Getting Started Guide

The Keysight N7840A performance test software provides fast and accurate testing of the Keysight PNA series network analyzers. This guide should be used in conjunction with the Test Management Environment (TME) Help. This guide provides information specific to testing PNAs using the N7840A software. Perform the steps in the order listed below.

1. Check software configuration and test equipment

2. Prepare the PNA for testing

   1. Default cable connections for mm-wave PNA systems

3. Pretest the PNA

4. Run the performance tests

5. View test reports

6. Final steps

Step 1: Check Software Configuration and Test Equipment

Refer to the TME Help as needed when following the steps below:

1. Ensure that the N7840A software has been properly installed on the controller PC (see readme.txt for N7840A for details).

2. Ensure that you have the correct test equipment for the PNA model to be tested.

3. Ensure the test equipment has been configured into the appropriate test station under TME.

4. Ensure the required GPIB test equipment is connected to the controller PC. If there are problems with the GPIB connections, see GPIB Troubleshooting.

   Typical GPIB address configurations for the equipment in a test station are:

   PNA	16
   Signal Source	19
   Power Meter	13
   Frequency Counter	3
   Dynamic Accuracy Test Set	9	U3020AD01
   Dynamic Accuracy Test Set	12	Z5623AH01
   Gain Compression Test Set	17	Z5623AK01
   Gain Compression Test Set	23	U3070AK01

Step 2: Prepare the PNA for Testing

Default cable connections for mm-wave PNA systems (N5290A, N5291A)

Banded millimeter-wave systems are made up of three types of major components: a PNA or PNA-X, a controller test set, and millimeter-wave heads (frequency extenders). The millimeter head controllers provide the test interface between the millimeter-wave test head modules and the PNA/PNA-X (PNA) series network analyzers.

For testing to be successful, the front and rear default cable connections between the PNA and the test set must be done properly. Complete installation instructions with illustrations can be found in the N5290A/N5291A Installation Guide on the Keysight PNA technical support website. Enter the model number and click .

Test fixture for mm-wave PNA systems (N5290A, N5291A)

For tests that have a connection from one frequency extender to another (e.g. Trace Noise Performance Test), it is recommended to use a test fixture (also called desktop positioner) to align the two frequency extenders for best test results. Refer to the Test Equipment for 1 mm Connector mm-Wave PNA Systems for the part number.

It's also helpful to use a straight edge of some sort to further align the frequency extenders. For an image of the test fixture setup, click here.

Serial number for N5290A, N5291A mmWave systems

Check the basic operation of the PNA

Follow these steps before testing the PNA:

1. If the front panel loop option is installed, make sure all loops are installed correctly. The loops are vertical on RF PNAs and horizontal on microwave PNAs.

2. On the rear panel:

   1. Remove all RF, IF, and bias tee input connections.

   2. Remove all control cables connected to the Handler I/O, Pulse I/O, Test Set I/O, and Pwr I/O connectors.

3. Connect the keyboard and mouse before power-up. (This may be done later.)

4. Power up the PNA and allow it to warm up for 90 minutes.

   If the PNA boots up without requiring a password, continue with the next step. If a password is required, obtain it from the PNA owner.

5. Press the green Preset button on the PNA.

6. Check the GPIB settings on the PNA:

   1. Click System > Configure > SICL/GPIB.

   2. Set as Talker/Listener; leave other boxes unchecked.

   3. Note the GPIB address.

   4. If the GPIB address conflicts with an existing address on the test station, temporarily change the PNA address and record the original address. The original address should be restored when testing is complete.

7. You are now ready to run the pretest as described in the next section.

Step 3: Pretest the PNA

The pretest verifies that the basic PNA performance will support the tests.  The pretest checks the S11, S22, S21, and S12 raw performance of the PNA. Run the pretest before you test each PNA. The PNA should pass the pretest before proceeding to the Performance Tests.

Pretest Procedure

Click Run tab to access the run screen. From the run screen, follow these steps:

1. Connect the PNA to the test station via GPIB.

2. Create a new order or open an existing order under TME for the PNA to be tested.

   • When setting up a new order and the PNA address is other than 16, use the GPIB address from the steps above.
   • If the PNA does not respond to the Detect>> button, see Pre-Test Failure Troubleshooting.

   • Once you reach the order information screen, proceed to the next step.

3. Click the Run Tests tab, indicate a Session Name, select Utilities as the Test Plan, and select a Test Station.

4. Enter the operator's name along with values for the temperature, humidity, and line frequency in the Test Context area.

5. Click the Start button. This starts execution of the Performance Check test.

6. Follow the setup instructions on the PC display.

7. Follow any instructions on the PC display to fix any problems the Pretest discovers.

Pass or fail results will be indicated in the Results column. If the PNA fails one or more of the checks, see Pre-Test Failure Troubleshooting.

Step 4: Run the Performance Tests

When you have completed setting up your test station and running the pretest from the previous section, you are ready to run the performance tests on the PNA. If you have not already done so, click the Run Tests tab.

Procedure to run a test plan

The system is ready to test your unit. It is recommended that you perform the pretest described above if you have not done so already.

1. Select the Session Name, select Performance Verification as the Test Plan, and select the Test Station. Next, select a Variant. As of the E.18.00 release, there are now two test plan variants available: Normal and Factory Recommended. For more information about test plan variants, refer to the Test Plan Variants topic.

2. Be sure the information in the Test Context area is correct.

3. It is recommended to check the Pause between tests check box (in the Run Control area).

4. Be sure that Pause on test point fail is not selected for the following tests:

   • Metrology Stability
   • Receiver Compression
   • Noise Floor
   • System Dynamic Range
   • Dynamic Accuracy
   • Noise Receiver Linearity
   • Receiver Noise Figure
   • Receiver Noise Figure (26.5 GHz and below)
   • Calibration Coefficients
   • System Default Cal Verification
   • Input VSWR (VSWR)
   • Noise State Calibration Coefficients
   • Noise Receiver Match

   • R-Channel Linearity

   

5. Execute tests as desired.

If the tests do not complete successfully or if the PNA fails one or more performance tests, see Troubleshooting Overview.

Notes on checking a connection

Generally, when a user is prompted to make a connection during a test, the software will make simple measurements to insure the proper connection has been made before continuing with the test. When the measurements indicate an improper connection, the message window is titled Possible error in connections. The connection error message generally describes the symptom. The user is expected to be technically competent to determine the cause of the symptom. (Connection checking is not always practical, such as with sliding loads, shorts.)

Step 5: View Test Reports

Test results may be viewed and printed via the Test Reports tab on the TME screen. For detailed instructions, see Session Based Reports under Detailed Operator Tasks in the TME Help system.

Step 6: Final Steps

At testing completion, perform the following to return the PNA to its original state.

Before powering down the PNA

If the GPIB address of the PNA has been changed for testing, restore the original address.

It is strongly recommended that the PNA Operator's Check be performed before returning the instrument to a user. This provides a basic functional check to make sure that nothing has "broken" unexpectedly.

Power down the PNA

Power down the PNA before disconnecting power. It is recommended that you do a full Windows shutdown prior to returning a PNA to a customer. (It is just like shutting down Windows before turning off power on a desktop PC.)

ESD Precautions

Protection against ESD (electrostatic discharge) is essential while connecting, inspecting, or cleaning connectors attached to a static-sensitive circuit (such as those found in test sets). Static electricity can build up in your body and can easily damage sensitive internal circuit elements when discharged. Static discharges too small to be felt can cause permanent damage. Devices such as calibration components and PNAs under test can also carry an electrostatic charge. To prevent damage to the test set, components, and devices:

• Always wear a grounded wrist strap having a 1 million Ohm resistor in series with it when handling components and devices or when making connections to the test set.

• Always use a grounded antistatic mat in front of your test equipment.

• Always wear a heel strap when working in an area with a conductive floor. If you are uncertain about the conductivity of your floor, wear a heel strap.