Agilent E8358A Data Sheet

Data Sheet

Agilent PNA Series
RF Network Analyzers

This document describes the performance and features of
Agilent Technologies PNA Series RF network analyzers.

E8356/7/8A 300 kHz – 3/6/9 GHz

2-port, 4 receiver
S-parameter vector network analyzer

E8801/2/3A 300 kHz – 3/6/9 GHz

2-port, 3 receiver
S-parameter vector network analyzer

N3381/2/3A 300 kHz – 3/6/9 GHz

3-port, 4 receiver
S-parameter vector network analyzer

2

Definitions

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

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

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

Typical (typ.): Expected performance of an average
unit which does not include guardbands. It is not
covered by the product warranty.

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

Calibration: The process of measuring known
standards to characterize a network analyzer's
systematic (repeatable) errors.

Corrected (residual): 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): Indicates instrument perfor­mance without error correction. The uncorrected
performance affects the stability of a calibration.

Standard: When referring to the analyzer, this
includes all options unless noted otherwise.

3

Table of contents

Corrected system performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

System dynamic range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Corrected system performance

with type-N connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Corrected system performance

with 3.5-mm connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Corrected system performance

with 7-16 connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Uncorrected system performance . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Test port output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Test port input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Measurement throughput summary . . . . . . . . . . .21

Cycle time vs. IF bandwidth . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Cycle time vs. number of points . . . . . . . . . .21

Cycle time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Data transfer time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

PNA Series simplified test set block diagram . . .23

E835xA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

E880xA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

N338xA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Measurement capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Source control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Trace functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Data accuracy enhancement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

System capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Automation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Key literature and web references . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Corrected system performance

The specifications in this section apply for
measurements made with the PNA Series analyzer
with the following conditions:

• 10 Hz IF bandwidth

• No averaging applied to data

• Environmental temperature of 25°C ±5°C,

with less than 1°C deviation from the calibration
temperature

• Isolation calibration not omitted

Note: A sample of uncertainty curves are
included in this Data Sheet. Please download our
free uncertainty calculator (www.agilent.com
/find/na_calculator) to generate the curves for
your setup.

System dynamic range

1. The test port dynamic range is calculated as the
difference between the test port rms noise floor and
the source maximum output power. The effective
dynamic range must take measurement uncertainties
and interfering signals into account.

2. May be limited to 100 dB at particular frequencies
below 750 MHz due to spurious receiver residuals.

3. Values based on power sourced from port 1. If power is
sourced from either port 2 or port 3, dynamic range
decreases by 3 dB.

4. The receiver input dynamic range is calculated as
the difference between the receiver rms noise
floor and the source maximum output power. The
effective dynamic range must take measurement
uncertainties and interfering signals into account.
This set-up should only be used when the receiver
input will never exceed its damage level. When the
analyzer is in segment sweep mode, frequency
segments can be defined with a higher power level
when the extended dynamic range is required (i.e.
the portion of the device’s response with high
insertion loss), and reduced power when receiver
damage may occur (i.e. the portion of the device’s
response with low insertion loss).

5. May be limited to 115 dB at particular frequencies
below 750 MHz due to spurious receiver residuals.

Description Specification (dB) Characteristic (dB)

Dynamic range1(at test port)

E835xA

300 kHz to 25 MHz

2

125

25 MHz to 3 GHz

2

128

3 GHz to 6 GHz 118

6 GHz to 9 GHz 113

E880xA and N338xA

3

300 kHz to 25 MHz

2

125

25 MHz to 3 GHz

2

128

3 GHz to 6 GHz 118

6 GHz to 9 GHz 115

Dynamic range4(at receiver input)

E835xA

300 kHz to 25 MHz

5

140

25 MHz to 3 GHz

5

143

3 GHz to 6 GHz 133

6 GHz to 9 GHz 128

E880xA and N338xA

3

300 kHz to 25 MHz

5

140

25 MHz to 3 GHz

5

143

3 GHz to 6 GHz 133

6 GHz to 9 GHz 130

4

Magnitude

0.01

0.1

1

10

-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-10010

Transmission coefficient (dB)

Uncertainty (dB)

E8803A full two port cal using 85032F

S11 = S22 = 0
Source power = -10 dBm

■

300 KHz to 1.3 GHz

◆ 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz

▲ 3 GHz to 6 GHz

● 6 GHz to 9 GHz

Phase

0.1

1

10

100

-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-10010

Transmission coefficient (dB)

Uncertainty (degrees)

E8803A full two port cal using 85032F

S11 = S22 = 0
Source power = -10 dBm

■

300 KHz to 1.3 GHz

◆ 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz

▲ 3 GHz to 6 GHz

● 6 GHz to 9 GHz

5

Corrected system performance
with type-N connectors

E880xA

Applies to PNA Series E880xA analyzer, 85032F

(type-N, 50 Ω) calibration kit, and N6314A test port

cable using full two-port error correction.

Description Specification (dB)

300 kHz to 1.3 GHz 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz 3 to 6 GHz 6 to 9 GHz

Directivity 49 46 40 38
Source match 41 40 36 35
Load match 49 45 39 37
Reflection tracking ±0.011 ±0.021 ±0.032 ±0.054
Transmission tracking ±0.012 ±0.020 ±0.055 ±0.083

Transmission uncertainty

Reflection uncertainty

Magnitude

0.05

■

300 KHz to 1.3 GHz

◆ 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz

0.04

▲ 3 GHz to 6 GHz

● 6 GHz to 9 GHz

0.03

S21 = S12 = 0
Source power = -10 dBm

0.02

Uncertainty (linear)

0.01

0

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

Reflection coefficient (linear)

E8803A with 85032F

Phase

10

8

6

4

Uncertainty (deg)

2

0

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

E8803A with 85032F

■

300 KHz to 1.3 GHz

◆ 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz

▲ 3 GHz to 6 GHz

● 6 GHz to 9 GHz

S21 = S12 = 0
Source power = -10 dBm

Reflection coefficient (linear)

Corrected system performance
with type-N connectors

E880xA

Applies to PNA Series E880xA analyzer, 85092C (type-N,

50 Ω) Electronic Calibration (ECal) module, and N6314A

test port cable using full two-port error correction.

Description Specification (dB)

300 kHz to 1.3 GHz 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz 3 to 6 GHz 6 to 9 GHz

Directivity 52 54 52 47
Source match 45 44 41 36
Load match 47 47 44 39
Reflection tracking ±0.040 ±0.040 ±0.060 ±0.070
Transmission tracking ±0.039 ±0.039 ±0.068 ±0.136

Transmission uncertainty

Reflection uncertainty

6

Magnitude

0.01

0.1

1

10

-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-10010

Transmission coefficient (dB)

Uncertainty (dB)

E8803A full two port cal using 85092C

S11 = S22 = 0
Source power = -10 dBm

■

300 KHz to 1.3 GHz

◆ 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz

▲ 3 GHz to 6 GHz

● 6 GHz to 9 GHz

Phase

0.1

1

10

100

-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-10010

Transmission coefficient (dB)

Uncertainty (degrees)

E8803A full two port cal using 85092C

S11 = S22 = 0
Source power = -10 dBm

■

300 KHz to 1.3 GHz

◆ 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz

▲ 3 GHz to 6 GHz

● 6 GHz to 9 GHz

Magnitude

0.05

■

300 KHz to 1.3 GHz

◆ 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz

0.04

▲ 3 GHz to 6 GHz

● 6 GHz to 9 GHz

0.03

S21 = S12 = 0
Source power = -10 dBm

0.02

Uncertainty (linear)

0.01

0

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

Reflection coefficient (linear)

E8803A with 85092C

Phase

10

8

6

4

Uncertainty (deg)

2

0

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

E8803A with 85092C

■

300 KHz to 1.3 GHz

◆ 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz

▲ 3 GHz to 6 GHz

● 6 GHz to 9 GHz

S21 = S12 = 0
Source power = -10 dBm

Reflection coefficient (linear)

Corrected system performance
with type-N connectors

E835xA

Applies to PNA Series E835xA analyzer, 85092C (type-N,

50 Ω) Electronic Calibration (ECal) module, and N6314A

test port cable using full two-port error correction.

Description Specification (dB)

300 kHz to 1.3 GHz 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz 3 to 6 GHz 6 to 9 GHz

Directivity 52 54 52 47
Source match 45 44 41 36
Load match 47 47 44 39
Reflection tracking ±0.040 ±0.040 ±0.060 ±0.070
Transmission tracking ±0.039 ±0.039 ±0.068 ±0.135

Transmission uncertainty

Reflection uncertainty

7

Magnitude

0.01

0.1

1

10

-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-10010

Transmission coefficient (dB)

Uncertainty (dB)

E8358A full two port cal using 85092C

S11 = S22 = 0
Source power = -10 dBm

■

300 KHz to 1.3 GHz

◆ 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz

▲ 3 GHz to 6 GHz

● 6 GHz to 9 GHz

Phase

0.1

1

10

100

-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-10010

Transmission coefficient (dB)

Uncertainty (degrees)

E8358A full two port cal using 85092C

S11 = S22 = 0
Source power = -10 dBm

■

300 KHz to 1.3 GHz

◆ 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz

▲ 3 GHz to 6 GHz

● 6 GHz to 9 GHz

Magnitude

0.05

■

300 KHz to 1.3 GHz

◆ 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz

0.04

▲ 3 GHz to 6 GHz

● 6 GHz to 9 GHz

0.03

S21 = S12 = 0
Source power = -10 dBm

0.02

Uncertainty (linear)

0.01

0

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

Reflection coefficient (linear)

E8358A with 85092C

Phase

10

8

6

4

Uncertainty (deg)

2

0

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

E8358A with 85092C

■

300 KHz to 1.3 GHz

◆ 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz

▲ 3 GHz to 6 GHz

● 6 GHz to 9 GHz

S21 = S12 = 0
Source power = -10 dBm

Reflection coefficient (linear)

Corrected system performance
with 3.5-mm connectors

E835xA

Applies to PNA Series E835xA analyzer with 85033E

(3.5 mm, 50 Ω) calibration kit, and N6314A test port

cable using full two-port error correction.

Description Specification (dB)

300 kHz to 1.3 GHz 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz 3 to 6 GHz 6 to 9 GHz

Directivity 46 44 38 38
Source match 43 40 37 36
Load match 46 44 38 38
Reflection tracking ±0.006 ±0.007 ±0.009 ±0.010
Transmission tracking ±0.011 ±0.020 ±0.041 ±0.047

Transmission uncertainty

Reflection uncertainty

8

Magnitude

0.01

0.1

1

10

-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-10010

Transmission coefficient (dB)

Uncertainty (dB)

E8358A full two port cal using 85033E

S11 = S22 = 0
Source power = -10 dBm

■

300 KHz to 1.3 GHz

◆ 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz

▲ 3 GHz to 6 GHz

● 6 GHz to 9 GHz

Phase

0.1

1

10

100

-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-10010

Transmission coefficient (dB)

Uncertainty (degrees)

E8358A Full two port cal using 85033E

■

300 KHz to 1.3 GHz

◆ 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz

▲ 3 GHz to 6 GHz

● 6 GHz to 9 GHz

S11 = S22 = 0
Source power = -10 dBm

Magnitude

0.05

■

300 KHz to 1.3 GHz

◆ 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz

0.04

▲ 3 GHz to 6 GHz

● 6 GHz to 9 GHz

0.03

S21 = S12 = 0
Source power = -10 dBm

0.02

Uncertainty (linear)

0.01

0

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

Reflection coefficient (linear)

E8358A with 85033E

Phase

10

8

6

4

Uncertainty (deg)

2

0

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

E8358A with 85033E

■

300 KHz to 1.3 GHz

◆ 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz

▲ 3 GHz to 6 GHz

● 6 GHz to 9 GHz

S21 = S12 = 0
Source power = -10 dBm

Reflection coefficient (linear)

9

Corrected system performance
with 3.5-mm connectors

E880xA

Applies to PNA Series E880xA analyzer, 85093C (3.5 mm,

50 Ω) Electronic Calibration (ECal) module, and N6314A

test port cable using full two-port error correction.

Description Specification (dB)

300 kHz to 1.3 GHz 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz 3 to 6 GHz 6 to 9 GHz

Directivity 52 52 51 47
Source match 44 44 39 34
Load match 47 47 44 40
Reflection tracking ±0.030 ±0.040 ±0.050 ±0.070
Transmission tracking ±0.039 ±0.049 ±0.068 ±0.117

Transmission uncertainty

Reflection uncertainty

Magnitude

0.01

0.1

1

10

-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-10010

Transmission coefficient (dB)

Uncertainty (dB)

E8803A full two port cal using 85093C

S11 = S22 = 0
Source power = -10 dBm

■

300 KHz to 1.3 GHz

◆ 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz

▲ 3 GHz to 6 GHz

● 6 GHz to 9 GHz

Phase

0.1

1

10

100

-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-10010

Transmission coefficient (dB)

Uncertainty (degrees)

E8803A full two port cal using 85093C

S11 = S22 = 0
Source power = -10 dBm

■

300 KHz to 1.3 GHz

◆ 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz

▲ 3 GHz to 6 GHz

● 6 GHz to 9 GHz

Magnitude

0.05

■

300 KHz to 1.3 GHz

◆ 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz

0.04

▲ 3 GHz to 6 GHz

● 6 GHz to 9 GHz

0.03

S21 = S12 = 0
Source power = -10 dBm

0.02

Uncertainty (linear)

0.01

0

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

Reflection coefficient (linear)

E8803A with 85093C

Phase

10

8

6

4

Uncertainty (deg)

2

0

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

E8803A with 85093C

■

300 KHz to 1.3 GHz

◆ 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz

▲ 3 GHz to 6 GHz

● 6 GHz to 9 GHz

S21 = S12 = 0
Source power = -10 dBm

Reflection coefficient (linear)

10

Corrected system performance
with 7-16 connectors

N338xA

Applies to PNA Series N338xA analyzer, 85038A

(7-16, 50 Ω) calibration module, and N6314A test

port cable using full two-port error correction.

Description Specification (dB)

300 kHz to 1.3 GHz 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz 3 to 6 GHz 6 to 9 GHz

Directivity 40 40 36 36
Source match 37 37 34 34
Load match 39 39 35 35
Reflection tracking ±0.089 ±0.089 ±0.115 ±0.115
Transmission tracking ±0.024 ±0.033 ±0.082 ±0.103

Transmission uncertainty

Reflection uncertainty

Magnitude

0.01

0.1

1

10

-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-10010

Transmission coefficient (dB)

Uncertainty (dB)

N3383A full two port cal using 85038A

S11 = S22 = 0
Source power = -10 dBm

■

300 KHz to 1.3 GHz

◆ 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz

▲ 3 GHz to 6 GHz

● 6 GHz to 9 GHz

Phase

0.1

1

10

100

-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-10010

Transmission coefficient (dB)

Uncertainty (degrees)

N3383A full two port cal using 85038A

S11 = S22 = 0
Source power = -10 dBm

■

300 KHz to 1.3 GHz

◆ 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz

▲ 3 GHz to 6 GHz

● 6 GHz to 9 GHz

Magnitude

0.05

■

300 KHz to 1.3 GHz

◆ 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz

0.04

▲ 3 GHz to 6 GHz

● 6 GHz to 9 GHz

0.03

0.02

Uncertainty (linear)

0.01

0

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

Reflection coefficient (linear)

N3383A with 85038A

S21 = S12 = 0
Source power = -10 dBm

Phase

10

8

6

4

Uncertainty (deg)

2

0

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

N3383A with 85038A

■

300 KHz to 1.3 GHz

◆ 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz

▲ 3 GHz to 6 GHz

● 6 GHz to 9 GHz

S21 = S12 = 0
Source power = -10 dBm

Reflection coefficient (linear)

11

Uncorrected system performance

Description Specification (dB)

300 kHz to 1 MHz 1 MHz to 1.3 GHz 1.3 GHz to 3 GHz 3 to 6 GHz 6 to 9 GHz

Directivity 30 33 27 20 13
Source match

E835x 20 20 17 15 14
E835x Option 015 20 20 15 13 12
E880xA 18 18 16 11 8
N338xA ports 1, 2 18 18 17 14 12
N338xA port 3 18 18 17 14 12

Load match

E835x 20 20 17 15 15
E835x Option 015 20 20 15 13 13
E880xA 20 20 17 13.5 13
N338xA ports 1, 2 20 20 17 13.5 11.5

N338xA port 3 20 20 17 13.5 11.5
Reflection tracking ±1.5 ±1.5 ±1.5 ±2.5 ±3.0
Transmission tracking ±1.5 ±1.5 ±1.5 ±2.5 ±3.0

12

Test port output

1

Description Specification Supplemental information
Frequency range

E8356A, E8801A, N3381A 300 kHz to 3.0 GHz
E8357A, E8802A, N3382A 300 kHz to 6.0 GHz
E8358A, E8803A, N3383A 300 kHz to 9.0 GHz

Frequency resolution 1 Hz
CW accuracy

E835xA, E880xA Option 1E5, N338xA Option 1E5 ±1 ppm

E880xA, N338xA ±3 ppm

Frequency stability

E835xA ±1 ppm, -10°C to 70°C, typical

±2 ppm/year, typical

E880xA, N338xA ±0.01 ppm, 2°C to 30°C, typical

±0.1 ppm/year maximum

E880xA Option 1E5, N338xA Option 1E5 ±1 ppm, -10°C to 70°C, typical

±2 ppm/year maximum

Power level accuracy Variation from 0 dBm in power range 0

300 kHz to 6 GHz ±1.0 dB ±1.5 dB below 10 MHz

6 GHz to 9 GHz ±2.0 dB
Power level linearity Variation from 0 dBm in power range 0

300 kHz to 9 GHz ±0.3 dB –15 to +5 dBm

300 kHz to 1 MHz ±1.0 dB +5 to +10 dBm

1 MHz to 6 GHz ±0.5 dB +5 to +10 dBm

6 GHz to 9 GHz ±0.5 dB +5 to +7 dBm

3

Power level range

2

E835xA, E880xA Option 1E1, N338xA Option 1E1

300 kHz to 6 GHz –85 to +10 dBm
6 GHz to 9 GHz –85 to +5 dBm +7 dBm for E880xA and N338xA

E880xA, N338xA

300 kHz to 6 GHz –15 to +10 dBm
6 GHz to 9 GHz –15 to +7 dBm

Power sweep range

E835xA:

300 kHz to 6 GHz 25 dB
6 GHz to 9 GHz 20 dB

E880xA, N338xA (port 1 only):

300 kHz to 6 GHz 25 dB
6 GHz to 9 GHz 22 dB

Power level resolution 0.01 dB
Harmonics (2

nd

or 3rd)

at max output power (< 25 MHz) < –25 dBc, typical

at max output power (25 MHz to 9 GHz) < –25 dBc, characteristic

4

at 0 dBm output < –35 dBc, typical

at –10 dBm output < –38 dBc, typical, in power range 0

Non-harmonic spurious

at max output power –30 dBc, typical for offset freq > 1 kHz

at –10 dBm output –50 dBc, typical for offset freq > 1 kHz

1. Source output performance on port 1 only.
Port 2 output performance is typical.

2. Power to which the source can be set and phase
lock is assured.

3. For E880xA and N338xA only.

4. Typical below 25 MHz.

Test port input

Description Specification Supplemental information
Test port noise floor

1

300 kHz to 25 MHz

2

10 Hz IF bandwidth –115 dBm
1 kHz IF bandwidth –95 dBm

25 MHz to 3 GHz

2

10 Hz IF bandwidth –118 dBm
1 kHz IF bandwidth –98 dBm

3 GHz to 9 GHz

10 Hz IF bandwidth ≤ –108 dBm
1 kHz IF bandwidth ≤ –88 dBm

Receiver noise floor

1

300 kHz to 25 MHz

3

10 Hz IF bandwidth ≤ –130 dBm
1 kHz IF bandwidth ≤ –110 dBm

25 MHz to 3 GHz

3

10 Hz IF bandwidth ≤ –133 dBm
1 kHz IF bandwidth ≤ –113 dBm

3 GHz to 9 GHz

10 Hz IF bandwidth ≤ –123 dBm
1 kHz IF bandwidth ≤ –103 dBm

Crosstalk

E835xA:

300 kHz to 1 MHz < –120 dB Between test ports 1 and 2
1 MHz to 25 MHz < –125 dB with short circuits on both ports
25 MHz to 3 GHz < –128 dB
3 GHz to 6 GHz < –118 dB
6 GHz to 9 GHz < –113 dB

E880xA, N338xA (S

21

, S31):
300 kHz to 1 MHz < –120 dB
1 MHz to 25 MHz < –125 dB
25 MHz to 3 GHz < –126 dB
3 GHz to 6 GHz < –117 dB
6 GHz to 9 GHz < –106 dB

N338xA (S

12

, S13):
300 kHz to 1 MHz < –120 dB
1 MHz to 25 MHz < –125 dB
25 MHz to 3 GHz < –126 dB
3 GHz to 6 GHz < –113 dB
6 GHz to 9 GHz < –106 dB

N338xA (S

23

, S32):
300 kHz to 1 MHz < –120 dB
1 MHz to 3GHz < –125 dB
3 GHz to 6 GHz < –115 dB
6 GHz to 9 GHz < –107 dB

Trace noise magnitude

4

1 kHz IF bandwidth < 0.002 dB rms
10 kHz IF bandwidth < 0.005 dB rms

Trace noise phase

4

1 kHz IF bandwidth < 0.010° rms
10 kHz IF bandwidth < 0.035° rms

1. Total average (rms) noise power calculated as mean
value of a linear magnitude trace expressed in dBm.

2. May be limited to -90 dBm at particular frequencies
below 750 MHz due to spurious receiver residuals.

3. May be limited to -105 dBm at particular
frequencies below 750 MHz due to spurious
receiver residuals.

4. Trace noise is defined as a ratio measurement of a
through or a full reflection, with the source set
to +0 dBm.

13

Test port input (continued)

Description Specification Supplemental information
Reference level magnitude

Range ±200 dB
Resolution 0.001 dB

Reference level phase

Range ±500°
Resolution 0.01°

Stability magnitude

1

300 kHz to 3 GHz 0.02 dB/°C, typical
3 GHz to 6 GHz 0.04 dB/°C, typical
6 GHz to 9 GHz 0.06 dB/°C, typical

Stability phase

1

300 kHz to 3 GHz 0.2°/°C, typical
3 GHz to 6 GHz 0.3°/°C, typical
6 GHz to 9 GHz 0.6°/°C, typical

Maximum test port input level

E835xA (ports 1 and 2):

300 kHz to 25 MHz +10 dBm < 0.6 dB compression
25 MHz to 3 GHz +10 dBm < 0.4 dB compression
3 GHz to 6 GHz +10 dBm < 0.7 dB compression
6 GHz to 9 GHz +5 dBm < 0.7 dB compression

E880xA, N338xA:

300 kHz to 25 MHz +10 dBm < 0.6 dB compression
25 MHz to 3 GHz +10 dBm < 0.4 dB compression
3 GHz to 6 GHz +10 dBm < 0.7 dB compression
6 GHz to 9 GHz +7 dBm < 0.7 dB compression

Maximum receiver input level

E835xA (A, B, R1, R2):

300 kHz to 6 GHz –6 dBm, typical
6 GHz to 9 GHz –11 dBm, typical

E880xA (A, B, R), N338xA (A, B, R, C):

300 kHz to 6 GHz –6 dBm, typical
6 GHz to 9 GHz –9 dBm, typical

Maximum coupler input level (E835xA Option 015, E880xA Option 014, N338xA Option 014)

300 kHz to 9 GHz +33 dBm, typical

Reference input level (R1, R2, R)

2

300 kHz to 9 GHz –10 to –35 dBm, typical

Damage input level

Test port 1, 2, 3

3

+30 dBm or ±30 VDC, typical
R1, R2 IN (E835xA) +15 dBm or ±5 VDC, typical
R, A, B, C (E880xA Option 014, N338xA Option 014) +15 dBm or ±5 VDC, typical
A, B IN (standard) +15 dBm or ±5 VDC, typical
A, B IN (E835xA Option 015) +15 dBm or 0 VDC, typical
Coupler IN (E835xA Option 015) +33 dBm or ±0 VDC, typical
Coupler thru (E880xA Option 014, N338xA Option 014) +33 dBm or ±0 VDC, typical

1. Stability is defined as a ratio measurement
measured at the test port.

2. Input level to maintain phase-lock.

3. Only N338xA has third port.

14

Test port input (continued)

Group delay

1

Description Specification Supplemental information
Aperture (selectable) (frequency span)/(number of points – 1)
Maximum aperture 20% of frequency span
Range 0.5 x (1/minimum aperture)
Maximum delay Limited to measuring no more than 180° of

phase change within the minimum aperture.

Dynamic accuracy

Accuracy of the test port input power reading is
relative to the reference input power level. Applies to
input test ports 1 and 2 with 10 Hz IF bandwidth.

Specification

1. Group delay is computed by measuring the phase
change within a specified frequency step
(determined by the frequency span and the number
of points per sweep).

E835xA, E880xA, N338xA

0.01

0.1

1

10

-120-110-100-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-10010

Test port power (dBm)

Accuracy (dBm)

-20 dBm at 1.195 GHz

15

Test port input (continued)

Typical dynamic accuracy

E835xA

300 kHz to 3 GHz

300 kHz to 6 GHz

300 kHz to 9 GHz

Magnitude

Test port power (dBm)

Accuracy (dB)

Phase

Test port power (dBm)

Accuracy (degrees)

Magnitude

Test port power (dBm)

Accuracy (dB)

Phase

Test port power (dBm)

Accuracy (degrees)

Magnitude

Test port power (dBm)

Accuracy (dB)

Phase

Test port power (dBm)

Accuracy (degrees)

16

17

Test port input (continued)

Typical dynamic accuracy

E880xA

300 kHz to 3 GHz

300 kHz to 6 GHz

300 kHz to 9 GHz

Magnitude

0.01

0.1

1

10

-120-110-100-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-10010

Test port power (dBm)

Accuracy (dB)

E8801A

■

-10 dBm to 1 GHz

◆ -20 dBm to 1 GHz

▲ -30 dBm to 1 GHz

● -40 dBm to 1 GHz

Phase

0.1

1

10

100

-120-110-100-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-10010

Test port power (dBm)

Accuracy (degrees)

E8801A

■

-10 dBm to 1 GHz

◆ -20 dBm to 1 GHz

▲ -30 dBm to 1 GHz

● -40 dBm to 1 GHz

Magnitude

0.01

0.1

1

10

-120-110-100-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-10010

Test port power (dBm)

Accuracy (dB)

E8802A

■

-10 dBm to 1 GHz

◆ -20 dBm to 1 GHz

▲ -30 dBm to 1 GHz

● -40 dBm to 1 GHz

Phase

0.1

1

10

100

-120-110-100-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-10010

Test port power (dBm)

Accuracy (degrees)

E8802A

■

-10 dBm to 1 GHz

◆ -20 dBm to 1 GHz

▲ -30 dBm to 1 GHz

● -40 dBm to 1 GHz

Magnitude

0.01

0.1

1

10

-120-110-100-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-10010

Test port power (dBm)

Accuracy (dB)

E8803A

■

-10 dBm to 1 GHz

◆ -20 dBm to 1 GHz

▲ -30 dBm to 1 GHz

● -40 dBm to 1 GHz

Phase

0.1

1

10

100

-120-110-100-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-10010

Test port power (dBm)

Accuracy (degrees)

E8803A

■

-10 dBm to 1 GHz

◆ -20 dBm to 1 GHz

▲ -30 dBm to 1 GHz

● -40 dBm to 1 GHz

18

Test port input (continued)

Typical dynamic accuracy

N338xA

300 kHz to 3 GHz

300 kHz to 6 GHz

300 kHz to 9 GHz

Magnitude

0.01

0.1

1

10

-120-110-100-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-10010

Test port power (dBm)

Accuracy (dB)

N3381A

■

-10 dBm to 1 GHz

◆ -20 dBm to 1 GHz

▲ -30 dBm to 1 GHz

● -40 dBm to 1 GHz

Phase

0.1

1

10

100

-120-110-100-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-10010

Test port power (dBm)

Accuracy (degrees)

N3381A

■

-10 dBm to 1 GHz

◆ -20 dBm to 1 GHz

▲ -30 dBm to 1 GHz

● -40 dBm to 1 GHz

Magnitude

0.01

0.1

1

10

-120-110-100-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-10010

Test port power (dBm)

Accuracy (dB)

N3382A

■

-10 dBm to 1 GHz

◆ -20 dBm to 1 GHz

▲ -30 dBm to 1 GHz

● -40 dBm to 1 GHz

Phase

0.1

1

10

100

-120-110-100-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-10010

Test port power (dBm)

Accuracy (degrees)

N3382A

■

-10 dBm to 1 GHz

◆ -20 dBm to 1 GHz

▲ -30 dBm to 1 GHz

● -40 dBm to 1 GHz

Magnitude

0.01

0.1

1

10

-12-11-10-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-10010

Test port power (dBm)

Accuracy (dB)

N3383A

■

-10 dBm to 1 GHz

◆ -20 dBm to 1 GHz

▲ -30 dBm to 1 GHz

● -40 dBm to 1 GHz

Phase

0.1

1

10

100

-120-110-100-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-10010

Test port power (dBm)

Accuracy (degrees)

N3383A

■

-10 dBm to 1 GHz

◆ -20 dBm to 1 GHz

▲ -30 dBm to 1 GHz

● -40 dBm to 1 GHz

General information

Description Supplemental Information

System IF bandwidth range 1 Hz to 40 kHz in a 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10 sequence up to 30 kHz, 35 kHz, 40 kHz, nominal

RF connectors Type-N, female; 50 Ω, nominal

Connector center pin protrusion 0.204 to 0.207 in, characteristic

Probe power 3-pin connector, male

Positive supply +15 VDC ±2%, 400 mA max, characteristic
Negative supply –12.6 VDC ±5%, 300 mA max, characteristic

Display 21.3 cm (8.4 in) diagonal color active matrix LCD; 640 (horizontal) x 480 (vertical)

resolution; 59.83 Hz vertical refresh rate; 31.41 Hz horizontal refresh rate

Display range

Magnitude ±200 dB (at 20 dB/div), max
Phase ±180°, max
Polar 10 p-units, min; 1000 units, max

Display resolution

Magnitude 0.001 dB/div, min
Phase 0.01°/div, min

Marker resolution

Magnitude 0.001 dB, min
Phase 0.01°, min
Polar 0.01 m-unit, min; 0.01°,min

Rear panel

Description Supplemental Information

Test port bias input BNC, female

Maximum voltage ±30 VDC, typical
Maximum current (no degradation in ±200 mA, typical

RF specifications)

Maximum current ±1 A, typical

10 MHz reference in BNC, female

Input frequency 10 MHz ±1 ppm, typical
Input level –15 dBm to +20 dBm, typical

Input impedance 200 Ω, nominal

10 MHz reference out BNC, female

Output frequency 10 MHz ±1 ppm, typical
Signal type Sine wave, typical

Output level 10 dBm ±4 dB into 50 Ω, typical
Output impedance 50 Ω, nominal

Harmonics < -40 dBc, typical

19

General information (continued)

Description Supplemental Information
VGA video output 15-pin mini D-Sub, female; drives VGA-compatible monitors
GPIB 24-pin D-24, female; compatible with IEEE-488
Parallel port (LPT1) 25-pin D-Sub connector, female, provides connection to printers or any other

parallel port peripheral

Serial port (COM1) 9-pin D-Sub, male; compatible with RS-232
USB Port Type-A configuration (4 contacts inline, contact 1 on left), female

Contact 1 Vcc: 4.75 to 5.25 VDC, 500 mA max
Contact 2 –Data
Contact 3 +Data
Contact 4 Ground

LAN 10/100BaseT Ethernet; 8-pin configuration; auto selects between the two data rates
External detector input BNC, female; input from an external, negative polarity diode detector provides ALC

for a test port remote from instrument’s front panel
Input sensitivity –500 mV yields approximately –3 dBm at detector's input, typical
Bandwidth 50 kHz, typical

Input impedance 1 kΩ, nominal

Text set I/O 25-pin D-sub connector, available for external test set control
Aux I/O 25-pin D-sub connector, male, analog and digital I/O
Handler I/O 36-pin IDC D-ribbon socket connector, all input/output signals are default set to

negative logic, can be reset to positive logic via GPIB command

External AM input BNC, female; input provides low frequency AM modulation to test port output

signal, or shifts the test port output. 0 V input gives the power level set by the instrument,

a positive voltage gives a higher level, and a negative voltage gives a lower level.
Input sensitivity 8 dB/V, typical
Bandwidth 1 kHz, typical

Input impedance 1 kΩ, nominal

Line Power

1

Frequency 50/60/400 Hz
Voltage at 110/115 V setting 50/60/400 Hz
Voltage at 230/240 V setting 50/60 Hz
VA max 350 W

General environmental

RFI/EMI susceptibility Defined by CISPR Pub. 11, Group 1, Class A, and IEC 50082-1
ESD Minimize using static-safe work procedures and an antistatic bench mat
Dust Minimize for optimum reliability

Operating environment

Temperature 0°C to +40°C; instrument powers up, phase locks, and displays no error messages

within this temperature range.
Error-corrected temperature range System specifications valid from 25°C ±5°C, with less than 1°C deviation from the

calibration temperature, unless otherwise noted
Humidity 5% to 95% at +40°C
Altitude 0 to 4500 m (14,760 ft.)

Non-operating storage environment

Temperature -40°C to +70°C
Humidity 0 to 90% at +65°C (non-condensing)
Altitude 0 to 15,240 m (50,000 ft.)

Cabinet dimensions Excludes front and rear protrusions.

Height x Width x Depth 222 x 425 x 426 mm, nominal (8.75 x 16.75 x 16.8 in, nominal)

Weight

Net 24 kg (54 lb), nominal
Shipping 32 kg (70 lb), nominal

20

1. A third-wire ground is required.

21

Cycle time vs. IF bandwidth

1

Instrument state: preset condition, 201 points,
CF = 1 GHz, Span = 100 MHz, correction off, display
off. Add 21 ms for display on. Cycle time includes
sweep and re-trace time.

Cycle time vs. number of points

1

Instrument state: preset condition, 35 kHz IF band­width, CF = 1 GHz, Span = 100 MHz, correction off,
display off. Add 21 ms for display on. Cycle time
includes sweep and re-trace time.

Measurement throughput summary

IF bandwidth (Hz) Cycle time (ms)

40,000 8
35,000 9
30,000 11
20,000 13
10,000 28
7,000 36
5,000 48
3,000 72
1,000 196
300 620
100 1875
30 8062
10 17877

Number of points Cycle time (ms)

34
11 4
51 5
101 6
201 9
401 16
801 29
1601 52

Cycle time

1,2

(ms)

Number of points

101 201 401 1601

Start 1.8 GHz, Stop 2 GHz, 35 kHz IF bandwidth

Uncorrected, 1-port cal 9 12 18 54
2-port cal 22 29 42 117

Start 300 kHz, Stop 3 GHz, 35 kHz IF bandwidth

Uncorrected, 1-port cal 39 47 56 96
2-port cal 88 101 121 204

Start 300 kHz, Stop 9 GHz, 35 kHz IF bandwidth

Uncorrected, 1-port cal 51 57 64 103
2-port cal 112 124 138 220

1. Typical performance.

2. Includes sweep time, retrace time and band-crossing
time. Analyzer display turned off with
DISPLAY:ENABLE OFF. Add 21 ms for display on.

Data for one trace (S11) measurement.

Data transfer time (ms)

1

Number of points

51 201 401 1601
SCPI over GPIB
(program executed on external PC)

2

32-bit floating point 3 7 12 43
64-bit floating point 4 12 22 84
ASCII 7 64 124 489

SCPI over 100 Mbit/s LAN
(program executed on external PC)

3

32-bit floating point 1111
64-bit floating point 1112
ASCII 5 15 26 96

SCPI (program executed in the analyzer)

4

32-bit floating point 1123
64-bit floating point 1224
ASCII 8 29 56 222

COM (program executed in the analyzer)

5

32-bit floating point

7

1111

Variant type

8

1126

DCOM over 100 Mbits/s LAN
(program executed on external PC)

6

32-bit floating point

7

1112

Variant type

8

13619

1. Typical performance of PNA Series analyzer with
500 MHz Pentium

®

III processor.

2. Measured using a VEE 5.0 program running on a
600 MHz HP Kayak, National Instruments

TM

GPIB card.

Transferred complex S

11

data, using "CALC:DATA?

SDATA".

3. Measured using a VEE 5.0 program running on a
600 MHz HP Kayak. Transferred complex S

11

data, using
"CALC:DATA? SDATA". Speed dependent on LAN
traffic, if connected to network.

4. Measured using a VEE 5.0 program running inside
PNA Series analyzer. Transferred complex S

11

data,

using "CALC:DATA? SDATA".

5. Measured using a Visual Basic 6.0 program running
inside PNA Series analyzer. Transferred complex
S

11

data.

6. Measured using a Visual Basic 6.0 program running on
a 600 MHz HP Kayak. Transferred complex S

11

data.
Speed dependent on LAN traffic, if connected
to network.

7. Used array transfer (getComplex) for 32-bit floating
point.

8. Used meas.GetData for Variant type.

22

23

PNA Series simplified test set block diagram

E835xA

Standard

Option 015

Source

Switch

splitter

leveler

Step

attenuator

0 to 70 dB

Front
panel

PORT 1

PORT 2

Step

attenuator

0 to 70 dB

A receiver

R1 receiver

R2 receiver

B receiver

A out

A in

B in

B out

R1 out

R1 in

R2 out

R2 in

Step

attenuator

0 to 35 dB

Step

attenuator

0 to 35 dB

Source out
Coupler in

Coupler in
Source out

Source

Switch
splitter
leveler

Step

attenuator

0 to 70 dB

Front
panel

PORT 1

PORT 2

Step

attenuator

0 to 70 dB

A receiver

R1 receiver

R2 receiver

B receiver

A out

A in

B in

B out

R1 out

R1 in

R2 out

R2 in

24

PNA Series simplified test set block diagram (continued)

E880xA

Standard

Option 014

Source

Switch

splitter

leveler

Front
panel

PORT 1

PORT 2

A receiver

R receiver

B receiver

Coupler arm
Receiver A in

Source out
Coupler thru

Coupler thru
Source out

Source out
Receiver R in

Receiver B in
Coupler arm

Source

Switch
splitter
leveler

Front
panel

PORT 1

PORT 2

A receiver

R receiver

B receiver

Note: Option 1E1 adds a 70-dB step attenuator between
the source and the switch splitter leveler.

25

PNA Series simplified test set block diagram (continued)

N338xA

Standard

Option 014

Source

Switch

splitter

leveler

Front
panel

PORT 2

PORT 1

B receiver

C receiver

R receiver

A receiver

B out

B in

A in

A out

R out

R in

Coupler thru
Source out

PORT 3

C out

C in

Coupler arm
Receiver B in

Source out
Coupler thru

Coupler arm
Receiver C in

Source out
Receiver R in

Receiver A in
Coupler arm

Source

Switch
splitter
leveler

Front
panel

PORT 2

PORT 1

B receiver

C receiver

A receiver

PORT 3

R receiver

Note: Option 1E1 adds a 70-dB step attenuator between
the source and the switch splitter leveler.

Measurement capabilities

Number of measurement channels

Up to 16 independent measurement channels.
A measurement channel is coupled to stimulus
response settings including frequency, IF bandwidth,
power level, and number of points.

Number of display windows

Up to 4 display windows. Each window can be sized
and re-arranged. Up to 4 measurement channels can
be displayed per window.

Number of traces

Up to 4 active traces and 4 memory traces per
window. Sixteen total active traces and 16 memory
traces can be displayed using four windows.
Measurement traces include S-parameters, as well
as relative and absolute power measurements.

Measurement choices

S11, S21, S12, S22, A/R1, A/R2, A/B, B/R1, B/R2,
B/A, R1/A, R1/B, R1/R2, R2/A, R2/B, R2/R1, A, B,
R1, R2. Additionally for N338xA models: S13, S32,
S23, S31, S33

Formats

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

Data markers

Ten independent or coupled markers per trace.
Reference marker available for delta marker
operation. Marker formats include log or linear
magnitude, phase, real, imaginary, SWR, delay,
R + jX, and G + jB.

Marker functions

Marker search

Max value, Min value, Target, Next Peak, Peak right,
Peak left, Target, Bandwidth with user-defined
target values

Marker-to functions

Set start, stop, center to active marker stimulus
value; set reference to active marker response value;
set electrical delay to value of slope of phase
response at active marker.

Tracking

Performs marker search continuously or on
demand.

Source control

Measured number of points per sweep

User definable from 2 to 1601.

Sweep type

Linear, CW (single frequency), power or segment
sweep

Segment sweep

Define independent sweep segments. Set number of
points, test port power levels, IF bandwidth, and
sweep time independently for each segment.

Sweep trigger

Set to continuous, hold, single, or group sweep with
internal or external trigger.

Power

Set source power from -85 to +10 dBm. Power slope
can also be set in dBm/GHz. (Requires Option 1E1
for E880xA and N338xA)

Trace functions

Display data

Display current measurement data, memory
data, or current measurement and memory data
simultaneously.

Trace math

Vector addition, subtraction, multiplication or divi­sion of measured complex values and memory data.

Title

Add custom titles (50 characters maximum) to
the display. Titles will be printed when making
hardcopies of displayed measurements.

Autoscale

Automatically selects scale resolution and reference
value to vertically center the trace.

Electrical delay

Offset measured phase or group delay by a defined
amount of electrical delay, in seconds.

Phase offset

Offset measured phase or group delay by a defined
amount in degrees.

Statistics

Calculates and displays mean, standard deviation
and peak-to-peak deviation of the active data trace.

26

27

Data accuracy enhancement

Measurement calibration

Measurement calibration significantly reduces
measurement uncertainty due to errors caused by
system directivity, source and load match, tracking
and cross-talk. Full two-port calibration removes
all the systematic errors to obtain the most
accurate measurements.

Calibration types available

Response

Simultaneous magnitude and phase correction of
frequency response errors for either reflection
or transmission measurements

Response and isolation

Compensates for frequency response and crosstalk
errors of transmission measurements.

One-port calibration

Available on test set port 1 or port 2 to correct for
directivity, frequency response and source match
errors.

Two- and three-port calibrations

Compensates for directivity, source match, reflec­tion tracking, load match, transmission tracking
and crosstalk. Crosstalk calibration can be omitted.

TRL/TRM calibration
(not available on E880xA and N338xA)

Compensates for directivity, reflection and
transmission tracking, source match, load match and
crosstalk in both forward and reverse directions.
Provides the highest accuracy for both coaxial
and non-coaxial environments, such as on-wafer
probing, in-fixture or waveguide measurements.

Interpolated error correction

With any type of accuracy enhancement applied,
interpolated mode recalculates the error coefficients
when the test frequencies are changed. The number
of points can be increased or decreased and the
start/stop frequencies can be changed, but the
resulting frequency range must be within the original
calibration frequency range. System performance is
not specified for measurements with interpolated
error correction applied.

Velocity factor

Enter the velocity factor to calculate the equivalent
physical length.

Reference port extension

Redefine the measurement plane from the plane
where the calibration was done.

Storage

Internal hard disk drive

Store and recall instrument states and calibration
data on 6 GB, minimum, internal hard drive.
Instrument data can also be saved in binary or
ASCII (including S2P) format. All files are MS-DOS®­compatible. Instrument states include all control set­tings, active limit lines, active segment sweep tables,
and memory trace data.

Disk drive

Instrument data, instrument states, and calibration
data can be stored on an internal 3.5 inch 1.4MB
floppy disk in MS-DOS®-compatible format.

External storage options

Instrument data, instrument states and calibration
data can also be stored on external CD-RW drive or
servers using Windows®2000 drive mapping.

Data hardcopy

Printouts of instrument data are directly produced
on any printer with the appropriate Windows®2000
printer driver. The analyzer provides USB, parallel,
serial and LAN interfaces.

System capabilities

Familiar graphical user interface

The PNA Series analyzer employs a graphical
user interface based on Windows®2000. There are
two fundamental ways to operate the instrument
manually: you can use a hardkey interface, or use
drop-down-menus driven from a mouse (or another
standard USB pointing device). Hardkey navigation
brings up active toolbars that perform most of the
operations required to configure and view measure­ments. Front-panel navigation keys allow control
of dialog boxes for advanced features. In addition,
mouse-driven pull-down menus and dialog boxes
provide easy access to features.

Built-in help system

Embedded documentation provides measurement
assistance in five different languages (English, French,
German, Japanese, and Spanish). A thorough index
of help topics and context-sensitive help available
from dialog boxes.

Limit lines

Define test limit lines that appear on the display for
pass/fail testing. Lines may be any combination of
horizontal, sloping lines, or discrete data points.

Time-domain (Option 010)

With the time-domain option, data from transmis­sion or reflection measurements in the frequency
domain are converted to the time domain using a
Fourier transformation technique and presented on
the display. The time-domain response shows the
measured parameter value versus time. Markers
may also be displayed in electrical length (or
physical length if the relative propagation
velocity is entered).

Time stimulus modes

Two types of time excitation stimulus waveforms
can be simulated during the transformations, a step
and an impulse.

Low-pass step

This stimulus, similar to a traditional time-domain
reflectometer (TDR) waveform, is used to measure
low-pass devices. The frequency-domain data is
extended from DC (extrapolated value) to a higher
value. The step response is typically used for
reflection measurements only.

Low-pass impulse

This stimulus is also used to measure low-pass
devices. The impulse response can be calibrated for
reflection or transmission measurements.

Bandpass impulse

The bandpass impulse simulates a pulsed RF signal
(with an impulse envelope) and is used to measure
the time-domain response of band-limited devices.
The start and stop frequencies are selectable by the
user to any values within the limits of the instrument.
Bandpass time-domain responses are useful for
both reflection and transmission measurements.

Time-domain range

The "alias-free" range over which the display is free
of response repetition depends on the frequency
span and the number of points. Range, in
nanoseconds, is determined by:

Time-domain-range = (number-of-points - 1)
/frequency-span [in GHz]

Range resolution

The time resolution of a time-domain response is
related to range as follows:

Range-resolution = time-span/(number-of-points - 1)

Windows

The windowing function can be used to modify
(filter) the frequency-domain data and thereby
reduce over-shoot and ringing in the time-domain
response. Kaiser Beta windows are available.

Gating

The gating function can be used to selectively
remove reflection or transmission time-domain
responses. In converting back to the frequency­domain the effects of the responses outside the
gate are removed.

28

29

Configurable test set for E835xA Option 015,
E880xA Option 014, and N338xA Option 014

With the configurable test set option, front panel
access loops are provided to the signal path
between the source output and coupler input.
35 dB step attenuators (5 dB steps) are also added
in the receiver paths of both ports (E835xA only).
This capability provides the ability to add components
or other peripheral instruments for a variety of
measurement applications or to make high dynamic
range measurements with two-port calibration.

High power measurement configuration

Add external power amplifier(s) between the source
output and coupler input to provide up to +30 dBm
of power at the test port(s). Full two-port error
correction measurements possible. When the DUT
output is expected to be less than +30 dBm, measure
directly at the B input and use the internal step
attenuators to prevent damage to the receiver. For
measurements greater than +30 dBm, add external
components such as couplers, attenuators, and
isolators.

Extended dynamic range configuration

Reverse the signal path in the coupler and bypass
the loss typically associated with the coupled
arm. Change the port 2 switch and coupler jumper
configurations to increase the forward measure­ment dynamic range up to 143 dB. When making
full two-port error corrected measurements, the
reverse measurement is degraded by 15 dB.

Automation

Methods

Internal analyzer execution

Write applications that can be executed from within
the analyzer via COM (component object model) or
using SCPI . These applications can be developed in
a variety of languages, including Visual Basic, Visual
C++, Agilent-VEE, or LabViewTMprogramming lan­guages.

Controlling via GPIB

The GPIB interface operates to IEEE 488.2 and
SCPI protocols. The analyzer can either be the
system controller, or talker/listener.

Controlling via LAN

The built-in LAN interface and firmware support
data transfer and control via direct connection to a
10 or 100 Base-T network.

SICL/LAN interface

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, 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.

DCOM interface

The analyzer's support for DCOM (Distributed
Component Object Model) over the LAN provides
control of the network analyzer using a variety of
platforms. DCOM acts as an interface to the analyzer
for external applications. With DCOM, applications
can be developed or executed from an external
computer. During development, the application can
interface to the analyzer over the LAN through the
DCOM interface. Once development is completed,
the application can be executed on the analyzer
using the COM interface.

30

GPIB LAN Internal

SCPI XX X
COM/DCOM XX

31

Key literature and web references

Agilent PNA Series Brochure: 5968-8472E
Agilent PNA Series Configuration Guide: 5980-1235E

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www.agilent.com/find/test

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document subject to change without notice.

Copyright © 2001 Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Printed in U.S.A. December 7, 2001
5980-1236E

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