Noise Figure Options And Applications - Keysight PNA-X Series Configuration Manual

PNA Family Applications and Options (Continued)

Noise figure options and applications

Add low-noise receiver (Option 029)
PNA-X PNA PNA-L
This option adds a low-noise receiver to the PNA-X to provide
wideband noise figure and noise-power measurements on
a broad range of devices. The noise receiver has three gain
settings, and contains the necessary filters to eliminate
out-of-band noise conversion. For N5241/42/49B instruments,
Option 029 adds a mechanical switch at port one to allow use
of an external ECal module as an impedance tuner to provide
high-accuracy noise figure measurements. For N5244/45/47B
instruments, Option 029 adds a built-in impedance tuner at port
one with a bypass switch. The noise receiver start frequency is
10 MHz and for N5241/42/44/45/49B instruments, it works up to
the stop frequency of the instrument. For N5247B instruments,
the low-noise receiver and tuner work up to 50 GHz only. For
noise figure measurements between 50 and 67 GHz, any of
the standard network analyzer receivers can be used. Option
029 is intended for use with S93029B/A software. Without the
software, the noise hardware cannot be utilized.
Noise figure measurements with vector correction
(S93029B/A)
PNA-X PNA PNA-L
This software application enables high-accuracy noise figure and
noise-power measurements of amplifiers, frequency converters,
and mixers, utilizing Keysight's unique vector-source-correction
technique that uses a source-impedance tuner to remove the
effects of imperfect system-source match. This approach yields
accuracy that surpasses that provided by the Y-factor method
and other cold-source implementations, especially for in-fixture,
on-wafer, and automated-test environments. A scalar-calibrated
method is also available that offers less accuracy, but is faster
and does not require an impedance tuner.
1. 85090 or N4430 Series ECal modules are not supported.
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If S93029B/A is used on a PNA-X configured with Option
029, then it makes full use of the built-in low-noise receiver.
Optionally, noise figure measurements can be made using the
standard receivers for high-gain (> 60 dB), narrowband devices
that might otherwise overload the low-noise receiver, or for
noise figure measurements between 50 and 67 GHz on the
N5247B. If running on a PNA, a PNA-X without Option 029, or
for measurements up to 67 GHz, then the instrument's standard
receivers are used. For those cases, an external preamplifier and
filter(s) is required for devices with < 30 dB of excess noise (gain
plus noise figure in dB) up to 20 GHz, < 40 dB up to 50 GHz, or
< 45 dB up to 67 GHz. Instruments with front panel jumpers are
recommended as they provide a convenient spot for adding a
preamplifier and filter for low-gain, low-noise-figure devices.
S93029B/A controls Keysight N4690
configured as impedance tuners for use with N522xB PNA
models or N5241/42/49B PNA-X models, or a built-in tuner for
N5244/45/47B PNA-X models with Option 029.
For calibration, a standard mechanical cal kit or ECal module is
required for the S-parameter portion of the cal (an ECal used
as a tuner cannot be shared for calibration). To calibrate the
low-noise receiver, either a noise source (346C or 346C-K01
recommended) or power meter is required. To calibrate a
standard receiver for noise figure measurements, a power meter
is required. For measurements of mixers and converters, a
power meter is always required, independent of whether a noise
source or power meter is used to calibrate the noise receiver. All
calibration accessories must be ordered separately.
Add mechanical noise tuner control for noise
figure/parameter measurements (S93027B/A )
PNA-X PNA PNA-L
Noise figure measurements using application software
S93029B/A utilize an ECal module as an impedance tuner to
provide source-corrected noise figure and noise parameter
measurements of nominally matched devices, with gamma-opts
< 0.3. To measure noise parameters of unmatched devices with
higher gamma-opts, an external tuner is needed. This application
software enables control of Maury Microwave LXI tuners in place
of an ECal module, extending noise parameter measurements to
devices with gamma-opts < 0.9. Requires application software
S93029B/A. Refer to Maury Microwave's website for more
information about compatible LXI tuners.
Series ECal modules
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