Atec Agilent-EPM User Manual

Agilent N1913A and N1914A

As signals become more complex, it becomes more difficult to make fast, accurate power measurements. For years, you’ve depended on Agilent’s EPM Series power meters. Today, the Agilent N1913A and N1914A EPM power meters are versatile, user-friendly replacements for the E4418B/19B EPM Series. Best of all, you get these extras for about the same price as the EPM Series. Get consistent results and greater capability—with the new EPM power meters.

EPM Series Power Meters

E-Series and 8480 Series Power Sensors

Consistent Results and Greater Capability

Data Sheet

Do more with new-generation EPM power meters

• Get up to four channels1 to speed and simplify RF average power measurements

• Measure faster with improved measurement speed of 400 readings/sec with the Agilent E-Series sensors

Essential specifications

• Frequency range: 9 kHz to 110GHz

• Power range: –70 dBm to +44dBm (100 pW to 25 W, depending on the attached power sensor)

• Measurement speed: Up to 400readings/sec with E-Series sensors

• Absolute accuracy: ±0.02 dB logarithmic, ±0.5% linear

• Relative accuracy: ±0.04 dB logarithmic, ±1% linear

• View test results more easily with the industry’s first color LCD readout in an average power meter

• Go beyond GPIB with USB and LAN/LXI-C interfaces

• Automate frequency/power sweep measurements with the optional external trigger in/out feature

• Confirm battery power with a single-button push2—and get extra operating time with the optional spare battery

• Easily replace existing 436A. 437B and 438A meters with optional 43x code compatibility

• Enhance manufacturing test by connecting a large external monitor with the unique VGA output option

1. Additional two optional USB channels available (see Ordering Information, page10)

2. Only applicable for models with battery option (see Ordering Information, page 10)

3. N1913A is backward compatible with the 436A and 437B, while N1914A is compatible with 438A

Take a Closer Look

N1914A front panel

Industry’s first high-resolution color LCD in an average power meter

Display keys select the display format for the active window (single/split screen)

Hard keys provide quick access to the most frequently used functions, such as Trigger and Acquisition

Soft keys provide menu selection

USB port for additional sensor connection (Optional)

Channel A&B sensor connectors

Arrow keys and Select allow positioning of the cursor for character selection and editing

Numeric keypad

Run/Stop enables single-shot measurements

Cal enables fully automatic digital zeroing (corrected for residual offsets) and fully automatic sensor calibration

Power reference (0 dBm, 50 MHz)

N1914A back panel

Rear-panel sensor and Power Ref connectors provide an option to replace front-panel connectors

Trigger in and out connectors (for automated power or frequency sweep function) (Optional)

VGA output (Optional)

USB port

DC recorder outputs (0-1 V)

USB port for additional sensor connection (Optional)

LAN port

Line power accepts universal input voltage with automatic range selection

GPIB connector

N1913A/14A Series Power Meter: Applications and Compatible Sensors for Average Power Measurements

Signal characteristics > CW Modulated

Pulse/

Typical application examples >

Themocouple sensors: 8480A/B/H, N8480A/B/H, R/Q8486A, N8486AR/AQ

Diode sensors: 8480D, V8486A, W8486A

Diode sensors compensated for extended range: E4412A/3A

Two-path diode-stack sensors: E9300 Series

USB sensors: U2000 Series

* The N1913A/4A power meters are compatible with all 8480 Series power sensors, including discontinued models.

Metrology lab

●●●●

● FM only

●●●●

averaged

Radar/ navigation

AM/FM profiled

Mobile radio

GSM EDGE GPRS

Average only

Mobile phone WLAN WPAN WMAN

CDMA2000 cdmaONE IDEN

● Average only

Wireless standards

3G HSPA LTE

● Average only

802.11a

802.11b

802.11g

802.11n

● Average only

Bluetooth

RFID ZigBee

● Average only

Wimax Wibro

● Average only

N1913A/14A EPM Series Power Meters Performance Characteristics

Specifications describe the instrument’s warranted performance and apply after a 30 minute warm-up. These specifications are valid over its operating/ environmental range unless otherwise stated and after performing a zero and calibration procedure.

Supplemental characteristics (shown in italics) are intended to provide additional information, useful in applying the instrument by giving typical (expected), but not warranted performance parameters. These characteristics are shown in italics or labeled as “typical”, “nominal” or “approximate”.

Compatible power sensors Agilent 8480 Series

Agilent E9300 E-Series Agilent E4410 E-Series Agilent N8480 Series Agilent U2000 Series

Frequency range 9 kHz to 110 GHz, sensor dependent

Power range –70 dBm to +44 dBm (100 pW to 25 W), sensor dependent

Single sensor dynamic range 90 dB maximum (Agilent E-Series power sensors)

50 dB maximum (Agilent 8480 Series power sensors) 55 dBm maximum (Agilent N8480 Series power sensors) 80 dBm maximum (Agilent U2000 Series USB power sensors)

Display units Absolute: Watts or dBm

Relative: Percent or dB

Display resolution Selectable resolution of: 1.0, 0.1, 0.01 and 0.001 dB in logarithmic mode, or 1, 2, 3 and 4 significant

digits in linear mode

Default resolution 0.01dB in logarithmic mode or three digits in linear mode

Accuracy

Absolute accuracy ±0.02 dB (Logarithmic) or ±0.5% (Linear). Please add the corresponding power sensor linearity

percentage from Tables 6, 9 and 10 (for the E-Series sensors), Table 14 (for the 8480 series sensors) and Table 16 (for N8480 sensors) to assess the overall system accuracy.

Relative accuracy ±0.04 dB (Logarithmic) or ±1.0% (Linear). Please add the corresponding power sensor linearity

percentage from the mentioned tables above to assess the overall system accuracy.

Zero set (digital settability of zero)

Zero drift of sensors This parameter is also called long term stability and is the change in the power meter indication

Power sensor dependent (refer Table 1), this specification applies when zeroing is performed with the sensor input disconnected from the POWER REF.

over a long time (within one hour) at a constant temperature after a 24-hour warm-up of the power meter. Sensor dependent, refer to Table 1. For E9300 sensors, refer to Table11 for complete data.

Measurement noise

Sensor dependent, refer to Tables 1 and 2. For E9300 sensors, refer to Table 11 for complete data.

Effects of averaging on noise Averaging over 1 to 1024 readings is available for reducing noise. Table 1 provides the

measurement noise for a particular power sensor with the number of averages set to 16 for normal mode and 32 for x2 mode. Use the “Noise Multiplier” for the appropriate mode (normal or x2) and number of averages to determine the total measurement noise value.

For example: For an Agilent 8481D power sensor in normal mode with the number of averages set to 4, the measurement noise is equal to: (<45 pW x 2.75) = <124 pW

N1913A/14A EPM Series Power Meters Performance Characteristics (continued)

1 mW power reference

Power output 1.00 mW (0.0 dBm). Factory set to ±0.4 % traceable to the National Physical Laboratories (NPL), UK

Accuracy (for two years) ±0.4% (25 ±10 ºC)

±1.2% (0 to 55 ºC)

Frequency 50 MHz nominal

SWR 1.05 (typical), 1.08 (0 to 55ºC)

Connector type Type-N (f), 50 Ω

Measurement speed

Using remote interface (over the GPIB, USB or LAN), three measurement speed modes are available as shown, along with the typical maximum measurement speed for each mode.

With N1913A power meter • Normal: 20 readings/second

• x2: 40 readings/second

• Fast: 400 readings/second

With N1914A power meter The measurement speed is reduced, for example, with both channels in FAST mode, the typical

maximum measurement speed is 200 readings/second.

Fast mode is for Agilent E-Series power sensors only.

Maximum measurement speed is obtained using binary output in free run trigger mode.

Table 1. Power sensors zero set, zero drift and measurement noise

Model Zero set Zero drift

E9300A, E9301A, E9304A

E9300B, E9301B

E9300H, E9301H

E4412A, E4413A ±50 pW

N8481A, N8482A, N8485A, N8487A, N8486AR, N8486AQ ±25 nW

8483A ±50 nW

N8481B, N8482B ±50 μW

8481D, 8485D, 8487D ±20 pW

N8481H, N8482H ±5 μW

R8486D, Q8486D ±30 pW

V8486A, W8486A ±200 nW

1. Within 1 hour after zero set, at a constant temperature, after a 24-hour warm-up of the power meter.

2. The number of averages at 16 for normal mode and 32 for x2 mode, at a constant temperature, measured over a one minute interval and two standard deviations. For E-Series sensors, the measurement noise is measured within the low range. Refer to the relevant sensor manual for further information.

3. Specification applies to the low power path, 15% to 75% relative humidity.

The 8480 Series sensors in the table do not include discontinued models.

Table 2. Noise multiplier

±500 pW

±500 nW

±5 nW

<±150 pW <700 pW

<±150 nW <700 nW

<±1.5 nW <7 nW

<±15 pW <70 pW

<±3 nW <80 nW

<±10 nW <110 nW

<±10 μW <110 μW

<±4 pW <45 pW

<±1 μW <10 μW

<±6 pW <65 pW

<±40 nW <450 nW

Measurement noise

Number of averages 1 2 4 8 16 32 64 128 256 512 1024

Noise multiplier Normal mode x2 mode

5.5

6.5

3.89

4.6

2.75

3.25

1.94

2.3

1.63

0.8510.61

0.72

0.49

0.57

0.34

0.41

0.24

0.29

0.17

0.2

N1913A/14A EPM Series Power Meters Performance Characteristics (continued)

Settling time

Manual filter, 10-dB decreasing power step for normal and x2 modes (not across range switch points for E-Series and N8480 Series sensors).

Table 3. Settling time

Number of averages 12481632641282565121024

Settling time with E-Series sensors (s)

Normal mode x2 mode

0.08

0.07

0.13

0.09

0.24

0.15

0.45

0.24

1.1

0.45

1.9

1.1

3.5

1.9

6.7

3.6

6.7

27 14

57 27

Settling time with N8480 Series sensors (s)

Normal mode x2 mode

0.15

0.2

0.18

0.3

0.22

0.5

0.35

1.1

0.55

1.9

1.1

3.4

1.9

6.6

3.5

6.9

14.5

57 33

Settling time with 8480 Series sensors (s)

Normal mode x2 mode

E-Series sensors In FAST mode (using free run trigger), within the range –50 dBm to +17 dBm, for a 10 dB decreasing power step, the settling time is: N1913A: 10 ms N1914A: 20 ms

0.15

0.2

0.18

0.3

0.22

0.5

0.35

1.1

0.55

1.9

1.1

3.4

1.9

6.6

3.5

6.9

14.5

57 33

1. Settling time: 0 to 99% settled readings over the GPIB.

2. When a power step crosses through the sensor’s auto-range switch point, add 25 ms. Refer to the relevant sensor manual for switch point information.

N1913A/14A EPM Series Power Meters Performance Characteristics (continued)

Settling time (continued)

Auto filter, 10 dB decreasing power step for normal and X2 modes (not across the range switch points for E-Series and N8480 Series sensors).

speed

Normal

speed

Maximum dBm

speed

Normal

speed

Maximum dBm

Typical

40 ms 70 ms

settling times

70 ms 120 ms

210 ms 400 ms

3.4 s 6.5 s

–40 dBm –50 dBm –60 dBm

With E-Series E4412/13A sensors

Normal

Typical settling times

speed

40 ms 70 ms 120 ms 210 ms 210 ms 400 ms 400 ms 1 s

40 ms 70 ms

70 ms 120 ms 400 ms 1 s

speed

3.4 s 6.5 s

6.8 s 13 s

+10 dBm

+2 dBm

–4 dBm –10 dBm –20 dBm –30 dBm –40 dBm –50 dBm

With E-Series E9300A/01A/04A sensors

Sensor dynamic range

Minimum dBm

Maximum dBm

High power path

Sensor dynamic range

Low power path

Minimum dBm

Typical settling times

150 ms 150 ms 180 ms 200 ms 400 ms 1 s

3.6 s 6.6 s

6.6 s 13.5 s

With N8480 Series sensors

Normal

speed

Typical settling times

150 ms 150 ms 180 ms 200 ms 350 ms 500 ms

3.5 s 6.6 s

With 8480 Series sensors

20 dB 10 dB 10 dB 10 dB

5 dB

20 dB 10 dB 10 dB 10 dB

Sensor dynamic range

Minimum dBm

Maximum dBm

Sensor dynamic range

Minimum dBm

Normal

Typical settling times

speed

40 ms 70 ms 120 ms 210 ms 210 ms 400 ms 400 ms 1 s

40 ms 70 ms

70 ms 120 ms 400 ms 1 s

speed

3.4 s 6.5 s

6.8 s 13 s

+40 dBm +32 dBm +26 dBm +20 dBm +10 dBm

0 dBm –10 dBm –20 dBm

With E-Series E9300B/01B/00H/01H sensor

Maximum dBm

+20 dBm +12 dBm

+6 dBm

0 dBm –10 dBm –20 dBm –30 dBm –40 dBm

Minimum dBm

High power path

Sensor dynamic range

Low power path

N1913A/14A EPM Series Power Meters Performance Characteristics (continued)

Power meter functions

Accessed by key entry Either hard keys, or soft key menu, and programmable

Zero Zeros the meter. (Power reference calibrator is switched off during zeroing.)

Cal Calibrates the meter using internal (power reference calibrator) or external source. Reference cal factor

settable from 1% to 150%, in 0.1% increments.

Frequency Entered frequency range is used to interpolate the calibration factors table. Frequency range from 1 kHz

to 999.9 GHz. Also settable in 1 kHz steps.

Cal factor Sets the calibration factor for the meter. Range: 1% to 150%, in 0.1% increments.

Relative Displays all successive measurements relative to the last displayed value

Offset Allows power measurements to be offset by –100 dB to +100 dB, settable in 0.001 dB increments, to

compensate for external loss or gain

Save/recall Store up to 10 instrument states via the save/recall menu

dBm/W Selectable units of either Watts or dBm in absolute power; or percent or dB for relative measurements

Filter (averaging) Selectable from 1 to 1024. Auto-averaging provides automatic noise compensation.

Duty cycle Duty cycle values between 0.001% to 99.999%, in 0.001% increments, can be entered to display a peak

power representation of measured power. The following equation is used to calculate the displayed peak power value: peak power = measured power/duty cycle.

Sensor cal tables Selects cal factor versus frequency tables corresponding to specified sensors

Limits High and low limits can be set in the range –150.000 dBm to +230.000 dBm, in 0.001 dBm increments

Preset default values dBm mode, rel off, power reference off, duty cycle off, offset off, frequency 50 MHz, AUTO average, free

run, AUTO range (for E-Series sensors and N8480 Series)

Display Color display with selectable single and split screen formats are available. A quasi-analog display is

available for peaking measurements. The dual channel power meter can simultaneously display any two configurations of A, B, A/B, B/A, A-B, B-A and relative. With the optional USB ports, additional dual channel (C & D), adds up to total 4-channels measurement display.

Power meter general specifications

Dimensions The following dimensions exclude front and rear protrusions:

212.6 mm W x 88.5 mm H x 348.3 mm D (8.5 in x 3.5 in x 13.7 in)

Weight Model Net Shipping

N1913A 3.6 kg (8.0 lb) 8.2 kg (18.1 lb) N1914A 3.7 kg (8.2 lb) 8.2 kg (18.3 lb)

Rear panel connectors

Recorder outputs Analog 0 to 1 Volt, 1 kΩ output impedance, BNC connector. N1914A recorder outputs are dedicated to

channel A and channel B.

GPIB, USB 2.0 and 10/100BaseT LAN

Trigger Input (optional)

Trigger Output (optional)

Ground Binding post, accepts 4 mm plug or bare wire connection

USB Host (options) USB ports which connects to U2000 series USB power sensors

VGA Out (options) Standard 15-pin VGA connector, allows connection of external VGA monitor

1. For automated power or frequency sweep function

Interfaces to allow communication with an external controller

Input has TTL compatible logic levels and uses a BNC connector. High: >2.4 V Low: <0.7 V

Output provides TTL compatible logic levels and uses a BNC connector. High: >2.4 V Low: <0.7 V

N1913A/14A EPM Series Power Meters Performance Characteristics (continued)

Line power

Input voltage range 90 to 264 VAC, automatic selection

Input frequency range 47 to 63 Hz and 400 Hz @ 110 Vac

Power requirement 75 VA (50 Watts)

Battery option operational characteristics

The following information describes characteristic performance based at a temperature of 25 °C unless otherwise noted.

Typical operating time Up to 6 hours with LCD backlight on; up to 7.5 hours with LCD backlight off (N1913A power meter).

Charge time Approximately, 2.5 hours to charge fully from an empty state. Power meter is operational whilst charging.

Battery type Lithium-ion (Li-ion)

Battery storage temperature

–20 °C to 60 °C, ≤80 % RH

Environmental characteristics

Electromagnetic compatibility

Product safety This product conforms to the requirements of the following safety standards:

Low Voltage Directive This product conforms to the requirements of European Council Directive “2006/95/EC”

Complies with the essential requirements of EMC Directive (2004/108/EC) as follows:

• IEC61326- 1:2005 / EN61326- 1:2006

• CISPR11:2003 / EN55011:2007 (Group 1, Class A)

The product also meets the following EMC standards:

• Canada: ICES/NMB- 001:2004

• Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS CISPR 11:2004

• IEC 61010- 1:2001 / EN 61010- 1:2001

• CAN/CSA- C22.2 No.61010- 1- 04

• ANSI/UL61010- 1:2004

Operating environment

Temperature 0 °C to 55 °C

Maximum Humidity 95% at 40 °C (non-condensing)

Minimum Humidity 15% at 40 °C (non-condensing)

Maximum Altitude 4,600 meters (15,000 feet)

Storage conditions

Non-operating storage temperature

Non-operating maximum humidity

Non-operating maximum altitude

–40 °C to +70 °C

90% at 65 °C (non-condensing)

4,600 meters (15,000 feet)

Remote programming

Interface GPIB, USB and LAN interfaces operates to IEEE 488.2 standard

Command language SCPI standard interface commands. Code-compatible with legacy E4418B/9B EPM Series, 436A, 437B

and 438A power meters (43X compatibility only with option N191xA-200).

GPIB compatibility SH1, AH1, T6, TE0, L4, LE0, SR1, RL1, PP1, DC1, DT1, C0

1. Characteristics describe product performance that is useful in the application of the product, but is not covered by the product warranty.

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