Agilent Technologies N5242A Service Manual page 130

Theory of Operation
Network Analyzer System Operation
Signal Separation Group
Each of the incident signals 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 includes:
• RF path switching to allow forward and reverse measurements
• external connections for the DUT (configurable test set)
• optional step attenuators in the source and receiver paths
• optional mechanical switches
• optional bias tees
Refer to "Signal Separation Group Operation" on page
Receiver Group
The receiver converts the test and reference signals to 7.606 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.
Refer to "Receiver Group Operation" on page
Noise Measurement Group (Option 029)
Description here.
Refer to "Noise Measurement Group Operation (Option 029)" on page
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
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
5-6
PNA Series Microwave Network Analyzers
5-16.
5-21.
5-34.
Service Guide N5242-90001
N5241A/42A
5-27.
5-29.