Keysight 346A/B/C Noise
Source (Including Options
001 and 004)
Instruments with serial prefixes 4124A and above are
supplied with the noise source ENR data preloaded on a
diskette - see Chapters 3 and 4.
Instruments with serial prefixes MY5823 and above are
supplied with the noise source ENR data preloaded on a
CD - see Chapters 3 and 4.
Operating and
Service Manual
Notices
CAUTION
WARNING
Copyright Notice
© Keysight Technologies 2001 - 2018
No part of this manual may be repro-
duced in any form or by any means
(including electronic storage and
retrieval or translation into a foreign
language) without prior agreement and
written consent from Keysight Technologies as governed by United States and
international copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
00346-90148
Edition
Edition 4, July 26, 2018
Printed in:
Printed in Malaysia
Published by:
Keysight Technologies
Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone,
11900 Penang, Malaysia
Technology Licenses
The hard ware and/or software
described in this document are furnished under a license and may be
used or copied only in accordance with
the terms of such license.
Declaration of Conformity
Declarations of Conformity for this
product and for other Keysight products may be downloaded from the
Web. Go to http://www.keysight.com/
go/conformity. You can then search by
product number to find the latest Declaration of Conformity.
U.S. Government Rights
The Software is “commercial computer
software,” as defined by Federal Acquisition Regulation (“FAR”) 2.101. Pursuant to FAR 12.212 and 27.405-3 and
Department of Defense FAR Supplement (“DFARS”) 227.7202, the U.S.
government acquires commercial computer software under the same terms
by which the software is customarily
provided to the public. Accordingly,
Keysight provides the Software to U.S.
government customers under its standard commercial license, which is
embodied in its End User License
Agreement (EULA), a copy of which can
be found at http://www.keysight.com/
find/sweula. The license set forth in the
EULA represents the exclusive authority
by which the U.S. government may use,
modify, distribute, or disclose the Software. The EULA and the license set
forth therein, does not require or permit, among other things, that Keysight:
(1) Furnish technical information
related to commercial computer software or commercial computer software
documentation that is not customarily
provided to the public; or (2) Relinquish
to, or otherwise provide, the government rights in excess of these rights
customarily provided to the public to
use, modify, reproduce, release, perform, display, or disclose commercial
computer software or commercial computer software documentation. No
additional government requirements
beyond those set forth in the EULA
shall apply, except to the extent that
those terms, rights, or licenses are
explicitly required from all providers of
commercial computer software pursuant to the FAR and the DFARS and are
set forth specifically in writing elsewhere in the EULA. Keysight shall be
under no obligation to update, revise or
otherwise modify the Software. With
respect to any technical data as
defined by FAR 2.101, pursuant to FAR
12.211 and 27.404.2 and DFARS
227.7102, the U.S. government
acquires no greater than Limited Rights
as defined in FAR 27.401 or DFAR
227.7103-5 (c), as applicable in any
technical data.
Warranty
THE MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS
DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS,”
AND IS SUBJECT TO BEING
CHANGED, WITHOUT NOTICE, IN
FUTURE EDITIONS. FURTHER, TO THE
MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY
APPLICABLE LAW, KEYSIGHT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH REGARD
TO THIS MANUAL AND ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. KEYSIGHT
SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ERRORS
OR FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IN CONNECTION
WITH THE FURNISHING, USE, OR
PERFORMANCE OF THIS DOCUMENT
OR OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. SHOULD KEYSIGHT
AND THE USER HAVE A SEPARATE
WRITTEN AGREEMENT WITH WARRANTY TERMS COVERING THE MATERIAL IN THIS DOCUMENT THAT
CONFLICT WITH THESE TERMS, THE
WARRANTY TERMS IN THE SEPARATE
AGREEMENT SHALL CONTROL.
Safety Information
A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It
calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in damage to the product
or loss of important data. Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION notice until
the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.
A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It
calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in personal injury or death.
Do not proceed beyond a WARNING
notice until the indicated conditions are
fully understood and met.
2 Keysight 346A/B/C Operating and Service Manual
Environmental Conditions
The instrument is designed for indoor use and in an area with low condensation.
The table below shows the general environmental requirements for this
instrument.
Environmental condition Requirement
Temperature
Humidity <95% RH
Altitude
Operating condition
– 0 °C to 55 °C
Storage/shipment condition
– –55 °C to 75 °C
Operating condition
– <4600 m (15000 ft)
Storage/shipment condition
– <15300 m (50000 ft)
Keysight 346A/B/C Operating and Service Manual 3
Safety Symbols
The following symbols on the instrument and in the manual indicate precautions
which must be taken to maintain safe operation of the instrument.
The Instruction Documentation
Symbol. The product is marked with
this symbol when it is necessary for the
user to refer to the instructions in the
supplied documentation.
This symbol indicates that a device, or
part of a device, may be susceptible to
electrostatic discharges (ESD) which
can result in damage to the product.
Observe ESD precautions given on the
product, or its user documentation,
when handling equipment bearing this
mark.
4 Keysight 346A/B/C Operating and Service Manual
Regulatory Information
MSIP-REM-Kst-
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The 346A/B/C Noise Source (including Options 001 and 004) complies with the
following Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) compliances:
– IEC 61326-1/EN 61326-1
– Canada: ICES/NMB-001
– Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS CISPR11
In order to preserve the EMC performance of the product, any cable which
becomes worn or damaged must be replaced with the same type and
specification.
Regulatory markings
The CE mark is a registered trademark of the
European Community. This CE mark shows that
the product complies with all the relevant
European Legal Directives.
ICES/NMB-001 indicates that this
ISM product complies with the
Canadian ICES-001.
Cet appareil ISM est conforme a la
norme NMB-001 du Canada.
ISM GRP.1 Class A indicates that
this is an Industrial Scientific and
Medical Group 1 Class A product.
Keysight 346A/B/C Operating and Service Manual 5
The RCM mark is a registered trademark of the
Australian Communications and Media Authority.
This instrument is Class A suitable for professional
use and is for use in electromagnetic environments
outside of the home.
This symbol indicates the time
period during which no hazardous
or toxic substance elements are
expected to leak or deteriorate
during normal use. Forty years is the
expected useful life of the product.
This instrument complies with the
WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC)
marking requirement. This affixed
product label indicates that you
must not discard this electrical or
electronic product in domestic
household waste.
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/ 96/EC
This instrument complies with the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking
requirement. This affixed product label indicates that you must not discard this
electrical or electronic product in domestic household waste.
Product category
With reference to the equipment types in the WEEE directive Annex 1, this
instrument is classified as a “Monitoring and Control Instrument” product.
The affixed product label is as shown below.
Do not dispose in domestic household waste.
To return this unwanted instrument, contact your nearest Keysight Service Center,
or visit http://about.keysight.com/en/companyinfo/environment/takeback.shtml
for more information.
Sales and Technical Support
To contact Keysight for sales and technical support, refer to the support links on
the following Keysight websites:
– www.keysight.com/find/mta
(product-specific information and support, software and
documentation updates)
– www.keysight.com/find/assist
(worldwide contact information for repair and service)
6 Keysight 346A/B/C Operating and Service Manual
Table of Contents
Environmental Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Safety Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Regulatory markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/96/
EC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Product category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Sales and Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
1Introduction
Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
2Installation
Handling Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Initial Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Service and Recalibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Instruments Covered by this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Equipment available but not supplied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Mating connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3 Specifications
General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Excess Noise Ratio expanded uncertainty (U(Y)) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Supplemental characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Physical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4Operating Guide
Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Recommended test equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Keysight 346A/B/C Operating and Service Manual 7
Operator’s check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Operator’s Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Performance Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Replaceable Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Principles of operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Returning the noise source for calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
5 Manual Changes
Manual Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Change A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
6 Using the ENR Data Diskette or CD
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Loading ENR Data from Diskette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Retrieving ENR Data from CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Saving the ENR Data to the Noise Figure Analyzer’s Internal
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Copying the ENR Data to the Noise Figure Analyzer’s Internal
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
7 ENR File Format
Format Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Comment records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Header fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
ENR data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Example 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Example 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
A Caring for Connectors
8 Keysight 346A/B/C Operating and Service Manual
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Connector part numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Handling and storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Visual Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Obvious defects and damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Mating plane surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Precision 7 mm connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Sexed connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Compressed air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Cleaning alcohol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Precision 7 mm connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Cleaning interior surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Drying connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Mechanical Inspection: Connector Gages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Mechanical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Precision 7 mm connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Sexed connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
50 Ω Type-N connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
75 Ω Type-N connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Using Connector Gages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Inspecting and cleaning the gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Zeroing the gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Measuring connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
Making Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
Align connectors carefully . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
To make a preliminary connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Final connection using a torque wrench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Disconnection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
Adapters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
Principles of Microwave Connector Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
Keysight 346A/B/C Operating and Service Manual 9
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10 Keysight 346A/B/C Operating and Service Manual
List of Figures
Figure 1-1 A partial view of typical calibration label . . . . . . . . . . .16
Figure 3-1 Characteristic ENR plot versus cardinal frequency
Figure 4-1 Typical noise figure measurement test setup . . . . . . .32
Figure 4-2 Operator’s check test setup 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Figure 4-3 Operator’s check test setup 2a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Figure 4-4 Operator’s check test setup 2b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Figure 4-5 Typical example of power reading with Noise
Figure 4-6 Typical example of power reading with Noise
Figure 4-7 Preparing for parts removal/replacement . . . . . . . . . .42
Figure 4-8 Simplified diagram of the noise source . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Figure A-1 Precision 7 mm connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Figure A-2 Precision 3.5 mm connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Figure A-3 SMA connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Figure A-4 Cleaning interior surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Figure A-5 Type-N connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Figure A-6 Using the connector gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Source On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Source Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Keysight 346A/B/C Operating and Service Manual 11
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12 Keysight 346A/B/C Operating and Service Manual
List of Tables
Table 1-1 Model characteristics of individual noise sources . . . .17
Table 2-1 Connectors that can be mated with the noise
sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Table 3-1 346A/B/C specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Table 3-2 Characteristic ENR (U(Y)) specification . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Table 3-3 Supplemental characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Table 3-4 Physical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Table 4-1 Recommended test equipment for operator’s
checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Table 4-2 Replaceable parts list for 346A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Table 4-3 Replaceable parts list for 346B and 346C . . . . . . . . . .41
Table 4-4 Replaceable labels list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Table 5-1 Manual changes by serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Table 7-1 Mandatory header fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Table 7-2 Optional header fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Table A-1 Recommended connector gages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Table A-2 Recommended torque settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Table A-3 Adapters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
Table A-4 Principles of microwave connector care . . . . . . . . . . .86
Keysight 346A/B/C Operating and Service Manual 13
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14 Keysight 346A/B/C Operating and Service Manual
Keysight 346A/B/C Noise Source
Operating and Service Manual
1 Introduction
Product Overview 16
This chapter provides an overview of the Keysight 346A/B/C Noise Source.
15
1Introduction
Product Overview
The Keysight 346A/B/C 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) for each noise source has been measured at major
frequencies and recorded on a label attached to the noise source (see Figure 1-1).
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
connectors are available as options for the Keysight 346A and 346B noise sources.
In addition to these general characteristics, certain characteristics apply to the
specific models. These characteristics are listed in Tab le 1-1.
Figure 1-1 A partial view of typical calibration label
16 Keysight 346A/B/C Operating and Service Manual
Introduction 1
Table 1-1 Model characteristics of individual noise sources
Keysight 346A Keysight 346B Keysight 346C
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 Keysight
8970A IF attenuator calibration
(Special Function 33). 10 dB of
gain is required.
Not directly usable for Keysight
8970B IF attenuator calibration.
Refer to “Calibration, IF
Attenuators” in the Keysight
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 Keysight 8970A IF
attenuator calibration (Special
Function 33).
Suitable for Keysight 8970B IF
attenuator calibration. Refer to
“Calibration, IF Attenuators” in
the Keysight 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 range.
Suitable for Keysight 8970A IF
attenuator calibration (Special
Function 33).
Suitable for Keysight 8970B IF
attenuator calibration. Refer to
“Calibration, IF Attenuators” in
the Keysight 8970B Operating
Manual.
Keysight 346A/B/C Operating and Service Manual 17
1Introduction
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18 Keysight 346A/B/C Operating and Service Manual
Keysight 346A/B/C Noise Source
Operating and Service Manual
2 Installation
Handling Precautions 20
Initial Inspection 20
Service and Recalibration 21
Instruments Covered by this Manual 21
This chapter provides you important information on how to check and prepare
your instrument for operation.
19
2Installation
CAUTION
CAUTION
Handling Precautions
Do not disassemble the noise source. The diode module is static sensitive
and can be damaged or the calibration can be altered.
Do not drop the noise source. Dropping can damage the unit or alter the
calibration.
Proper connector care is essential. See “Operator’s Maintenance” on page 39 for
more information.
Initial Inspection
1 Unpack and inspect the shipping container and its contents thoroughly to
ensure that nothing was damaged during shipment. If the shipping container
or cushioning material is damaged, the contents should be checked both
mechanically and electrically.
– Check for mechanical damage such as scratches or dents.
– Procedures for checking electrical performance are given under “Operator’s
check” on page 33.
2 If the contents are damaged or defective, contact your nearest Keysight
Technologies Service and Support Office. Refer to “Sales and Technical
Support” on page 6 of this manual. Keysight Technologies will arrange for
repair or replacement of the damaged or defective equipment. Keep the
shipping materials for the carrier’s inspection.
3 If you are returning the instrument under warranty or for service, repackaging
the instrument requires original shipping containers and material or their
equivalents. Keysight Technologies can provide packaging materials identical
to the original materials. Refer to “Sales and Technical Support” on page 6 of
this manual for the Keysight Technologies nearest to you. Attach a tag
indicating the type of service required, return address, model number, and
serial number. Mark the container FRAGILE to insure careful handling. In any
correspondence, refer to the instrument by model number and serial number.
20 Keysight 346A/B/C Operating and Service Manual
Service and Recalibration
If your 346A/B/C requires service or repair, contact the nearest Keysight office for
information on where to send it. The performance of the 346A/B/C can only be
verified by specially-manufactured equipment and calibration standard from
Keysight. The recommended interval for recalibration is 12 months.
Instruments Covered by 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 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 manual title page.
Installation 2
For information concerning a serial number prefix that is not listed on the title
page in the Manual Change supplement, contact your nearest Keysight
Technologies office.
Keysight 346A/B/C Noise Source which was 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 5, “Manual
Changes”.
Keysight 346A/B/C Operating and Service Manual 21
2Installation
NOTE
NOTE
Keysight Technologies are migrating their 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 example, 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.
Equipment available but not supplied
The following equipment is available from Keysight Technologies for use with the
noise sources:
– 8710-1766: 3/4" torque wrench (APC-7)
– 5060-0344: 9/16" torque wrench (APC-3.5)
Keysight Model 346B Noise Sources with serial prefixes of 2037A and below,
have an APC-3.5 connector of a different configuration. The 9/16" torque wrench
will not fit these older models.
Options
The Keysight 346A and 346B Noise Sources are available with the following
output connector options:
– Option 001, Type-N (male)
– Option 004, Type-N (female)
Since the Type-N connectors do not operate up to 26.5 GHz, no output connector
options are available for the Keysight 346C.
22 Keysight 346A/B/C Operating and Service Manual
Mating connectors
The noise sources can be mated with other instrumentation having the connectors
listed in Table 2-1.
Table 2-1 Connectors that can be mated with the noise
Configuration Mating connector
Input: all units
Output: standard
Opt 001
Opt 004
[a] Must comply with U.S. Military Standard MII,C-39012.
sources
BNC male
– APC-3.5 female
– SMA female
Type-N female
Type-N male
[a]
[a]
[a]
Installation 2
Keysight 346A/B/C Operating and Service Manual 23
2Installation
THIS PAGE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.
24 Keysight 346A/B/C Operating and Service Manual
Keysight 346A/B/C Noise Source
Operating and Service Manual
3 Specifications
General Specifications 26
This chapter provides the specifications of the 346A/B/C Noise Source.
25
3 Specifications
General Specifications
Specifications
The specifications in Table 3-1 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.
Tab le 3-1 346A/B/C specifications
Specification 346A 346B 346C
Frequency range 10 MHz to 18 GHz 10 MHz to 18 GHz 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz
Operating temperature 0 °C to 55 °C 0 °C to 55 °C 0 °C to 55 °C
Excess Noise Ratio (ENR)
[a]
range
Maximum Standing Wave
Ratio (SWR)
[for source ON/OFF
states]
Reflection Coefficient
(Rho) (r)
[for source ON/OFF
[b]
states]
Impedance 50 Ω nominal 50 Ω nominal 50 Ω nominal
Maximum reverse power 1 watt 1 watt 1 watt
Power required
Connectors
[c]
4.5 to 6.5 dB 14 to 16 dB 12 to 17 dB
<1.3:1 (0.01 to 0.03 GHz)
<1.15:1 (0.03 to 5.0 GHz)
<1.25:1 (5.0 to 18.0 GHz)
0.13 (0.01 to 0.03 GHz)
0.07 (0.03 to 5.0 GHz)
0.11 (5.0 to 18.0 GHz)
28 ±1 V (60 mA peak, 30 mA
average for source ON)
Output: APC-3.5 (male)
Input: Bias: BNC (f)
standard
[d]
<1.3:1 (0.01 to 0.03 GHz)
<1.15:1 (0.03 to 5.0 GHz)
<1.25:1 (5.0 to 18.0 GHz)
0.13 (0.01 to 0.03 GHz)
0.07 (0.03 to 5.0 GHz)
0.11 (5.0 to 18.0 GHz)
28 ±1 V (60 mA peak, 30 mA
average for source ON)
Output: APC-3.5 (male)
Input: Bias: BNC (f)
standard
[d]
<1.25:1 (0.01 to 18.0 GHz)
<1.35:1 (18.0 to 26.5 GHz)
0.11 (0.01 to 18.0 GHz)
0.15 (18.0 to 26.5 GHz)
28 ±1 V (45 mA)
Output: APC-3.5 (male)
Input: Bias: BNC (f)
standard
[d]
26 Keysight 346A/B/C Operating and Service Manual
Specifications 3
[a] 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 Keysight 346A/B/C Noise Source. Specifications are valid at
calibration temperature only.
[b] Maximum change in complex reflection coefficient between source ON and source OFF at all frequencies for 346A only: 0.01.
[c] For correct connector usage, refer Tab le A -2 for the torque settings.
[d] Also mates with female SMA connectors. See option information for other connector styles.
Excess Noise Ratio expanded uncertainty (U(Y))
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 346A/B/C 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). Keysight 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 the ambient temperature of 23 °C ±1 °C (296 K) only.
A typical characteristic plot of ENR (U(Y)) versus each cardinal frequency point is
shown in Figure 3-1. The uncertainties given are typical — refer to the printed
calibration report for the actual uncertainties for your noise source.
Keysight 346A/B/C Operating and Service Manual 27
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