Page 1 Using the Agilent Technologies N4413A, N4414A, N4415A, N4416A, N4417A, N4418A, N4419A, and N4421A Multiport Test Sets with N4425A Balanced Measurement Software Part Number: N4413-90001 Printed in USA February 2003 Supersedes April 2002 © Copyright 2001−2003 Agilent Technologies Inc., all rights reserved.
Page 2 The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Agilent Technologies makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Page 3 Software Compatibility This user’s guide is compatible with N4425A Balanced Measurement Software revisions 1.24 and above. Document Conventions This document uses a few conventions to make reading easier. • Menu and dialog box items are shown in bold face type. When described in text, menus and sub-menus are separated by right arrows, as in File >...
Page 5: Table Of Contents
Contents 1. About the Multiport Test System ........1 Introduction .
Page 6 Contents Defining Multiport Test System Markers ........50 Moving Markers .
Page 7 Contents Gating Controls............92 Frequency Domain Controls.
Page 8 Contents Setup > Preferences… ..........125 Setup >...
Page 9 N4413A Front and Rear Panel........
Page 10 Contents A. Other Technical Procedures........209 Waveguide Characterization Procedure .
Page 11: About The Multiport Test System
About the Multiport Test System...
Page 12: Introduction
About the Multiport Test System Introduction Introduction The Agilent Multiport Test System makes quick and accurate S-parameter measurements of both active and passive devices with up to four ports. The multiport test system consists of an Agilent network analyzer, an Agilent multiport test set, a system controller (PC) running the balanced measurement software, and interconnect cabling.
Page 13: Model Numbers At A Glance
Test Set Frequency Model Options Model Range Number Number Required Compatible Incompatible 50 MHz to 1D5, 002, 010 N4413A 8753C /D/E/ES , 011 6.0 GHz 300 kHz to N4414A 6.0 GHz 30 kHz to 8753ES 1D5, 002, 010 075, H16 N4415A , 014 6.0 GHz...
Page 14 About the Multiport Test System Model Numbers at a Glance “Agilent Network Analyzer Option Reference Table” (located below) lists common options for supported network analyzers. Refer to “Multiport Test System Configurations” on page 3 compatibility of these options with the multiport test system. Agilent Network Analyzer Option Reference Table Option Numbers and Descriptions 8753C/D/E/ES Options...
Page 15: Basic System Components
About the Multiport Test System Basic System Components Basic System Components Each multiport test system has configuration options. Your packing list provides details of the hardware and software provided for your system configuration. As a minimum, the following will be provided with each standard system: •...
Page 16: Supported Equipment
About the Multiport Test System Supported Equipment Supported Equipment Refer to the following lists for information about equipment used with the multiport test system. Network Analyzer: • Refer to “Multiport Test System Configurations” on page System Controller: • Pentium PC compatible computer (or better) •...
Page 17: Available Options And Accessories
Source step attenuator (N4414A only) Option B20 Set of 4 test port cables Option UNL (1) Integrated 70 dB (x 10 dB) step attenuator (4) Integrated 0.5 Amp bias tees (N4413A only) Accessories N4430A Electronic Multiport Calibration Module (300 kHz to 6.0 GHz) N4430B Electronic Multiport Calibration Module (300 kHz to 9.0 GHz)
Page 18 About the Multiport Test System Available Options and Accessories Chapter 1...
Page 19: User Interface
User Interface...
Page 20: The Main Screen
User Interface The Main Screen The Main Screen The opening screen of the N4425A Balanced Measurement Software is shown on page Initially, the system displays a thumbnail-sized single-ended (unbalanced) four-port S-parameter matrix. A mixed-mode (balanced) four-port S-parameter matrix can also be displayed (select Data >...
Page 21 User Interface The Main Screen Figure 1 The Main Screen Use the Main Menu to access additional functions. Available parameters are shown in the Measurement Display area. By default, the single-ended thumbnail display is selected (as shown above). See “Individual Measurement Screens”...
Page 22: The Indicator Bar
User Interface The Main Screen The system displays messages at the bottom of the screen in the Message Window. If Measure Count is enabled, it shows the number of measurements made. See “Utility > Measurement Counter Visible” on page 151. Measure starts the measurement sequence.
Page 23 User Interface The Main Screen Reference Impedance Indicators An arbitrary reference impedance (non-50Ω) has been selected in Setup on at least one port. The data has been modified for a non-50Ω reference impedance on at least one port. “Setup > Test Port Impedance…” on page 120.
Page 24: Individual Measurement Screens
User Interface Individual Measurement Screens Individual Measurement Screens Click a button to select the display type from Log Mag, Linear Mag, Phase, Smith Chart, Polar Chart, Group Delay, Real, and Imaginary. Figure 2 Individual Measurement Screen Click ← BACK to return to the previous display. Right-click the shaded area of the display to open the display properties box.
Page 25: Scaling
User Interface Scaling Scaling The system supports changes to scale parameters for individual measurement displays. Methods for changing the scale parameters of both rectangular display formats and Smith Chart/Polar display formats are described in this section. Changing the Scale Parameters of Rectangular Displays Scale parameters of individual measurement displays of rectangular plots (Log Mag, Linear Mag, Phase, Group Delay, Real, Imaginary) may be changed using one of two methods.
Page 26: Changing The Scale Parameters Of Smith/Polar Chart Displays
User Interface Scaling Figure 3 Mouse Shortcut Strokes for Scaling To Edit the Scale Directly Scale parameters in rectangular displays may be edited directly. When a scale parameter is changed, other scale parameters may change to adjust to the new parameter that was entered.
Page 27: Using The Multiport Test System
Using the Multiport Test System...
Page 28: How To Set Up The Multiport Test System Hardware
Using the Multiport Test System How to Set Up the Multiport Test System Hardware How to Set Up the Multiport Test System Hardware You set up the Agilent multiport test system as you would any other test set for the supported vector network analyzer.
Page 29 Using the Multiport Test System How to Set Up the Multiport Test System Hardware 5. If your network analyzer is an N8362A/B or N8364A/B PNA, you will need to perform the Phase-Lock IF Gain Adjustment on the analyzer after it has been connected to the test set as a system.
Page 30: Attach The Network Analyzer To The Multiport Test Set
Using the Multiport Test System How to Set Up the Multiport Test System Hardware Attach the Network Analyzer to the Multiport Test Set The normal physical location of the test set is beneath the network analyzer in either a tabletop or rack configuration. For all test sets except the N4421A, the test set is supplied with notches in the top of the case to accept the feet of the network analyzer for a secure tabletop installation.
Page 31 Using the Multiport Test System How to Set Up the Multiport Test System Hardware 5. Install the four lock links to the top of the front frame using eight screws. Attaching the Network Analyzer to the Test Set 6. Place the network analyzer on top of the test set ensuring that the front frame of the network analyzer is positioned slightly forward of the lock links that are attached to the the test set.
Page 32 Using the Multiport Test System How to Set Up the Multiport Test System Hardware 7. Secure the network analyzer’s lower locking feet to the test set’s upper locking feet by inserting the shorter two screws between the two pairs of locking feet, one on each side of the instrument as shown below.
Page 33: To Connect The Rf Cables Between The Multiport Test Set And The Network Analyzer
Refer to the specific interconnect information for your test set model number. • For the N4413A, refer to “Interconnections for the N4413A/N4414A Test Set” on page • For the N4414A, refer to “Interconnections for the N4413A/N4414A Test Set” on page •...
Page 34 Using the Multiport Test System How to Set Up the Multiport Test System Hardware CAUTION When connecting the interconnect cables described in the remaining pages of this section, be careful to install the interconnect cables correctly. The longer end of the interconnect cable connects to the network analyzer front panel connector.
Page 35 Using the Multiport Test System How to Set Up the Multiport Test System Hardware Interconnections for the N4413A/N4414A Test Set Installation Cable From Sequence Part Number 8753 N4413A/N4414A RF00329 RF IN RF IN RF00329 RF00329 RF00329 Chapter 3...
Page 36 Using the Multiport Test System How to Set Up the Multiport Test System Hardware Interconnections for the N4415A Test Set Damage to the interconnect cable can result from improper orientation of the CAUTION cable. Refer to page 24 for detailed information regarding the correct cable orientation.
Page 37 Using the Multiport Test System How to Set Up the Multiport Test System Hardware Installation Cable From Sequence Part Number 8753ES N4415A AD00632-2 Port 1 Switch Switch AD00632-1 A OUT A OUT AD00632-2 Port 1 Coupler Coupler AD00632-1 A IN A IN AD00632-2 Port 2 Coupler...
Page 38 Using the Multiport Test System How to Set Up the Multiport Test System Hardware Interconnections for the N4416A Test Set CAUTION Damage to the interconnect cable can result from improper orientation of the cable. Refer to page 24 for detailed information regarding the correct cable orientation.
Page 39 Using the Multiport Test System How to Set Up the Multiport Test System Hardware Installation Cable From Sequence Part Number E8356/E8357/E8358 N4416A AD00653-2 R1 IN R1 IN AD00653-2 A IN A IN AD00653-2 COUPLER IN COUPLER IN AD00653-2 COUPLER IN COUPLER IN AD00653-2 B IN...
Page 40 Using the Multiport Test System How to Set Up the Multiport Test System Hardware Interconnections for the N4417A Test Set CAUTION Damage to the interconnect cable can result from improper orientation of the cable. Refer to page 24 for detailed information regarding the correct cable orientation.
Page 41 Using the Multiport Test System How to Set Up the Multiport Test System Hardware Installation Cable From Sequence Part Number E8356/E8357/E8358 N4417A AD00747-1-2 R1 IN R1 IN AD00747-1-2 A IN A IN AD00747-1-2 COUPLER IN COUPLER IN AD00747-1-2 COUPLER IN COUPLER IN AD00747-1-2 B IN...
Page 42 Using the Multiport Test System How to Set Up the Multiport Test System Hardware Interconnections for the N4418A Test Set Damage to the interconnect cable can result from improper orientation of the CAUTION cable. Refer to page 24 for detailed information regarding the correct cable orientation.
Page 43 Using the Multiport Test System How to Set Up the Multiport Test System Hardware Call Out Cable Part From Sequence Number 8720ES/8722ES N4418A AD00599-2 PORT 1 SWITCH PORT 1 SWITCH AD00599-1 A IN A IN AD00599-2 PORT 1 BIAS TEE PORT 1 COUPLER AD00599-1 A OUT...
Page 44 Using the Multiport Test System How to Set Up the Multiport Test System Hardware Interconnections for the N4419A Test Set CAUTION Damage to the interconnect cable can result from improper orientation of the cable. Refer to page 24 for detailed information regarding the correct cable orientation.
Page 45 Using the Multiport Test System How to Set Up the Multiport Test System Hardware Call Out Cable Part From Sequence Number E8362A/B N4418A AD00756-1 REF 1 SOURCE OUT REF 1 SOURCE OUT AD00756-1 REF 1 RCVR R1 IN REF 1 RCVR R1 IN AD00756-1 REF 2 RCVR R2 IN REF 2 RCVR R2 IN...
Page 46 Using the Multiport Test System How to Set Up the Multiport Test System Hardware Interconnections for the N4421A Test Set CAUTION Damage to the interconnect cable can result from improper orientation of the cable. Refer to page 24 for detailed information regarding the correct cable orientation.
Page 47 Using the Multiport Test System How to Set Up the Multiport Test System Hardware Call Out Cable Part From Sequence Number E8364A/B N4421A Z5623-20215 REF 1 SOURCE OUT REF 1 R1 OUT Z5623-20215 REF 1 RCVR R1 IN REF 1 RCVR R1 IN Z5623-20215 REF 2 RCVR R2 IN REF 2 RCVR R2 IN...
Page 48: To Set The Gpib Addresses
Using the Multiport Test System How to Set Up the Multiport Test System Hardware To Set the GPIB Addresses The test set uses GPIB to communicate with system components. The GPIB address switch is on the back panel of the test set; it is set to “18” at the factory. While this will work in most situations, the address can be changed if required to avoid address conflicts with other equipment on the same bus.
Page 49: How To Install And Start The Balanced Measurement Software
Using the Multiport Test System How to Install and Start the Balanced Measurement Software How to Install and Start the Balanced Measurement Software 1. Insert the system CD-ROM in your PC. 2. In Windows, select Start > Run… to open the Run dialog box. 3.
Page 50: How To Calibrate
Using the Multiport Test System How to Calibrate How to Calibrate Calibration is required for accurate measurements. Even though calibration does take a few minutes to complete, it saves time and money compared to costs associated with erroneous measurement data. Even mechanical (non-electronic) calibration is reasonably quick once you become familiar with the process.
Page 51: Starting A Calibration
Using the Multiport Test System How to Calibrate A Method of Checking Calibration A good method of checking calibration is to establish a Golden Device, which is a device that meets all specifications and is saved for comparison of the measured results in the future. Establishing a Golden Device Follow these steps to establish a golden device: 1.
Page 52: How To Perform Electronic Calibration
Using the Multiport Test System How to Perform Electronic Calibration How to Perform Electronic Calibration You can perform a 4-port electronic calibration using the Agilent N4430A/B Four-Port Electronic Calibration (ECal) Module (formerly the ATN-4801 Multiport Calibration Module). Note that the N4431A 4-port RF Electronic Calibration Module is not compatible with the Multiport Test System.
Page 53 Using the Multiport Test System How to Perform Electronic Calibration 3. Modify any parameters in the Measurement Parameters dialog box as required and click 4. When prompted, select the module characterization file for your ECal module. This file is located on the floppy disk provided with the module. Each module characterization file is unique, so verify that the module serial number matches the file’s serial number.
Page 54: How To Characterize Adapters
Using the Multiport Test System How to Characterize Adapters How to Characterize Adapters To allow their effects to be removed, adapters which will be used for making through connections during the calibration must first be characterized. First, a short/open/load calibration is performed at the instruments front panel. Then the adapter is inserted and the s/o/l calibration is repeated.
Page 55 Using the Multiport Test System How to Characterize Adapters 3. Select the appropriate adapter characterization category (“In-Series, Same-Sex” or “All Others”) and calibration kit(s). 4. Follow the program prompts to perform the characterization. When the characterization is complete, save the adapter file using the default .TXS file extension.
Page 56: How To Interpret Multiport Test System Data
Using the Multiport Test System How to Interpret Multiport Test System Data How to Interpret Multiport Test System Data The multiport test system supports several types of post-measurement data processing. Proper interpretation of the manipulated data requires understanding the sequence of mathematical operations.
Page 57: How To De-Embed Measurement Data
Too much attenuation limits calibration accuracy. Calibration accuracy can be improved at the expense of measurement time with a narrower calibration IF bandwidth. This selection is only available on the N4413A (ATN-4111A) and N4414A (ATN-4111B) systems. Chapter 3...
Page 58: How To Remove Fixture Delay
Using the Multiport Test System How to Remove Fixture Delay How to Remove Fixture Delay A simple method of removing the delay of a fixture is to rotate the reference plane. This is also referred to as port extension. This approach works well for removing the effect of lines that have little insertion loss and a very good impedance match.
Page 59: How To Set Up User-Defined Displays
Using the Multiport Test System How to Set Up User-Defined Displays • The system allows you to assign a trace to a memory location using the DATA → MEM function. Memorized traces turn dark blue. If you click Identify MEM, the identified trace turns dark blue while the other traces turn light blue-green.
Page 60: How To Use Markers
Using the Multiport Test System How to Use Markers How to Use Markers If you are familiar with using markers on Agilent network analyzers, read the following section. Otherwise, skip to the following section, “Defining Multiport Test System Markers.” Multiport Test System Markers Versus Network Analyzer Markers The multiport test system marker function is similar to the marker function implementation in your network analyzer, with most of the differences owing to either enhanced functions or the difference between the interfaces (mouse versus softkey).
Page 61 Using the Multiport Test System How to Use Markers Select Markers Active to turn markers on. Inside the plot area, point at the trace with cursor and click the left mouse button. While holding the left mouse button down, move the mouse to select the desired frequency.
Page 62: Moving Markers
Using the Multiport Test System How to Use Markers The active marker is a black indicator (either a dot or an arrow) on the trace. The value of the marker is shown in the Active Marker box. You can move the Active Marker box by dragging the title area.
Page 63: Setting Up Delta Displays
Using the Multiport Test System How to Use Markers Setting Up Delta Displays Right-click any marker to make it the reference marker and to set up delta displays. Other defined markers turn gray and show the values relative to the reference marker. You can also right-drag on the display to show the value under the pointer as a delta value from the reference (active) marker.
Page 64: How To Use Frequency Zoom
Using the Multiport Test System How to Use Frequency Zoom How to Use Frequency Zoom To examine a narrower range of data, you can scale the frequency axis. To scale the frequency axis, follow these steps: 1. Open a page that displays a frequency domain single graph. 2.
Page 65 Using the Multiport Test System How to Use Frequency Zoom The STOP: line shows the ending frequency and a two-line confirmation menu displays: 7. Click on Zoom to confirm selected settings. The part of the trace between the start and stop points is zoomed.
Page 66: Increasing Frequency Step
Using the Multiport Test System How to Use Frequency Zoom Increasing Frequency Step The multiport test system allows measurements to be made at frequency step sizes larger than the step size used in the calibration. This is accomplished by skipping points. To skip points, follow these steps: 1.
Page 67: How To Characterize Passive Devices
Using the Multiport Test System How to Characterize Passive Devices How to Characterize Passive Devices This section describes characterization of a quadrature hybrid passive device as shown. 1. Install the system hardware and software, if needed. See “How to Set Up the Multiport Test System Hardware”...
Page 68: How To Characterize Active Devices
How to Characterize Active Devices How to Characterize Active Devices Set the input power level using the source power and/or attenuator settings (N4413A and N4414A only) to compensate for the expected gain of the DUT. Keep in mind the saturation level of the DUT and the input power limits and damage level of the test set and analyzer.
Page 69 Using the Multiport Test System How to Characterize Active Devices The device performance is shown below. Note that the display has been user-defined to show specific areas of interest. See “How to Set Up User-Defined Displays” on page 49 “How to Use User-Defined Displays”...
Page 70: How To Interpret Mixed-Mode S-Parameters
Using the Multiport Test System How to Interpret Mixed-Mode S-Parameters How to Interpret Mixed-Mode S-Parameters S-parameters are commonly used to describe the performance of microwave and RF devices. These parameters describe the behavior of the device when it is stimulated on a single port at a time.
Page 71: Single-Ended Performance
Using the Multiport Test System How to Characterize Balanced Devices Single-Ended Performance The device has the following single-ended S-parameters: The parameters along a diagonal (from the upper-left corner to the lower-right corner) on the display are the single-ended matches on each terminal. •...
Page 72: Mixed-Mode Performance
Using the Multiport Test System How to Characterize Balanced Devices Mixed-Mode Performance The single-ended (unbalanced) data is not representative of the balanced performance because of the coupling between the two sides of the balanced pair. For balanced performance, mixed-mode S-parameters are used. For a device with two balanced ports, each of the four quadrants represents a different mode of operation.
Page 73: Mode Conversion
Using the Multiport Test System How to Characterize Balanced Devices Mode Conversion The degree of circuit symmetry is important for differential applications since symmetry is the fundamental assumption needed to realize such benefits as electromagnetic interference immunity, power supply noise immunity, even-order harmonic suppression, and so on. A perfectly symmetrical circuit has no mode conversion.
Page 74 Using the Multiport Test System How to Characterize Balanced Devices The mixed-mode S-parameters of the asymmetrical device are shown below: The phase skew can have a significant effect on the performance of a balanced device as shown in the mixed-mode S-parameter. The most noticeable change is in the mode conversion parameters, designated by the SDCnn and SCDnn terms.
Page 75: How To Use User-Defined Displays
Using the Multiport Test System How to Use User-Defined Displays How to Use User-Defined Displays Use user-defined displays to help interpret the corrected data. For this device, you might consider making the following user-defined displays. S21/S31 with a log magnitude display to show amplitude imbalance. S21/S31 with a phase display centered on 90°...
Page 76: Defining The Reference Impedance In User-Defined Equations
Using the Multiport Test System How to Use User-Defined Displays This quadrature hybrid can be further characterized by employing other user-defined calculations. For instance, you could characterize loss with the equation: (S21+(-1)^0.5*S31)/2^0.5 which translates to: ------ - S21 j S31 ) You could also characterize cancellation with the equation: (S21-(-1)^0.5*S31)/2^0.5 which translates to:...
Page 77: How To Calculate The Vswr Of A Test Port
Using the Multiport Test System How to Calculate the VSWR of a Test Port How to Calculate the VSWR of a Test Port The user-defined display can be used to calculate the VSWR of a device port from the reflection parameters. Consider a DUT with one single-ended port and one balanced port. In general, the VSWR equation is in the form: -------------- - VSWR...
Page 78: How To Calculate Impedance Looking Into A Device Port
Using the Multiport Test System How to Calculate Impedance Looking into a Device Port How to Calculate Impedance Looking into a Device Port The user-defined display can be used to convert reflection parameters to impedance. Consider a device with one single-ended port and one balanced port. In general, the equation is in the form: ×...
Page 79 Using the Multiport Test System How to Calculate Impedance Looking into a Device Port In the multiport test system, the variable name Z is the reference impedance of terminal “n”. The following table summarized the correct expression for Z Port Mode Reference Impedance (Z Differential...
Page 80: How To Calculate The Gain Of A Transimpedance Amplifier
Using the Multiport Test System How to Calculate the Gain of a Transimpedance Amplifier How to Calculate the Gain of a Transimpedance Amplifier The user-defined display capability can be used to determine the gain of a transimpedance amplifier. Assume the DUT has an unbalanced input and a differential output. The transimpedance gain of this is defined as: ⋅...
Page 81: How To Measure Simultaneous Conjugate Match Of A Differential 2-Port Device
Using the Multiport Test System How to Measure Simultaneous Conjugate Match of a Differential 2-Port Device How to Measure Simultaneous Conjugate Match of a Differential 2-Port Device The software includes a set of predefined display configurations, complete with the necessary formulas, to help in measuring the simultaneous conjugate match of a differential two-port device.
Page 82 Using the Multiport Test System How to Measure Simultaneous Conjugate Match of a Differential 2-Port Device Pull down Data > User-Defined Display > View Equations… to open the Defined Equations dialog box. Notice the listed formula for the differential stability factor display: DSF=(1-ABS(SDD11)^2-ABS(SDD22)^2+ABS(D)^2)/(2*ABS(SDD12)*ABS(SDD21)) This translates to: –...
Page 83 Using the Multiport Test System How to Measure Simultaneous Conjugate Match of a Differential 2-Port Device Note the formula for differential input match: DIM = (CONJ(C1)/ABS(C1))*(B1/(2*ABS(C1))-((B1^2/(ABS(2*C1))^2)-1)^0.5) This translates to: Γ -------- - ------------ – -------------- - 1 – where: – D D11 DD22 and where:...
Page 84: How To Measure Simultaneous Conjugate Match Of A Device With One Single-Ended And One Differential Port
Using the Multiport Test System How to Measure Simultaneous Conjugate Match of a Device with One Single-Ended and One Differential Port How to Measure Simultaneous Conjugate Match of a Device with One Single-Ended and One Differential Port Calculating the simultaneous conjugate match of a device with one single-ended port is done in a very similar manner as a device with a simple parameter substitution.
Page 85: How To Check Test Cable Repeatability
Using the Multiport Test System How to Check Test Cable Repeatability How to Check Test Cable Repeatability The characteristics of the test cables used with the system should not change significantly when they are moved. To check test cable repeatability, use the following procedure: 1.
Page 86: How To Use The Port Exchange Utility
Using the Multiport Test System How to Use the Port Exchange Utility How to Use the Port Exchange Utility The Port Exchange utility, PortExchange.exe, is provided to make data taken with older versions of the software compatible with the current version. To use the Port Exchange Utility, follow these steps: 1.
Page 87 Using the Multiport Test System How to Use the Port Exchange Utility 5. Click Exchange Data. The Port Exchange utility shows how the data has been exchanged. 6. Click Save Data File. 7. In the Save As dialog box, enter the name of the new data file and click Save. 8.
Page 88: How To Check Test Set Ports
High attenuator settings will result in a noisy trace. 6. If the test set fails in any respect, return it to Agilent Technologies for repair. How to Add a Calibration Kit Definition The multiport test system comes with a number of predefined calibration kits. You can also add your own calibration kits by editing the calkits.txt file.
Page 89: Performing Time Domain Measurements
Performing Time Domain Measurements...
Page 90: General Theory
Performing Time Domain Measurements General Theory General Theory The Agilent multiport test system combined with Agilent’s vector network analyzers and their companion multiport test sets perform measurements in the frequency domain by sweeping an RF signal and measuring the RF responses of a device under test (DUT). The software can also mathematically transform these frequency domain data S parameters into their time domain counterparts and display them in either their step, impedance or their impulse/response modes.
Page 91 Performing Time Domain Measurements General Theory An alternative method of obtaining time-domain characterization of a device is to make the measurement directly in the time domain by synthesizing a step waveform, applying it to the device, and observing the response on an oscilloscope. The advantages of using the measurement approach for TDR data are listed below.
Page 92: Response Types
Performing Time Domain Measurements Response Types Response Types Agilent multiport test systems are able to display the response of a device as if it were stimulated with either a step or an impulse waveform. The algorithm that is used is robust enough that it can determine either type of response, even for band-limited devices.
Page 93 Performing Time Domain Measurements Response Types Relationship of Frequency Domain Parameters to Time Domain Equivalents Mode Direction Type Parameter UNBALANCED FORWARD UNBALANCED FORWARD UNBALANCED UNBALANCED REVERSE UNBALANCED FORWARD UNBALANCED FORWARD UNBALANCED FORWARD UNBALANCED DIFFERENTIAL FORWARD SDD11 DIFFERENTIAL REVERSE SDD12 DIFFERENTIAL FORWARD SDD21 DIFFERENTIAL...
Page 94: Analyzing Time-Domain Signatures
Performing Time Domain Measurements Analyzing Time-Domain Signatures Relationship of Frequency Domain Parameters to Time Domain Equivalents Mode Direction Type Parameter COMMON-TO-DIFFERENTIAL REVERSE SDC22 DIFF-TO-UNBALANCED REVERSE SSD12 DIFF-TO-UNBALANCED REVERSE SSD13 UNBALANCED-TO-DIFF FORWARD SDS21 UNBALANCED-TO-DIFF FORWARD SDS31 COMMON-TO-UNBALANCED REVERSE SSC12 COMMON-TO-UNBALANCED REVERSE SSC13 UNBALANCED-TO-COMMON FORWARD...
Page 95 Performing Time Domain Measurements Analyzing Time-Domain Signatures Time Domain Signatures Transmission Line: ZC < Z0 Impulse Reflection Step Reflection Impulse Transmission Step Transmission Chapter 4...
Page 96 Performing Time Domain Measurements Analyzing Time-Domain Signatures Transmission Line: ZC > Z0 Impulse Reflection Step Reflection Impulse Transmission Step Transmission Chapter 4...
Page 97 Performing Time Domain Measurements Analyzing Time-Domain Signatures Series Inductor Impulse Reflection Step Reflection Impulse Transmission Step Transmission Chapter 4...
Page 98 Performing Time Domain Measurements Analyzing Time-Domain Signatures Shunt Capacitor Impulse Reflection Step Reflection Impulse Transmission Step Transmission Chapter 4...
Page 99: Using The Multiport Test System For Time-Domain Measurement And Analysis
Performing Time Domain Measurements Using the Multiport Test System for Time-Domain Measurement and Analysis Using the Multiport Test System for Time-Domain Measurement and Analysis This section shows you how to use the multiport test system’s time-domain measurement and analysis function. It discusses enabling the time domain function, scaling and formatting the display, and selecting time-domain, gating, and frequency-domain controls.
Page 100 Performing Time Domain Measurements Using the Multiport Test System for Time-Domain Measurement and Analysis 2. Move the cursor outside of the thumbnail view and right mouse-click to display the sub-menu. Left mouse-click on Time Domain Active. 3. With time domain activated, select Calculate Time Domain from the sub-menu. 4.
Page 101: Scaling And Formatting
Performing Time Domain Measurements Using the Multiport Test System for Time-Domain Measurement and Analysis Scaling and Formatting The scaling and formatting of the displays can be easily changed. Double-click on any of the thumbnails to enlarge the display and view a single parameter in both time (upper view) and frequency (lower view) domains.
Page 102: Time Domain Controls
Performing Time Domain Measurements Using the Multiport Test System for Time-Domain Measurement and Analysis Time Domain Controls Radio buttons allow selection of impulse or step response. When step response is chosen on a reflection parameter, the data can also be displayed as impedance rather than a reflection coefficient.
Page 103: Frequency Domain Controls
Performing Time Domain Measurements Using the Multiport Test System for Time-Domain Measurement and Analysis Frequency Domain Controls In addition to the S-parameters themselves, it is alternatively possible to display the difference (Meas-Calc) or the ratio (Meas/Calc) between the original data and the response once it is transformed to the time domain, and then transformed back to the frequency domain.
Page 104: Practical Considerations
Performing Time Domain Measurements Practical Considerations Practical Considerations In general, the more accurately the frequency domain data can be measured, the more accurate the time domain data will be. Using the step mode rather than the sweep mode provides additional frequency stability of the source that can greatly improve the time domain data.
Page 105: Filtering
Performing Time Domain Measurements Practical Considerations 2. Filtering When a measurement is made in the frequency domain, it is inherently band-limited because it is only measured up to a certain frequency. Therefore, in calculating the time-domain response, this is equivalent to measuring a device with a sharp frequency cutoff. For example, consider an ideal, lossless transmission line capable of passing an infinite bandwidth.
Page 106: Aliasing
Performing Time Domain Measurements Practical Considerations By increasing or decreasing the filter value above or below the default, a tradeoff can be made between pulse width (rise time) and side-lobe level (dynamic range). The key is to pay attention to the calculated frequency-domain response vs. the original data when changing the value of the filter.
Page 107: Response Resolution
Performing Time Domain Measurements Practical Considerations This has implications when selecting the measurement parameters for a DUT, namely that the time window must be larger than the delay through the device to have valid time-domain data. Therefore, the absolute maximum frequency step for the measurement must be Fstep max = 1/Tgd.
Page 108: Checking The Validity Of A Time-Domain Calculation
Performing Time Domain Measurements Checking the Validity of a Time-Domain Calculation Checking the Validity of a Time-Domain Calculation There are a number of practical considerations in examining time domain data, as described previously. Therefore, it is very important to have a method of validating the data. This can be accomplished by comparing the original frequency domain data to the data after it is inverse Fourier transformed into the time domain, and then Fourier transformed back into the frequency domain, as shown in the following illustration.
Page 109: Menu Reference
Menu Reference...
Page 110: Introduction
Menu Reference Introduction Introduction The N4425A Balanced Measurement Software menus are described in this chapter. This chapter is divided by each Main Menu selection. Refer to the following sections for each Main Menu selection. • “File Menu” on page 101 •...
Page 111: File Menu
Menu Reference File Menu File Menu The following is a list of the File menu selections and their locations: • “File > Open > Data…” on page 101 • “File > Open > Cal…” on page 101 • “File > Save > Data…” on page 101 •...
Page 112: File > Save > Cal
Menu Reference File Menu File > Save > Cal… Save the current calibration. Note that this can be either a new calibration or an imported calibration. File > Import > Citifile… Import data previously saved in CitiFile (*.cit) format. CitiFiles imported in this fashion can be used for comparison with other data sets using trace memory (see “Data >...
Page 113: File > Export > Citifile
Menu Reference File Menu File > Export > Citifile… Export current measurement data in memory to CitiFile S4P format. In the Save As dialog box, enter the file name and click Save to save the file. If transforms are on, user-defined equations are in use, or markers have been defined, the Export dialog box appears.
Page 114 Menu Reference File Menu Enter the file name and click Save to save the file. NOTE Exporting to an invalid format may cause data loss. For example, exporting 3-port data in S4P format would create an empty data file (filename.S4P). If transforms are on, user-defined equations are in use, or markers have been defined, the Export dialog box appears.
Page 115: File > Export > Libra
Menu Reference File Menu For the S2P Mixed-Mode By Quadrant format only, the Export dialog box looks like this: Select the format of the data and the desired quadrants (one or more). One 2-port S-parameter file is generated for each selected mixed-mode quadrant. The file name contains a suffix identifying the quadrant.
Page 116: File > Export > Ansoft
Menu Reference File Menu In the Save As dialog box, enter the file name and click Save to save the file. If transforms are on, user-defined equations are in use, or markers have been defined, the Export dialog box appears. Select which types of data to export by checking the appropriate boxes and click OK to export the file.
Page 117: File > Export > Tab-Delimited Text
Menu Reference File Menu If transforms are on, user-defined equations are in use, or markers have been defined, the Export dialog box appears. Select which types of data to export by checking the appropriate boxes and click OK to export the file. Click Cancel to return to the main screen without exporting the file.
Page 118 Menu Reference File Menu Click Print image to disk file to save the data displays as a graphic file. Select a drive and directory and enter a file name in the Save As dialog box. Graphic file options are Windows Bitmap (BMP), JPEG Bitmap (JPG), Targa Bitmap (TGA), and PaintBrush (PCX).
Page 119: File > Exit
Menu Reference File Menu Click Copy marker readout to print area to display the Markers dialog box to the printed data displays. This box can be moved to the location you prefer on the data displays. Click Add measurement timestamp to annotation to add the time and date to the annotation area.
Page 120: Setup Menu
Menu Reference Setup Menu Setup Menu The following is a list of the Setup menu selections and their locations: • “Setup > All…” on page 110 • “Setup > Meas Parameters…” on page 110 • “Setup > Cal Kit Selection…” on page 112 •...
Page 121 Atten box allows direct entry, only increments from 0 to 70 dB are supported. All other boxes allow direct entry. The attenuator box is only displayed on systems using the N4413A and N4414A test sets. In systems using other test sets, the attenuator is coupled to the source power setting.
Page 122: Setup > Cal Kit Selection
Menu Reference Setup Menu Setup > Cal Kit Selection… Pull down Setup > Cal Kit Selection… to open the Select Calibration Kit dialog box and select the calibration kits to use with the system. The system supports assignment of calibration kits per port. Select a calibration kit from each of the drop-down lists.
Page 123: Setup > Adapter Usage
Menu Reference Setup Menu Select the Calibration Instruction Set allows tailoring of the sequence for presenting calibration standards to the system for the best match with the measurement environment. Setup > Adapter Usage… Pull down Setup > Adapter Usage… to open the THRU ADAPTER USAGE dialog box and setup adapters for use in calibrating the system.
Page 124 Menu Reference Setup Menu The errors in the unmeasured paths of Config 1 and Config 2 are calculated. Config 3 measures all paths to ensure maximum accuracy when needed. When a low-loss Thru adapter with a known delay is being used, select Phase Rotation, enter the delay value, and select the units in picoseconds, pS, or centimeters-in-air, cm (air).
Page 125: Setup > De-Embedding
Menu Reference Setup Menu Setup > De-Embedding… Pull down Setup > De-Embedding… to open the De-Embedding dialog box and configure DUT reference planes by de-embedding probes, fixtures, or adapters from the measured data. The software supports reference plane rotation and S-parameter de-embedding of fixtures. Select the reference plane rotation using one of two methods: •...
Page 126 Menu Reference Setup Menu NOTE Port connectors are defined by the cal kits assigned to them in the Calibration Kit Selection window (see “Setup > Cal Kit Selection…” on page 112). Click the Use in Reverse Orientation box to change the orientation of the adapter, probe, or fixture relative to the DUT port.
Page 127 Menu Reference Setup Menu Click Enable De-Embed to turn de-embedding on. Click Perform De-Embed Now to perform de-embedding on the current data set. Perform De-Embed Now is only available when de-embedding has been turned on with Enable De-Embed (see above). Click Disable De-Embed to turn de-embedding off.
Page 128 Menu Reference Setup Menu De-Embedding Status Data files saved after de-embedding has been applied to the data are saved with the de-embedding in place. The software makes note of the de-embedding status when you subsequently load the data file. If the current data has had de-embedding applied (the current data can be either measured or loaded data), the following section is added to the De-Embedding dialog box.
Page 129: Setup > Modify Rotations
Menu Reference Setup Menu Setup > Modify Rotations… Pull down Setup > Modify Rotations… to open the Reference-Plane Rotations dialog box and modify the reference plane rotation settings quickly while using the software. Enter the new rotation values for the desired ports. Using the arrows to change a value applies the change automatically.
Page 130: Setup > Test Port Impedance
Menu Reference Setup Menu Setup > Test Port Impedance… Pull down Setup > Test Port Impedance… to open the Port Impedance dialog box and set reference impedances. By default all four ports are set to 50Ω impedance. Enter new reference impedances in the port boxes as desired.
Page 131: Setup > Display Configuration
Menu Reference Setup Menu If the default test port impedance has been changed on at least one of the ports: • The new configuration is displayed on the main screen: • Two indicator bar buttons are displayed on the main screen: The ALT-Z On button means that an arbitrary reference impedance (non-50Ω) has been selected in Setup.
Page 132 Menu Reference Setup Menu Click Set Display to apply the associated display configuration. Click Capture Config to capture the current display configuration. Enter a configuration identification in the Config Identifier box. The configuration identification must be unique to that configuration file. Click Erase Config to remove that configuration from the system.
Page 133 Menu Reference Setup Menu Click LOAD ALL to load all the display configurations associated with a configuration file without selecting individual display configurations. Click SAVE ALL to save all the currently loaded display configurations. Click Restore Defaults to undo any changes that have been made since the beginning of the session to primary and user-defined displays.
Page 134: Setup > Hardware
Menu Reference Setup Menu Setup > Hardware… Pull down Setup > Hardware… to open the Hardware Configuration dialog box to configure the system. Select the Analyzer Model and the Test-Set Model from the drop-down lists. Enter the Analyzer Address and the Test-Set Address (GPIB addresses). The GPIB INTERFACE area shows the current status of the interface.
Page 135: Setup > Preferences
Menu Reference Setup Menu Follow the five step configuration process as shown in the GPIB Detection and Configuration dialog box. The name in step 2 is optional. If desired, use the name of the interface card supplied by the manufacturer. Setup >...
Page 136 Menu Reference Setup Menu Select Perform Setup sequence when Calibrate is selected to force complete calibration configuration each time you select Calibrate > Perform Calibration > from the main menu. With Perform Setup sequence when Calibrate is selected enabled, the Measurement Parameters, Calibration Kit Selection, and CALIBRATION: THRU ADAPTER/PHASE ROTATION dialog boxes are displayed for edits or confirmation.
Page 137 Menu Reference Setup Menu Select Display analyzer settings and de-embed information when Measure is selected to have the system show this information prior to a measurement. This allows you to confirm that the measurement settings are correct before beginning a measurement. Select Blank old data during measurement to have the system stop showing any old measurements on display while a new measurement is being made.
Page 138: Setup > 4-Port
Menu Reference Setup Menu Click Copy marker readout to print area to have the system default to include marker information in the annotation area of the printed copy. Click the Load/Save tab to display the Load/Save preference options. Performing a measurement creates a large amount of data in addition to the displayed data. This includes raw uncorrected data and data generated during intermediate stages of the correction process.
Page 139: Setup > 3-Port (Ports 1, 2, And 4)
Menu Reference Setup Menu Setup > 3-Port (Ports 1, 2, and 4) With a 4-port calibration, it is possible to make 3-port measurements. This reduces the number of sweeps from 8 (for a 4-port device) to 6. Test ports 1, 2, and 4 are used. Test port 3 is not used.
Page 140 Menu Reference Setup Menu You can proceed with making a new 3-port measurement. NOTE If you change the configuration from 4-port to 3-port for an existing measurement, and then change it back to 4-port by selecting Setup > 4-Port, the missing plots are displayed and the data from those plots is restored. 1 Single-Ended, 1 Balanced Port Transform In 3-port mode, you can transform from “2 single-ended and 1 balanced port”...
Page 141: Setup > 2-Port (Ports 1 And 3) / (Ports 2 And 4)
Menu Reference Setup Menu Pull down Data > Transforms > 1 Single-Ended, 1 Balanced from the menu. The new Test Set Connections box opens to show the proper connections: Click OK to close the Test Set Connections box. Setup > 2-Port (Ports 1 and 3) / (Ports 2 and 4) With a 4-port calibration, it is possible to make 2-port measurements.
Page 142 Menu Reference Setup Menu 1 Balanced Port Transform In 2-port (Ports 2 and 4) configuration (not Ports 1 and 3), a transform to 1 balanced port is available. Pull down Data > Transforms > 1 Balanced Port from the menu. The new Test-Set Connections box opens to show the proper connections.
Page 143: Calibrate Menu
Menu Reference Calibrate Menu Calibrate Menu The following is a list of the Calibrate menu selections and their locations: • “Calibrate > Create Cal Subset…” on page 133 • “Calibrate > Remove Cal Subset” on page 135 • “Calibrate > Standard Calibration…” on page 135 •...
Page 144 Menu Reference Calibrate Menu Click Show Sample of Cal Freqs to display a sample of calibration frequencies from the current full-sweep calibration. The CURRENT CAL SETTINGS line shows the Start and Stop frequencies and the number of points in the current full-sweep calibration. In the START: and STOP: fields, enter the start and stop frequencies for the new calibration subset.
Page 145: Calibrate > Remove Cal Subset
Menu Reference Calibrate Menu Click Save Cal Subset to save the new calibration subset. In the Save As dialog box, enter the file name and click Save. Click Make Subset Cal the Active Cal to redefine the current subset as full calibration. Click Restore Full-Sweep Calibration to restore the full-sweep calibration set.
Page 146: Data Menu
Menu Reference Data Menu Data Menu The following is a list of the Data menu selections and their locations: • “Data > Memory…” on page 136 • “Data > User-Defined Display > Add Page…” on page 139 • “Data > User-Defined Display > Modify Page…” on page 142 •...
Page 147 Menu Reference Data Menu Click Close to close the Trace Memory dialog box. Use the Storage functions to manage data memory. The system identifies the various trace types on display through color. Current data displays a red trace. Memorized data displays in blue.
Page 148 Menu Reference Data Menu Click Identified MEM → DATA to make the identified trace the current data. This selection is only available when Identify MEM is selected (see below). Since this will replace the current data, the system warns you: Click OK to make the change, or click Cancel to return to the Trace Memory dialog box without making the change.
Page 149: Data > User-Defined Display > Add Page
Menu Reference Data Menu “How to Use Trace Memory” on page 48 for more information. Data > User-Defined Display > Add Page… Pull down Data > User Defined Display > Add Page… to open the User-Defined Display dialog box. The User-Defined Display dialog box enables you to add a user-defined display or a series of user-defined displays to the system.
Page 150 Menu Reference Data Menu Enter a Tab Title for the tab associated with this display. In this case, Quadrature Hybrid was entered. See the tab on the illustration on page 142. Select the Number of Plots to use in this display, up to four. You can enter the number directly or use the arrows.
Page 151 Menu Reference Data Menu Variables are: • PI 3.1415926… • Z1 Port 1 Reference Impedance • Z2 Port 2 Reference Impedance • Z3 Port 3 Reference Impedance • Z4 Port 4 Reference Impedance Operators include: • addition (+) • subtraction (−) •...
Page 152: Data > User-Defined Display > Modify Page
Menu Reference Data Menu Click Cancel to abandon any changes and return to the main screen. Click the User-Defined button near the bottom of the main screen to display your user-defined plots. Your user-defined page will be saved with your display configuration, but is not saved automatically.
Page 153: Data > User-Defined Display > Delete Page
Menu Reference Data Menu Select the page to modify from the drop-down list and click OK to modify the display definition. Click Cancel to return to the main screen. “Data > User-Defined Display > Add Page…” on page 139 for more information. Data >...
Page 154: Data > User-Defined Display > View Equations
Menu Reference Data Menu Data > User-Defined Display > View Equations… Pull down Data > User-Defined Display > View Equations… to open the Defined Equations dialog box and view the equations that have been defined in the user-defined pages. Click OK to close the dialog box. Data >...
Page 155: Data > Transforms > 2 Single-Ended, 1Balanced Port
Menu Reference Data Menu Data > Transforms > 2 Single-Ended, 1Balanced Port Pull down Data > Transforms > 2 Single-Ended, 1 Balanced Port to perform mixed-mode mathematical transformations on the data. Test-set ports 1 and 3 are assumed to be single-ended ports, and ports 2 and 4 are assumed to be a balanced pair.
Page 156: Data > Display Acquisition Info
Menu Reference Data Menu Data > Display Acquisition Info Pull down Data > Display Acquisition Info to see the test conditions and acquisition settings. The system displays this acquisition information in an information box as shown in the following illustration. Data >...
Page 157: Utility Menu
Menu Reference Utility Menu Utility Menu The following is a list of the Utility menu selections and their locations: • “Utility > Manual Test-Set Control…” on page 147 • “Utility > Characterize Adapter…” on page 150 • “Utility > Measurement Counter Visible” on page 151 •...
Page 158 Menu Reference Utility Menu Switch Positions Tab The Switch Positions tab is used to select the stimulus/response settings. You can configure the system for two S-parameters at a time. The switch configuration allows only certain combinations of S-parameters. The primary S-parameter can be one of the 16 available S-parameters. Selecting a primary S-parameter sets the switches on the test-set and sets the proper measurement, A/R or B/R, on channel one of the analyzer.
Page 159 Menu Reference Utility Menu The analyzer is only capable of displaying uncorrected data and will not accurately display the S-parameter of the DUT on-screen in Display-Data mode. To assist in the tuning process, analyzer trace-memory is used to make the analyzer screen emulate the corrected data as a baseline for tuning using Data/Mem mode.
Page 160: Utility > Characterize Adapter
Menu Reference Utility Menu Attenuator Tab The Attenuator tab is used to manually control the attenuator that is built into the test set. Use the Attenuator tab when evaluating power levels at the test-set ports and during system checks. Changes to the attenuator setting made here are temporary. The attenuator is reset to its prior value when the dialog box is closed.
Page 161: Utility > Measurement Counter Visible
Utility > Reset Measurement Counter Select Utility > Reset Measurement Counter to reset the measurement counter (which increments every time the Measure button is depressed) to 0. Utility > Diagnostics This selection is for internal Agilent Technologies use only. Chapter 5...
Page 162: Help Menu
Menu Reference Help Menu Help Menu The following is a list of the Help menu selections and their locations: • “Help > Contents…” on page 152 • “Help > About Multiport…” on page 152 Help > Contents… Pull down Help > Contents… to open the help system. Help >...
Page 163: Maintenance And Troubleshooting
Maintenance and Troubleshooting...
Page 164: Electrostatic Discharge
Use the following illustration and list of equipment to set up a static-safe workstation. Static-Safe Workstation • static-control table mat and earth ground wire: part number 9300-0797 • wrist-strap cord: part number 9300-0980 • wrist-strap: part number 9300-1367 • heel-straps: part number 9300-1308 • floor mat: not available through Agilent Technologies Chapter 6...
Page 165: Care Of Test Cable Assemblies
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Care of Test Cable Assemblies Care of Test Cable Assemblies Proper use and care of your test cable assemblies will yield positive results including: • longer life • higher performance • better repeatability Performing the routine inspection and cleaning of the test cable assemblies, especially the connectors, is very important to making the best possible measurements.
Page 166: Cable Handling
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Care of Test Cable Assemblies Depending on the connector, over-torque can cause damage to connectors in a variety of ways: • mushroomed outer interface shells • mushroomed pin shoulders • recessed or protruding pins • recessed or protruding dielectrics •...
Page 167: Connector Care For Rf & Microwave Coaxial Connectors
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Connector Care for RF & Microwave Coaxial Connectors Connector Care for RF & Microwave Coaxial Connectors Proper connector care and connection techniques are critical for accurate, repeatable measurements. Refer to the calibration kit documentation for connector care information. Prior to making connections to the network analyzer, carefully review the information about inspecting, cleaning and gaging connectors.
Page 168 Maintenance and Troubleshooting Connector Care for RF & Microwave Coaxial Connectors Connector Care Quick Reference Handling and Storage Keep connectors clean Do Not Touch mating-plane surfaces Extend sleeve or connector nut Set connectors contact-end down Use plastic end-caps during storage Visual Inspection Inspect all connectors carefully Do Not...
Page 169: Troubleshooting
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Use the following table to help troubleshoot your multiport test system. Troubleshooting the Test System Symptom Cause Cure One or more biases not Bias fuse blown. Check bias fuses. Replace if applied. needed with fuse of the same type and rating.
Page 170: Contacting Agilent
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Contacting Agilent Contacting Agilent You may use the following table to contact Agilent Technologies for assistance with any Agilent product. Contacting Agilent Online assistance: www.agilent.com/find/assist United States Latin America (tel) 1 800 452 4844 (tel) (305) 269 7500...
Page 171 Maintenance and Troubleshooting Contacting Agilent Make sure the following information is readily available when you call: • the serial number of the test set • a list of any options or accessories installed in or in use with the test set •...
Page 172 Maintenance and Troubleshooting Contacting Agilent Chapter 6...
Page 173: Instrument Information
Instrument Information...
Page 174: Front And Rear Panels
Front and Rear Panels Front and Rear Panels The front and rear panel of each Agilent multiport test set model is illustrated and described in this section. N4413A Front and Rear Panel N4413A Front Panel Front Panel Feature Description Number...
Page 175 Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels Front Panel Feature Description Number Feature Type-N (f) 50Ω connector that is connected to the network analyzer B port. POWER ON/OFF switch that disconnects the mains circuits from the mains supply before other parts of the test set. The front panel POWER switch disconnects the mains circuits from the mains supply after the EMC filters and before other parts of the instrument.
Page 176 Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels N4413A Rear Panel Rear Panel Feature Description Number Feature BIAS 1 BNC (f) connector. The bias port is used to supply a dc voltage PORT 1 to an active DUT, such as an amplifier or a transistor.
Page 177 Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels Rear Panel Feature Description Number Feature BIAS 4 BNC (f) connector. The bias port is used to supply a dc voltage PORT 4 to an active DUT, such as an amplifier or a transistor. BIAS 2 Fuse, 0.5 A, 250 V (Agilent part number 2110-0012) FUSE 1/2A...
Page 178: N4414A Front And Rear Panel
Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels N4414A Front and Rear Panel N4414A Front Panel Front Panel Feature Description Number Feature RF IN Type-N (f) 50Ω connector that is connected to the network analyzer RF IN port. Type-N (f) 50Ω connector that is connected to the network analyzer R port.
Page 179 Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels Front Panel Feature Description Number Feature GPIB Three LEDs (R, T, and L) that display the GPIB status of the STATUS test set when it is communicating with the network analyzer. R = Remote Operation, T = Talk mode, L = Listen mode. AUXILIARY 15-pin ribbon (f) connector that may be connected to the Agilent N4430A/B ECal module to provide ECal capability.
Page 180 Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels N4414A Rear Panel Rear Panel Feature Description Number Feature BIAS 1 BNC (f) connector. The bias port is used to supply a dc voltage PORT 1 to an active DUT, such as an amplifier or a transistor. BIAS 1 Fuse, 0.5 A, 250 V (Agilent part number 2110-0012) FUSE 1/2A...
Page 181 Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels Rear Panel Feature Description Number Feature BIAS 4 BNC (f) connector. The bias port is used to supply a dc voltage PORT 4 to an active DUT, such as an amplifier or a transistor. BIAS 2 Fuse, 0.5 A, 250 V (Agilent part number 2110-0012) FUSE 1/2A...
Page 182: N4415A Front And Rear Panel
Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels N4415A Front and Rear Panel N4415A Front Panel Front Panel Feature Description Number Feature SWITCH SMA (f) connector that is connected to the network analyzer PORT 1 SWITCH connector using a semirigid cable. COUPLER SMA (f) connector that is connected to the network analyzer PORT 1 COUPLER connector using a semirigid cable.
Page 183 Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels Front Panel Feature Description Number Feature SWITCH SMA (f) connector that is connected to the network analyzer PORT 2 SWITCH connector using a semirigid cable. R IN SMA (f) connector that is connected to the network analyzer R Channel IN connector using a semirigid cable.
Page 184 Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels N4415A Rear Panel Rear Panel Feature Description Number Feature REF 1 R OUT SMA (f) connector, used as an output reference signal REF 2 R OUT Not Used PORT 4 BIAS BNC (f) connector. The bias port is used to supply a dc voltage to an active DUT, such as an amplifier or a transistor.
Page 185 Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels Rear Panel Feature Description Number Feature Power Cord Connector, 100-120 Vac or 220-250Vac input and Connector Fuse, T 2.5 A 250 V (Agilent part number 2110-0681) REF 1 R IN SMA (f) connector, used as an input reference signal Chapter 7...
Page 186: N4416A Front And Rear Panel
Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels N4416A Front and Rear Panel N4416A Front Panel Front Panel Feature Description Number Feature R1 IN SMA (f) connector that is connected to the network analyzer R1 IN connector using a semirigid cable. A IN SMA (f) connector that is connected to the network analyzer A IN connector using a semirigid cable.
Page 187 Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels Front Panel Feature Description Number Feature COUPLER IN SMA (f) connector that is connected to the network analyzer COUPLER IN connector using a semirigid cable. B IN SMA (f) connector that is connected to the network analyzer B IN connector using a semirigid cable.
Page 188 Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels N4416A Rear Panel Rear Panel Feature Description Number Feature REF 2 R IN SMA (f) connector, used as an input reference signal PORT 4 BIAS BNC (f) connector. The bias port is used to supply a dc voltage to an active DUT, such as an amplifier or a transistor.
Page 189 Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels Rear Panel Feature Description Number Feature Power Cord Connector, 100-120 Vac or 220-250Vac input and Connector Fuse, T 2.5 A 250 V (Agilent part number 2110-0681) REF 2 R OUT SMA (f) connector, used as an output reference signal Chapter 7...
Page 190: N4417A Front And Rear Panel
Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels N4417A Front and Rear Panel N4417A Front Panel Front Panel Feature Description Number Feature R1 IN SMA (f) connector that is connected to the network analyzer R1 IN connector using a semirigid cable. A IN SMA (f) connector that is connected to the network analyzer A IN connector using a semirigid cable.
Page 191 Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels Front Panel Feature Description Number Feature COUPLER IN SMA (f) connector that is connected to the network analyzer COUPLER IN connector using a semirigid cable. B IN SMA (f) connector that is connected to the network analyzer B IN connector using a semirigid cable.
Page 192 Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels N4417A Rear Panel Rear Panel Feature Description Number Feature REF 2 R IN SMA (f) connector, used as an input reference signal PORT 4 BIAS BNC (f) connector. The bias port is used to supply a dc voltage to an active DUT, such as an amplifier or a transistor.
Page 193 Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels Rear Panel Feature Description Number Feature Power Cord Connector, 100-120 Vac or 220-250Vac input and Connector Fuse, T 2.5 A 250 V (Agilent part number 2110-0681) REF 2 R OUT SMA (f) connector, used as an output reference signal Chapter 7...
Page 194: N4418A Front And Rear Panel
Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels N4418A Front and Rear Panel N4418A Front Panel Front Panel Feature Description Number Feature SWITCH SMA (f) connector that is connected to the network analyzer PORT 1 SWITCH connector using a semirigid cable. COUPLER SMA (f) connector that is connected to the network analyzer PORT 1 BIAS TEE connector using a semirigid cable.
Page 195 Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels Front Panel Feature Description Number Feature PORT 4 APC-3.5 (m) connector with 20 mm nut that is connected to the DUT or fixture. (+17 dBm maximum operating level) COUPLER SMA (f) connector that is connected to the network analyzer PORT 2 BIAS TEE connector using a semirigid cable.
Page 196 Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels N4418A Rear Panel Rear Panel Feature Description Number Feature REF 1 R OUT SMA (f) connector, used as an output reference signal REF 2 R OUT SMA (f) connector, used as an output reference signal PORT 4 BIAS BNC (f) connector.
Page 197 Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels Rear Panel Feature Description Number Feature Power Cord Connector, 100-120 Vac or 220-250Vac input and Connector Fuse, T 2.5 A 250 V (Agilent part number 2110-0681) REF 1 R IN SMA (f) connector, used as an input reference signal Chapter 7...
Page 198: N4419A Front And Rear Panel
Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels N4419A Front and Rear Panel N4419A Front Panels Front Panel Feature Description Number Feature REFERENCE SMA (f) connector that is connected to the network analyzer REFERENCE 1 SOURCE OUT connector using a semirigid cable. 1 SOURCE REFERENCE 1 SMA (f) connector that is connected to the network analyzer...
Page 199 Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels Front Panel Feature Description Number Feature PORT 4 PORT 4 - APC-3.5 (m) connector with 20 mm nut that is connected to the DUT or fixture. (+17 dBm maximum operating level) REFERENCE SMA (f) connector that is connected to the network analyzer REFERENCE 2 RCVR R2 IN connector using a semirigid cable.
Page 200 Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels N4419A Rear Panel Rear Panel Feature Description Number Feature REF 2 R IN SMA (f) connector, used as an input reference signal PORT 4 BIAS BNC (f) connector. The bias port is used to supply a dc voltage to an active DUT, such as an amplifier or a transistor.
Page 201 Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels Rear Panel Feature Description Number Feature Power Cord Connector, 100-120 Vac or 220-250Vac input and Connector Fuse, T 2.5 A 250 V (Agilent part number 2110-0681) REF 2 R OUT SMA (f) connector, used as an output reference signal Chapter 7...
Page 202: N4421A Front And Rear Panel
Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels N4421A Front and Rear Panel N4421A Front Panel Front Panel Feature Description Number Feature R1 OUT 2.4 mm (f) connector that connects to the network analyzer REFERENCE 1 OUT connector using a semirigid cable. R1 IN 2.4 mm (f) connector that connects to the network analyzer REFERENCE 1 RCVR R1 connector using a semirigid cable.
Page 203 Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels Front Panel Feature Description Number Feature R2 OUT 2.4 mm (f) connector that connects to the network analyzer REFERENCE 2 OUT connector using a semirigid cable. SOURCE 2.4 mm (f) connector that connects to the network analyzer PORT 2 SOURCE OUT connector using a semirigid cable.
Page 204 Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels N4421A Rear Panel Rear Panel Feature Description Number Feature REF 2 R OUT 2.4 mm (f) connector, used as an output reference signal REF 2 R IN 2.4 mm (f) connector, used as an input reference signal. Switch that is used to set the GPIB address.
Page 205 Instrument Information Front and Rear Panels Rear Panel Feature Description Number Feature PORT 4 Bias Fuse, 0.5 A, 250 V (Agilent part number 2110-0012) FUSE PORT 4 BIAS BNC (f) connector. The bias port is used to supply a dc voltage to an active DUT, such as an amplifier or a transistor.
Page 206: Specifications And Characteristics
Instrument Information Specifications and Characteristics Specifications and Characteristics The Agilent multiport test set power supply requirements, environmental operating conditions, and physical characteristics are displayed on the following pages. Power Supply Requirements The power supply requirements for the multiport test sets are listed below. Input Voltage Range 100 to 120 Volts 220 to 250 Volts...
Page 207: Physical Characteristics
Weight and Dimensions Model Weight Dimensions Number Height (A) Width (B) Depth (C) 9.0 kilograms 3.0 in 16.75 in 19.25 in N4413A, N4414A, (19.9 pounds) (7.62 cm) (42.55 cm) (48.90 cm) N4415A, N4416A, N4417A, N4418A, and N4419A N4421A 9.0 kilograms 5.5 in...
Page 208 Instrument Information Specifications and Characteristics Chapter 7...
Page 209: Safety And Regulatory Information
Safety and Regulatory Information...
Page 210: General Information
General Information Refer to the information in this section before cleaning your multiport test set or before returning your multiport test set to Agilent Technologies for service. Cleaning When cleaning the test set, using a dry or damp cloth only.
Page 211: Safety Information
Safety and Regulatory Information Safety Information Safety Information Review to the safety information in this section before operating your Agilent Technologies multiport test system. Safety Symbols The following safety symbols are used throughout this manual. Familiarize yourself with each of the symbols and its meaning before operating the multiport test system.
Page 212: Instrument Markings
Safety and Regulatory Information Safety Information Instrument Markings Familiarize yourself with each of the markings and its meaning before operating the multiport test system. The ON symbol. The ON symbol is used to mark the positions of the instrument line switch. The OFF symbol.
Page 213: Safety Considerations
Safety and Regulatory Information Safety Information Safety Considerations Familiarize yourself with each of the safety considerations before operating the multiport test system. This instrument has been designed and tested in accordance with the NOTE standards listed on the Manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity and has been supplied in a safe condition.
Page 214 Safety and Regulatory Information Safety Information Servicing WARNING No operator serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel. To prevent electrical shock, do not remove covers. WARNING These servicing instructions are for use by qualified personnel only. To avoid electrical shock, do not perform any servicing unless you are qualified to do so.
Page 215 WARNING To prevent electrical shock, disconnect the Agilent Technologies N441x series (N4413A, N4414A, N4415A, N4416A, N4417A, N4418A, N4419A, and N4421A) multiport test set from mains before cleaning. Use a dry cloth or one slightly dampened with water to clean the external case parts.
Page 216: Regulatory Information
Safety and Regulatory Information Regulatory Information Regulatory Information The Agilent Technologies multiport test system complies with the regulatory requirements listed in this section. Compliance with Canadian EMC Requirements This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES-001. Cet appareil ISM est conforme a la norme NMB du Canada.
Page 217: Declaration Of Conformity
Safety and Regulatory Information Regulatory Information Declaration of Conformity Chapter 8...
Page 218 Safety and Regulatory Information Regulatory Information Chapter 8...
Page 219: Other Technical Procedures
Other Technical Procedures...
Page 220 Other Technical Procedures This appendix contains a procedure that may be helpful to you, using the balanced measurement software. Refer to the following procedure: • “Waveguide Characterization Procedure” on page 211 • “IF Gain Adjustment” on page 212 Appendix A...
Page 221: Waveguide Characterization Procedure
Other Technical Procedures Waveguide Characterization Procedure Waveguide Characterization Procedure Use this procedure to characterize a waveguide measurement. 1. Calibrate the Agilent microwave network analyzer. 2. Measure the DUT. 3. Save the measured data in S2P format on the network analyzer by pressing the Save/Recall key and then pressing the DEFINE DISK-SAVE, SAVE USING ASCII, and FORMAT ARY ON off softkeys.
Page 222: If Gain Adjustment
Other Technical Procedures IF Gain Adjustment IF Gain Adjustment This procedure is for N8362A and N8364A PNA network analyzers that have firmware revisions less than Revision 3.0. It is recommended that the Service IF Gain Adjustment test be run before using the test set. This routine adjusts the R Channel receivers ALC gain to ensure phase lock over the entire frequency range of the PNA Series Network Analyzer.
Page 223 Other Technical Procedures IF Gain Adjustment Figure A-1 File Path on PNA Network Analyzer Window 4. Double click “ifgainadjust.exe.” 5. Minimize the PNA Network Analyzer window when it appears. You should see the IF Gain Adjust window. Figure A-2 IF Gain Adjustment Window 6.
Page 224 Other Technical Procedures IF Gain Adjustment Appendix A...
Page 225 BIAS 2 PORT 2 connector reverse orientation BIAS 3 FUSE BIAS 3 PORT 3 connector usage BIAS 4 FUSE Add Gate BIAS 4 PORT 4 connector address switch bias fuse bias tees adjustment, IF gain option Agilent Technologies offices...
Page 226 Index binary numbers CE symbol blank old data changing the reference level – blue buttons characteristics blue traces characterization BMP format, saving to file BUS ADDRESS switch file, adapter interpolating adapter bus connector waveguide characterize active devices adapters cable passive devices bends single-ended devices care...
Page 227 Index C-Tick mark disk, printing to a disk, saving measurements to display acquisition information data adding a user-defined acquisition configuration blank old during measurements configurations clearing all deleting a user-defined clearing stored equations, viewing user-defined – exporting modifying a user-defined importing parameters, copying and pasting incompatible...
Page 228 Hardware Configuration dialog box frequency range of power supply hardware setup front panel heel straps, ESD N4413A height Help system contents N4414A Help, About Multiport N4415A help, getting N4416A humidity N4417A...
Page 229 Index importing data marker impulse indicators reflection printing readouts response selection search transmission markers IN connector displaying active indicator bar displaying all individual moving displays, printing property box measurements using Industrial Scientific and Medical Group 1 using to display relative values Class A product Markers Active input voltage range of power supply...
Page 230 CPLR ARM connector number of plots CPLR THRU connector RCVR A IN connector SOURCE OUT connector PORT 2 off symbol BIAS connector offices of Agilent Technologies on symbol connector ON/OFF switch CPLR ARM connector online assistance CPLR THRU connector open calibration data...
Page 231 RF connections dynamic RF connector care frequency RF IN connector resolution RF power readouts, printing marker ripple real display rotation rear panel modifying reference plane N4413A phase N4414A reference plane N4415A running the software N4416A N4417A N4418A N4419A N4421A...
Page 232 Index single parameter display single plot displays S2P format single-ended S2P mixed-mode by quadrant format device S3P format device characterization S4P format performance – safety considerations transform before applying power skew general skipping indicators, point safety earth ground skipping points servicing Smith chart display safety earth ground safety considerations...
Page 233 Index system trace accessories color components math connections memory controller requirements monotonic installing the software Trace Memory dialog box transform options 1 balanced port setup 1 single-ended, 1 balanced port 2 balanced ports 2 single-ended, 1 balanced port balanced attenuator disabling a switch positions single-ended...
Page 234 Index when to calibrate width Windows, operating system, compatible versions workstation, static-safe wrist strap, ESD Zero Length zoom in and out (scaling) zooming, frequency indicators...

This manual is also suitable for:

N4414a N4415a N4416a N4417a N4418a N4419a ... Show all

Agilent Technologies N4413A User Manual

About the Multiport Test System

User Interface

Using the Multiport Test System

Performing Time Domain Measurements

Menu Reference

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Instrument Information

Safety and Regulatory Information

Other Technical Procedures

Quick Links

Troubleshooting

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Summary of Contents for Agilent Technologies N4413A

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Table of Contents