HP 8712C User Manual page 59

Making Measurements
Measuring Devices with Your Network Analyzer
Refer to Figure 3-3 for the following discussion. The network analyzer
receiver has two signal detection modes:
broadband detection mode
l
narrowband detection mode
l
There are two internal broadband detector inputs: B* and R*. External
broadband detectors can also be used when connected to the X and Y
ports on the rear panel of the analyzer. When the network analyzer is in
the broadband detection mode, it measures the total power of all signals
present at these measurement ports, independent of signal frequency. This
enables the characterization of frequency translation devices such as mixers,
receivers, and tuners, where the RF input and output frequencies are not the
same. Figure 3-3 labels the transmitted signal for broadband detection input
as B*, and the reference signal as R*.
When the network analyzer is in the narrowband detection mode, the
receiver is tuned to the source frequency. This technique provides greater
dynamic range by decreasing the receiver's bandwidth. Figure 3-3 shows the
transmitted signal for narrowband detection input as B, and the reference
signal as R.
3-6