Source Maximum Power Performance Test

This test measures the maximum leveled power available from the PNA source across the frequency range of the PNA, and verifies the maximum power listed in the Test Port Output – Power Range specification.

A separate test has been created for frequencies above 50 GHz to avoid unnecessary recalibration of the power sensors. Because of the measurement process, Sources Unleveled messages are expected on the PNA display during this test.

For single source PNAs, this test is only preformed on port 1. The specification only applies to this port. For dual source PNAs, port 3 is also tested. The process is the same for port 1. The test is performed at many CW frequencies across the frequency range of the PNA.

The measurement uncertainty for this test only applies to the power meter measurement. The measurement process does not identify the precise maximum power for a given frequency. The measured value is within a 0.1 dB window below the precise maximum power.

When the actual power is more than 5 dB above the test limit, the reported max power may be less than the actual max power. This difference is caused by the limited power range of the power sensor.

For troubleshooting help, see Maximum Leveled Power 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.

Type-N connector models
3.5 mm connector models
2.4 mm connector models
1.85 mm connector models

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
Power sensor cable (Qty 2) (1 required when testing 3 GHz models)	11730A	none
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
Power sensor cable (Qty 2)	11730A	equivalent
Adapter 3.5 mm (f) to 3.5 mm (f)	83059B	1250-1749
Adapter 3.5 mm (f) to Type-N (f)	1250-1745	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, E8363C E8364A, E8364B, E8364C
Test Equipment	Recommended Model	Alternate Model
Power meter	N1914A	E4419A/B EPM-442A N1912A
Power sensor	N8482A	8482A
Power sensor	N8487A	8487A
Power sensor cable (Qty 2)	11730A	equivalent
Adapter 2.4 mm (f) to 2.4 mm (f)	11900B	85058-60114 (1.85 version from cal kit)
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
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
Power sensor cable (Qty 2)	11730A	equivalent
Adapter 2.4 mm (f) to 2.4 mm (f)	11900B	85058-60114 (1.85 version from cal kit)
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
Combination of the V8486A power sensor and V281A adapter must be calibrated as a single unit—do not separate. For more information, click here. Option H67 is an ANSI Z540-1 calibration for the V8486A power sensor with a V281A connector adapter (connected together).

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.

Source Maximum Power Performance Test

Required Test Equipment

Connection Setups

Power Sensor Calibration Setup

Maximum Leveled Power Measurement Setup