Dynamic Accuracy Performance Test — Alternate Solution

Dual Solution Test

There are two solutions available for this test depending on the test equipment mapped in TME.

• Preferred solution — uses the U3020A-D01 test set and signal generator

• Alternate solution — uses the Z5623A-H01 test set

TME will select the solution depending on the ETE that is mapped. If both test sets and the signal generator are mapped, TME will run the preferred solution with the U3020A-D01 test set and signal generator. If only the Z5623A-H01 test set is mapped, TME will run the alternate solution. For the preferred solution, click here.

Test Description

This test measures the relative power linearity of the network analyzer's receivers, and verifies the Test Port Input – Dynamic Accuracy specification.

All measurements are performed at 1.195 GHz with the PNA in CW mode. Each port is tested separately. The reference power level for measurements is -22 dBm.

The Dynamic Accuracy Test Set (Z5623A Option H01) is used in the test. It inputs a signal from a source port on the PNA. The input signal is routed through step attenuators to both the PNA port under test and the power sensor (N8482A or 8482A).

The test process is very complex. It uses the PNA source and the Dynamic Accuracy Test Set to create power levels that are deltas from the reference power level (-22 dBm). Each delta is measured two ways: by the power sensor and by the PNA receiver under test.

The power measurements made by the power sensor are limited to the nominal range of -2 to -12 dBm. The power sensor is very linear and repeatable in this limited range. The power output level of the PNA and the step attenuators in the Dynamic Accuracy Test Set are manipulated to meet this requirement. Typically, multiple power sensor readings are "stacked up" (combined) to determine the magnitude of a single delta measurement.

When a PNA receiver measures a power level, the following conditions apply:

• The averaging is dependent on the power level. Lower power levels require higher averages. Up to 64 averages can be used for the lowest power levels.

• IFBW=100 Hz

• 51 points per sweep

• Two measurements are made simultaneously, a ratioed thru measurement (B/R, A/R, and so forth) in linear format and a reference (R) measurement in watts. The ratio measurement allows the instrument to perform the averaging more accurately.

• After the appropriate number of sweeps have been averaged, the mean trace statistic is used to determine two separate values: the ratioed measurement (no units) and the reference measurement (watts). To determine the average power measured by the non-reference receiver in watts, multiply the ratioed measurement by the reference measurement. (Example: [A/R] * [R]= A)

• Watts are converted to dBm (P_dbm= 10 * Log 10(Watts * 1000) )

For troubleshooting help, see Dynamic Accuracy Troubleshooting.

Required Test Equipment

Below is the required test equipment for this test. Select the link that applies to your model.

• Table A: PNA RF models:

  • E8356A, E8357A, E8358A
    E8801A, E8802A, E8803A
    

• Table B: PNA microwave models:

  • E8362A, E8362B, E8362C

• Table C: PNA microwave models:

  • E8363A, E8363B, E8363C
    E8364A, E8364B, E8364C
    E8361A, E8361C
    

Dynamic Accuracy Measurement Setup