HP 346a schematic
Operating and Service Manual
Agilent 346A/B/C Noise Source
(Including Options
001, 002, and 004)
Serial Numbers
This manual applies directly to instruments with
serial numbers prefixed 4124A and below.
Instruments with serial prefixes 4124A and above are
supplied with the noise source ENR data preloaded on diskette -
see Chapters 3 & 4.
With changes described in Chapter 2 Manual Changes, this
manual also applies to the following prefixes.
Agilent 346B - 2015A and 1935A
Manufacturing Part Number:00346-90139
July 2001 Supersedes: June 2001
© Copyright 2001 Agilent Technologies
Notice
Information contained in this document is subject to change without
notice. Agilent Technologies makes no warranty of any kind with regard
to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Agilent
Technologies shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for
incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishings,
performance, or use of this material. No part of this document may be
photocopied, reproduced, or translated to another language without the
prior written consent of Agilent Technologies.
Certification
Agilent Technologies certifies that this product met its published
specifications at the time of shipment from the factory. Agilent
Technologies further certifies that its calibration measurements are
traceable to the United States National Institute of Standards and
Technology and/or The United Kingdom National Physics Laboratories,
to the extent allowed by the Institution’s calibration facility, and to the
calibration facilities of other International Standards Organization
members.
Warranty
This Agilent Technologies instrument product is warranted against
defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from date
of shipment. During the warranty period, Agilent Technologies will at its
option, either repair or replace products which prove to be defective. For
warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to a service
facility designated by Agilent Technologies. Buyer shall prepay shipping
charges to Agilent Technologies and Agilent Technologies shall pay
shipping charges, duties, and taxes for products returned to Aglent
ii
Technologies from another country. Agilent Technologies warrants that
its software and firmware designated by Agilent Technologies for use
with an instrument will execute its programming instructions when
properly installed on that instrument. Agilent Technologies does not
warrant that the operation of the instrument, or firmware will be
uninterrupted or error free.
Limitation of Warranty
The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from
improper or inadequate maintenance by Buyer, Buyer-supplied software
or interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse , oper ation outside of
the environmental specifications for the product, or improper site
preparation or maintenance. NO OTHER WARRANTY IS EXPRESSED
OR IMPLIED. AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES SPECIFICALLY
DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Exclusive Remedies
THE REMEDIES PROVIDED HEREIN ARE BUYER’S SOLE AND
EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES. AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES SHALL NOT
BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL,
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON
CONTRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY.
Safety Notices
This guide uses warnings and cautions to denote hazards.
iii
WARNING A warning calls attention to a procedure, practice or the like,
which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in
injury or the loss of life. Do not proceed beyond a warning until
the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
CAUTION A caution calls attention to a procedure, practice or the like, which, if not
correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage or the
destruction of part or all of the equipment. Do not proceed beyond a
caution until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
iv
v
Table of Contents
1.General Information
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Instruments Covered in This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Model Characteristics of Individual Noise Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Equipment Available But Not Supplied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Handling Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Initial Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Original Packaging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Mating Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Storage and Shipping Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Operating Environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Recommended Test Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Operator’s Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Operator’s Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Performance Tests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Replaceable Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Replaceable Parts List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Principles of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Returning a Noise Source for Calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Page
2.Manual Changes
Manual Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Change A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
3.Using the ENR Data Diskette
vii
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Loading the ENR Data from Diskette. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Saving the ENR Data to the Noise Figure Analyzer’s Internal Memory . . . . . . . . . . 40
Copying the ENR Data to the Noise Figure Analyzer’s Internal Memory . . . . . . . . . 41
4. ENR File F ormat
Format Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Comment Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Header Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
ENR Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Examples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
A. Caring for Connectors
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Connector Part Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Handling and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Visual Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Obvious Defects and Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Mating Plane Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Precision 7 mm Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Sexed Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Compressed Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Cleaning Alcohol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Precision 7 mm Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Cleaning Interior Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Drying Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Mechanical Inspection: Connector Gages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Mechanical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Precision 7mm Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Sexed Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
50 Ohm Type-N Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
75 Ohm Type-N Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Using Connector Gages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Inspecting and Cleaning the Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Zeroing the Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Making Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Align Connectors Carefully. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
To Make a Preliminary Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Final Connection Using a Torque Wrench. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Disconnection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Adapters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Principles of Microwave Connector Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
viii
1 General Information
1
General Information
Introduction
Introduction
This manual contains operating and service information for the Agilent
Technologies model 346A, 346B, and 346C Noise Sources.
Included in the manual is information necessary to operate the noise
sources.
Specifications
The “Specifications - Table 1-1” on page 3, page 4, and page 5 are
performance standards or limits against which the noise source may be
tested. These specifications for the noise source when used with a Noise
Figure Analyzer are ONLY valid if the analyzer has been allowed to meet
its specified warm up time of 60 minutes.
ENR expanded uncertainty analysis and supplemental characteristics
are not specifications but are typical characteristics included as
additional information for the user.
NOTE Specifications are valid at ambient temperature 23 ±1 oCelsius only.
2 Chapter 1
Frequency Range
Operating
Temperature
Excess Noise
Ratio (ENR)
Range
1
General Information
Introduction
Specifications - Table 1-1
346A/B 10 MHz — 18 GHz
346C 10 MHz — 26.5 GHz
0 oC to 55 oC
346A 4.5 - 6.5 dB
346B 14- 16 dB
346C 12 - 17 dB
1. ENR values are given at cardinal frequency points over the frequency range of each noise
source. Calibrated values at cardinal frequencies printed on each noise source label and on a
separate report supplied with each Agilent 346 Noise Source. Specificat ions are valid at
calibration temperature only.
Chapter 1 3
Maximum
Standing Wave
Ratio (SWR) and
Reflection
Coefficient (r) for
Source ON/OFF
States
General Information
Introduction
Specifications - Table 1-1 Continued
Instrument model Frequency Range
(GHz)
346A/B
1
0.01 - 0.03 <1.3:1 0.13
Maximum
Standing Wave
Ratio (SWR)
Reflection
Coefficient
(Rho) (r)
0.03 - 5.0 <1.15:1 0.07
5.0 - 18.0 <1.25:1 0.11
346C 0.01-18.0 <1.25:1 0.11
18.0 - 26.5 <1.35:1 0.15
1. Maximum change in complex reflection coefficient between source ON
and source OFF at all frequencies for 346A only: 0.01.
4 Chapter 1
Impedance
Maximum reverse
power
Power required
General Information
Introduction
Specifications - Table 1-1 Continued
50 ohm nominal
1 Watt
28 ±1 V
346A/B 60 mA peak, 30 mA average for source ON
346C 45 mA
Connectors
1
346 Output
APC-3.5 (male) standard
346 Input Bias: BNC (f)
1. Also mates with female SMA connectors. See option in formation for
other conne ctor styles.
Dimensions
140 x 21 x 31mm (5.5 x 0.8 x 1.2 in)
Net Weight
0.1 kg (3.5 oz.)
1. For correct connector usage, refer Table A-2 for the torque settings.
Chapter 1 5
1
General Information
Introduction
Excess Noise Ratio Expanded Uncertainty (U(Y)) - Table 1-2
ENR values are given at cardinal frequency points over the frequency
range of each noise source. These ENR values are printed on the noise
source label and on a separate printed report supplied with the 346
Noise Source. Included in the printed report is the measurement
uncertainty for each cardinal frequency point.
A significant proportion of the expanded uncertainty (U(Y)) is based on
the uncertainties provided by the United States National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST) and/or The United Kingdom National
Physics Laboratories (NPL). Agilent therefore reserve the right to
change the overall expanded uncertainties based on changes in
uncertainty values within the National Standards Institutes.
Uncertainties are valid at ambient temperature 23°C ±1°C (296K) only.
A typical characteristic plot of ENR (U(Y)) versus each cardinal
frequency point is shown in Figure 1-1. the uncertainties given are
typical - refer to the printed calibration report for the actual
uncertainties for your noise source.
Figure 1-1 Characteristic
1
ENR Plot versus Cardinal Frequency Points
1. Characteristic values are met or bettered by 90% of instruments with 90% confidence.
6 Chapter 1
Characteristic
ENR (U(Y))
Specification
General Information
Introduction
Excess Noise Ratio Expanded Uncertainty (U(Y)) - Table 1-2
Continued
Instrument model Frequency
ENR Uncertainty (±dB)
(GHz)
346A 0.01- 1.5 0.21
1.5 - 3.0 0.20
3.0 - 7.0 0.20
7.0 - 18.0 0.23
346B 0.01- 1.5 0.20
1.5 - 3.0 0.19
3.0 - 7.0 0.20
7.0 - 18.0 0.23
346C 0.01- 1.5 0.22
1.5 - 3.0 0.19
3.0 - 7.0 0.20
7.0 - 18.0 0.28
18.0 - 26.5 0.34
1
1. Characteristic values are met or bettered by 90% of instruments with
90% confidence.
Chapter 1 7
Supplemental
Characteristics
General Information
Introduction
Supplemental Characteristics - Table 1-3
ENR variation with
temperature:
ENR variation with
voltage:
Switching speed:
For repetitive operation (in previous state for less than 5 seconds):
For single-shot operation (in previous state more than 5 seconds):
<0.01 dB/°C for 30 MHz to 26.5 GHz
Internal current regulator for <0.02 dB variation
for 28 ±1 V
Turn-on: < 20 µs
Turn-off: <80 µs
Turn-on: < 3 ms
Turn-off: <80 µs
8 Chapter 1
General Information
Instruments Covered in This Manual
Instruments Covered in This Manual
The noise sources covered by this manual have a two-part serial number.
The first four digits and letter constitute the serial number prefix. The
last five digits form a sequential suffix that is unique to each noise
source. The prefix is the same for all noise sources of a particular
configuration. It will change when a design modification occurs. The
contents of this manual apply directly to those instruments having the
same serial number prefixes listed under SERIAL NUMBERS on the
title page.
A noise source manufactured after the printing of this manual may have
a serial number prefix which is not listed on the title page. This unlisted
serial number prefix indicates the noise source is different than those
documented in this manual. If manual changes are needed, the manual
for this newer noise source is accompanied by a Manual Changes
supplement. The supplement contains "change information" that
explains how to adapt this manual to the newer noise source.
In addition to change information, the supplement may contain
information for correcting errors in the manual. The supplement is
identified with the manual print date and part number, both of which
appear on the manu al title page.
For information concerning a serial number prefix that is not listed on
the title page in the Manual Change supplement, contact your nearest
Agilent Technologies office.
Agilent/Hewlett-Packard 346 Noise Sources which were manufactured
before the printing of this manual will have a serial number prefix lower
than the one listed on the title page. Manual changes for these older
models are found in Chapter 2 “Manual Changes”.
NOTE Agilent Te chnologies are migrating t heir existing product serial numbers
to a new format. All new products use this new format. The format is the
first two letters signify the country of manufacture, for ex ample, US
representing the USA, the next four numbers,the serial number prefix,
and the last five numbers form a sequential suffix that is unique to each
product. For example, US123456789, where 1234 is the prefix and 56789
is the suffix. The two letters MY represent Malaysia.
Chapter 1 9
General Information
Description
Description
The noise source produces noise output (power-on) when +28 V is
applied. When it is off, there is residual noise due to thermal agitation in
the noise source (power-off). These two noise levels are used to measure
the gain and added noise of the device under test, and consequently, its
noise figure.
The Excess Noise Ratio (ENR) f or each noise source has been measured
at major frequencies and recorded on a label attached to the noise source
(see Figure 1-2). ENR references power-on to the noise power that exists
at 290 Kelvin (17 °C). In addition, a separate calibration sheet showing
the complex reflection coefficient in both the on and off states is included
with each instrument.
All three models are provided with a BNC female connector for power
input. The output connector is a male APC-3.5 on the standard noise
sources. Type-N and APC-7 connectors are available as options for the
Agilent 346A and 346B Noise Sources. In addition to these general
characteristics, certain characteristics apply to the specific models.
These characteristics are listed in Table 1-4.
Figure 1-2 A Partial View of Typical Calibration Label
10 Chapter 1
General Information
Model Characteristics of Individual Noise SourcesTable 1-4
Agilent 346A Agilent 346B Agilent 346C
Description
Reflection coefficient differential
between on and off states is specified
to be no greater than 0.01.
Specified output noise spectrum
from 10 MHz to 18 GHz.
Nominal ENR is 6 dB over the
specified frequency range.
Not directly usable for
Agilent/HP 8970A IF attenuator
calibration (Special Function
33). 10 dB of gain is required.
Not directly usable for
Agilent/HP 8970B IF attenuator
calibration. Refer to
"Calibration, IF Attenuators" in
the Agilent/HP 8970B Operating
Manual.
Reflection coefficient
differential between on and off
states is not specified, but is
less than 0.1 typically.
Specified output noise
spectrum from 10 MHz to
18 GHz.
Nominal ENR is 15 dB over the
specified frequency range.
Suitable for Agilent/HP 8970A
IF attenuator calibration
(Special Function 33).
Suitable for Agilent/HP 8970B
IF attenuator calibration.
Refer to "Calibration, IF
Attenuators" in the Agilent/HP
8970B Operating Manual.
Reflection coefficient
differential between on and off
states is not specified, but is
less than 0.1 typically.
Specified output noise
spectrum from 10 MHz to
26.5 GHz.
Nominal ENR is 15 dB over the
specified frequency ra nge.
Suitable for Agilent/HP 8970A
IF attenuator calibration
(Special Function 33).
Suitable for Agilent/HP 8970B
IF attenuator calibration.
Refer to "Calibration, IF
Attenuators" in the Agilent/HP
8970B Operating Manual.
Chapter 1 11
General Information
Description
Warranty
The noise sources are warranted and certified as indicated in this
manual. Connector damage resulting from improper use is not covered
under warranty.
Equipment Available But Not Supplied
The following equipment is available from Agilent Technologies for use
with the noise sources:
• 8710-1766: 3/4" Torque Wrench (APC-7)
• 5060-0344: 9/16" Torque Wrench (APC-3.5)
NOTE Agilent/HP Model 346B Noise Sources with serial prefixes of 2037A and
below, have an APC-3.5 connector of a different configuration (See Figure
1-3). The 9/16" torque wrench will not fit these older models.
Figure 1-3 Agilent/HP Noise source with Older APC-3.5 Connector
Options
The Agilent 346A and 346B Noise Sources are available with the
following output connector options:
• Option 001, Type-N (male)
• Option 002, APC-7
• Option 004, Type-N (female)
Since the APC-7 and Type-N connectors do not operate up to 26.5 GHz,
no output connector options are available for the Agilent 346C.
12 Chapter 1
General Information
Installation
Installation
Handling Precautions
CAUTION Do not disassemble the noise source. The diode module is static sensitive
and can be damaged or the calibration can be altered.
CAUTION Do not drop the noise source. Dropping can damage the unit o r alter the
calibration.
Proper connector care is essential. See Operator’s Maintenance in the
Operation section of this manual for more information.
Initial Inspection
Inspect the shipping container for damage. Inspect the noise source for
mechanical damage incurred in transit. If the shipping container or
cushioning material is damaged, it should be kept until the contents of
the shipment have been checked for completeness and the noise source
has been mechanically and electrically checked. If the contents are
incomplete, if there is mechanical damage or a defect, or if the noise
source does not work electrically, notify the nearest Agilent Technologies
office. If the shipping container is damaged, or the cushioning material
shows signs of unusual stress, notify the carrier as well as the Agilent
Technologies office. Keep the shipping materials for the carrier’s
inspection.
Chapter 1 13
General Information
Installation
Original Packaging
Container and materials identical to those used in factory packaging are
available through Agilent Technologies offices. If the noise source is
being returned to Agilent Technologies for servicing, attach a tag
indicating the name and address of the company, the technical contact
person, phone number and extension, the model number, serial number,
type of service being requested, and failure symptoms if applicable. Mark
the shipping container FRAGILE. In any correspondence, refer to the
noise sources by model number and serial number.
Mating Connectors
The noise sources can be mated with other instrumentation having the
connectors listed in Table 1-5.
Connectors That Can Be Mated With the Noise SourcesTable 1-5
Configuration Mating Connector
Input: all units
BNC male
1
Output: standard APC-3.5 female
SMA female
Opt.001
Type-N female
1
Opt.002 APC-7
Opt.004
1
Must comply with U.S. Military Standard MII,C-39012
Type-N male
1
Storage and Shipping Environment
The noise sources should be stored in a clean, dry environment. The
following environmental limitations apply to both storage and shipment:
• Temperature: -55 °C to +75 °C
• Humidity: <95% relative
• Altitude: <15300 meters (50000 feet)
14 Chapter 1
General Information
Operation
Operation
This section refers to operation with noise figure meters. For more
detailed operating instructions, refer to the operating manual for the
noise figure meter used.
CAUTION Use a dc blocking capacitor to protect the noise source from damage
when connected to any system where a dc voltage is present on the
output center conductor.
Noise figure measurements of devices (such as amplifiers, mixers,
transistors, and receivers) can be made using the noise source with a
noise figure meter. Figure 1-4 depicts a simple test setup for a noise
figure measurement.
NOTE The noise figure meter must have a +28 ±1 V switched supply.
Figure 1-4 Typical Noise Figure Measurement Test Setup
Chapter 1 15
General Information
Operation
Operating Environment
The operating environment of the noise sources should be within the
following limitations:
• Temperature: 0 °C to +55 °C
• Humidity: <95% relative
• Altitude: <4600 metres (15 000 feet)
Recommended T est Equipment
Table 1-6 is a list of equipment that can be used to perform an
operational verification check.
Recommended Test Equipment For Operator’s ChecksTable 1-6
Check
No.
1 Power Meter and Power
Sensor
Power Supply Voltage : 28.0 ±1.0 V
2 Noise Figure Meter Voltage Output: 28.0 ±1.0 V
Instrument Critical Specification Recommended Model
Minimum Sensitivity: 0.1 nW
Frequency Range: 10 MHz to
18 GHz
Current: 100 mA
Input Noise Figure:<7.4 FdB
at 100 MHz
Agilent/HP E4418A
with
Agilent/HP 8481D, or
E4412A, or E9300A
Agilent/HP 6028A
Agilent/HP 8970B
or
Agilent N8972/3/4/5A
16 Chapter 1
Operator’s Check
The operator’s checks in this section should be performed if failure of the
noise source is suspected. The checks can be used only to verify that the
noise sources are produci ng a broad band noi se spectrum. They cannot be
used to check th e units against specifi cations. Only one of the checks is
necessary to verify operation. Table 1-6 shows the recommended test
equipment used for each check.
Operator’s Check with Power Meter (Check 1)
Step 1. Connect the equipment as shown in Figure 1-5.
Figure 1-5 Operator’s Check Test Setup 1
General Information
Operation
Step 2. Turn the power supply OFF. Zero the power meter.
Step 3. Turn the power supply ON (+28 V). Measure the power output with the
noise source on.
Step 4. Verify that the result of the measurement is within the following limits
and hence the noise source is operating correctly:
• Agilent 346A Power output = -66 ±4 dBm.
• Agilent 346B Power output = -56 ±4 dBm.
• Agilent 346C Power output = -56 ±4 dBm.
Chapter 1 17
General Information
Operation
Operator’s Check with Agilent/HP 8970B Noise Figure Meter (Check 2a)
Step 1. Remove any cables from the noise figure meter input. Press
After 5 seconds, verify the noise figure display shows --FdB and the left
display shows 30 MHz.
Step 2. Connect the equipment as shown in Figure 1-6.
Figure 1-6 Operator’s Check Test Setup 2a
Step 3. Enter a tuned frequency of 100 MHz. (See "Fixed Frequency Tuning" in
the Agilent/HP 8970B Operating Manual).
PRESET.
Step 4. Enter special function 5.3 to enable the instrument for spot ENR entry.
(See "Special Functions" in the Agilent/HP 8970B Operating Manual).
Step 5. Enter the ENR at 100 MHz from the noise source calibration label. (See
"Spot EN R, T
, and T
hot
, in the Agilent/HP 8970B Operating Manual).
Cold
Step 6. Confirm that the noise source is operating correctly.
The noise figure measurement of the noise figure meter will appear in
the noise figure display. If the result of the measurement is less than 7.4
FdB, the noise source is operating.
Step 7. Press
PRESET to return the instrument to preset conditions.
18 Chapter 1
Loading...