Second Harmonic Distortion (SHD) Performance Test

At each test frequency, a signal is applied whose amplitude meets the requirement for the power at the first mixer. One or more low pass filters are inserted between the source and the PSA under test to prevent the second harmonic of the source from artificially raising the second harmonic product as it is displayed on the PSA. The Marker Amplitude function is used to measure the level of the distortion product and the theoretical Second Harmonic Intercept point (SHI) is calculated.

To reduce amplitude uncertainty due to flatness, a power meter is used to characterize the PSA at the fundamental and 2nd harmonic frequencies.

Click here for troubleshooting.

Required Test Equipment

Test Equipment

Model Number

E4440A
E4443A
E4445A

E4446A
E4447A
E4448A

Synthesized Sweeper

PSG Models
(see equipment list)

X

X

Power Meter

N1914B

X

X

Power Sensor

N8481A 

X

X

Power Splitter

11667A 

X

X

50 MHz Low Pass Filter

0955-0306

X

X

300 MHz Low Pass Filter
(2 required)

0955-0455

X

X

1 GHz Low Pass Filter

0955-0487

X

X

1.8 GHz Low Pass Filter
(2 required)

0955-0491

X

X

4.4 GHz Low Pass Filter
(2 required)

9135-0005

X

X

BNC Cable

8120-2582 

X

X

Type-N Cable

11500C 

X

X

Type-N (m) to BNC (f) adapter

1250-1476

X

X

3.5 mm (m) to 3.5 mm (m) adapter

1250-1478

X

X

Type-N (m) to Type-N (m) adapter

1250-1475

X

 

Type-N (f) to 3.5 mm (f) adapter

1250-1745

X

 

Type-N (f) to BNC (m) adapter

1250-1477

X

X

Type-N (m) to 3.5 mm (f) adapter
(2 required for Option BAB; 1 for std.)

1250-1744

Opt BAB

 

2.4 mm (f) to 3.5 mm (f) adapter

11901B  

 

X

2.4 mm (f) to Type-N (m) adapter

11903D  

 

X

2.4 mm (f) to Type-N (f) adapter

11903B

X

X

Type N (f) to 3.5 mm (m) adapter

1250-1750

X

X

Connection Setup

Power Meter Calibration

Second Harmonic Distortion Test Setup