Specifications

13
PNA Family Application Options (continued)
Measurement applications (continued)
Solid black series name indicates the feature is available
on that series, while gray series name with strikethrough
indicates the feature is not available on that series. For
example;
PNA: Available on PNA Series
PNA: Not available on PNA Series
□ Source phase control (Option 088)
PNA-X PNA PNA-L
This option allows users to set calibrated, arbitrary phase differences
between two signal sources. The sources can be the analyzer’s
internal sources or external signal generators routed through the
analyzer’s test set. The phase difference can be fixed, or swept
between two specified phase values. Option 088 also controls the
relative power level between the sources using the receiver-leveling
feature. Option 088 is useful for two applications. The first is for
active-load control, where the analyzer provides a precise, electroni-
cally settable impedance to the output port of a device, while gain
and output power are measured. This capability can be combined
with external load-pull software to create traditional load-pull power
contours. The second application is to provide a pair of phase-
controlled sources for differential, quadrature, or arbitrary phase-off
set signals at a fixed or swept frequency. Typically in this case,
another instrument, receiver, or detector would be used to measure
the response of the DUT. Not available with PNA Option 200.
□ Integrated true-mode stimulus application (Option 460)
PNA-X PNA PNA-L
Integrated true-mode stimulus application (iTMSA) provides mis-
match-corrected true-mode (true differential mode and true com-
mon mode) stimulus and enables accurate balanced measurements
under real operating conditions. iTMSA also provides balanced
measurements with forward-only sweep, reverse-only sweep, and
frequency or power sweep with arbitrary phase and amplitude off-
sets. Requires one of Options 400, 401, 417, 419 and 423.
□ N-port capabilities (Option 551)
1
PNA-X PNA PNA-L
Adds a multiport analyzer mode, which enables full N-port error
correction and measurement capabilities using an external test
set. Only standard measurement class is available in the multi-
port analyzer mode. For multiport analysis greater than 8 ports,
it is highly recommended to use PLTS software N1930B to
manage the large data format files that easily grow exponentially
(12 port S-parameter files have 144 S-parameter elements).
Noise figure options
□ Noise figure measurements using standard receivers (Option 028)
PNA-X PNA PNA-L
This option adds firmware for high-accuracy noise figure
measurements of amplifiers, frequency converters, and mixers
using the analyzer's standard receivers, and utilizing Agilent's
unique source-correction technique. Using an Agilent ECal module
configured as an impedance tuner (N4691B/93A/94A-M0F rec-
ommended; must be ordered or supplied separately), the effects
of imperfect system-source match are removed, greatly improving
the accuracy of the cold-source technique. This approach sur-
passes the accuracy provided by the Y-factor method and other
cold-source implementations. A scalar calibration choice is also
available that offers less accuracy but is faster and does not
require the external ECal module used as an impedance tuner. For
calibration, a power meter and separate ECal module or mechani-
cal calibration kit is required (must be ordered or supplied sepa-
rately). An external preamplifier and filter(s) is required for devices
with < 30 dB of excess noise (gain plus noise figure in dB) up to
20 GHz, < 40 dB up to 50 GHz, or < 45 dB up to 67 GHz. Front
panel jumpers provide a convenient spot for adding a preamplifier
and filter for low gain, low noise figure devices. Not available with
N522xA-200 and -400.
1. When configuring N524xA as a multiport analyzer using Option 551 and a multiport test set, the combiner feature of Option 224 or 423 is temporarily
disabled. When configured as a standalone analyzer, the combiner feature is enabled. When ordering a test set, select an appropriate interface kit.
Refer to page 21 Multiport Measurements section for more details.