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PNA-X RF Path Configurator

Allows you to configure hardware components that are available with selected PNA-X options.

N522xB and N523x models do NOT have the RF Path Configurator.

How to access Path Configurator

Using Hardkey/SoftTab/Softkey

Using Menus:

  1. Press Setup > Internal Hardware > RF Path Config....

  1. Click Instrument.

  2. Select Setup.

  3. Select Internal Hardware.

  4. Select RF Path Config...

The following image shows configuration with PNA-X Opt 423 (4-port, internal 2nd source, combiner, and mechanical switches). Your PNA-X may not include these options.

See Also

IF Path Configuration

PNA-X specs for block diagrams

Internal Second Source limitations

VNA Configurations and Options

Path Configuration dialog box help  

See Noise Figure tab of the Path Configuration.

Note: With selected PNA-X options, pulse modulation is available ONLY on OUT1 of Src 1 and Src 2. See block diagram.

Different paths can be configured for each channel.

Configuration

Select, store, and delete factory configurations or user-defined configurations. Configurations are stored on the VNA hard drive.

Any configuration can be saved, and later recalled, from this dialog. Click Store, type a configuration name, then click OK.

Text area  Displays text describing the physical connections required to complete the configuration.  The text for factory configurations can NOT be edited. Text is saved as part of the configuration.

Cancel  Closes the dialog and returns the configuration settings to the state they were in when the dialog was opened.  Cancel does NOT undo Store and Delete actions that were performed while the dialog was open.

Notes

  • Click or touch anywhere within a box on the screen to cycle through the available settings.

  • Some switch settings alter graphics in areas other that where the switch is thrown.

  • If you don't hear switches clicking, this could be why:

    • Electronic switches are orange on the path configuration dialog. These switches do not make noise when being thrown. Mechanical switches are blue.

    • The channel is not sweeping.

    • The following selections do NOT throw switches, but simply indicate how to connect jumper cables by drawing red lines on the dialog:

      • Combiner (Normal/Reversed)

      • Port 2 Source (Src2 OUT1/Src1 OUT2)

Note: To prevent premature wear, the VNA does not allow attenuators or other mechanical switches to switch continuously.

These mechanical devices are set for the entire channel. When more than one channel is used, and a mechanical device setting is NOT the same for all channels, only the ACTIVE channel is allowed to sweep. All other channels are NOT allowed to sweep (Blocked).

Learn how to view the settings of all mechanical devices in the VNA.

  • Red lines are jumpers on the front or rear panel.

  • Src1 / Src2 Settings:

    • Low Bnd Filtered (default setting) reduces harmonics below 3.2 GHz on OUT1 of both Src1 and Src2.

    • Low Bnd Hi Pwr setting does not use the filtering which causes higher power below 3.2 GHz. See Max Leveled Power in the specifications for your PNA-X model.

    • Each source optionally has pulse modulation capability.

    • Note: Pulse modulation is available ONLY on OUT1 of Src 1 and Src 2. See block diagram. Your VNA must also have Pulse options. Learn more.

  • Copy channel feature also copies path configuration settings.

  • Path Configuration is saved and recalled as part of an instrument state.

Factory Configurations

Note: Recalling a stored configuration will over-write MANY RF and IF path configuration settings. Make your measurement settings AFTER recalling a stored configuration, NOT before.

Port 1 2-tone  Routes Source 2 through the internal combiner to create a two-tone signal out port 1. The standard jumper configuration is used.  This is the configuration that is used to make IMD measurements.

Src 2 Out Port 2 (Option 423 ONLY)  Routes Source 2 (OUT1) to port 2 using an external cable attached to the rear-panel J8 to J1. This allows source power at port 1 AND port 2 simultaneously.  Source power is NOT available at port 3. Learn more about Internal Second Source capability.

2 port Dual Source (Option 224 ONLY)  Routes Source 2 (OUT1) to port 2 using an external cable attached to the rear-panel J8 to J1. This allows source power at port 1 AND port 2 simultaneously. This also allows pulsed measurements to be performed on both ports 1 and 2.

Hot S-parameters  The rear panel jumpers must be manually reconfigured to allow the source 2 signal to be routed through the thru path of the internal combiner.  Source 2 is used to drive the AUT into compression, so the highest possible output power is required. Source 1, routed through the coupled path of the combiner, is used for S-parameter measurements, so a small signal is sufficient.  These two signals are combined but the frequencies are usually offset.

See Also