Receiver Compression Performance Test

  • A separate test has been created for frequencies above 50 GHz to avoid unnecessary recalibration of the power sensors.

  • Because of the measurement process, "Source Unleveled" messages may appear on the PNA display during this test. These errors are expected and acceptable.

  • Before running this test, be sure the Meas: Mathematical offset for source attenuation preference is turned on. To check the status of this setting, from the PNA menu, go to

    Utility à System à Configure à Preference

    Be sure the setting is ON.

This test measures the compression at the specified maximum power level for the receivers, and verifies the Test Port Input – Maximum Test Port Input Level specification, or the Test Port Input – Receiver Compression specification, whichever applies. Compression is measured at various frequencies across the range of the PNA. The test is performed separately on each port, and measures amplitude distortion at the maximum input power level for a given receiver. A negative test result indicates compression while a positive result indicates amplitude expansion.

The test process measures two power deltas, one at the top of the receiver input power range and another in the middle of the input power  range. The difference between the two deltas represents the compression at the top of the power range. The PNA provides the signal used to test each port. Sometimes a short is used on the port under test to reflect the test signal back into the port under test. Other times a cable is used to allow a separate port to drive the port under test. Some PNA models require a Gain Compression Test Set to boost the PNA output to the level required for testing. Some models may require multiple test processes: one for the lower frequency range and another for the upper frequency range.

For coupling factor specifications for the E8361A and E8361C, click here.

For troubleshooting help, see Receiver Compression Troubleshooting.

Required Test Equipment

Below is the required test equipment separated by connector type. Select the link that applies to the connector type for your model.

 

For Type-N Connector PNA Models

E8356A, E8357A, E8358A
E8801A, E8802A, E8803A
N3381A, N3382A, N3383A

Test Equipment

Recommended Model

Alternate Model

Power meter1

N1914A

E4419A/B
EPM-442A
N1912A

Power sensor

N8482A

8482A

Power sensor
(for > 3 GHz to 9 GHz models)
(not required when testing 3 GHz models)

N8481A

8481A

Calibration kit
(only a short is used)

85032F

none

Power sensor cable
(Qty 2)
(1 required when testing 3 GHz models)

11730A

equivalent

RF cable Type-N (m) to Type-N (m)
(for N338xA only)

N6314A

8120-8862

Adapter Type-N (f) to Type-N (f)
(for N338xA only)

1250-0777

equivalent

10 dB fixed attenuator
(only required for models without the optional internal step attenuator)

8491A Opt. 010

8491B Opt. 010

20 dB fixed attenuator
(for N338xA only)

8491A Opt. 020

8491B Opt. 020

1. When testing PNAs that have a frequency range up to 3 GHz, the E4418A/B power meter can be used; therefore the E4412A power sensor and power sensor cable will not be required.

For 3.5 mm Connector PNA Models

E8362A, E8362B, E8362C

Test Equipment

Recommended Model

Alternate Model

Power meter

N1914A

E4419A/B
EPM-442A
N1912A

Power sensor

N8482A

8482A

Power sensor

N8485A

E9300A H25
8485A

Gain Compression Test Set

U3070A-K01

Z5623A-K01

Power sensor cable
(Qty 2)

11730A

equivalent

Cable RF 3.5 mm (f) to 3.5 mm (f)
(Qty. 2)

85131-60013

85131-60010
(not for 4-port)

Adapter 3.5 mm (m) to 2.4 mm (f)

11901D

equivalent

Adapter 3.5 mm (m) to 2.4 mm (f)
(NMD type)

85130-60010

none

Adapter 3.5 mm (m) to Type-N (f)

1250-1750

equivalent

Adapter 3.5 mm (f) to Type-N (m)
(for power sensor calibration)

1250-1744

08485-60005

For 2.4 mm Connector PNA Models

E8363A, E8363B
E8364A, E8364B

Test Equipment

Recommended Model

Alternate Model

Power meter

N1914A

E4419A/B
EPM-442A
N1912A

Power sensor

N8482A

8482A

Power sensor

N8487A

8487A

Gain Compression Test Set

U3070A-K01

Z5623A-K01

Cable RF 2.4 mm (f) to 2.4 mm (f)
(qty. 2)

85133-60016
(more flexible)

85133-60002
(less flexible)

Power sensor cable
(Qty 2)

11730A

equivalent

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

11903C

equivalent

Adapter 2.4 mm (f) to Type-N (m)
(for power sensor calibration)

11903D

08487-60001

For 1.85 mm Connector PNA Models

E8361A, E8361C

Test Equipment

Recommended Model

Alternate Model

Power meter

N1914A

E4419A/B
EPM-442A
N1912A

Power sensor

N8482A

8482A

Power sensor

N8487A

8487A

Power sensor

N8488A

V8486A with the V281A waveguide adapter1
(includes Option H67)2

Short 1.85 mm (f)
(may come from 85058B cal kit)

85058-60105

none

10 dB fixed attenuator 1.85 mm
(qty. 2 if Opt. 014, otherwise qty 1)
(not required for models with Opt. UNL)

8490G Opt. 010

Anritsu 41V-10

Power sensor cable
(qty. 2)

11730A

equivalent

Bypass cable
(for Option 014 only)

E8361-60005

none

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

11903B

equivalent

Adapter 2.4 mm (f) to Type-N (m)
(for power sensor calibration)

11903D

08487-60001
  1. Combination of the V8486A power sensor and V281A adapter must be calibrated as a single unit—do not separate. For more information, click here.Closed
  2. Option H67 is an ANSI Z540-1 calibration for the V8486A power sensor with a V281A connector adapter (connected together).

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Connection Setups

Due to the complexity of the PNA family of analyzers, the following notes apply to illustrations in the PNA Help:

  • Only a single representative model will be shown.
  • Some illustrations may differ than those in TME.
  • For procedures that apply to multiple ports, illustrations will show the setup on only one test port.

 

Connector setup illustrations are divided into three different solutions:

  1. Solution for the E8361A/C Option 014, click here.

  2. Solution with a compression test set, click here.

  3. Solution without a compression test set, click here.

Power Sensor Calibration Setup
(for all solutions)

 

Solution A: for the E8361A/C Option 014

  1. calibrate source

     

  2. measure thru with test port 1

     

  3. measure thru with direct port A

     

  4. measure compression 1

     

  5. measure compression 2
    (only required for models without the optional internal step attenuator)

Solution B: With Compression Test Set

  1. calibrate source

  2. measure compression

 

  1. measure the coupler loss 1

  2. measure the coupler loss 2

  3. calibrate source

     

  4. measure compression

Solution C: Without Compression Test Set

  1. calibrate source

     

  2. measure compression 1

  3. measure compression 2