Network Analyzer Basics

Network Analyzer Basics

 Network Analysis is NOT.…

Router
Bridge
Repeater
Hub

Your IEEE 802.3 X.25 ISDN

switched-packet data stream
is running at 147 MBPS with
-9
a BER of 1.523 X 10 . . .

Network Analyzer Basics

 What Types of Devices are Tested?
High Duplexers RFICs
Diplexers MMICs
Filters T/R modules
Couplers Transceivers
Bridges
Splitters, dividers Receivers
Combiners Tuners
Isolators Converters
Circulators
Attenuators VCAs
Integration

Adapters Amplifiers
Opens, shorts, loads Antennas
Delay lines VCOs
Cables Switches VTFs
Transmission lines Multiplexers Oscillators
Waveguide Mixers Modulators
Resonators Samplers VCAtten’s
Multipliers
Dielectrics
R, L, C's Diodes Transistors
Low

Passive Device type Active

Network Analyzer Basics

 Device Test Measurement Model
84000 RFIC test
Complex

Ded. Testers BER Full call

EVM sequence
VSA ACP Pulsed S-parm.
Harm. Dist. Pulse profiling
LO stability Regrowth
SA Intermodulation
Image Rej. NF Constell.
Distortion
Eye
VNA Gain/Flat. Compr'n
Response tool

Phase/GD AM-PM
TG/SA Isolation
Rtn Ls/VSWR
SNA Impedance
S-parameters
NF Mtr. NF
Imped. An.
LCR/Z
Param. An. I-V
Measurement plane
Power Mtr. Absol.
Simple

Power
Det/Scope Gain/Flatness
DC CW Swept Swept Noise 2-tone Multi- Complex Pulsed- Protocol
freq power tone modulation RF
Simple Stimulus type Complex

Network Analyzer Basics

 Lightwave Analogy to RF Energy

Incident
Transmitted

Reflected
Lightwave

DUT

RF

Network Analyzer Basics

 Why Do We Need to Test Components?

• Verify specifications of “building blocks” for more complex RF systems

• Ensure distortionless transmission
of communications signals
– linear: constant amplitude, linear phase / constant group delay
– nonlinear: harmonics, intermodulation, compression, AM-to-PM conversion
• Ensure good match when absorbing
power (e.g., an antenna)

KPWR FM 97

Network Analyzer Basics

 The Need for Both Magnitude and Phase
S21
1. Complete characterization
S11 S22
of linear networks
S12
2. Complex impedance needed 4. Time-domain characterization
to design matching circuits
Mag

3. Complex values needed Time

for device modeling
High-frequency transistor model 5. Vector-error correction
Error
Base
Collector
Measured
Emitter
Actual

Network Analyzer Basics

 Agenda

z What measurements do we make?

Î Transmission-line basics

Î Reflection and transmission parameters

Î S-parameter definition

z Network analyzer hardware

Î Signal separation devices

Î Detection types

Î Dynamic range

Î T/R versus S-parameter test sets

z Error models and calibration

Î Types of measurement error

Î One- and two-port models

Î Error-correction choices

Î Basic uncertainty calculations

z Example measurements
z Appendix

Network Analyzer Basics

 Transmission Line Basics
+ -
I
Low frequencies
z wavelengths >> wire length

z current (I) travels down wires easily for efficient power transmission

z measured voltage and current not dependent on position along wire

High frequencies
z wavelength ≈ or << length of transmission medium

z need transmission lines for efficient power transmission

z matching to characteristic impedance (Zo) is very important

for low reflection and maximum power transfer

z measured envelope voltage dependent on position along line

Network Analyzer Basics

 Transmission line Zo
• Zo determines relationship between voltage and current waves
• Zo is a function of physical dimensions and εr
• Zo is usually a real impedance (e.g. 50 or 75 ohms)

1.5
Twisted-pair
1.4 attenuation is lowest at
Waveguide 77 ohms
1.3

a 1.2

50 ohm standard
1.1
b

normalized values
1.0

Coaxial
εr h
0.9

0.8
h
0.7 power handling capacity peaks
at 30 ohms
w1 0.6
w
w2 0.5
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Coplanar Microstrip characteristic impedance

for coaxial airlines (ohms)

Network Analyzer Basics

 Power Transfer Efficiency
RS

For complex impedances, maximum power

RL
transfer occurs when ZL = ZS* (conjugate match)

Rs +jX
1.2
1
0.8 -jX
(normalized)
Load Power

0.6
0.4 RL
0.2
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

R L / RS

Maximum power is transferred when RL = RS

Network Analyzer Basics

 Transmission Line Terminated with Zo
Zo = characteristic impedance
Zs = Zo of transmission line

Zo

V inc

Vrefl = 0! (all the incident power

is absorbed in the load)

For reflection, a transmission line terminated in Zo

behaves like an infinitely long transmission line
Network Analyzer Basics
 Transmission Line Terminated with Short, Open

Zs = Zo

V inc

Vrefl In-phase (0o) for open,

out-of-phase (180o) for short

For reflection, a transmission line terminated in

a short or open reflects all power back to source
Network Analyzer Basics
 Transmission Line Terminated with 25 Ω

Zs = Zo

ZL = 25 Ω

V inc

Vrefl

Standing wave pattern does not

go to zero as with short or open
Network Analyzer Basics
 High-Frequency Device Characterization

Incident
Transmitted
R
B
Reflected
A

REFLECTION TRANSMISSION

Reflected A Transmitted B
= =
Incident R Incident R

Return Group
SWR Gain / Loss Delay
Loss
S-Parameters Impedance, Insertion
S11, S22 Reflection Admittance S-Parameters Phase
Coefficient S21, S12 Transmission
R+jX,
Coefficient
Γ, ρ G+jB
Τ,τ
Network Analyzer Basics
 Reflection Parameters
Reflection Vreflected ZL − ZO
Coefficient Γ =
Vincident
=ρ Φ =
Z L + ZO
Return loss = -20 log(ρ), ρ = Γ
Voltage Standing Wave Ratio
Emax
Emin Emax 1+ρ
VSWR = =
Emin 1-ρ

No reflection Full reflection

(ZL = Zo) (ZL = open, short)

0 ρ 1
∞ dB RL 0 dB
1 VSWR ∞
Network Analyzer Basics
 Smith Chart Review .

o
+jX Polar plane 90

1.0
.8
.6

0 +R .4
∞→ + 180 o .2
0
o
-

0 ∞
-jX
o
Rectilinear impedance plane -90

Constant X

Z L= Zo Constant R

Smith Chart maps Γ= 0

rectilinear impedance Z L= 0 (short) Z L= (open)

plane onto polar plane Γ= 1 ±180

O
Γ =1 0
O

Smith chart
Network Analyzer Basics
 Transmission Parameters
V Incident V Transmitted
DUT

V Transmitted
Transmission Coefficient = Τ = = τ∠φ
V Incident

V
Insertion Loss (dB) = - 20 Log
Trans
= - 20 log τ
V Inc

V
Gain (dB) = 20 Log
Trans
= 20 log τ
V Inc

Network Analyzer Basics

 Linear Versus Nonlinear Behavior
A * Sin 360o * f (t - to)
A
Linear behavior:
z input and output frequencies are the same
to
Time
(no additional frequencies created)
z output frequency only undergoes
A
Sin 360o *f*t
phase shift = magnitude and phase change
to * 360o * f

Time f Frequency
1

Input DUT Output

Nonlinear behavior:
f Frequency z output frequency may undergo
1 Time
frequency shift (e.g. with mixers)
z additional frequencies created
(harmonics, intermodulation)

f Frequency
1

Network Analyzer Basics

 Criteria for Distortionless Transmission
Linear Networks

Constant amplitude over Linear phase over

bandwidth of interest bandwidth of interest

Frequency
Magnitude

Frequency Phase

Network Analyzer Basics

 Magnitude Variation with Frequency

F(t) = sin wt + 1/3 sin 3wt + 1/5 sin 5wt

Time
Time

Linear Network
Magnitude

Frequency Frequency Frequency

Network Analyzer Basics

 Phase Variation with Frequency
F(t) = sin wt + 1 /3 sin 3wt + 1 /5 sin 5wt

Linear Network
Time Time

Magnitude

Frequency
0°
Frequency Frequency
-180°
-360°

Network Analyzer Basics

 Deviation from Linear Phase

Use electrical delay to remove

linear portion of phase response

RF filter response Linear electrical length added

Deviation from linear phase
(Electrical delay function)
Phase 45 /Div

Phase 1 /Div
o

o
+ yields

Frequency Frequency Frequency

Low resolution High resolution

Network Analyzer Basics

 Group Delay
Frequency ω tg Group delay ripple

∆ω
to
Phase φ
Average delay
∆φ

Group Delay (t ) g = Frequency

−d φ −1 dφ
=
dω 360 o
* df z group-delay ripple indicates phase distortion
average delay indicates electrical length of DUT
φ in radians z

aperture of measurement is very important

ω
z
in radians/sec

φ in degrees
f in Hertz (ω = 2 π f)

Network Analyzer Basics

 Why Measure Group Delay?

Phase
Phase

f f
−d φ −d φ
dω dω
Group Delay

Group
Delay

f f

Same p-p phase ripple can result in different group delay

Network Analyzer Basics
 Characterizing Unknown Devices
Using parameters (H, Y, Z, S) to characterize devices:
z gives linear behavioral model of our device
z measure parameters (e.g. voltage and current) versus frequency under
various source and load conditions (e.g. short and open circuits)
z compute device parameters from measured data
z predict circuit performance under any source and load conditions

H-parameters Y-parameters Z-parameters

V1 = h11I1 + h12V2 I1 = y11V1 + y12V2 V1 = z11I1 + z12I2
I2 = h21I1 + h22V2 I2 = y21V1 + y22V2 V2 = z21I1 + z22I2

h11 = V1
I1 V2=0 (requires short circuit)
h12 = V1
V2 I1=0 (requires open circuit)

Network Analyzer Basics

 Why Use S-Parameters?

z relatively easy to obtain at high frequencies

„ measure voltage traveling waves with a vector network analyzer

„ don't need shorts/opens which can cause active devices to oscillate or self-destruct

z relate to familiar measurements (gain, loss, reflection coefficient ...)

z can cascade S-parameters of multiple devices to predict system performance
z can compute H, Y, or Z parameters from S-parameters if desired
z can easily import and use S-parameter files in our electronic-simulation tools

Incident S 21 Transmitted
a1
S 11 b2
Reflected DUT
S 22
Port 1 Port 2 Reflected
b1
a2
Transmitted S 12 Incident

b 1 = S 11 a 1 + S 12 a 2
b 2 = S 21 a 1 + S 22 a 2

Network Analyzer Basics

 Measuring S-Parameters
S b 2
Incident 21 Transmitted
a1
Z0
S 11
Forward Reflected DUT Load
b 1 a2 = 0

Reflected b1
S 11 = = a
Incident 1 a2 = 0 b2
S 22 = Reflected
b = a a1 = 0
Transmitted 2 Incident 2
S 21 = = a
Incident 1 a2 = 0 b
Transmitted 1
S 12 = = a
Incident 2 a1 = 0

a1 = 0 b2
Z0 S 22

Load
DUT
Reflected Reverse
a2
b1 Transmitted S 12 Incident

Network Analyzer Basics

 Equating S-Parameters with Common Measurement Terms

S11 = forward reflection coefficient (input match)

S22 = reverse reflection coefficient (output match)
S21 = forward transmission coefficient (gain or loss)
S12 = reverse transmission coefficient (isolation)

Remember, S-parameters are inherently

complex, linear quantities -- however, we
often express them in a log-magnitude format

Network Analyzer Basics

 Criteria for Distortionless Transmission
Nonlinear Networks
• Saturation, crossover, intermodulation, and other
nonlinear effects can cause signal distortion
• Effect on system depends on amount and type
of distortion and system architecture

Time Time

Frequency Frequency

Network Analyzer Basics

 Measuring Nonlinear Behavior
Most common measurements:
z using a network analyzer and power sweeps

Î gain compression

Î AM to PM conversion

z using a spectrum analyzer + source(s)

Î harmonics, particularly second and third

Î intermodulation products resulting

RL 0 dBm ATTEN 10 dB 10 dB / DIV
from two or more RF carriers
8563A SPECTRUM ANALYZER 9 kHz - 26.5 GHz

LPF DUT

CENTER 20.00000 MHz SPAN 10.00 kHz

RB 30 Hz VB 30 Hz ST 20 sec
LPF

Network Analyzer Basics

 What is the Difference Between
Network and Spectrum Analyzers?
.

8563A SPECTRUM ANALYZER 9 kHz - 26.5 GHz

Amplitude
Amplitude Ratio

Measures Measures
known signal unknown
signals
Frequency Frequency

Network analyzers: Spectrum analyzers:

z measure components, devices, z measure signal amplitude characteristics
circuits, sub-assemblies carrier level, sidebands, harmonics...)
z contain source and receiver z can demodulate (& measure) complex signals
z display ratioed amplitude and phase z are receivers only (single channel)
(frequency or power sweeps) z can be used for scalar component test (no
z offer advanced error correction phase) with tracking gen. or ext. source(s)

Network Analyzer Basics

 Agenda

z What measurements do we make?

z Network analyzer hardware
z Error models and calibration
z Example measurements
z Appendix

Network Analyzer Basics

 Generalized Network Analyzer Block Diagram

Incident Transmitted

DUT
Reflected
SOURCE

SIGNAL
SEPARATION

REFLECTED TRANSMITTED
INCIDENT (R) (A) (B)

RECEIVER / DETECTOR

PROCESSOR / DISPLAY

Network Analyzer Basics

 Source

z Supplies stimulus for system

z Swept frequency or power
z Traditionally NAs used separate source
z Most Agilent analyzers sold today have
integrated, synthesized sources

Network Analyzer Basics

 Incident Transmitted

Signal Separation SOURCE

Reflected
DUT

SIGNAL
SEPARATION

REFLECTED TRANSMITTED
INCIDENT (R) (A) (B)

RECEIVER / DETECTOR

PROCESSOR / DISPLAY

• measure incident signal for reference

• separate incident and reflected signals

splitter
bridge

directional Detector

coupler Test Port

Network Analyzer Basics

 Directivity
Directivity is a measure of how well a coupler
can separate signals moving in opposite directions

(undesired leakage signal) (desired reflected signal)

Test port

Directional Coupler

Network Analyzer Basics

 Interaction of Directivity with the DUT
(Without Error Correction)
0
Data Max
DUT RL = 40 dB

Add in-phase

Directivity
30

Device
Return Loss

60
Frequency

Device
Data Min
Data = Vector Sum
Device

Add out-of-phase Directivity

Directivity

(cancellation)

Network Analyzer Basics

 Incident Transmitted

Detector Types SOURCE

Reflected
DUT

SIGNAL
SEPARATION

Diode Scalar broadband INCIDENT (R)

REFLECTED
(A)
TRANSMITTED
(B)

(no phase information) RECEIVER / DETECTOR

PROCESSOR / DISPLAY

DC
RF
AC

Tuned Receiver
RF IF = F LO ± F RF
Vector
ADC / DSP (magnitude and phase)
IF Filter

LO
Network Analyzer Basics
 Broadband Diode Detection

z Easy to make broadband

z Inexpensive compared to tuned receiver

z Good for measuring frequency-translating devices

z Improve dynamic range by increasing power

z Medium sensitivity / dynamic range

10 MHz 26.5 GHz

Network Analyzer Basics
 Narrowband Detection - Tuned Receiver

ADC / DSP

z Best sensitivity / dynamic range

z Provides harmonic / spurious signal rejection

z Improve dynamic range by increasing power,

decreasing IF bandwidth, or averaging

z Trade off noise floor and measurement speed

10 MHz 26.5 GHz

Network Analyzer Basics
 Comparison of Receiver Techniques

Broadband Narrowband
(diode) detection (tuned-receiver) detection
0 dB 0 dB

-50 dB -50 dB

-100 dB -100 dB
-60 dBm Sensitivity < -100 dBm Sensitivity

z higher noise floor z high dynamic range

z false responses z harmonic immunity

Dynamic range = maximum receiver power - receiver noise floor

Network Analyzer Basics

 Dynamic Range and Accuracy
Error Due to Interfering Signal
100

10 -

+
Dynamic range is
Error (dB, deg)

phase error
1
very important for
magn error
measurement
0.1 accuracy!

0.01

0.001
0 -5 -10 -15 -20 -25 -30 -35 -40 -45 -50 -55 -60 -65 -70
Interfering signal (dB)

Network Analyzer Basics

 T/R Versus S-Parameter Test Sets
Transmission/Reflection Test Set S-Parameter Test Set
Source Source

Transfer switch

R R

A B A B

Port 1 Port 2 Port 1 Port 2

Fwd DUT Fwd DUT Rev

z RF always comes out port 1 z RF comes out port 1 or port 2

z port 2 is always receiver z forward and reverse measurements
z response, one-port cal available z two-port calibration possible
Network Analyzer Basics
 Processor / Display
Incident Transmitted

DUT 50 MH-20GHz
NETWORK ANYZER
ACTIVE CHANNEL ENTRY

Reflected
C H 2 S T A R T 7 7 5 .0 0 0 0 0 0 M H z S TO P 9 2 5 .0 00 0 0 0 M H z
C H 1 S T A R T 7 7 5 .0 0 0 0 0 0 M H z S TO P 9 2 5 .0 00 0 0 0 M H z

SOURCE
H ld RESPONSE
PA SS

Cor

PRm

SIGNAL 1
8 8 0 .4 35 0 0 0 M H z

R CHANNEL

SEPARATION
PA SS STIMULUS INSTRUMENT STATE
H ld

1 1
Cor

REFLECTED TRANSMITTED PRm

D up le xe r T e st - Tx-A n t a n d A nt-R x
8 3 9 .4 70 0 0 0 M H z
T R L S

INCIDENT (R) (A) (B) CH2

CH1
S1 2
S2 1
lo g M A G
lo g M A G
10 d B /
10 d B /
REF 0 dB
REF 0 dB
1 _ -1 .24 6 8 d B
1 _ -1 .92 4 8 d B
HP-IB STATUS

PORT 1 PORT 2

RECEIVER / DETECTOR

PROCESSOR / DISPLAY
CH2 START 775.000 000 MHz STOP 925.000 000 MHz
CH1 START 775.000 000 MHz STOP 925.000 000 MHz

Hld
PASS

Cor

z markers PRm

limit lines
880.435 000 MHz
1
z PASS

pass/fail indicators
Hld

z linear/log formats Cor

1 1

grid/polar/Smith charts
Duplexer Test - Tx-Ant and Ant-Rx
PRm
z 839.470 000 MHz
CH2 S12 log MAG 10 dB/ REF 0 dB 1_ -1.2468 dB
CH1 S21 log MAG 10 dB/ REF 0 dB 1_ -1.9248 dB

Network Analyzer Basics

 Internal Measurement Automation
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0123456789 + - / * = < > ( ) & "" " , . / ? ; : ' [ ]
Simple: recall states 1 ASSIGN @Hp8714 TO 800

More powerful: 2 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"SYST:PRES; *WAI"

3 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"ABOR;:INIT1:CONT OFF;*WAI"
z Test sequencing 4 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"DISP:ANN:FREQ1:MODE SSTOP"
5 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"DISP:ANN:FREQ1:MODE CSPAN"
„ available on 8753/ 8720 families 6 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"SENS1:FREQ:CENT 175000000 HZ;*WAI"
„ keystroke recording 7 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"ABOR;:INIT1:CONT OFF;:INIT1;*WAI"
8 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"DISP:WIND1:TRAC:Y:AUTO ONCE"
„ some advanced functions 9 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"CALC1:MARK1 ON"
z IBASIC 10 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"CALC1:MARK:FUNC BWID"
11 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"SENS2:STAT ON; *WAI"
„ available on 8712 family 12 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"SENS2:FUNC 'XFR:POW:RAT 1,0';DET NBAN; *WAI"
„ sophisticated programs 13 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"ABOR;:INIT1:CONT OFF;:INIT1;*WAI"
14 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"DISP:WIND2:TRAC:Y:AUTO ONCE"
„ custom user interfaces 15 OUTPUT @Hp8714;"ABOR;:INIT1:CONT ON;*WAI"
„ Windows-compatible programs 16 END

„ available on PNA Series

„ Visual Basic, VEE, LabView, C++, ...

Network Analyzer Basics

 Agilent’s Series of HF Vector Analyzers
Microwave
8510C series
8720/22 ET/ES series
z 110 GHz in coax
z 13.5, 20, 40 GHz
z highest accuracy
z economical
z modular, flexible
z fast, small, integrated
z pulse systems
z test mixers, high-power amps

RF
8753ET/ES series PNA Series
z 3, 6 GHz z 3, 6, 9 GHz
z flexible hardware z highest RF performance
z rich feature set z advanced connectivity
z offset and harmonic z internal automation,
RF sweeps SCPI or COM/DCOM

Network Analyzer Basics

 Agilent’s LF/RF Vector Analyzers

Combination NA / SA
4395A/4396B
z 500 MHz (4395A), 1.8 GHz (4396B)
z impedance-measuring option
z fast, FFT-based spectrum analysis
z time-gated spectrum-analyzer option
z IBASIC
z standard test fixtures

RF 8712/14 ET/ES series LF E5100A/B

z 1.3, 3 GHz z 180, 300 MHz
z low cost z economical
z narrowband and z fast, small
broadband detection z target markets: crystals,
z IBASIC / LAN resonators, filters
z equivalent-circuit models
z evaporation-monitor-function
option

Network Analyzer Basics

 Spectrum Analyzer / Tracking Generator
RF in

IF 8563A SPECTRUM ANALYZER 9 kHz - 26.5 GHz

LO
DUT

Spectrum analyzer

TG out

DUT
f = IF Tracking generator

Key differences from network analyzer:

z one channel -- no ratioed or phase measurements
z More expensive than scalar NA (but better dynamic range)
z Only error correction available is normalization (and possibly open-short averaging)
z Less accurate
z Small incremental cost if SA is required for other measurements

Network Analyzer Basics

 Agenda

z What measurements do we make?

z Network analyzer hardware
z Error models and calibration
z Example measurements
z Appendix

Why do we even need error-correction and calibration?

z It is impossible to make perfect hardware

z It would be extremely expensive to make hardware

good enough to eliminate the need for error correction

Network Analyzer Basics

 Calibration Topics

z What measurements do we make?

z Network analyzer hardware

z Error models and calibration

z measurement errors

z what is vector error correction?

z calibration types

z accuracy examples

z calibration considerations

z Example measurements

z Appendix

Network Analyzer Basics

 Measurement Error Modeling
Systematic errors
L z due to imperfections in the analyzer and test setup
CA
z assumed to be time invariant (predictable)

Random errors
z vary with time in random fashion (unpredictable)

z main contributors: instrument noise, switch and connector repeatability

Drift errors
z due to system performance changing after a calibration has been done
AL
z primarily caused by temperature variation
C
R E-

Errors:
SYSTEMATI
C
Measured
RANDO
Unknown
Data M Device

DRIFT

Network Analyzer Basics

 Systematic Measurement Errors

R A B
Directivity Crosstalk

DUT

Frequency response
z reflection tracking (A/R)
Source Load
z transmission tracking (B/R) Mismatch Mismatch

Six forward and six reverse error terms

yields 12 error terms for two-port devices
Network Analyzer Basics
 Types of Error Correction
z response (normalization)
simple to perform
„

only corrects for tracking errors

„

stores reference trace in memory,

„ thru
then does data divided by memory
z vector
requires more standards
„

requires an analyzer that can measure phase

„

accounts for all major sources of systematic error

„

SHORT

S11 a OPEN
thru
S 11 m LOAD

Network Analyzer Basics

 What is Vector-Error Correction?

z Process of characterizing systematic error terms

measure known standards
„

remove effects from subsequent measurements

„

z 1-port calibration (reflection measurements)

only 3 systematic error terms measured
„

directivity, source match, and reflection tracking

„

z Full 2-port calibration (reflection and transmission measurements)

12 systematic error terms measured
„

usually requires 12 measurements on four known standards (SOLT)

„

z Standards defined in cal kit definition file

network analyzer contains standard cal kit definitions
„

CAL KIT DEFINITION MUST MATCH ACTUAL CAL KIT USED!

„

User-built standards must be characterized and entered into user cal-kit

„

Network Analyzer Basics

 Reflection: One-Port Model
Error Adapter
RF in Ideal
RF in 1
ED = Directivity

S11A ERT = Reflection tracking

ED ES S11A
ES = Source Match
S11M S11M
S11M = Measured
ERT
S11A = Actual

To solve for error terms, we

S11A
measure 3 standards to generate S11M = ED + ERT
3 equations and 3 unknowns 1 - ES S11A

z Assumes good termination at port two if testing two-port devices

z If using port 2 of NA and DUT reverse isolation is low (e.g., filter passband):
„ assumption of good termination is not valid
„ two-port error correction yields better results
Network Analyzer Basics
 Before and After One-Port Calibration
0
2.0

data before 1-port calibration

20
1.1
Return Loss (dB)

VSWR
40
1.01

60 data after 1-port calibration

1.001

6000 12000
MHz

Network Analyzer Basics

 Two-Port Error Correction
Reverse model
Forward model Port 1 Port 2
E RT'
Port 1 EX Port 2
S21
a1 A b2
S21A b2 E L' S11 S22 A ED'
ETT A E S' a2
a1 ES b1
ED S11A S22 A a2
b1 EL S12 A
E TT'
EX'
E RT S 12
A

E RT E RT ' E TT E TT '
ED = fwd directivity EL = fwd load match (1 + 11m D E S )(1 + 22 m D E S ' ) − E L ' E L ( 21m X )( 12m )
S −E S −E ' S −E S − EX '
E S = fwd source match ETT = fwd transmission tracking S22 a =
E RT ' E RT E TT E TT '
ERT = fwd reflection tracking EX = fwd isolation ( )( 1 + ES ) − E L ' ( )( )
S 22 m −E 'D S11m −E D S 21m −E X S12 m − EX '
E D' = rev directivity EL' = rev load match
ETT' = rev transmission tracking E RT E RT ' E TT E TT '
E S' = rev source match (1 + 11m E S )(1 + 22m E S ' ) − E L ' E L ( 21m )( 12m )
S −E D S −E 'D S −E X S − EX '
E RT' = rev reflection tracking EX' = rev isolation S12 a =
E TT ' E RT
( 12m X )(1 + 11m ( E S − E L ' ))
S −E ' S − ED

z Each actual S-parameter is a function E RT E RT ' E TT E TT '

(1 + 11m E S )(1 + 22m E S ' ) − E L ' E L ( 21m
of all four measured S-parameters S21a =
S −E D S −E 'D S −E X )( 12 m
S − EX '
)

E TT E RT '
z Analyzer must make forward and reverse (
S21m − E X
)(1 +
S22 m − E D '
( E S '− E L ))

sweep to update any one S-parameter

E RT E RT ' E TT E TT '
z Luckily, you don't need to know these (1 + 11m
S −E D' E S )(1 + 22 m
S −E 'D E S ' ) − E L ' E L ( 21m
S −E X )( 12 m
S − EX '
)
S11a =
equations to use network analyzers!!! ( 11m
S
E RT
− ED
)(1 +
E RT '
S 22 m − E D '
E S ') − EL( E TT
)(
E TT '
S21m − E X S12 m − E X '
)

Network Analyzer Basics

 Crosstalk: Signal Leakage Between
Test Ports During Transmission
DUT
z Can be a problem with:
high-isolation devices (e.g., switch in open position)
„

high-dynamic range devices (some filter stopbands)

„

z Isolation calibration

adds noise to error model (measuring near noise floor of system)

„

only perform if really needed (use averaging if necessary)

„

if crosstalk is independent of DUT match, use two terminations

„

if dependent on DUT match, use DUT with termination on output

„

LOAD DUT DUT LOAD

Network Analyzer Basics

 Errors and Calibration Standards
UNCORRECTED RESPONSE 1-PORT FULL 2-PORT
SHORT
SHORT SHORT

DUT OPEN
OPEN OPEN
thru
z Convenient LOAD
LOAD LOAD
Generally not accurate
z
DUT
z No errors removed
DUT
z Easy to perform thru
z Use when highest
accuracy is not required For reflection measurements
DUT
z

z Removes frequency z Need good termination for high

response error accuracy with two-port devices
z Removes these errors: z Highest accuracy
Directivity z Removes these errors:
Source match Directivity
Source, load match
ENHANCED-RESPONSE Reflection tracking
Reflection tracking
z Combines response and 1-port Transmission tracking
z Corrects source match for transmission measurements Crosstalk

Network Analyzer Basics

 Calibration Summary
Test Set (cal type)
Reflection
SHORT

T/R S-parameter
(one-port) (two-port)
OPEN
z Reflection tracking
z Directivity LOAD

z Source match
z Load match
Test Set (cal type)

Transmission T/R S-parameter

(two-port)
(response, isolation)
error can be corrected
z Transmission Tracking
error cannot be corrected
z Crosstalk
* enhanced response cal corrects for source *)
match during transmission measurements z Source match (

z Load match

Network Analyzer Basics

 Reflection Example Using a One-Port Cal

Load match:
18 dB (.126) Remember: convert all dB values to
linear for uncertainty calculations!
ρ or loss(linear) = 10 ( )
-dB

Directivity: DUT 20

40 dB (.010) 16 dB RL (.158)
1 dB loss (.891)

.158
Measurement uncertainty:
-20 * log (.158 + .100 + .010)
= 11.4 dB (-4.6dB)
(.891)(.126)(.891) = .100
-20 * log (.158 - .100 - .010)
= 26.4 dB (+10.4 dB)

Network Analyzer Basics

 Using a One-Port Cal + Attenuator
Measurement uncertainty:
-20 * log (.158 + .039)
= 14.1 dB (-1.9 dB)
Load match: -20 * log (.158 - .039)
18 dB (.126) = 18.5 dB (+2.5 dB)

10 dB attenuator (.316)
Directivity: SWR = 1.05 (.024)
40 dB (.010)
DUT
16 dB RL (.158)
.158 1 dB loss (.891)

(.891)(.316)(.126)(.316)(.891) = .010 Low-loss bi-directional devices

generally require two-port calibration
(.891)(.024)(.891) = .019
for low measurement uncertainty
Worst-case error = .010 + .010 + .019 = .039

Network Analyzer Basics

 Transmission Example Using Response Cal

RL = 18 dB (.126)

RL = 14 dB (.200)
Thru calibration (normalization) builds error into
measurement due to source and load match interaction

Calibration Uncertainty
= (1 ± ρS ρL)
= (1 ± (.200)(.126)
= ± 0.22 dB

Network Analyzer Basics

 Filter Measurement with Response Cal
DUT
Source match = 1 dB loss (.891)
14 dB (.200) 16 dB RL (.158) Load match =
18 dB (.126)
1

(.126)(.158) = .020

(.126)(.891)(.200)(.891) = .020

(.158)(.200) = .032

Total measurement uncertainty: Measurement uncertainty

+0.60 + 0.22 = + 0.82 dB = 1 ± (.020+.020+.032)
-0.65 - 0.22 = - 0.87 dB = 1 ± .072
= + 0.60 dB
- 0.65 dB
Network Analyzer Basics
 Measuring Amplifiers with a Response Cal
DUT
Source match = 16 dB RL (.158)
14 dB (.200) Load match =
18 dB (.126)
1

(.126)(.158) = .020

(.158)(.200) = .032

Measurement uncertainty
Total measurement uncertainty: = 1 ± (.020+.032)
+0.44 + 0.22 = + 0.66 dB = 1 ± .052
-0.46 - 0.22 = - 0.68 dB = + 0.44 dB
- 0.46 dB

Network Analyzer Basics

 Filter Measurements using the
Enhanced Response
Calibration Calibration Uncertainty
Effective source match = 35 dB! = (1 ± ρS ρL)
= (1 ± (.0178)(.126)
DUT = ± .02 dB
Source match = 1 dB loss (.891)
35 dB (.0178) 16 dB RL (.158) Load match =
18 dB (.126)
1
Measurement uncertainty
= 1 ± (.020+.0018+.0028)
(.126)(.158) = .020 = 1 ± .0246
= + 0.211 dB
(.126)(.891)(.0178)(.891) = .0018 - 0.216 dB
(.158)(.0178) = .0028

Total measurement uncertainty:

0.22 + .02 = ± 0.24 dB
Network Analyzer Basics
 Using the Enhanced Response
Calibration Plus an Attenuator
10 dB attenuator (.316) Calibration Uncertainty
SWR = 1.05 (.024 linear or 32.4 dB) = (1 ± ρS ρL)
Analyzer load match =18 dB (.126) = (1 ± (.0178)(.0366)
= ± .01 dB
DUT
Source match = 1 dB loss (.891)
35 dB (.0178) 16 dB RL (.158) Effective load match = (.316)(.316)(.126) + .024
= .0366 (28.7dB)
1
Measurement uncertainty
(.0366)(.158) = .006 = 1 ± (.006+.0005+.0028)
= 1 ± .0093
(.0366)(.891)(.0178)(.891) = .0005 = ± 0.08 dB

(.158)(.0178) = .0028

Total measurement uncertainty:

0.01 + .08 = ± 0.09 dB
Network Analyzer Basics
 Calculating Measurement Uncertainty After a
Two-Port Calibration DUT
1 dB loss (.891)
16 dB RL (.158)
Corrected error terms:
(8753ES 1.3-3 GHz Type-N)
Directivity = 47 dB
Source match = 36 dB Reflection uncertainty
Load match = 47 dB = 0.158 ± (.0045 + 0.158 2 *.0158 + 0.8912 *.0045 + 0.158*.0022 )
Refl. tracking = .019 dB
Trans. tracking = .026 dB S11m = S 11a ± ( E D + S 11a E S + S 21a S 12 a E L + S11a (1 − E RT ))
2
Isolation = 100 dB
= 0.158 ± .0088 = 16 dB +0.53 dB, -0.44 dB (worst-case)

Transmission uncertainty
= 0.891 ± 0.891(10 −6 / 0.891 + 0.158*.0158 + 0.8912 *.0158*.0045 + 0.158*.0045+.003)
S 21m = S 21a ± S 21a ( E I / S 21a + S11a E S + S 21a S12 a E S E L + S 22 a E L + (1 − E TT ))

= 0.891 ± .0056 = 1 dB ±0.05 dB (worst-case)

Network Analyzer Basics

 Comparison of Measurement Examples
Reflection
Calibration type Measurement uncertainty
One-port -4.6/ 10.4 dB
One-port + attenuator -1.9/ 2.5 dB
Two-port -0.44/ 0.53 dB

Transmission
Calibration type Calibration uncertainty Measurement uncertainty Total uncertainty
Response ±0.22 dB 0.60/ -0.65 dB 0.82/ -0.87
Enhanced response ±0.02 dB ±0.22 dB ±0.24
Enh. response + attenuator ±0.01 dB ±0.08 dB ±0.09
Two port ----- ±0.05

Network Analyzer Basics

 Response versus Two-Port Calibration

Measuring filter insertion loss

CH1 S 21 &M log MAG 1 dB/ REF 0 dB
CH2 MEM log MAG 1 dB/ REF 0 dB

Cor
After two-port calibration

After response calibration

Uncorrected
Cor

x2 1 2
START 2 000.000 MHz STOP 6 000.000 MHz

Network Analyzer Basics

 ECal: Electronic Calibration (85060/90 series)
• Variety of modules cover 30 kHz to 26.5 GHz
• Six connector types available (50 Ω and 75 Ω)

• Single-connection

reduces calibration time

„ ŒH
makes calibrations easy to perform
85093A
Electronic Calibration Module
„ 30 kHz - 6 GHz

minimizes wear on cables and standards

„

eliminates operator errors

„

• Highly repeatable temperature-compensated

terminations provide excellent accuracy

Microwave modules use a

transmission line shunted by PIN-diode
switches in various combinations

Network Analyzer Basics

 Adapter Considerations
reflection from adapter desired signal
leakage signal
ρ ρ ρ
measured = Directivity + adapter + DUT
Coupler directivity = 40 dB

Adapter DUT Termination DUT has SMA (f) connectors

Worst-case APC-7 calibration done here

System Directivity Adapting from APC-7 to SMA (m)

28 dB APC-7 to SMA (m)

SWR:1.06

APC-7 to N (f) + N (m) to SMA (m)

17 dB SWR:1.05 SWR:1.25

APC-7 to N (m) + N (f) to SMA (f) + SMA (m) to (m)

14 dB SWR:1.05 SWR:1.25 SWR:1.15

Network Analyzer Basics

 Calibrating Non-Insertable Devices
When doing a through cal, normally test ports mate directly
z cables can be connected directly without an adapter

z result is a zero-length through

What is an insertable device?

z has same type of connector, but different sex on each port

z has same type of sexless connector on each port (e.g. APC-7)

What is a non-insertable device?

z one that cannot be inserted in place of a zero-length through

z has same connectors on each port (type and sex)

z has different type of connector on each port

DUT
(e.g., waveguide on one port, coaxial on the other)
What calibration choices do I have for non-insertable devices?
z use an uncharacterized through adapter

z use a characterized through adapter (modify cal-kit definition)

z swap equal adapters

z adapter removal

Network Analyzer Basics

 Swap Equal Adapters Method

Accuracy depends on how well the adapters

Port 1 DUT Port 2
are matched - loss, electrical length, match
and impedance should all be equal

Port 1 Adapter A Port 2 1. Transmission cal using adapter A.

Port 1 Adapter
B
Port 2 2. Reflection cal using adapter B.

Adapter
Port 1 DUT
B
Port 2 3. Measure DUT using adapter B.

Network Analyzer Basics

 Adapter Removal Calibration
z Calibration is very accurate and traceable
z In firmware of 8753, 8720 and 8510 series
Port 1 DUT Port 2
z Also accomplished with ECal modules (85060/90)
z Uses adapter with same connectors as DUT
z Must specify electrical length of adapter to within 1/4
wavelength of highest frequency (to avoid phase ambiguity)

Cal
Port 1 Adapter Port 2 1. Perform 2-port cal with adapter on port 2.
Adapter B
Save in cal set 1.
Cal Set 1

Cal Adapter 2. Perform 2-port cal with adapter on port 1.

Port 1 Port 2
Adapter B Save in cal set 2.
Cal Set 2

[CAL] [MORE] [MODIFY CAL SET] 3. Use ADAPTER REMOVAL

[ADAPTER REMOVAL] to generate new cal set.

Port 1 DUT Adapter Port 2 4. Measure DUT without cal adapter.

B

Network Analyzer Basics

 Thru-Reflect-Line (TRL) Calibration
We know about Short-Open-Load-Thru (SOLT) calibration...
What is TRL?
z A two-port calibration technique

z Good for noncoaxial environments (waveguide, fixtures, wafer probing)

z Uses the same 12-term error model as the more common SOLT cal

z Uses practical calibration standards that

are easily fabricated and characterized

z Two variations: TRL (requires 4 receivers)
TRL was developed for non-coaxial
and TRL* (only three receivers needed) microwave measurements
z Other variations: Line-Reflect-Match (LRM),

Thru-Reflect-Match (TRM), plus many others

Network Analyzer Basics

 Agenda

z What measurements do we make?

z Network analyzer hardware
z Error models and calibration
z Example measurements
z Appendix

Network Analyzer Basics

 Frequency Sweep - Filter Test
CH1 S21 log MAG 10 dB/ REF 0 dB REF 0 dB
CH1 S11 log MAG 5 dB/

Cor

69.1 dB Stopband
rejection

START .300 000 MHz STOP 400.000 000 MHz CENTER 200.000 MHz SPAN 50.000 MHz
CH1 S 21 log MAG 1 dB/ REF 0 dB

Cor
Return loss
1

m1: 4.000 000 GHz -0.16 dB

m2-ref: 2.145 234 GHz 0.00 dB
ref 2

Insertion loss Cor

x2 1 2
START 2 000.000 MHz STOP 6 000.000 MHz

Network Analyzer Basics

 Optimize Filter Measurements with Swept-List Mode
Segment 3: 29 ms
(108 points, -10 dBm, 6000 Hz)
CH1 S 21 log MAG 12 dB/ REF 0 dB
PRm

Swept-list sweep: 349 ms

Linear sweep: 676 ms
(201 pts, variable BW's & power)
(201 pts, 300 Hz, -10 dBm)
PASS

Segment 5: 129 ms
Segment 1: 87 ms (38 points, +10 dBm, 300 Hz)
(25 points, +10 dBm, 300 Hz)

START 525.000 000 MHz STOP 1 275.000 000 MHz

Segments 2,4: 52 ms
(15 points, +10 dBm, 300 Hz)

Network Analyzer Basics

 Power Sweeps - Compression

Saturated output power

Output Power (dBm)

Compression region

Linear region
(slope = small-signal gain)

Input Power (dBm)

Network Analyzer Basics

 Power Sweep - Gain Compression
CH1 S21 1og MAG 1 dB/ REF 32 dB 30.991 dB
12.3 dBm

1 dB
compression:
1 input power resulting
in 1 dB drop in gain
0

START -10 dBm CW 902.7 MHz STOP 15 dBm

Network Analyzer Basics

 AM to PM Conversion
Measure of phase deviation caused by amplitude variations
Amplitude Power sweep

z AM can be undesired:
AM
(dB)
Mag(Amin) supply ripple, fading, thermal
z AM can be desired:
DUT modulation (e.g. QAM)
PM
(deg)

Test Stimulus Time Q

Amplitude

AM Mag(AMout)
(dB)
AM - PM Conversion =
Mag(Pmout)
(deg/dB)
Mag(Amin) PM
(deg) Mag(Pmout) I
AM to PM conversion
Output Response Time can cause bit errors
Network Analyzer Basics
 Measuring AM to PM Conversion
1:Transmission Log Mag 1.0 dB/ Ref 21.50 dB
2:Transmission /M Phase 5.0 deg/ Ref -115.7 deg

Ch1:Mkr1 -4.50 dBm 20.48 dB

Ch2:Mkr2 1.00 dB 0.86 deg

z Use transmission setup

2 with a power sweep
z Display phase of S21
1 z AM - PM = 0.86 deg/dB

1
1
Start -10.00 dBm CW 900.000 MHz Stop 0.00 dBm
Start -10.00 dBm CW 900.000 MHz Stop 0.00 dBm

Network Analyzer Basics

 Agenda
z What measurements do we make?
z Network analyzer hardware
z Error models and calibration
z Example measurements
z Appendix
z Advanced Topics
time domain
frequency-translating devices
high-power amplifiers
extended dynamic range
multiport devices
in-fixture measurements
crystal resonators
balanced measurements
z Inside the network analyzer
z Challenge quiz!

Network Analyzer Basics

 Time-Domain Reflectometry (TDR)
z What is TDR?
„ time-domain reflectometry
„ analyze impedance versus time
„ distinguish between inductive and capacitive transitions
z With gating:
„ analyze transitions
„ analyzer standards
inductive
transition
impedance

Zo
time
capacitive
transition
non-Zo transmission line

Network Analyzer Basics

 TDR Basics Using a Network Analyzer
z start with broadband frequency sweep (often requires microwave VNA)
z use inverse-Fourier transform to compute time-domain
z resolution inversely proportionate to frequency span
Time Domain Frequency Domain

CH1 S 22 Re 50 mU/ REF 0 U

-1
F
Cor 20 GHz
t f 6 GHz

∫ F(t)*dt
0
Integrate 1/s*F(s)

TDR -1
F

t f CH1 START 0 s STOP 1.5 ns

Network Analyzer Basics

 Time-Domain Gating
z TDR and gating can remove undesired reflections (a form of error correction)
z Only useful for broadband devices (a load or thru for example)
z Define gate to only include DUT
z Use two-port calibration
CH1 S11 &M log MAG 5 dB/ REF 0 dB

PRm
Cor

2
CH1 MEM Re 20 mU/ REF 0 U

PRm Gate 1: -45.113 dB 0.947 GHz

1: 48.729 mU 638 ps
Cor RISE TIME
2: 24.961 mU 668 ps 2: -15.78 dB 6.000 GHz
29.994 ps
8.992 mm 1 3: -10.891 mU 721 ps

Thru in frequency domain,

Thru in time domain 1 with and without gating
CH1 START 0 s STOP 1.5 ns START .050 000 000 GHz STOP 20.050 000 000 GHz

Network Analyzer Basics

 Ten Steps for Performing TDR
1. Set up desired frequency range (need wide span for good spatial resolution)
2. Under SYSTEM, transform menu, press "set freq low pass"
3. Perform one- or two-port calibration
4. Select S11 measurement *
5. Turn on transform (low pass step) *
6. Set format to real *
7. Adjust transform window to trade off rise time with ringing and overshoot *
8. Adjust start and stop times if desired
9. For gating:
z set start and stop frequencies for gate

z turn gating on *

z adjust gate shape to trade off resolution with ripple *

10. To display gated response in frequency domain

z turn transform off (leave gating on) *

z change format to log-magnitude *

* If using two channels (even if coupled), these parameters must be set independently for second channel

Network Analyzer Basics

 Time-Domain Transmission
RF Input

RF Output

CH1 S21 log MAG 15 dB/ REF 0 dB

Main Wave
Leakage

Triple Travel Surface

Wave
CH1 S21 log MAG 10 dB/ REF 0 dB Cor
RF Leakage Triple
Travel
Cor

Gate off

Gate on START -1 us STOP 6 us

Network Analyzer Basics

 Time-Domain Filter Tuning

• Deterministic method used for

tuning cavity-resonator filters
• Traditional frequency-domain
tuning is very difficult:
„ lots of training needed
„ may take 20 to 90 minutes
to tune a single filter
• Need VNA with fast sweep speeds
and fast time-domain processing

Network Analyzer Basics

 Filter Reflection in Time Domain

• Set analyzer’s center frequency

= center frequency of the filter
• Measure S11 or S22 in the time domain
• Nulls in the time-domain response correspond
to individual resonators in filter

Network Analyzer Basics

 Tuning Resonator #3

• Easier to identify mistuned resonator

in time-domain: null #3 is missing
• Hard to tell which resonator is mistuned
from frequency-domain response
• Adjust resonators by minimizing null
• Adjust coupling apertures using
the peaks in-between the dips

Network Analyzer Basics

 Frequency-Translating Devices
Medium-dynamic range measurements (35 dB)
High-dynamic range measurements (100 dB)
FREQ OFFS
ON off
8753ES
LO
8753ES
MENU
Ref In
1 2 DOWN
Filter CONVERTER
Ref out
UP
CONVERTER
Attenuator Attenuator
RF > LO Ref in Reference mixer
RF < LO
Start: 900 MHz Start: 100 MHz
Stop: 650 MHz Stop: 350 MHz
VIEW
MEASURE
Filter Attenuator
Fixed LO: 1 GHz
LO power: 13 dBm
RETURN
CH1 CONV MEAS log MAG 10 dB/ REF 10 dB

DUT Attenuator

Attenuator

ESG-D4000A
START 640.000 000 MHz STOP 660.000 000 MHz Power
splitter

Network Analyzer Basics

 High-Power Amplifiers
Preamp
8753ES

Source
Ref In

Preamp
AUT
DUT

A B

AUT

+43 dBm max input (20 watts!)

8720ES Option 085

85118A High-Power
Amplifier Test System

Network Analyzer Basics

 High-Dynamic Range Measurements
0
-10
-20
-30
-40 Take advantage of
-50 extended dynamic
-60 range with direct-
-70
-80
receiver access
-90
-100
-110
-120
-130
-140
-150
800 980
MHz

Network Analyzer Basics

 Multiport Device Test

Multiport analyzers and test sets:

z improve throughput by reducing the number of

connections to DUTs with more than two ports

z allow simultaneous viewing of two paths

(good for tuning duplexers)

8753 H39 z include mechanical or solid-state switches,

50 or 75 ohms
z degrade raw performance so calibration is a
CH1 S 21 log MAG 10 dB/ REF 0 dB 1_ -1.9248 dB
CH2 S 12 log MAG 10 dB/ REF 0 dB 1_ -1.2468 dB
839.470 000 MHz
PRm
Duplexer Test - Tx-Ant and Ant-Rx
Cor
1 1
must (use two-port cals whenever possible)
Hld
z Agilent offers a variety of standard and custom

multiport analyzers and test sets

PASS

1
880.435 000 MHz

PRm

Cor

PASS
Hld

CH1 START 775.000 000 MHz STOP 925.000 000 MHz

CH2 START 775.000 000 MHz STOP 925.000 000 MHz

Network Analyzer Basics

 87050E/87075C Standard Multiport Test Sets

Test Set Cal

SelfCal
SelfCal
Once a month:
perform a Test Set Cal with external
standards to remove systematic errors in
the analyzer, test set, cables, and fixture

Fixture
DUT

Once an hour:
• For use with 8712E family automatically perform a SelfCal using
internal standards to remove systematic
• 50 Ω: 3 MHz to 2.2 GHz, 4, 8, or 12 ports errors in the analyzer and test set

• 75 Ω: 3 MHz to 1.3 GHz, 6 or 12 ports

• Test Set Cal and SelfCal dramatically improve calibration times
• Systems offer fully-specified performance at test ports

Network Analyzer Basics

 Test Set Cal Eliminates Redundant
Connections of Calibration Standards

Reflection Connections Through Connections

12-port 12-port

8-port 8-port

4-port 4-port

0 100 200 300 400 0 25 50 75

„ Test Set Cal

„ Traditional VNA Calibration
Network Analyzer Basics
 PNA Series plus External Test Set
• Test set controlled via GPIB and Agilent-supplied Visual PNA Series Analyzer

Basic program executed from PNA Series analyzer

AC Visual Basic
Power Control Prog.

• Two port error correction available

• Z5623A H03
GPIB
Z5623A
H03
– 3 port external test set AC
Power

– Solid-state switching for fast, repeatable measurements

• Z5623A H08 3 Port DUT

– 8 port external test set

– Mechanical switching for best RF performance
Z5623A H08

Network Analyzer Basics

 In-Fixture Measurements

Measurement problem: coaxial calibration plane

is not the same as the in-fixture measurement plane

Calibration Measurement
plane plane

Fixture

ED ES DUT

ET z Loss
Error correction with coaxial calibration z Phase shift
z Mismatch

Network Analyzer Basics

 Characterizing Crystal Resonators/Filters

Ch1 Z: R phase 40 / REF 0 1: 15.621 U

E5100A/B Network Analyzer 31.998 984 925 MHz

Min

Cor

START 31.995 MHz STOP 32.058 MHz

SEG START STOP POINTS POWER IFBW

1 31.995 MHz 32.008 MHz 200 0 dBm 200Hz

> 2 32.052 MHz 32.058 MHz 200 0 dBm 200Hz
END

Example of crystal resonator measurement

Network Analyzer Basics

 What are Balanced Devices?
Ideally, respond to differential and reject common-mode signals
Gain = 1

Differential-mode signal
Balanced to single-ended

Common-mode signal
(EMI or ground noise)

Gain = 1

Differential-mode signal

Fully balanced
Common-mode signal
(EMI or ground noise)

Network Analyzer Basics

 What about Non-Ideal Devices?
Mode conversions occur...
Differential to common-
mode conversion

+
Generates EMI

Susceptible to EMI

Common-mode to
differential conversion
Network Analyzer Basics
 So What?

RF and digital designers need to characterize:

• Differential to differential mode (desired operation)
• Mode conversions (undesired operation)
• Operation in non-50-ohm environments
• Other differential parameters:
– common-mode rejection ratio
– K-factor
– phase/amplitude balance
– conjugate matches

Network Analyzer Basics

 Agilent Solution for Balanced Measurements
• Data presented as mixed-mode S-parameters D = differential mode
C = common mode
• Excellent dynamic range and accuracy
D in, D out C in, D out
• Many important features
such as time domain,
impedance re-normalization,
user parameters...

D in, C in,
C out C out

Network Analyzer Basics

 6 GHz Solution based on the PNA Series

Network Software
Analyzer
• instrument control
• option 015 (allows
• calibration routines
standard VNA use)
• error correction
• signal source
• measurement routines
• receiver
• “user” features
• time domain

Test Set
• adds 2 ports to VNA
• includes switches, 2 couplers Optional 4-port
ECal module

Network Analyzer Basics

 Target Markets
• Wireless Communications
– Balanced topology less susceptible to EMI, noise
– Less shielding required
– RF grounding less critical
– Better RF performance,
smaller, lighter phones
– LVDS extends battery life

• Signal Integrity
– Verify waveform quality of high speed digital signals
– Engineers primarily interested in time-domain analysis

Network Analyzer Basics

 Target Devices
RF/Microwave Components
• Balanced filters
• Differential/push-pull amplifiers
• Baluns
• Balanced transmission lines
• Cable connectors
• Couplers*, circulators*, splitters/combiners*

* single-ended devices that need 4-port error correction

Network Analyzer Basics

 Target Devices
Digital Design
• PCB backplanes
• PCB interconnects
• Sockets, packages
• High-speed serial interconnects
(Ethernet, Firewire, Infiniband, USB …)

Network Analyzer Basics

 Agenda
z What measurements do we make?
z Network analyzer hardware
z Error models and calibration
z Example measurements
z Appendix
z Advanced Topics
time domain
frequency-translating devices
high-power amplifiers
extended dynamic range
multiport devices
in-fixture measurements
crystal resonators
balanced/differential
z Inside the network analyzer
z Challenge quiz!

Network Analyzer Basics

 Traditional Scalar Analyzer
Incident Transmitted

DUT

Reflected
SOURCE

SIGNAL
SEPARATION

processor/display INCIDENT (R)

REFLECTED
(A)
TRANSMITTED
(B)

RECEIVER / DETECTOR

source PROCESSOR / DISPLAY

Example: 8757D
z requires external detectors, couplers, bridges, splitters
z good for low-cost microwave scalar applications

RF R A B
RF R A B

Detector
Detector

Detector
Bridge DUT
Reflection DUT Termination
Transmission
Network Analyzer Basics
 Directional Coupler Directivity
Directivity = Coupling Factor (fwd) x Loss (through arm)
Isolation (rev)
Directivity (dB) = Isolation (dB) - Coupling Factor (dB) - Loss (dB)

50 dB 20 dB Examples:
Test
port Directivity = 50 dB - 20 dB = 30 dB

50 dB 30 dB

Test
port Directivity = 50 dB - 30 dB - 10 dB = 10 dB
10 dB
60 dB 20 dB

Test
port Directivity = 60 dB - 20 dB - 10 dB = 30 dB
10 dB
Network Analyzer Basics
 One Method of Measuring Coupler Directivity
1.0 (0 dB) (reference)

Coupler Directivity
35 dB (.018)

Source short

.018 (35 dB) (normalized)

Directivity = 35 dB - 0 dB
= 35 dB

Source load Assume perfect load

(no reflection)

Network Analyzer Basics

 Directional Bridge

50 Ω 50 Ω z 50-ohm load at test port balances

the bridge -- detector reads zero
z Non-50-ohm load imbalances bridge
z Measuring magnitude and phase of
Detector imbalance gives complex impedance
z "Directivity" is difference between
maximum and minimum balance
50 Ω
Test Port

Network Analyzer Basics

 Incident Transmitted

NA Hardware: Front Ends,

DUT

Reflected
SOURCE

Mixers Versus Samplers REFLECTED

SIGNAL
SEPARATION

TRANSMITTED
INCIDENT (R) (A) (B)

RECEIVER / DETECTOR

PROCESSOR / DISPLAY

Sampler-based front end

ADC / DSP
S ADC / DSP

Mixer-based front end

Harmonic f
frequency "comb"
generator
It is cheaper and easier to make broadband
front ends using samplers instead of mixers

Network Analyzer Basics

 Mixers Versus Samplers: Time Domain
Sampler
Narrow pulse
(easier to resolve noise)
LO
RF
Single-balanced mixer (x1)
Wide pulse
LO (tends to average noise)
RF

Sampler Mixer
LO pulse LO
Network Analyzer Basics
 Mixers Versus Samplers: Frequency Domain
A
Sampler

...
f
IF
Note: frequencies not to scale
A x1
Mixer
x3

f
IF
Network Analyzer Basics
 Three Versus Four-Receiver Analyzers
Source Source

Transfer switch
Transfer switch

R R1

A B A B

R2

Port 1 Port 2 Port 1 Port 2

3 receivers 4 receivers
z more economical z more expensive
z TRL*, LRM* cals only z true TRL, LRM cals
z includes: z includes:
„ 8753ES PNA Series
„

„ 8720ES (standard) 8720ES (option 400)

„

Network Analyzer Basics 8510C

„
 Why Are Four Receivers Better Than Three?
TRL TRL*

• 8720ES Option 400 adds fourth

sampler, allowing full TRL calibration
• PNA Series has four receivers standard

z TRL*
„assumes the source and load match of a test port are equal
(port symmetry between forward and reverse measurements)
„this is only a fair assumption for three-receiver network analyzers
z TRL
„four receivers are necessary to make the required measurements
„TRL and TRL* use identical calibration standards
z In noncoaxial applications, TRL achieves better source and load match correction than TRL*
z What about coaxial applications?
„SOLT is usually the preferred calibration method
„coaxial TRL can be more accurate than SOLT, but not commonly used

Network Analyzer Basics

 Challenge Quiz
1. Can filters cause distortion in communications systems?
A. Yes, due to impairment of phase and magnitude response
B. Yes, due to nonlinear components such as ferrite inductors
C. No, only active devices can cause distortion
D. No, filters only cause linear phase shifts
E. Both A and B above
2. Which statement about transmission lines is false?
A. Useful for efficient transmission of RF power
B. Requires termination in characteristic impedance for low VSWR
C. Envelope voltage of RF signal is independent of position along line
D. Used when wavelength of signal is small compared to length of line
E. Can be realized in a variety of forms such as coaxial, waveguide, microstrip
3. Which statement about narrowband detection is false?
A. Is generally the cheapest way to detect microwave signals
B. Provides much greater dynamic range than diode detection
C. Uses variable-bandwidth IF filters to set analyzer noise floor
D. Provides rejection of harmonic and spurious signals
E. Uses mixers or samplers as downconverters
Network Analyzer Basics
 Challenge Quiz (continued)
4. Maximum dynamic range with narrowband detection is defined as:
A. Maximum receiver input power minus the stopband of the device under test
B. Maximum receiver input power minus the receiver's noise floor
C. Detector 1-dB-compression point minus the harmonic level of the source
D. Receiver damage level plus the maximum source output power
E. Maximum source output power minus the receiver's noise floor
5. With a T/R analyzer, the following error terms can be corrected:
A. Source match, load match, transmission tracking
B. Load match, reflection tracking, transmission tracking
C. Source match, reflection tracking, transmission tracking
D. Directivity, source match, load match
E. Directivity, reflection tracking, load match
6. Calibration(s) can remove which of the following types of measurement error?
A. Systematic and drift
B. Systematic and random
C. Random and drift
D. Repeatability and systematic
E. Repeatability and drift
Network Analyzer Basics
 Challenge Quiz (continued)
7. Which statement about TRL calibration is false?
A. Is a type of two-port error correction
B. Uses easily fabricated and characterized standards
C. Most commonly used in noncoaxial environments
D. Is not available on the 8720ES family of microwave network analyzers
E. Has a special version for three-sampler network analyzers
8. For which component is it hardest to get accurate transmission and
reflection measurements when using a T/R network analyzer?
A. Amplifiers because output power causes receiver compression
B. Cables because load match cannot be corrected
C. Filter stopbands because of lack of dynamic range
D. Mixers because of lack of broadband detectors
E. Attenuators because source match cannot be corrected
9. Power sweeps are good for which measurements?
A. Gain compression
B. AM to PM conversion
C. Saturated output power
D. Power linearity
E. All of the above
Network Analyzer Basics
 Answers to Challenge Quiz

1. E
2. C
3. A
4. B
5. C
6. A
7. D
8. B
9. E
Network Analyzer Basics