Network Analysis Measurement Science Create accurate, dependable test stations with high throughput, repeatability and reliability

Create accurate, dependable test stations with high throughput, repeatability and reliability with
vector network analyzers that provide the right mix of speed and performance.

Common measurements that Expand your measurements

S-parameters definition Vector network analyzer key specifications and why they matter
require a vector network analyzer with more test ports

Forward and reverse S-parameters of a device under test (DUT) are Filter frequency response testing Dynamic range Measurement speed The Keysight Streamline Series P937xA is a 2-port network analyzer
determined by measuring the magnitude and phase of the incident, Complete characterization of filters is typically achieved with System dynamic range must be optimized, especially when measuring The measurement speed directly impacts the cost of test in with a capability to extend the number of test port. When two
reflected, and transmitted signals when the output is terminated in a swept-frequency measurements using a vector network analyzer. The filters that demand simultaneous characterization of the passband at high-volume productions. Newer vector network analyzers have wider instruments are cascaded, a 4-port analyzer can be configured to
load that is precisely equal to the characteristic impedance of the test system. most commonly measured filter characteristics are insertion loss and a high power level, and the reject band at a very low power level. IF bandwidth, faster CPU performance, faster error calculation and support measurements of RF switches, duplexers, or differential
bandwidth. Another common measured parameter is out-of-band data processing compared to the legacy analyzers. cables.
Forward (S 11, S21) rejection. This is a measure of how well a filter passes signals within
its bandwidth while simultaneously rejecting signals well outside that
Incident S 21 Transmitted b2
a1 same bandwidth. The analyzer’s dynamic range generally determines Segment 2

S 11 Z0 how well it can evaluate this characteristic.

DUT Load
Reflected
b1
a2 = 0

Reflected b1 Transmitted b2 Segment 1 Segment 3

S 11 = = S 21 = =
Incident a1 a2 = 0 Incident a1 a2 = 0

Reverse (S12, S22)

a1 = 0 b2
Wider dynamic range with Narrower dynamic range with
DUT S 22 narrower IF bandwidth wider IF bandwidth
Z0 Reflected The segment sweep function allows to tailor sweep conditions with arbitrary frequency
points, IF bandwidth, the number of measurement points, and more, which maximizes
Load
a2
Materials (dielectric properties) measurement measurement throughput by optimizing setup parameters.

b1 Transmitted S 12 Incident A dielectric materials measurement can provide critical design Trace noise
parameter information for many electronics applications such as Lower trace noise with a vector network analyzer helps minimize
complex permittivity, loss tangent or permeability. Those dielectric
Stability
errors and associated test margin when measuring low-loss devices
If the environment temperature around a vector network analyzer is
b2 b1 properties can be calculated from S-parameter measurements using such as filter pass-bands.
S 22 =
Reflected
= S 12 =
Transmitted
= not stable during measurements, frequent recalibration is inevitable to
Incident a2 a1 = 0 Incident a2 a1 = 0
the Keysight N1500A materials measurements suite software, and test Another example shows a 2-port ENA test setup for multiple 4-port
eliminate drift errors and achieve the desired level of accuracy. In
fixtures such as the N1501A dielectric probe kit. DUTs (wireless device antennas) testing, using a Keysight U1816A/C,
addition, measurement results with unstable instruments increase
a USB controlled switch matrix that consists of two
measurement uncertainty. single-pole-six-throw (SP6T) switches.
ε r'
Network analyzer

Insertion Loss (S 21 )

Insertion Loss (S 21 )
Pass Fail

Insertion Loss (S 21 )
Network analyzer block diagram
Limit Line
ε r" 120 min after
calibration

Frequency Frequency

The system dynamic range is calculated as the difference

RF source Frequency Dynamic between the minimum input power level (RMS noise floor) and
range (dB) the maximum output power level available at test ports. Noise
floor can be improved by reducing the IF bandwidth. U1816A/C USB Dual
SP6T Switch Box
ε "
Pass Fail
ε r = ε r' − jε r" tan δ = r
µr = µ r' − jµ r" Trace noise is random electrical noise which shows up on
ε '
r
Trace noise
(dB rms )
measured S-parameters. Trace noise can be improved by
R1 R2 reducing the IF bandwidth.
DUT1
Reference
coupler Because the vector network analyzer’s performance is easily
Conversion loss/gain testing Stability (dB affected by the temperature variation in the environment, DUT2
Some vector network analyzers such as Keysight E5080A provide the per degree C) temperature stability is one of the key features which represents
Vector network analyzer Vector network analyzer the design quality of an instrument.
capability to tune its receivers to difference frequencies from the with lower trace noise with larger trace noise DUT3
source. With the ability of controlling an external signal generator for
use as LO signals, this enables measuring mixer/converter’s
LO
conversion loss. The scalar mixer calibration (SMC) technique delivers
Test the highest accuracy for scalar conversion-loss/gain measurements
coupler
by removing mismatch errors using a power sensor.
A B

GPIB
Reach higher in RF—with confidence
Test port 1 Test port 2

DUT
“Good enough” can get you only so far. When you’re ready to take your product to new levels of performance, you’ll need
measurement tools that go farther than your target specs. Keysight is ready to help you test your devices within and beyond
Gain (S21)
DUT
their limits. We offer a range of RF instruments that deliver tremendous value, balancing excellent performance with affordable
SG USB
pricing. Raise the bar with Keysight and be equipped to reach higher in RF—with confidence
Input match (S11) Output match (S22)
DUT
Power sensor
To find out more information, visit www.keysight.com/find/rf
Isolation (S12)

Gain Deeper Confidence

Product specifications and descriptions in this
E5080A ENA Vector Network Analyzer N755XA Economy Electronic N1500A Materials Measurement Suite + document subject to change without notice.
P937xA USB Vector Network Analyzer E5063A ENA Vector Network Analyzer
Delivers unparalleled RF performance Calibration (ECal) Module N1501A Dielectric Probe Kit
Is an affordable full two-port vector network Provides the best balance between price and
Greatly reduces calibration time necessary The solution calculates dielectric properties of
analyzer (VNA) which dramatically reduces
your size of test. The compact VNA is
performance for simple passive component
measurements up to 18 GHz.
(i.e. dynamic range, trace noise, speed, or
stability) with either 2- or 4- test ports. for network analysis at a significantly lower liquid materials from S-parameter © Keysight Technologies, 2018
measurements using a vector network analyzer.
controlled by an external computer. price point.
Printed in USA, July 25, 2018
5992-2597EN