Second Harmonic Distortion Performance Test

At each test frequency a –30 dBm signal is applied to the mixer. One or more low pass filters are inserted between the source and the DUT to prevent the second harmonic of the source from artificially raising the second harmonic product as it is displayed on the DUT. The Marker Delta function is used to measure the level of the distortion product relative to the carrier. The Second Harmonic Intercept point (SHI) is calculated through the equation SHI = Mixer Level - Distortion.

Required Test Equipment

Test Equipment

Recommended Model Number1

Microwave signal generator #1

PSG models
(see main equipment list)

Power meter

N1914A

Microwave power sensor

N8485A CFT

Power splitter

11667B

Low pass filter, 50 MHz

Telonic Berkeley TLA 50-5AB2

Low pass filter, 300 MHz

  • 2 required

Telonic Berkeley TLA 3000-4AB4

Low pass filter, 1.8 GHz

  • 2 required
  • For Options F07, F13, and F26

RLC L-1636

Low pass filter, 5.0 GHz

  • For Options F07, F13, and F26

RLC F-30-5000-RF

Low pass filter, 8.0 GHz

  • For Option F26

RLC F-30-8000-RF

Low pass filter, 12.4 GHz

  • For Option F26

RLC F-30-12.4-RF

Cable, BNC (m) to SMB (f)

8121-2063

Cable, Coaxial, 3.5 mm (m) to 3.5 mm (m)

11500E

Adapter, BNC (m) to 3.5 mm (f)

1250-1700

Adapter, BNC (f) to 3.5 mm (m)

1250-1200

Adapter, 3.5 mm (m) to 3.5 mm (m)2

  • 3 required

83059A

Adapter, 3.5 mm (f) to 3.5 mm (f)

  • For 3.5 mm source

83059B

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

  • For 2.4 mm source

11901B

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

  • For the 8485A power sensor

08485-60005
  1. Refer to the main equipment list for a list of alternative models (if available).
  2. The 3.5 mm (m) to 3.5 mm (m) adapter between the power splitter and the DUT is critical in this test. Proper connector care and torqueing practices must be followed in order to insure optimal performance.

Connection Setups

Power Meter Calibration

Second Harmonic Distortion Test Setup