Agilent 87050E Data Sheet

Agilent 87050E
50 Ohm Multiport Test Sets

Data Sheet

This document describes the performance and fea­tures of Agilent Technologies 87050E 50 ohm multi­port test sets, both as standalone units and when
combined with 50 ohm 8712ET, 8712ES, 8714ET, or
8714ES network analyzers. The following options
are available:

• Option 004 (4 ports)

• Option 008 (8 ports)

• Option 012 (12 ports)

For more information about these test sets, please
read the following documents:

• Agilent 87050E, brochure,
literature number, 5968-4763E

• Agilent 87050E, configuration guide,
literature number, 5968-4765E

Agilent 87050E 3 MHz to 2.2 GHz

2

All specifications and characteristics apply over a
25 °C ± 5 °C range (unless otherwise stated) and
30 minutes after the instrument has been turned on.

Definitions

Specification:

Warranted performance. Specifications include
guardbands to account for the expected statistical
distribution, measurement uncertainties, and
changes in performance due to environmental con­ditions.

Characteristic:

A performance parameter that the product is
expected to meet before it leaves the factory, but is
not verified in the field and is not covered by the
product warranty. A characteristic includes the
same guardbands as a specification.

Typical:

Expected performance of an average unit. A typical
does not include guardbands. It is not covered by
the product warranty.

Nominal:

A general, descriptive term that does not imply a
level of performance. It is not covered by the prod­uct warranty.

Supplemental information:

May include typical, nominal, or characteristic values.

Calibration:

The process of measuring known standards from a
calibration kit to characterize the systematic
(repeatable) errors of a network analyzer.

Corrected (residual) performance:

Indicates performance after error correction (cali­bration). It is determined by the quality of calibra­tion standards and how well “known” they are,
plus system repeatability, stability, and noise.

Uncorrected (raw) performance:

Indicates instrument performance without error
correction. The uncorrected performance affects
the stability of a calibration.

System performance:

Performance of a complete multiport test system,
which includes an 87050E test set and an
8712ET/ES or 8714ET/ES network analyzer.

Test Set Cal:

The calibration of a multiport test system, requir­ing the connection of known calibration standards
to all of the ports that will be used for measure­ments.

SelfCal:

An automated system calibration that uses calibra­tion standards internal to the test set and the most
recent Test Set Cal data to calibrate the test system.

Environmental specifications:

Environmental specifications bound the external
conditions for which the specifications are valid.
The environmental specifications also bound the
external conditions the test set may be subject to
without permanently affecting performance or
causing physical damage.

Introduction

3
5
8

9
12
13
14
15
16

Table of contents

System performance, two-port calibration
System performance, T/R calibration
System performance, uncorrected
System performance, general
Test set input/output performance
Test set general information
Physical dimensions
Block diagrams
System features

3

Agilent 85032B/E Type-N calibration kit

Specification1(dB) Typical2(dB)

Parameter 3 MHz 1.3 GHz 2.2 GHz

to 1.3 GHz to 2.2 GHz to 3 GHz

Directivity 47 40 37

Source match 37 35 30

Load match 47 40 37

Reflection tracking ±0.1 ±0.1 ±0.2

Transmission tracking ±0.1 ±0.1 ±0.2

System performance
Two-port calibration (user)

Transmission uncertainty (typical)

3

1. These specifications and supplementals apply under the following conditions: measurement uses the “Fine” (15 Hz) bandwidth, no averaging, and isolation cal “on”; Test Set
Cals use the “Fine” (15 Hz) bandwidth, 16 averages, and assume an isolation calibration has been performed; the test set must be used with an 8712ES or 8714ES network ana­lyzer with firmware revision E.06.00 or later; the test set and the analyzer must have had their performance verified within the last year; both instruments must have warmed up
for at least 30 minutes after turn-on; measurements are made at an environmental temperature of 25 °C ± 5 °C and within ± 1 °C of the last valid Test Set Cal.

2. Corrected system performance is changed to typical when the current temperature has drifted beyond ± 1 °C of the last valid Test Set Cal. Typicals are valid only when the cur­rent temperature is within 25 °C ± 5 °C, and within ± 1 °C of the most recent SelfCal.

3. These uncertainty curves only include the effects of the test port(s) within the measurement path. The effect of the uncorrected match of test ports outside the measurement
path is ignored, and is dependent on the isolation between the ports of the DUT that are within the measurement path and ports of the DUT that are outside the measurement
path.

Magnitude

Magnitude

Phase

Phase

4

System performance
Two-port calibration (user)

Specification1(dB) Typical2(dB)

Parameter 3 MHz 1.3 GHz 2.2 GHz

to 1.3 GHz to 2.2 GHz to 3 GHz

Directivity 40 38 35

Source match 38 35 30

Load match 40 38 35

Reflection tracking ±0.1 ±0.1 ±0.2

Transmission tracking ±0.1 ±0.1 ±0.2

Transmission uncertainty (typical)

3

Magnitude

Magnitude

Phase

Phase

1. These specifications and supplementals apply under the following conditions: measurement uses the “Fine” (15 Hz) bandwidth, no averaging, and isolation cal “on”; Test Set
Cals use the “Fine” (15 Hz) bandwidth, 16 averages, and assume an isolation calibration has been performed; the test set must be used with an 8712ES or 8714ES network
analyzer with firmware revision E.06.00 or later; the test set and the analyzer must have had their performance verified within the last year; both instruments must have
warmed up for at least 30 minutes after turn-on; measurements are made at an environmental temperature of 25 °C ± 5 °C and within ± 1 °C of the last valid Test Set Cal.

2. Corrected system performance is changed to typical when the current temperature has drifted beyond ± 1 °C of the last valid Test Set Cal. Typicals are valid only when the cur­rent temperature is within 25 °C ± 5 °C, and within ± 1 °C of the most recent SelfCal.

3. These uncertainty curves only include the effects of the test port(s) within the measurement path. The effect of the uncorrected match of test ports outside the measurement
path is ignored, and is dependent on the isolation between the ports of the DUT that are within the measurement path and ports of the DUT that are outside the measurement
path.

Agilent 85033D 3.5mm calibration kit

5

Agilent 85032B/E Type-N calibration kit

1. These specifications and supplementals are valid for reflection (one-port) and transmission (enhanced-response) Test Set Cals, and apply under the following conditions: meas­urement uses the “Fine” (15 Hz) bandwidth, no averaging, and isolation cal “on”; Test Set Cals use the “Fine” (15 Hz) bandwidth, 16 averages, and assume an isolation calibra­tion has been performed; the test set must be used with an 8712ET, 8712ES, 8714ET, or 8714ES network analyzer with firmware revision E.06.00 or later; the test set and the
analyzer must have had their performance verified within the last year; both instruments must have warmed up for at least 30 minutes after turn-on; measurements are made at
an environmental temperature of 25 °C ± 5 °C and within ± 1 °C of the last valid Test Set Cal.

2. Corrected system performance is changed to typical when the current temperature has drifted beyond ± 1 °C of the last valid Test Set Cal. Typicals are valid only when the cur­rent temperature is within 25 °C ± 5 °C, and within ± 1 °C of the most recent SelfCal.

System performance
Transmission/reflection (T/R) calibration (user)

Specification1( dB) Typical2(dB)

Parameter 3 MHz 1.3 GHz 3 MHz 1.3 GHz 2.2 GHz

to 1.3 GHz to 2.2 GHz to 1.3 GHz to 2.2 GHz to 3 GHz

Directivity 47 40 — — 40

Source match 37 32 — — 30

Load match (reflection calibration) 18 18 23 24 20

Load match (transmission calibration) 14 14 18 18 14

Reflection tracking ±0.1 ±0.1 — — ±0.2

Transmission tracking ±0.1 ±0.1 — — ±0.2

6

System performance
Transmission/reflection (T/R) calibration (user)

1. These uncertainty curves only include the effects of the test port(s) within the measurement path. The effect of the uncorrected match of test ports outside the measurement
path is ignored, and is dependent on the isolation between the ports of the DUT that are within the measurement path and ports of the DUT that are outside the measurement
path.

Magnitude, ET models with attenuator

Magnitude, ET models without attenuator

Phase, ES models

Phase, ET models with attenuator

Phase, ET models without attenuator

Agilent 85032B/E Type-N calibration kit
(continued)

Transmission uncertainty, enhanced response calibration
(typical)

1

Magnitude, ES models

7

Agilent 85032B/E Type-N calibration kit

1. These uncertainty curves only include the effects of the test port(s) within the measurement path. The effect of the uncorrected match of test ports outside the measurement
path is ignored, and is dependent on the isolation between the ports of the DUT that are within the measurement path and ports of the DUT that are outside the measurement
path.

Magnitude, ES models

Phase, ES models

Magnitude, ET models with attenuator Phase, ET models with attenuator

Magnitude, ET models without attenuator

Phase, ET models without attenuator

8

Type-N

Specification1 ( dB) Typical (dB)

Parameter 3 MHz 1.3 GHz 3 MHz 1.3 GHz 2.2 GHz

to 1.3 GHz to 2.2 GHz to 1.3 GHz to 2.2 GHz to 3 GHz

Source match, ratioed 12 10 17 14 11

Load match, test port unselected

2

18 18 23 24 20

Load match, test port selected

3

12 12 16 17 13

Transmission tracking

4

— — ±3 ±2.5 ±3

Reflection tracking

4

— — ±3 ±2.5 ±3

Crosstalk5, 8712ET/8714ET — — 93 89 81

Crosstalk5, 8712ES/8714ES — — 83 79 71

System performance
Uncorrected

1. These specifications and supplementals apply under the following conditions: measurement uses the “Fine” (15 Hz) bandwidth, with narrowband detection and no averaging;
the test set must be used with an 8712ET, 8712ES, 8714ET, or 8714ES network analyzer with firmware revision E.06.00 or later; the test set and the analyzer must have had
their performance verified within the last year; both instruments must have warmed up for at least 30 minutes after turn-on.

2. This is the match of any test port that is unselected (not in the measurement path). If the network analyzer is performing a reflection measurement with one-port calibration,
then only one port on the test set is selected (the source port). If the network analyzer is performing a transmission measurement or a reflection measurement with two-port
calibration, then only two ports on the test set are selected (the source and load ports).

3. This is the match of the test set port that has been selected as the load port. The network analyzer must be making a transmission measurement or a reflection measurement
with two-port calibration for a test port to be selected as the load port.

4. The uncorrected tracking terms are defined as the deviation over the defined frequency band, ignoring offset loss.

5. Crosstalk is computed by normalizing the result of an isolation measurement to a through measurement between the two ports such that the path losses are taken into
account. Isolation is defined as the transmission signal measured between any two ports of the test system when those two ports are terminated with shorts.

9

Specification Typical

System bandwidth

Fine Fine Med Wide Wide
15 Hz 15 Hz 4000 Hz 6500 Hz

Network analyzer 3 MHz 1.3 GHz 3 MHz 1.3 GHz 3 MHz 1.3 GHz 3 MHz 1.3 GHz

to to to to to to to to

1.3 GHz 2.2 GHz 1.3 GHz 2.2 GHz 1.3 GHz 2.2 GHz 1.3 GHz 2.2 GHz

System noise floor1(dBm)

8712ET/8714ET –97 –95 –106 –103 –82 –79 –42 –39

8712ES/8714ES –88 –86 –100 –97 –75 –72 –42 –39

System dynamic range2(dB)

8712ET, no attenuator 101 97 112 108 87 83 49 45

8712ET, with attenuator 100 96 111 107 86 82 48 44

8712ES 89 85 103 99 78 74 45 41

8714ET, no attenuator 99 95 109 105 84 80 46 42

8714ET, with attenuator 97 93 108 104 83 79 45 41

8714ES 86 82 100 96 81 77 42 38

1. Noise floor is defined as the rms value of the trace (in linear format) for a transmission measurement in CW mode, using the “Fine” bandwidth (15 Hz), the test ports
terminated in loads, 0 dBm at the test set source port, and no averaging. This measurement ignores the effects of crosstalk. This is a system specification–the test set
increases the network analyzer noise floor by adding loss to the network analyzer measurement.

2. The system dynamic range is calculated as the difference between the receiver minimum input (noise floor plus calibrated crosstalk) and the system’s maximum output
power. System dynamic range applies to transmission measurements only, since reflection measurements are limited by directivity.

System performance
General

10

Specification Supplemental information

System bandwidth

Network analyzer Fine Fine Med Wide Wide

15 Hz 15 Hz 4000 Hz 6500 Hz

Receiver dynamic range1(dB)

8712ET/8714ET 115 121 96 58

8712ES/8714ES 106 115 90 57

System performance
General (continued)

1. The receiver dynamic range is calculated as the difference between the receiver minimum input (noise floor) and the receiver maximum input. Receiver dynamic range applies
to transmission measurements only, since reflection measurements are limited by directivity.

2. The reference power for dynamic accuracy is –20 dBm.

Magnitude, ES models

Magnitude, ET models

Phase, ES models

Phase, ET models

11

Network analyzer Specification Characteristic (dBm)

Output power (system maximum)

<1 GHz >1 GHz

8712ET, no attenuator — 10.5 7

8712ET, with attenuator — 9.5 6

8712ES — 7.5 4

8714ET, no attenuator — 5.5 2

8714ET, with attenuator — 4.5 1

8714ES — 3.5 –1

Parameter Specification Supplemental information

Port switching time1(sec)

Reflection calibration — 0.7

Transmission enhanced calibration — 0.7

Two-port calibration — 0.7

SelfCal time2(sec)

Reflection calibration — 1 (typical)

Transmission enhanced calibration — 3 (typical)

Two-port calibration — 8 (typical)

1. This is the time required to switch to any new port configuration, and requires that the Test Set Cal has been performed for 201 points, the new measurement configuration is
201 points, and no new SelfCal occurs during switching.

2. This is the time required to perform the SelfCal for any single port configuration, assuming that the Test Set Cal was performed for 201 points, the new measurement configu­ration is 201 points, and the measurement bandwidth is “Med Wide” (4000 Hz). SelfCal times for other settings can be found in Table 4-1 of the Agilent 87050E/87075C Users
and Service Guide (87050-90026).

12

Test set input/output performance

Parameter Specification Supplemental

Frequency range 3 MHz to 2.2 GHz —

RF input power

Maximum input power — 16 dBm (nominal)
at 0.1 dB compression

1

Input damage power — 20 dBm (characteristic)

Parameter Specification (dB) Typical (dB)

3 MHz 1.3 GHz 3 MHz 1.3 GHz 2.2 GHz
to 1.3 GHz to 2.2 GHz to 1.3 GHz to 2.2 GHz to 3 GHz

Source match, test port

2

14 11 18 15 12

Load match, test port unselected

3

18 18 23 24 20

Load match, test port selected

4

14 14 18 18 14

Interconnect match, reflection port

5

12 10 17 15 10

Interconnect match, transmission port

5

11 8 14 13 11

Insertion loss, reflection port to port-n

6

7.5 9.5 6 8 12

Insertion loss, transmission port to port-n

6

7.5 9.5 6 8 12

Tracking, reflection port to port-n

6

— — 1.5 1.2 1.5

Tracking, transmission port to port-n

6

— — 1.5 1.2 1.5

Crosstalk, uncalibrated, adjacent ports

7

90 90 100 95 85

Crosstalk, uncalibrated, non-adjacent ports790 90 105 100 90

1. Compression is defined for the test set, independent of the network analyzer.

2. This is the match of the test set port that has been selected as the source port. The test set interconnect reflection port must be terminated with a load standard from an

Agilent 85032B/E calibration kit.

3. This is the match of any test port that is unselected (not in the measurement path). Only the source port of the test set is selected when you make a reflection measurement

with one-port calibration. Only the source and load ports of the test set are selected when you make a transmission measurement, or a reflection measurement with two-port
calibration.

4. This is the match of the test set port that has been selected as the load port. A transmission or two-port measurement is required for a test port to be selected as the load port.

The test set interconnect transmission port must be terminated with a load standard from an 85032B/E calibration kit.

5. This is the match of the test set interconnect ports (transmission and reflection ports) with the test set in transmission, or two-port mode. The selected test set test ports must

be terminated with load standards from 85032B/E calibration kits.

6. The reflection and transmission ports of the test set are connected to the corresponding ports of the network analyzer. Port-n is any one of the test ports used to connect to

the device-under-test.

7. This is crosstalk of the test set measured between the test set’s interconnect ports, with shorts on the selected test ports. Crosstalk is computed by normalizing the result of

an isolation measurement to a through measurement between the two ports such that the path losses are taken into account. Isolation is defined as the transmission
signal measured between any two ports of the test system when these two ports are terminated with shorts.

13

Description Specification Supplemental information

Front panel ports

87050E, Option 004 4 Type-N, female 50Ω (nominal)

87050E, Option 008 8 Type-N, female 50Ω (nominal)

87050E, Option 012 12 Type-N, female 50Ω (nominal)

Real panel

Parallel in connector — 25-pin D-subminiature female (DB-25)

Parallel out connector — 25-pin D-subminiature female (DB-25)

Line power

1

Frequency 47 to 63 Hz —

Input voltage, operating 90 to 264 V —

Input power — <45 W (typical)

General environment

ESD Minimize using static-safe work procedures and

— an antistatic bench mat

(Part number 9300-0797)

Dust — Minimize for optimum reliability

Operating environment

General Indoor use only —

Temperature 0 °C to + 55 °C —

Humidity (relative) less than 80% RH up to 31 °C,

decreasing linearly to 50% RH at 40 °C

Altitude 0 to 4.5 km (15,000 ft) —

Storage conditions

Temperature –40 °C to + 70 °C —

Humidity (relative) 0% to 90% RH at + 65 °C (noncondensing) —

Altitude 0 to 15 km (50,000 ft) —

Cabinet dimensions

Height x width x depth 132.8 x 425 x 497 mm (nominal)

5.2 x 16.7 x 19.6 in (nominal)

— Cabinet dimensions exclude front and

rear protrusions

Weight

Net — 8 kg (18 lb) (nominal)

Shipping — 11 kg (24 lb) (nominal)

Test set general information

1. A third-wire ground is required.

14

Physical dimensions

Physical dimensions of the Agilent 87050E Option 004
multiport test set

1

Physical dimensions of the Agilent 87050E Option 008
multiport test set

1

Physical dimensions of the Agilent 87050E Option 012
multiport test set

1

1. These dimensions exclude rear protrusions.

15

Block diagrams

Block diagram for the Agilent 87050E
(only one test set port pair is shown)

Block diagram for the Agilent 8712ES and 8714ES

Block diagram for the Agilent 8712ET and
8714ET

REAR PANEL

ADC and Processor

CRT

AUX Input

Y

Input B

Input B*

X

Input R

Input R*

Input A

External Detectors

X

Reference

Reflected

Y

RF

Source

Incident

Transmission

FRONT PANEL Reflection

With Attenuator Option 1E1

Narrowband Detector

Broadband Detector

(RF Out)

Device

Under

Test

External Detectors

Y

Input B

Input B*

Input R

Input R*

Input A

X

Reference

Port 1

RF

Source

Device

Under

Test

REAR PANEL

ADC and Processor

CRT

FRONT PANEL

Narrowband Detector

Broadband Detector

AUX Input

Y

X

Transmission

(RF In)

Port 2

16

Test set control

Control of the switches inside the test set and cali­bration of the test system can be accomplished
from the front panel of the network analyzer—an
external computer is not required. However, the
analyzers are fully programmable for use in auto­mated test environments.

Measurement

Number of display measurements

Two measurement displays are available, with
independent control of display parameters includ­ing format type, scale per division, reference level,
reference position, and averaging. The displays can
share network analyzer sweep parameters, or, by
using alternate sweep, each measurement can have
independent sweep parameters including frequen­cy settings, IF bandwidth, power level, and number
of trace points. The instrument can display a single
measurement, or dual measurements on a split
(two graticules) or overlaid (one graticule) screen.

Measurement choices

• Narrowband
ET models: reflection (A/R), transmission (B/R),
A, B, R
ES models: S11(A/R), S22(B/R), S21(B/R),
S12(A/R), A, B, R

• Broadband
X, Y, Y/X, X/Y, Y/R*, power (B*, R*), conversion
loss
(B*/R*)

Note: X and Y denote external broadband-detec­tor inputs; * denotes internal broadband detec­tors.

Formats

Log or linear magnitude, SWR, phase, group delay,
real and imaginary, Smith chart, polar, and imped­ance magnitude

Trace functions

Current data, memory data, memory with current
data, division of data by memory

Display annotations

Start/stop, center/span, or CW frequency, scale per
division, reference level, marker data, softkey
labels, warning and caution messages, screen titles,
time and date, and pass/fail indication

Limits

Measurement data can be compared to any combi­nation of line or point limits for pass/fail testing.
User-defined limits can also be applied to an
amplitude- or frequency-reference marker. A limit­test TTL output is available on the rear panel for
external control or indication. Limits are only
available with rectilinear formats.

Data markers

Each measurement channel has eight markers.
Markers are coupled between channels. Any one of
eight markers can be the reference marker for
delta-marker operation. Annotation for up to four
markers can be displayed at one time.

Marker functions

Markers can be used in absolute or delta modes.
Other marker functions include marker to center
frequency, marker to reference level, marker to
electrical delay, searches, tracking, and statistics.
Marker searches include marker to maximum,
marker to minimum, marker to target value, band­width, notch, multi-peak and multi-notch. The
marker-tracking function enables continuous
update of marker search values on each sweep.
Marker statistics enable measurement of the mean,
peak-to-peak and standard deviation of the data
between two markers. For rapid tuning and testing
of cable-TV broadband amplifiers, slope and flat­ness functions are also available.

Storage

Internal memory

1.5 Mbytes (ET models) or 1 Mbyte (ES models) of
nonvolatile storage is available to store instrument
states, measurement data, screen images, and IBA­SIC programs. Instrument states can include all
control settings, limit lines, memory data, calibra­tion coefficients, and custom display titles. If no
other data files are saved in nonvolatile memory,
between approximately 20 and 150 instrument
states can be saved (depending on the model type
and on instrument parameters). Approximately 14
Mbytes of volatile memory are also available for
temporary storage of instrument states, measure­ment data, screen images, and IBASIC programs.

System features

17

Disk drive

Trace data, instrument states (including calibra­tion data), and IBASIC programs can be saved on
floppy disks using the built-in 3.5 inch disk drive.
All files are stored in MS-DOS®-compatible format.
Instrument data can be saved in binary or ASCII
format (including Touchstone/.s2p format), and
screen graphics can be saved as PCX (bit-mapped),
HP-GL (vector), or PCL5 (printer) files.

NFS: See description under Control via LAN

Data hard copy

Hard copy prints can be made using PCL and PCL5
printers (such as HP DeskJet or LaserJet series
printers), or Epson-compatible graphics printers.
Single color and multicolor formats are supported.
Hard copy plots can be automatically produced
with HP-GL-compatible plotters such as the Agilent
7475A, or with printers that support HP-GL. The
analyzer provides Centronics (parallel), RS-232C,
GPIB, and LAN interfaces.

Automation

Controlling via GPIB
Interface

The GPIB interface operates to IEEE 488.2 and
SCPI standard-interface commands.

Control

The analyzer can either be the system controller, or
pass bus control to another active controller.

Data transfer formats

• ASCII

• 32- or 64-bit IEEE 754 floating-point format

• Mass-memory-transfer commands allow file
transfer between external controller and analyzer.

Control via LAN

The built-in LAN interface and firmware support
data transfer and control via direct connection to a
10 Base-T (Ethertwist) network. A variety of stan­dard protocols are supported, including TCP/IP,
sockets, ftp, http, telnet, bootp, and NFS. The LAN
interface is standard.

SCPI

The analyzer can be controlled by sending
Standard Commands for Programmable
Instruments (SCPI) within a telnet session or via a
socket connection and TCP/IP (the default socket
port is 5025). The analyzer’s socket applications
programming interface (API) is compatible with
Berkeley sockets, Winsock and other standard
socket APIs. Socket programming can be done in a
variety of environments including C programs,
Agilent VEE, SICL/LAN, or a Java™ applet. A stan­dard web browser and the analyzer’s built-in web
page can be used to remotely enter SCPI com­mands via a Java applet.

FTP

Instrument state and data files can be transferred
via ftp (file-transfer protocol). An internal, dynamic­data disk provides direct access to instrument
states, screen dumps, trace data, and operating
parameters.

HTTP

The instrument’s built-in web page can be accessed
with any standard web browser using http (hyper­text transfer protocol) and the network analyzer’s
IP address. The built-in web page can be used to
control the network analyzer, view screen images,
download documentation, and link to other sites
for firmware upgrades and VXIplug&play drivers.
Some word processor and spreadsheet programs,
such as Microsoft® Word 97 and Excel 97, provide
methods to directly import graphics and data via a
LAN connection using http and the network ana­lyzer’s IP address.

SICL/LAN

The analyzer’s support for SICL (standard instru­ment control library) over the LAN provides con­trol of the network analyzer using a variety of com­puting platforms, I/O interfaces, and operating sys­tems. With SICL/LAN, the analyzer is controlled
remotely over the LAN with the same methods
used for a local analyzer connected directly to the
computer via a GPIB interface. SICL/LAN protocol
also allows the use of Agilent’s free VXI plug&play
driver to communicate with the multiport test sys­tem over a LAN. SICL/LAN can be used with
Windows® 95/98/NT, or HP-UX.

18

NFS

The analyzer’s built-in NFS (network file system)
client provides access to remote files and directo­ries using the LAN. With NFS, remote files and
directories (stored remotely on a computer)
behave like local files and directories (stored locally
within the analyzer). Test data taken by the net­work analyzer can be saved directly to a remote PC
or UNIX® directory, eliminating the need for a
remotely initiated ftp session. For Windows-based
applications, third-party NFS-server software must
be installed on the PC. NFS is fully supported in
most versions of UNIX.

Bootp

Bootstrap protocol (bootp) allows a network ana­lyzer to automatically configure itself at power-on
with the necessary information to operate on the
network. After a bootp request is sent by the ana­lyzer, the host server downloads an IP and gateway
address, and a subnet mask. In addition, the ana­lyzer can request an IBASIC file, which automati­cally executes after the transfer is complete. For
Windows-based applications, third-party bootp­server software must be installed on the PC.
Bootp is fully supported in most versions of UNIX.

Programming with IBASIC

As a standard feature, all Agilent 8712ET/ES and
8714ET/ES network analyzers come with the
Instrument BASIC programming language (IBA­SIC). IBASIC facilitates automated measurements
and control of other test equipment, improving
productivity. For simpler applications, you can use
IBASIC as a keystroke recorder to easily automate
manual measurements. Or, you can use an optional,
standard PC keyboard to write custom test appli­cations that include:

• Special softkey labels

• Tailored user prompts

• Graphical setup diagrams

• Barcode-reading capability

• Control of other test instruments via the GPIB,
serial, or parallel interfaces

Measurement calibration

Measurement calibration is a process that
improves measurement accuracy by using error­correction arrays to remove systematic measure­ment errors.

The Test Set Cal and SelfCal features on your mul­tiport test system increase the accuracy of your
measurements and significantly increase the test
efficiency of your work stations by eliminating fre­quent and lengthy calibration procedures.

Test Set Cal

A Test Set Cal is a calibration that should be per­formed on a regular, but relatively infrequent basis
(at least once a month is recommended). A Test
Set Cal requires connection of mechanical calibra­tion standards to all of the ports you will be using
for your measurements.

Test Set Cal for the Agilent 8712ET and Agilent 8714ET
analyzers

The data collected by the analyzer during a Test
Set Cal always includes both transmission
(enhanced response) calibration data and reflec­tion (one-port) calibration data. When making
measurements after calibration, the analyzer auto­matically recalls and uses the correct set of cali­bration data for the type of measurement chosen.

Test Set Cal for the Agilent 8712ES and 8714ES analyzers

The S-parameter network analyzers perform either
two-port calibration or enhanced response/one­port calibration. Choosing a two-port calibration
for the Test Set Cal removes the most systematic
errors, giving you the greatest measurement accu­racy. Choosing the enhanced response/one-port
calibration allows faster measurement speeds, but
is not as accurate as full two-port calibration.

SelfCal

A SelfCal is an internal system calibration that
automatically executes in just a few seconds on a
regular, frequent basis (once per hour is recom­mended). A SelfCal does not require that you
remove your DUT or that you make any connec­tions of external calibration standards. The SelfCal
uses the results of the most recent Test Set Cal,
along with current measurements of internal, elec­tronically switched, open, short, load and through
standards. SelfCal removes the drift of the network
analyzer and multiport test set due to environmen­tal variations.

System features (continued)

19

Other calibrations

Besides using a Test Set Cal, individual instrument
states and their corresponding calibrations can be
saved and recalled for use with specific measure­ment paths. For example, to improve measurement
throughput, one signal path could be tested using a
response calibration, while all other paths are tested
with a Test Set Cal using two-port calibration.
Note: the SelfCal feature is only supported with
Test Set Cals.

A variety of calibration types are available and
described below:

ES models only

• Two-port calibration

Compensates for frequency response, source
and load match, and directivity errors while
making S-parameter measurements of transmis­sion (S21, S12) and reflection (S11, S22).
Compensates for transmission crosstalk when
the Isolation on OFF softkey is toggled to ON.
Requires short, open, load, and through stan­dards.

ET and ES models: transmission measurements

• Normalization

Provides simultaneous magnitude and phase
correction of transmission frequency-response
errors. Requires a through connection. Used for
both narrowband and broadband detection.
Does not support calibration interpolation.

• Response

Simultaneous magnitude and phase correction
of frequency response errors for transmission
measurements. Requires a through standard.

• Response and isolation

Compensates for frequency response and
crosstalk errors. Requires a load termination on
both test ports and a through standard.

• Enhanced response

Compensates for frequency response and source
match errors. Requires short, open, load, and
through standards.

ET and ES models: reflection measurements

• One-port calibration

Compensates for frequency response, directivity,
and source-match errors. Requires short, open,
and load standards.

Calibration kits

Data for several standard calibration kits are
stored in the instrument for use by the calibration
routines. They include:

• 3.5 mm (85033D)

• Type-N (85032B/E)

• 7 mm (85031B)

• 7-16 (85038A)

In addition, you can also describe the standards
for a user-defined calibration kit (for example,
open-circuit capacitance coefficients, offset-short
length, or through-standard loss).

For more information about calibration kits avail­able from Agilent Technologies, consult the Agilent
87050E Configuration Guide, Agilent literature
number 5968-4765E.

Key network analyzer options

Step attenuator (Option 1E1)

Adds a built-in 60 dB step attenuator to transmis­sion/reflection (ET) models to extend the output
power range to –60 dBm. The attenuator is stan­dard in S-parameter (ES) models.

Agilent Technologies’ Test and Measurement
Support, Services, and Assistance

Agilent Technologies aims to maximize the value you receive,
while minimizing your risk and problems. We strive to ensure
that you get the test and measurement capabilities you paid
for and obtain the support you need. Our extensive support
resources and services can help you choose the right Agilent
products for your applications and apply them successfully.
Every instrument and system we sell has a global warranty.
Support is available for at least five years beyond the produc­tion life of the product. Two concepts underlie Agilent’s
overall support policy: “Our Promise” and “Your Advantage.”

Our Promise

“Our Promise” means your Agilent test and measurement equip­ment will meet its advertised performance and functionality.
When you are choosing new equipment, we will help you with
product information, including realistic performance specifica­tions and practical recommendations from experienced test
engineers. When you use Agilent equipment, we can verify that
it works properly, help with product operation, and provide
basic measurement assistance for the use of specified capabili­ties, at no extra cost upon request. Many self-help tools are
available.

Your Advantage

“Your Advantage” means that Agilent offers a wide range of
additional expert test and measurement services, which you
can purchase according to your unique technical and business
needs. Solve problems efficiently and gain a competitive edge
by contracting with us for calibration, extra-cost upgrades, out­of-warranty repairs, and on-site education and training, as well
as design, system integration, project management, and other
professional services. Experienced Agilent engineers and tech­nicians worldwide can help you maximize your productivity,
optimize the return on investment of your Agilent instruments
and systems, and obtain dependable measurement accuracy
for the life of those products.

By internet, phone, or fax, get assistance with all your test &
measurement needs

Online assistance:

www.agilent.com/find/assist

Phone or Fax

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(tel) 1 800 452 4844

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(tel) 1 877 894 4414
(fax) [phone]

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Product specifications and descriptions in this document subject
to change without notice.

© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2001
Printed in USA November 14, 2001
5968-4764E

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