Agilent E4416A Data Sheet

Agilent EPM-P Series
Single- and Dual-Channel
Power Meters
Agilent E9320 Family of
Peak and Average Power Sensors

Product Overview

The power measurement solution you’ve been looking for

• Ideal for today’s R&D and manufacturing environments

• Peak, average, peak to average ratio, and time-gated
measurements for TDMA, CDMA, and W-CDMA testing

• Speed, accuracy, and reliability for greater throughput
without compromise

• 5 MHz bandwidth (maximum), high-performance peak
and average power sensors

• Analyzer software for power, time, frequency and statistics

2

3

Agilent has the power
measurement solution
you’ve been looking for

In a competitive environment such
as wireless manufacturing, testing
needs to be as efficient as the rest
of the manufacturing process. If you
are looking for a single-meter
solution that can do a full range of
power measurements with speed,
accuracy, and reliability, you’ll find
all these capabilities and more in
Agilent’s EPM-P series power
meters and E9320 power sensors.

Two EPM-P series models offer
excellent performance optimized for
wireless communications testing:

E4416A single-channel meter, 9 kHz

to 110 GHz, sensor dependent

E4417A dual-channel meter, 9 kHz

to 110 GHz, sensor dependent

Together with the E9320 power
sensors, the EPM-P power meters
measure the complex modulation
formats of today’s TDMA and CDMA
standards, as well as emerging wide­band CDMA (W-CDMA) standards
for 3G wireless communications.

Power meter measurements include
peak, peak-to-average ratio, and
average power of RF and microwave
signals. Extensive triggering features
are available for making time-gated
measurements. Fast test times, with
measurement speed of up to 1,000
corrected readings per second,
help you increase throughput to
meet time-to-market and time-to­volume goals.

Designed for manufacturing

High-performance
power sensors

The EPM-P series power meters work
with the E9320 peak and average
power sensors to create a low-cost
solution that answers a wide range
of manufacturing test needs.

Six power sensors make up the
E9320 family:

E9321A, 50 MHz to 6 GHz,

300 kHz bandwidth

E9322A, 50 MHz to 6 GHz,

1.5 MHz bandwidth

E9323A, 50 MHz to 6 GHz,

5 MHz bandwidth

E9325A, 50 MHz to 18 GHz,

300 kHz bandwidth

E9326A, 50 MHz to 18 GHz,

1.5 MHz bandwidth

E9327A, 50 MHz to 18 GHz,

5 MHz bandwidth

Each sensor offers variable
bandwidth settings so that you
can maximize the sensor’s dynamic
range for your application.

4

The EPM-P series power meters
with the E9320 family sensors
provide peak power, average power,
peak-to-average ratio, and time­gated measurements of the complex
modulation formats in wireless
communication systems.

Time-gated measurements are
performed using the meter’s
extensive triggering features, which
include continuous, level, external
TTL, and GPIB triggering. A
TRIGGER OUT port, on the rear
panel, allows other equipment
to be synchronized to the power
meter measurements, simplifying
measurement setups.

The flexible user interface allows
you to perform and display up to
four simultaneous time-gated or
free-running measurements. For
time-gated measurements, each
gate can be set up to measure the
average, peak, or peak-to-average
ratio, and you can set individual
start and duration times for each
measurement. This capability is

especially useful for measuring
power on TDMA signals that require
time-gating of various combinations
of peak and average power. On a
GSM signal, for example, you can
use time-gating to measure the
average power of the “useful”
time period (5% - 95% of the
burst duration), as well as to
measure the peak power, peak-to­average ratio, and pulse droop.

One meter for TDMA, CDMA,
and W-CDMA power measurements

Gate 2 provides the burst average
power over the “useful” GSM time
period and Gate 1 indicates the peak
power over the complete timeslot.
A peak-to-average ratio measurement
can therefore be obtained by
combining Gate 1 - Gate 2 (in dB).
This peak-to-average measurement
is made on two different gate times
and should not be confused with the
peak-to-average ratio measurement
that can be carried out in a single
gate. A pulse droop measurement
can be obtained from the subtraction
of the two powers, Gate 4/Gate 3.

Speed without sacrificing
accuracy and repeatability

Faster test times help improve
manufacturing productivity and
efficiency. Designed for both bench
and ATE operation, the EPM-P
power meters and E9320 sensors
provide a measurement speed, over
the GPIB, of up to 1,000 corrected
readings per second. The power
meters’ 20 M-samples per second
continuous sampling rate gives you
the ability to accurately profile
complex modulation formats of up
to 5 MHz bandwidth, and modulation
bandwidth correction ensures
accurate peak measurements on
signals such as CDMA or W-CDMA.

Ext Trigger

Start 4

Gate 3

Start 2
Start 3

5% to 95%, “useful” period

Start 1

Gate 4

Gate 2

Gate 1

5

Designed for R&D

In a design and verification
environment the EPM-P series
power meters now offer a complete
solution for power measurements.

Real time markers allow closer
analysis of the signal under test.
The gate control screen provides
graphical signal representation of
delta time, delta average, and delta
peak and delta peak-to-average
ratio with respect to markers 1 and 2
on the display. The trace control
feature provides a trace zoom
feature for closer examination of
a signal. Ideal for investigating
glitches and overshoot, and for
closer examination of the rise
time or fall time.

Measurement gates can be set by
numerical entry of the start and
length time. Also through the use
of the graphical gate set up to
define and control the start and
length of the gate.

Best in class calibration
reference

The 1 mW power reference provides
low measurement uncertainty for
power sensor calibration and
ensures a power output traceable
to the U.S. National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST)
and the National Physical
Laboratories (NPL), UK.

Thorough analysis and verification
of the power meter test processes
allow Agilent to provide best-in-class
0 dBm calibration reference

specifications. Temperature banding
of accuracy over one-year and
a warranted SWR specification
mean that you can test to tighter
specifications within your operating
environment with confidence in
your measurement results.

Accuracy (for one-year):
±1.2% (0

˚

C to 55˚C)

±1.07% (25

˚

C ±10˚C);

±1.03 (23

˚

C ±3˚C);

SWR: 1.05 maximum

6

Agilent EPM-P analyzer software

Pulse analysis

Versatile markers offer complete
power and timing characterication

1

of pulsed signals, to provide easy
testing of TDMA component
parameters and system performance.
In addition to measuring the peak
power, average power and the peak­to-average ratio, the Agilent EPM-P
analyzer software measures the
following pulse characteristics
automatically:

Power

•

Pulse Top

•

Pulse Base

•

Distal

•

Mesial

•

Proximal

•

Overshoot

•

Burst Average

Frequency and time

•

Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF)

•

Pulse Repetition Interval (PRI)

•

Pulse Width

•

Off-time

•

Rise time

•

Fall time

The Agilent EPM-P analyzer software is a PC based tool for pulse and statistical
analysis for TDMA and CDMA modulation formats.

Statistical analysis

For today's noise-like CDMA and
W-CDMA formats, statistical analysis
of the power distribution provides
essential characterization to optimize
system design, such as testing for
amplifier compression. The Agilent
EPM-P Analyzer software provides
the capability to determine the
Probability Distribution Function
(PDF), Cumulative Distribution
Function (CDF), and Complementary
Cumulative Distribution Function
(1-CDF or CCDF).

1

Pulse characterization is only for
the captured trace length.

7

A power meter that is very easy to use

SAVE/RECALL menu

stores up to 10 instrument
configurations. SAVE/RECALL
is accessed via the SYSTEM
hardkey.

Power ref

1.00 mW, 50 MHz source
used for power sensor
calibration (traceable
to NIST).

Zero/cal
Zero: Fully automatic

digital zero corrects
for residual offsets.
Cal: Fully automatic
sensor calibration.

Frequency/cal factor
Frequency: Direct entry of

the test signal frequency.
Cal Factor: For sensor
frequency response
correction (settable
from 1% to 200% with

0.1% resolution).

Large LCD display

High resolution display
with back lighting
provides a wide
viewing angle for all
the displayed data.

The E9320 peak and
average power sensors

operate only with the
E9288A/B/C sensor
cables (blue). The
E9288A/B/C sensor
cables operate with all
Agilent 8480 series and
E-series power sensors.

Preset/local

Returns the power

meter to local control. If

already in local, returns

the power meter to

the default condition.

Pre-defined instrument
configurations for common
TDMA and CDMA wireless

standards are also provid-

ed (GSM, EDGE, NADC,

iDEN, Bluetooth,

cdmaOne, W-CDMA, and

cdma2000).

Display keys

Select the active display
window. Selectable single
and split screen formats.
Two horizontal windows
on the power meter’s
easy-to-read display can
show a large 1- or 4-line
display, a trace display or
an analog display.

Two horizontal windows

on the power meters’
easy-to-read display
can show a large 1- or
4-line numeric display,
an analog display, or a
trace display.

Sensor connector(s)

Sensor input operates
with Agilent 8480 series
and E-series power
sensors. This is the
E4417A dual-channel
power meter. The
E4416A has only an
A channel input.

Arrowkeys

Allow positioning of
the cursor for editing
purposes and for
character selection.

Hardkeys

provide access to the
most frequently used
functions such as
TRIGGER.

Softkeys

Provide user
menu selection.

8

Versatile user interface displays
up to four time gates and lengths
in a single measurement setup.
This menu is accessed using the
CHANNEL hardkey.

Large character mode provides
easy viewing of information
from a distance.

Markers 1 and 2 show the
instantaneous power and time
relative to the trigger event.

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Easy to learn... easy to use

Increase your productivity
with an easy-to-learn,
easy-to-use power meter.

The EPM-P series has been designed
with the user in mind. Hardkeys
such as ZERO/CAL allow access to
the most frequently used power
meter functions. Softkeys provide
measurement control through user
selection. The high resolution
LCD display (with backlighting),
large characters, and split screens
provide easy viewing of information.

Rear panel features

•

DC Recorder Output, 0 to 1 Volt.
The Agilent E4417A has two
dc Recorder Outputs as shown.

•

E441xA-002 provides parallel rear
panel sensor inputs with the
power reference oscillator on
the front panel.

•

E441xA-003 provides parallel rear
panel sensor inputs and moves
the power reference oscillator to
the rear panel.

•

GPIB connector for remote control
of all functions.

•

RS232/422 connector for remote
control.

•

Line power - universal input
voltage range with NO range
selection switches.

•

Ground connector - for those
applications where you need a
hard-wired connection between
the power meter’s ground and a
common ground.

•

Power meter conforms to CE
and CSA standards.

•Remote input / output - TTL logic
level is output when a measurement
exceeds a predetermined limit.
TTL inputs are provided to initiate
zero and calibration cycles.

•Trig In - accepts a TTL signal for
initiating measurements.

•Trig Out - outputs a TTL signal
for synchronizing with external
equipment.

10

High-performance,
high-value power sensors

The E9320 power sensors have two
frequency ranges-from 50 MHz to
6 GHz, which covers most wireless
communication applications, and
from 50 MHz to 18 GHz. For each
frequency range there is a choice
of sensors with three modulation
bandwidths:

•300 kHz, for measuring TDMA
signals such as GSM

•1.5 MHz, for measuring IS-95
CDMA signals

•5 MHz, for measuring W-CDMA
signals.

Average only path

Differential
amp

Chopper

Switched
gain
pre-amp

Selectable gain
differential amplifier*
(300 kHz, 1.5 MHz, 5 MHz)

Normal
path

Average
only path

Normal
path

Serial
interface

Load filter*

(300 kHz, 1.5 MHz
5 MHz low pass)

To serial
interface

Sensor diode
bulkhead

*Bandwidth is sensor dependent

RF IN

50 Ω

Thermistor

–t°

Sensor dependent:

8480 series: –70 to +44 dBm
100 kHz – 110 GHz
E441XA: –70 to +20 dBm
10 MHz – 26.5 GHz
E9300: –60 to +44 dBm
9 kHz – 18 GHz
E9320: –65 to +20 dBm
50 MHz to 18 GHz

Sensor cable
to power meter

Sensor dependent:

E9320: –50 to +20 dBm
50 MHz to 18 GHz

3 dB

1

The video bandwidth is the bandwidth
detectable by the sensor and meter over
which the power is measured, and is
sometimes referred to as the modulation
bandwidth.

gives each E9320 sensor three video
bandwidth settings—the maximum
(default) setting, a medium setting,
and a low setting.

Using the three settings, for example,
you can use a single E9323A 5-MHz
sensor to measure W-CDMA, IS-95
CDMA, and GSM signals.

Variable bandwidths to
maximize dynamic range

Wider bandwidths allow you to
profile fast-changing signals, but at
the expense of dynamic range. So
that you can select the best video
band-width

1

for your application
and still maintain the widest
possible dynamic range, Agilent

E9323A video bandwidth Maximum peak power dynamic range

High (default): 5 MHz –32 to +20 dBm
Medium: 1.5 MHz –34 to +20 dBm
Low: 300 kHz –36 to +20 dBm

Two sensors in one package

The E9320 power sensors also
combine stable, low-level power
measurements with modulation
measurements, to meet a wider
range of test needs. The sensors
have two independent measurement
paths, providing the exceptional
value of two sensors in one package:

•

Normal path for high-speed,
continuously sampled measurement
of modulated signals and time-gated
measurements. This is the default
path for E9320 sensors.

•

Average only path for average
power measurements on all signal
types between –65 to –20 dBm.
CW power measurements can
be made between –65 to +20 dBm.

11

Measurement accuracy and repeatability

For even greater accuracy and ease
of use, the E9320 power sensors’
calibration factors, linearity,
temperature and bandwidth
compensation data are all stored
in EEPROM. At power-on or when
the sensor is connected to an
EPM-P series power meter, all the
compensation data (for the calibra­tion factors, linearity, temperature
and bandwidth correction) is
automatically downloaded from
the sensor into the power meter.
That means you achieve optimum
accuracy no matter the signal
parameters and measurement
temperature.

Calibration factors
Linearity correction
Temperature correction
Bandwidth correction

Temperature sensing
thermistor located
beside diode detectors

Sensor diode bulkhead

Thermistor

–t°

3 dB

In power measurement, mismatch
between the sensor and the source
is one of the main contributors to
overall measurement uncertainty.
To minimize this effect, the E9320
sensors provide exceptionally low
standing wave ratio (SWR). For
example, SWR is 1.12 for signals
less than 0 dBm from 50 MHz to
2 GHz. Low SWR means that
mismatch uncertainty has been
minimized and measurement
accuracy improved.

12

Compatibility with more than
30 Agilent sensors

The EPM-P series power meters are
also compatible with Agilent’s 8480
and E-series power sensors, which
gives you additional choices for
conventional, average power
measurements. Including the E9320
family, Agilent provides a selection
of more than 30 compatible sensors
that cover a wide range of manufac­turing and R&D needs.

All Agilent E9320 power sensors
must be used with an E9288A, B, or
C sensor cable. You can also use this
cable with the all Agilent 8480 and
E-series power sensors. The E9288A,
B and C sensor cables are easily
identified by their blue color.

New sensor cable

Code compatibility

The EPM-P series power meters do
not have code compatibility with the
discontinued 43X power meters, and
the 8900C/D peak power meters.
The EPM-P series power meters use
SCPI programming, therefore for
average power measurements, most
commands will be compatible with
the EPM series power meter.

EPM-P power meter options
and accessories

EPM-P series power meters

E4416A Single channel EPM-P series power meter
E4417A Dual channel EPM-P series power meter

Options available

Connectors

E441xA-002 Parallel rear panel sensor input connector(s) and front panel

reference calibrator

E441xA-003 Parallel rear panel sensor input connector(s) and rear panel

reference calibrator connector

Calibration documentation

E441xA-A6J ANSI Z540 compliant calibration test data including

measurement uncertainties

Documentation

A hard copy of the Installation Guide and CD of the English language User’s
Guide and Programming Guide are provided with the EPM-P power meter as
standard. A selection can be made to delete the hardcopy.
E441xA-0B0 Delete manual set

Additional documentation

Selections can be made for the localization of the User’s Guide, with an English
language Programming Guide and Service Manual.
E441xA-0B3 English language Service Manual
E441xA-0BK English language manual set (hardcopy User’s Guide and English

Programming Guide)

E441xA-ABD German localization (hardcopy User’s Guide and English

Programming Guide)

E441xA-ABE Spanish localization (hardcopy User’s Guide and English

Programming Guide)

E441xA-ABF French localization (hardcopy User’s Guide and English

Programming Guide)

E441xA-ABJ Japanese localization (hardcopy User’s Guide and English

Programming Guide)

E441xA-ABZ Italian localization (hardcopy User’s Guide and English

Programming Guide)

Cables

E441xA-004 Delete power sensor cable

Additional cables

For operation with the E9320 power sensors:
E9288A Power sensor cable, length 5 feet (1.5 meters)
E9288B Power sensor cable, length 10 feet (3 meters)
E9288C Power sensor cable, length 31 feet (10 meters)

Accessories

E441xA-908 Rack mount kit (one instrument)
E441xA-909 Rack mount kit (two instruments)
34131A Transit case for half-rack 2U high instruments
34141A Yellow soft carry/operating case
34161A Accessory pouch

13

Path to the future

Agilent is committed to providing
long-term solutions for the measure­ment of RF and microwave power.
To exemplify this commitment, we
will enhance the EPM-P series
power meters in the future with
new product features. These features
will be provided as upgrades to the
instruments’ firmware available
as downloads from the Internet
or on disk.

To find out more about new product
features, visit our Web site at:

www.agilent.com/find/powermeters

14

Warranted support

The Agilent EPM-P power meters and
E9320 power sensors come with a
standard 1-year warranty.

For more information

Agilent provides free, detailed
product and application notes that
explain how to achieve the best
accuracy and repeatability from
your EPM-P power meter and E9320
power sensors. Some of these are
listed below:

Choosing the Right Power Meter
and Sensor, Product Note,

literature number 5968-7150E

Fundamentals of RF and
Microwave Power Measurements,
Application Note 64-1,

literature number 5965-6630E

4 Steps for Better Power
Measurements, Application Note 64-4,

literature number 5965-8167E

Related literature

EPM-P Series Power Meters and
E9320 Power Sensors, Technical
Specifications,

literature number, 5980-1469E

EPM-P Series Power Meters, EPM
Series Power Meters and E-series
Power Sensors, Configuration Guide,

literature number 5965-6381E

EPM-P Series Single-and Dual­Channel Power Meters, Demo Guide,

literature number 5988-1605EN

EPM-P Series Power Meter and CD Rom

literature number E4416-90032

15

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© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2002, 2004
Printed in USA, February 27, 2004

5980-1471E

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