News - Component Test

Network Analyzer for Active Device Tests with 8.5 GHz

07 April 2014 – Agilent Technologies expanded its flexible PNA-X family of network analyzers with an 8.5 GHz model that more economically supports lower-frequency devices used in wireless communication applications (e.g., handsets, base stations, WLAN and other mobile communication devices). With low-noise amplifier tests there are typically multiple test stations, such as small signal gain/match, distortions and noise figure; the PNA-X integrates these test stations into one.

By integrating measurements from multiple test stations into one, the PNA-X reduces the number of test stations by as much as 75 percent and reduces costs by 30 percent.

The new 8.5 GHz model also now brings the NVNA solution to engineers working in the RF and microwave frequency ranges. Agilent’s NVNA is the industry’s first measurement and simulation environment for designing nonlinear components. The result is the highest level of insight into nonlinear device behavior, making the NVNA capability especially useful for scientists researching new RF technologies and engineers involved in designing today’s high-performance active devices. Using NVNA, X-parameters are measured and then used to create X-parameter models that can be imported into Agilent’s Advanced Design System (ADS) to simulate actual linear and nonlinear component behavior.

“For today’s wireless communication designers and manufacturers of RF components, finding a test system that meets their needs without forcing them to pay for functionality they don’t want is paramount,” said Steve Scheppelmann, Agilent’s PNA marketing manager. “The new 8.5 GHz PNA-X model, coupled with the industry’s widest range of measurement applications, now provides them the flexibility they need to build their optimal test solution.”

Key features of the PNA-X Series network analyzers include:

• Single-connection, multiple measurements. The configurable 2- or 4-port network analyzers offer a unique single-connection solution for CW and pulsed S-parameter, compression, intermodulation distortion (IMD) and noise figure measurements.
• Two built-in high-performance signal sources, making the PNA-X the industry’s only 2-port network analyzer with an internal second source. Sources offer high output power (+16 dBm), low harmonics (-60 dBc) and a wide power sweep range (40 dB).
• Industry’s widest range of measurement applications for amplifiers, converters or modules with linear and nonlinear characterizations. Applications include vector noise figure, gain compression, IMD, true differential and NVNA.
• Internal signal-routing switches. Switches provide increased flexibility for adding signal conditioning hardware or additional test equipment for single connection measurements.
• Internal pulse modulators and generators for fast, simplified pulse measurements—the only network analyzer to feature them. This advanced capability enables pulse measurements up to 30 times faster compared with other analyzers that require external generators and modulators.

www.agilent.com/