations, couplers, RF bridges
The 54100A series precision return loss mode measures high return
loss devices accurately traceable to NIST. The measurement system
uses an offset SWR autotester and a precision airline — a physical
impedance standard. Additionally, by exchanging the offset SWR auto-
tester with a 20 dB offset termination, the directivity of couplers and
RF bridges is displayed directly on the 54100A.
Performance
•Preventing “ghost” faults
The 54100A uses a low harmonic source and high performance anti-
aliasing software to prevent the display of false or “ghost” transmis-
sion line faults. This is a common problem when the end of the DUT
is unterminated or damaged. Anritsu’s precision components and
low harmonic sources prevent “ghost” faults, assuring accurate, re-
peatable results.
•High dynamic range
The 54100A distance-to-fault software optimizes sensitivity and ac-
curacy. For example, a precision termination is used during calibra-
tion to achieve industry leading dynamic range. If the termination is
not of high quality, it will reflect some of the source energy rather
than absorb it –causing errors in the measurement process. The use
of a specialized discrete fourier transform rather than a more com-
mon fast fourier transform also improves low level sensitivity. Low
source harmonics also ensure that fault indications are actual trans-
mission line and not re-reflections of source harmonic energy.
Relative group delay
Optional relative group delay software identifies signal distortion
caused by bandpass devices such as filters, receivers, power ampli-
fiers, and up/down converters. Group delay is a key cause of high bit
error rate (BER). Group delay is important for (1) CDMA and spread
spectrum communications, (2) phase array radars, (3) high capacity
satellite and terrestrial microwave links, and (4) PAL and HDTV tele-
vision components and other RF systems sensitive to phase distortion.
The 54100A saves time and expense by eliminating several pieces
of expensive test equipment – combining the capabilities into a sin-
gle, low cost test station. Manufacturing processes save re-test/re-
tuning time by utilizing a single 54100A instead of two separate tun-
ing stations – one for scalar transmission and return loss and the oth-
er for relative phase group delay. Furthermore, the 54100A can ac-
curately test frequency conversion devices without the wideband ref-
erence converters required with vector network analyzers or mi-
crowave system analyzers.
Convertible SWR autotester
Convertible SWR autotesters reduce capital equipment and mainte-
nance costs. A single convertible SWR autotester accurately mea-
sures the return loss or SWR of devices with SMA, 3.5 mm, or K con-
nectors. Six interchangeable test port heads (male and female for
each connector standard) are precision tuned to the convertible
SWR autotester’s internal bridge circuit.
54100A Series Scalar
Measurement System
Z
x
Precision
Air Line
Short applied
here for calibration
Offset
SWR
Autotester
Device
under test
Distance-to-fault
The 54100A’s optional distance-to-fault software accurately verifies
transmission line and antenna system performance during installa-
tion, link/site commissioning, and at regular maintenance intervals.
Transmission lines are typically the most common failure point in an
antenna system. Finding the problem connectors, cables, and anten-
nas before a complete failure occurs saves down-time and expense.
Faulty antenna systems and transmission lines are easily diagnosed.
A wide variety of coaxial and waveguide types are supported with
standard catalog components.
Termination
Transmission line
under test
Optional
cable
Detector
Power divider
3 dB
attenuator
Common causes of antenna feed problems
•Cable and waveguide problems
Cable discontinuities
Moisture
Braid wire ground shield fault (appears as a notch filter)
Damaged/cut ground shields
Dielectric fault or narrowed dielectric diameter
Fasteners pinch cables
•Connector problems
Corroded connectors
Low quality connectors
Connector pin offset (poor mating contact)
•Antenna problems
Antenna out of specification
Antenna storm/shipping damage
The 560-98C50 Convertible SWR Autotester improves test
accuracy and reduces maintenance cost without using error
prone test port adapters or connector savers.
The inexpensive test port heads save repair and calibration costs be-
cause they are interchangeable.