HP 8712ET User Manual page 56

Making Measurements
Measuring Devices with Your Network Analyzer
Figure 3-2 Simplified Block Diagram
Refer to Figure 3-3 for the following discussion. The network analyzer
receiver has two signal detection modes:
• broadband detection mode
• narrowband detection mode
There are two internal broadband detectors: 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*.
3-4 ET User's Guide