Agilent Technologies NFA Series Quick Reference Manual
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Agilent Technologies NFA Series Quick Reference Manual

Agilent Technologies NFA Series Quick Reference Manual

Noise figure analyzers
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Noise Figure Analyzers
NFA Series
Quick Reference Guide
Manufacturing Part Number: N8972-90003
May 2000
© Copyright 2000 Agilent Technologies

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  • Page 1 Noise Figure Analyzers NFA Series Quick Reference Guide Manufacturing Part Number: N8972-90003 May 2000 © Copyright 2000 Agilent Technologies...
  • 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. Agilent...
  • Page 3 NOTE Note calls out special information for the user’s attention. It provides operational information or additional instructions of which the user should be aware. The instruction documentation symbol. The product is marked with this symbol when it is necessary for the user to refer to the instructions in the documentation.
  • Page 4 This Agilent Technologies instrument product is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of three years from date of shipment. During the warranty period, Agilent Technologies Company will, at its option, either repair or replace products which prove to be defective.
  • Page 5 Agilent Technologies for use with an instrument will execute its programming instructions when properly installed on that instrument. Agilent Technologies does not warrant that the operation of the instrument, or software, or firmware will be uninterrupted or error-free. LIMITATION OF WARRANTY...
  • Page 6 Manufacturer's Declaration This statement is provided to comply with the requirements of the German Sound Emission Directive, from 18 January 1991. This product has a sound pressure emission (at the operator position) < 70 dB(A). • Sound Pressure Lp < 70 dB(A). •...

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Contents 1. Getting Started What You will Find in this Chapter ......2 Overview of the Front-Panel .
  • Page 8 Contents Selecting Fixed Frequency Mode ......32 Setting the Bandwidth and Averaging ......33 Selecting a Bandwidth Value .
  • Page 9 Contents Configuring the Characteristics of an External LO ....62 Custom Command Set ........62 Settling Time .
  • Page 10 Contents...

  • Page 11: Getting Started

    Getting Started This chapter introduces you to basic features of the Noise Figure Analyzer, including front panel and rear panel descriptions, and an overview of the display annotation.

  • Page 12: What You Will Find In This Chapter

    Getting Started What You will Find in this Chapter What You will Find in this Chapter This chapter covers the following: • Overview of the Front-Panel • Overview of the Rear-Panel • Display Annotation • Overview of the Front Panel Keys •...

  • Page 13: Overview Of The Front-Panel

    Getting Started Overview of the Front-Panel Overview of the Front-Panel Figure 1-1 Front panel parts overview Table 1-1 Front panel item descriptions Item Description Viewing Angle keys allow you to adjust the display. (escape) key cancels any entry in progress. Menu keys are the unlabeled keys next to the screen.
  • Page 14 Getting Started Overview of the Front-Panel Table 1-1 Front panel item descriptions Item Description functions allow you to configure the MEASUREMENT measurement mode and set the NFA parameters needed for making measurements. keys activate Frequency/Points Averaging/Bandwidth the primary set up function keys and access menus of related functions.
  • Page 15 Getting Started Overview of the Front-Panel Table 1-1 Front panel item descriptions Item Description The Data Entry Keys, which include the Up/Down arrow keys, RPG (rotatable knob), and numeric keys, allow you to enter or change the numeric value of an active function. The RPG allows continuous change of functions such as, center frequency, averages, and marker position.

  • Page 16: Overview Of The Rear-Panel

    Getting Started Overview of the Rear-Panel Overview of the Rear-Panel Figure 1-2 Rear panel parts overview Table 1-2 Rear panel item descriptions Item Description Power input is the input for the AC line-power source. Chapter 1...
  • Page 17 Getting Started Overview of the Rear-Panel Table 1-2 Rear panel item descriptions Item Description . The fuse is removed by twisting counterclockwise Line Fuse 1/4 turn. Replace only with a fuse of the same rating. See the label on the rear panel. Service Connector.

  • Page 18: Display Annotation

    Getting Started Display Annotation Display Annotation The graph display annotation, shown in Figure 1-3, is referenced by numbers, which are listed with a description and a function key indicating which key activates the function related to the annotation. Figure 1-3 Display Annotation Each item is given a description and where applicable a function key associated with it.
  • Page 19 Getting Started Display Annotation Table 1-3 Display annotation item descriptions Item Description The active function area displays the label and value of the currently active key. The time and date display, controlled by the menu Time/Date key, under the key menus. System The marker 1 frequency, controlled by the Marker(1⇑...
  • Page 20 Getting Started Display Annotation Table 1-3 Display annotation item descriptions Item Description The marker 3 frequency, controlled by the Marker(3⇓) State menu keys. The marker 3 amplitude. The number of averages, controlled by the menu key. Averages The display status line, displays instrument status and error messages.

  • Page 21: Overview Of The Front Panel Keys

    Getting Started Overview of the Front Panel Keys Overview of the Front Panel Keys How the Front Panel Keys are Organized The front panel keys are divided into four main groups: • keys, which are used to configure the measurement MEASURE parameters •...
  • Page 22 Getting Started Overview of the Front Panel Keys Figure 1-4 Menu Keys Action keys Pressing any of the white keys ( Calibrate Full Screen Restart Save Trace ) invokes an action and these keys are called action keys. Print To activate a menu key function, press the key immediately to the right To activate a menu key function of the screen menu key.

  • Page 23: Performing Common File Operations

    Getting Started Performing Common File Operations Performing Common File Operations This section covers: • Formatting a diskette • Saving a file • Loading a file • Renaming a file • Coping a file • Deleting a file Formatting a Diskette The format is MS-DOS.
  • Page 24 Getting Started Performing Common File Operations Figure 1-5 File Manager Menu Step 3. Start the format process by pressing , then Format Enter Step 4. Press , a second time to format the disk. Enter The format process takes approximately three minutes. You are now ready to save files to the disk.

  • Page 25: Saving A File

    Getting Started Performing Common File Operations Saving a File You can save files (ENR tables, states, traces, limits, frequency lists, or screens) to a floppy disk (A:\), or the internal drive (C:\) of the Noise Figure Analyzer. Step 1. To access the Save menu press File Save Step 2.

  • Page 26: Loading A File

    Getting Started Performing Common File Operations Loading a File You can load files (ENR tables, states, limits or frequency lists) from a floppy disk (A:\), or the internal drive (C:\). Not all the file types you save can be loaded back into the Noise Figure NOTE Analyzer.

  • Page 27: Copying A File

    Getting Started Performing Common File Operations Step 6. Press and your file is now renamed and visible within the directory Enter displayed on your Noise Figure Analyzer. Copying a File This allows you to copy a file to a different location on both the [-C-] and [-A-] drive.

  • Page 28: Deleting A File

    Getting Started Performing Common File Operations Deleting a File This allows you to delete a file from the [-C-] or [-A-] drive. Step 1. To access the Delete menu press File Setup File Manager Delete Step 2. Select the type of file you want to delete (ENR tables, states, traces, limits, frequency lists or screens).

  • Page 29: Working With Tables

    Getting Started Working with Tables Working with Tables The Frequency List, ENR Table and Limit Line Editor use table forms. The following is an overview of how to use the common features in these tables. Table 1-4 Using Tables To... Use the...
  • Page 30 Getting Started Working with Tables Chapter 1...

  • Page 31: Making Basic Measurements

    Making Basic Measurements This chapter describes how to make basic noise figure measurements using your Noise Figure Analyzer and also covers the most common measurement related tasks.

  • Page 32: What You Will Find In This Chapter

    Making Basic Measurements What You will Find in this Chapter What You will Find in this Chapter This chapter covers: • Entering ENR Data • Setting the Measurement Frequencies • Setting the Bandwidth and Averaging • Calibrating the Analyzer • Displaying the Measurement Results •...

  • Page 33: Entering Enr Data

    Making Basic Measurements Entering ENR Data Entering ENR Data You can enter ENR data for the noise source you are using as a table for measurements at several frequencies, or as a single spot value for measurements at a single frequency. Selecting a Common ENR Table To use the same ENR table for calibration and measurement, press the menu key set the...

  • Page 34: Entering Enr Table Data

    Making Basic Measurements Entering ENR Data Entering ENR Table Data You can enter ENR data in the form of an ENR table in four ways: • manually by inputting the required frequencies and corresponding ENR values • loading the ENR data from a diskette, on which the data has been previously stored •...
  • Page 35 Making Basic Measurements Entering ENR Data Step 3. Optional Step Press the menu key and enter the noise source model number using the numeric keys and the Alpha Editor. Step 4. Press the menu key to enter the noise source ENR values. Edit Table Step 5.
  • Page 36 Making Basic Measurements Entering ENR Data Figure 2-4 A Typical ENR Table after data entry If you do not save the ENR table, it is lost the next time you power down NOTE or preset the instrument, as the data is temporarily stored in volatile memory.

  • Page 37: Saving An Enr Table

    Making Basic Measurements Entering ENR Data To load ENR data from memory Step 1. If the ENR file is on diskette, insert the diskette into the floppy drive of the Noise Figure Analyzer. Step 2. Press the key to access the File Manager. File Step 3.

  • Page 38: Entering A Spot Enr Value

    Making Basic Measurements Entering ENR Data Entering a Spot ENR Value To enter a Spot ENR value: Step 1. Press the key, then the menu key. Spot ENR Step 2. Enter an ENR value using the numeric keys and terminate it using the unit termination menu keys.

  • Page 39: Setting The Measurement Frequencies

    Making Basic Measurements Setting the Measurement Frequencies Setting the Measurement Frequencies Three frequency modes are available: • — the measurement frequencies are obtained from the start Sweep and stop (or equivalent center and span) frequencies and the number of measurement points. •...

  • Page 40: Selecting List Frequency Mode

    Making Basic Measurements Setting the Measurement Frequencies Step 3. Enter the frequency range by either entering the Start Freq Stop Freq frequencies, or the and the Center Freq Freq Span Step 4. Press the menu keys. More 1 of 2 Points Step 5.
  • Page 41 Making Basic Measurements Setting the Measurement Frequencies Figure 2-5 An Empty Frequency List Step 3. Press the menu keys. More 1 of 2 Clear Table Step 4. Enter the frequency value you want using the numeric keys. Terminate it using the unit menu keys which are presented to you. Step 5.

  • Page 42: Selecting Fixed Frequency Mode

    Making Basic Measurements Setting the Measurement Frequencies Creating a Frequency List from Swept Points When you have a series of swept frequency points and you want to create a frequency list from them, press the menu keys. This More 1 of 2 Fill clears the current frequency list and fills the list with the frequencies generated by the sweep frequency mode.

  • Page 43: Setting The Bandwidth And Averaging

    Making Basic Measurements Setting the Bandwidth and Averaging Setting the Bandwidth and Averaging Selecting a Bandwidth Value Step 1. Press the key. Averaging/Bandwidth The current bandwidth is shown on the menu key. Bandwidth Step 2. Press the menu key and select the bandwidth you want from Bandwidth the list of available options.

  • Page 44: Calibrating The Analyzer

    Making Basic Measurements Calibrating the Analyzer Calibrating the Analyzer Calibration is necessary to compensate for the noise contribution of the Noise Figure Analyzer and any associated cabling etc. in the measurement path. To perform calibration you need to enter the ENR values and set up the frequency range, number of measurement points, bandwidth and the averaging used for the measurement.

  • Page 45: Selecting The Input Attenuation Range

    Making Basic Measurements Calibrating the Analyzer Step 4. If required select an input attenuator range by pressing the key and Corr menu key to set the minimum and maximum input Input Cal attenuation. See “Selecting the Input Attenuation Range” on page 35 for mode details on input attenuation.

  • Page 46: Displaying The Measurement Results

    Making Basic Measurements Displaying the Measurement Results Displaying the Measurement Results The following display format features are available: • Graph, Table or Meter mode display • Single or dual-graph display allowing any two available result types to be displayed simultaneously •...
  • Page 47 Making Basic Measurements Displaying the Measurement Results Navigating Around the Display The active graph is highlighted by a green border. Noise Figure is the Active Graph active graph by default. Figure 2-7 Dual-graph display Changing the To change the active graph, press the key below the display.

  • Page 48: Setting Which Result Types Are Displayed

    Making Basic Measurements Displaying the Measurement Results You can fill the entire display and remove the menu keys and certain Viewing the Full Screen annotation from the display. Press the key to view the full Full Screen screen. Pressing the key again returns it to a previous display.

  • Page 49: Graphical Features

    Making Basic Measurements Displaying the Measurement Results Graphical features Viewing a single graph While in graph format mode, you can press the key located below the display and the active graph fills the display as a single graph. Figure 2-8 Displaying a single graph Combining the two graphs on the same graph The default setting is...
  • Page 50 Making Basic Measurements Displaying the Measurement Results Figure 2-9 Typical display with two traces combined on the same graph Displaying the Current Data Trace and the Recalled Memory Trace When a trace finishes its first complete sweep the menu Data -> Memory key becomes enabled.

  • Page 51: Setting The Scaling

    Making Basic Measurements Displaying the Measurement Results Turning the Graticule On and Off To turn the graticule on or off: Step 1. Press the key. Format Step 2. Press the menu key to set it to the Graticule Graticule(Off) Graticule(On) required.
  • Page 52 Making Basic Measurements Displaying the Measurement Results Setting the Reference Level The reference level is only visible when the is enabled. NOTE Display Ref(On) Step 1. Press the menu key if you want the reference level displayed Display Ref in the active graph. Set the which switches the reference Display Ref(On) level on.

  • Page 53: Working With Markers

    Making Basic Measurements Displaying the Measurement Results Working with Markers NOTE The marker functions only apply when you are working in graph format. The Noise Figure Analyzer features four independent markers. are associated with the upper graph trace, Marker(1⇑ ) Marker(2⇑...
  • Page 54 Making Basic Measurements Displaying the Measurement Results To turn an active marker off press the menu key and press the To turn an active State marker off menu key to highlight it. This also removes the marker annotation from the display and uncouples any marker functions. To change the The default active marker setting is .
  • Page 55 Making Basic Measurements Displaying the Measurement Results Changing the Marker States menu key places a reference marker at the current To use Delta State(Delta) Markers position of the active marker. This enables you to measure the difference between the reference marker and an active marker position on the trace.
  • Page 56 Making Basic Measurements Displaying the Measurement Results Figure 2-12 Band Pair with Normal Marker Enabled Marking Memory Traces To place a marker on the recalled memory trace: Step 1. Enable the menu key. Trace(Memory) Step 2. Set the marker you want to use to , or Normal Delta...
  • Page 57 Making Basic Measurements Displaying the Measurement Results Coupling Markers To couple markers between the upper and lower graph traces: Step 1. Place a marker on both traces. For details on setting markers, see “Selecting Markers” on page 43. Step 2. Press the menu key to set the each of the markers.
  • Page 58 Making Basic Measurements Displaying the Measurement Results Figure 2-14 Typical Trace showing Maximum Point Found To search for the minimum point, select the Search Type(Min) Step 1. Press the menu key. Search Step 2. Press the menu key to select the Search Type Search Type(Min) Step 3.
  • Page 59 Making Basic Measurements Displaying the Measurement Results Figure 2-15 Peak to Peak Found menu key. Step 1. Press the Search Step 2. Press the menu key to select Search Type Pk-Pk(On) Step 3. Press the menu key. Find If you want to continuously find the maximum and minimum points on the trace, select Continuous(On) Chapter 2...

  • Page 60: Indicating An Invalid Result

    Making Basic Measurements Indicating an Invalid Result Indicating an Invalid Result Several invalid result conditions may exist simultaneously. These conditions are ranked in order of severity and only the most severe condition present is displayed. The ranking order is: Table 2-1 Ranking Order of Invalid Result Conditions Ranking Order Invalid Result Condition...

  • Page 61: Advanced Features

    Advanced Features This chapter describes how to use the Limit Lines and Loss Compensation features on your Noise Figure Analyzer.

  • Page 62: What You Will Find In This Chapter

    Advanced Features What You will Find in this Chapter What You will Find in this Chapter This chapter covers: • Setting up Limit Lines and using them for pass/fail testing of the measurements. • Setting Loss Compensation and using this to correct for losses in cabling, switches, or connectors caused by temperature variations etc.

  • Page 63: Setting Up Limit Lines

    Advanced Features Setting up Limit Lines Setting up Limit Lines The Noise Figure Analyzer features four independent Limit Lines. The are applied to the upper graph, and Limit Line(1⇑ ) Limit Line(2⇑ ) are associated with the lower graph. Limit Line(3⇓) Limit Line(4⇓) The default limit line setting is .

  • Page 64: Creating A Limit Line

    Advanced Features Setting up Limit Lines Creating a Limit Line Step 1. Press the key and select the limit line you want to create. Limit Lines Step 2. Press the menu key. Editor Figure 3-1 Limit Line Table Step 3. Enter the first Frequency value. Press the key.

  • Page 65: Setting Loss Compensation

    Advanced Features Setting Loss Compensation Setting Loss Compensation You can configure the Noise Figure Analyzer to compensate for losses due to cabling, connectors and temperature effects that occur in the measurement setup between the Noise Source and the DUT, and between the DUT and the Noise Figure Analyzer input.
  • Page 66 Advanced Features Setting Loss Compensation field and input the required temperature loss Before Temperature value occurring before the DUT. Step 5. When configuring loss compensation after the DUT, use the key to navigate to the field and set it to ON by selecting the menu After DUT key to highlight it).

  • Page 67: Performing System Operations

    Performing System Operations This chapter describes how to perform the system-level tasks, such as configuring the Noise Figure Analyzer’s GPIB address, defining the preset conditions and configuring an external LO.

  • Page 68: What You Will Find In This Chapter

    Performing System Operations What You will Find in this Chapter What You will Find in this Chapter This chapter covers: • Setting the GPIB Addresses • Configuring the Serial Port • Configuring the LO GPIB • Configuring the Characteristics of an External LO •...

  • Page 69: Setting The Gpib Addresses

    Performing System Operations Setting the GPIB Addresses Setting the GPIB Addresses NOTE The LO GPIB does not support a Network Analyzer or plotters. To Set the GPIB Addresses Step 1. Press the key and press the menu keys. System GPIB Figure 4-1 System GPIB Form Step 2.

  • Page 70: Configuring The Serial Port

    Performing System Operations Configuring the Serial Port Configuring the Serial Port Step 1. Press the System Step 2. Press the menu key. Serial The System Serial Form now appears. See Figure 4-2 Figure 4-2 System Serial Form Step 3. Use the keys to navigate through the form and the menu keys to configure the serial parameters as required.

  • Page 71: Configuring The Lo Gpib

    Performing System Operations Configuring the LO GPIB Configuring the LO GPIB Step 1. Press the System Step 2. Press the menu key. LO GPIB You are presented with a System LO GPIB Form. See Figure 4-3 Figure 4-3 System LO GPIB Form This enables or disables the NFA as the LO GPIB controller.

  • Page 72: Configuring The Characteristics Of An External Lo

    Performing System Operations Configuring the Characteristics of an External LO Configuring the Characteristics of an External LO The NFA can control an external LO using its LO GPIB port. Custom Command Set If the LO has a GBIB you are unlikely to use the custom command set. However, you can customize a command set to define the operation of a non-GPIB compatible LO.
  • Page 73 Performing System Operations Configuring the Characteristics of an External LO The default suffix commands have an intentional space inserted. NOTE Step 4. Press the key to move the highlight to the required position in the form. You can choose to enter the Prefix and Suffix of the power and frequency. Also you can enter an auxiliary command.

  • Page 74: Settling Time

    Performing System Operations Configuring the Characteristics of an External LO Figure 4-6 External LO Auxiliary Command Changes Settling Time The purpose of the settling time is to ensure that the NFA waits a sufficient amount of time after issuing a command to allow the LO’s output to stabilize.

  • Page 75: Minimum And Maximum Frequencies

    Performing System Operations Configuring the Characteristics of an External LO Minimum and Maximum Frequencies The minimum and maximum frequencies, in most cases, represent the frequency capability of the LO. However, they do not affect the LO and are only used by the NFA to determine if the requested frequency parameter is acceptable.

  • Page 76: Configuring The Internal Alignment

    Performing System Operations Configuring the Internal Alignment Configuring the Internal Alignment Data from the internal alignment routine is necessary for accurate NFA operation and when enabled, the internal alignment routine runs continuously to ensure that the NFA is using current alignment data which improves the NFA’s accuracy.

  • Page 77: Displaying Error, System And Hardware Information

    Performing System Operations Displaying Error, System and Hardware Information Displaying Error, System and Hardware Information Displaying the Error History Step 1. Press the key. System Step 2. Press menu key to view the error queue. Show Errors To clear the error screen, press Clear Error Queue Displaying System Information Step 1.

  • Page 78: Presetting The Noise Figure Analyzer

    Performing System Operations Presetting the Noise Figure Analyzer Presetting the Noise Figure Analyzer To preset the analyzer using its factory defaults: Step 1. Turn the NFA on by pressing the key and wait for the power-up process to complete. Step 2. Press System Power On/Preset Preset (Factory)

  • Page 79: Defining The Power-On/Preset Conditions

    Performing System Operations Defining the Power-On/Preset Conditions Defining the Power-On/Preset Conditions You can set the NFA so that it returns to a user-defined state upon power-up and preset. The power-up and preset conditions can be different if required. Setting the Power On Conditions Step 1.

  • Page 80: Restoring System Defaults

    Performing System Operations Restoring System Defaults Restoring System Defaults Step 1. Press the System Step 2. Press the menu key. More 1 of 3 Step 3. Press the menu key. Restore Sys Defaults Chapter 4...

  • Page 81: Setting The Time And Date

    Performing System Operations Setting the Time and Date Setting the Time and Date To turn the time and date on and off Step 1. Press the key. System Step 2. Press the menu key. Time/Date Step 3. Press the menu key to turn alignment Time/Date Time/Date(On) as required.

  • Page 82: Configuring A Printer

    Performing System Operations Configuring a Printer Configuring a Printer Printer connection To connect your printer turn off the printer and the NFA and connect the printer to the parallel I/O interface connector of the NFA using an IEEE 1284 compliant parallel printer cable. If appropriate, configure your printer (see your printer documentation for more details on configuring your printer).
  • Page 83 Index Numerics copy files creating a frequency list 10 MHz ref in file copying custom command 10 MHz ref out file deleting file loading file menu functions copy data invalid indicator active function delete delete files address GPIB format delta marker alignment load disk format...
  • Page 84 Index intensity serial number settling time viewing angle noise source output spot ENR SYSTEM functions key overview parallel connector power input Tab Keys Power-On conditions tcold data changing defining temperature correction limit line 1 Preset limit line 2 defining conditions limit line 3 Preset key limit line 4...

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