Source Power Accuracy Performance Test

This test confirms the accuracy of the PNA source output power across the frequency range of the PNA, and verifies the Test Port Output – Power Level Accuracy specification.

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

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 hundreds of CW frequencies across the frequency range of the PNA at the Preset power level. For a list of PNA preset power levels, see the PNA Preset Power Level table located below the setup illustration.

For troubleshooting help, see Power Level Accuracy 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.

Power Sensor Calibration Setup

Power Accuracy Measurement Setup

PNA Preset Power Level
Model	Options	Test Power Level
All RF	all	0 dBm
E8362A E8362B E8362C	standard	0 dBm
E8362A E8362B E8362C	UNL or 014	-5 dBm
E8363A, E8363B E8364A, E8364B	standard	-12 dBm
E8363A, E8363B E8364A, E8364B	UNL or 014	-17 dBm
E8361A E8361C	standard or 014	-15 dBm
E8361A E8361C	014 & UNL	-17 dBm