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
U7227-90001
Edition
Edition 5, November 29, 2019
Printed in:
Printed in Malaysia
Published by:
Keysight Technologies
Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone,
11900 Penang, Malaysia
Technology Licenses
The hardware 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.
2Keysight U7227A/C/F Operating and Service Manual
Regulatory Markings
MSIP-REM-ATi-
WNU7227ACF
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.
The RCM mark is a registered trademark of the
Spectrum Management Agency of Australia.
This signifies compliance with the Australia EMC
Framework regulations under the terms of the
Radio Communication Act of 1992.
This instrument is Class A suitable for
professional use and is for use in
electromagnetic environments outside of the
home.
ICES/NMB-001 indicates that
this ISM device complies with the
Canadian ICES-001.
Cet appareil ISM est conforme a
la norme NMB-001 du Canada.
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.
Keysight U7227A/C/F Operating and Service Manual3
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
This instrument complies with the WEEE Directive 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)
10Keysight U7227A/C/F Operating and Service Manual
Keysight U7227A/C/F USB Pre-Amplifier
Operating and Service Manual
1Getting Started
Product Overview 12
This chapter provides an overview of the Keysight U7227A/C/F USB pre-amplifier
11
1Getting Started
Product Overview
The Keysight U7227A/C/F USB pre-amplifier which operates up to 50 GHz is a
general-purpose low noise amplifier that offers reliable gain and low noise figure.
With the ability to be powered directly using USB connectivity, it eliminates the
need for a separate power supply which presents an invaluable alternative for you
to optimize the efficiency of your test system. Compact, with a rugged and
portable design, this USB pre-amplifier is suitable for benchtop measurements or
remote front-end field applications.
The U7227A/C/F USB pre-amplifier provides a simple means to achieve accurate
and repeatable noise figure measurements on low-noise low-gain devices, using
Keysight X-series analyzers. The total solution will provide performance and
ease-of-use exceeding competitive signal analyzer based solutions.
Figure 1-1U7227A/C/F USB pre-amplifier
12Keysight U7227A/C/F Operating and Service Manual
Key features of the U7227A/C/F USB pre-amplifier
– Automatic gain correction value with temperature compensation and transfer
of calibration data (noise figure and S-parameters) through USB
plug-and-play features for improved noise figure measurements with Keysight
X-series analyzers
– Excellent noise figure and optimized gain with the X-series signal analyzers
improve measurement accuracy and minimize uncertainty
– Provides ultra-broadband operating frequency from 10 MHz up to 50 GHz for
various application needs
– Rugged and portable design for benchtop measurements or remote front-end
applications
Getting Started1
Keysight U7227A/C/F Operating and Service Manual13
1Getting Started
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14Keysight U7227A/C/F Operating and Service Manual
Keysight U7227A/C/F USB Pre-Amplifier
Operating and Service Manual
2Installation
Initial Inspection 16
Verify the U7227A/C/F Shipment Contents 17
Service and Recalibration 18
Operating and Safety Precautions 19
USB Pre-Amplifiers Covered by this Guide 22
Signal Analyzer Retrofit Requirements 23
This chapter provides you important information on how to check and prepare
your instrument for operation.
15
2Installation
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
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 4 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 4 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.
check” on page 26.
16Keysight U7227A/C/F Operating and Service Manual
Verify the U7227A/C/F Shipment Contents
The following table lists the items that are shipped with the U7227A/C/F.
Table 2 -1U7227A/C contents
QuantityDescriptionPart number
1Certificate of Calibration5962-0476
13.5 mm (f) to Type-N (m) adapter1250-1744
Table 2 -2U7227F contents
QuantityDescriptionPart number
1Certificate of Calibration5962-0476
12.4 mm (f) to 2.4 mm (f) adapter85056-60006
Installation2
Keysight U7227A/C/F Operating and Service Manual17
2Installation
Service and Recalibration
If your U7227A/C/F USB pre-amplifier requires service or repair, contact the
nearest Keysight office for information on where to send it. Refer to “Sales and
Technical Support” on page 4 of this manual. The performance of the U7227A/C/
F can only be verified by specially-manufactured equipment and calibration
standard from Keysight. The recommended interval for recalibration is 12 months.
18Keysight U7227A/C/F Operating and Service Manual
Operating and Safety Precautions
Observe the following guidelines before connecting or operating the U7227A/C/F
USB pre-amplifier.
ESD damage
Protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD) is important while handling and
operating the U7227A/C/F USB pre-amplifier.
Static electricity can build up on your body and can easily damage sensitive
components when discharged.
Static discharges too small to be felt can cause permanent damage to the unit.
To prevent damage from ESD:
– Use a grounded antistatic mat in front of your test equipment and wear a
grounded wrist strap attached to it when handling or operating the
U7227A/C/F.
– Wear a heel strap when working in an area with a conductive floor.
– Ground yourself before you clean, inspect, or make a connection to the
U7227A/C/F. You can, for example, grasp the grounded outer shell of the
analyzer test port or cable connector briefly.
Installation2
– Avoid touching the exposed connector pins.
Keysight U7227A/C/F Operating and Service Manual19
2Installation
CAUTION
Connector care
Because connectors can become defective due to wear during normal use, all
connectors should be inspected and maintained to maximize their service life.
– Inspect the mating surface each time a connection is made. Metal particles
– Clean dirt and contamination from the connector mating surface and threads.
– Gage connectors periodically. This not only provides assurance of proper
The U7227A/C/F can be damaged if excessive torque is applied to the
connectors.
The recommended torque value is 8 lb-in for 2.4 mm and 3.5 mm type
connectors.
from connector threads often find their way onto the mating surface when a
connection is made or disconnected.
This simple step can extend the service life of the connector and improve the
quality of your calibration and measurements.
mechanical tolerances, and thus connector performance, but can also indicate
situations where the potential for damage to another connector may exist.
For the input port, the recommended torque wrench is 20 mm with part
number 8710-1764.
For the output port, the recommended torque wrench is 5/16" with part
number 8710-1765.
20Keysight U7227A/C/F Operating and Service Manual
Cable handling
100 mm
Bending radius not
smaller than 100 mm
100 mm
Because excessive bending of the cable may damage the cable over time and will
affect the performance of the U7227A/C/F, the minimum bend radius of the cable
is 100 mm. Excessive bending could result in internal damage caused by
compression. This preventive measure during handling could significantly extend
the life of the cable.
Installation2
Figure 2-1Cable handling
Keysight U7227A/C/F Operating and Service Manual21
2Installation
Input
Output
USB connector
USB Pre-Amplifiers Covered by this Guide
There are three models available as follows:
– U7227A: USB pre-amplifier, 10 MHz to 4 GHz
– U7227C: USB pre-amplifier, 100 MHz to 26.5 GHz
– U7227F: USB pre-amplifier, 2 GHz to 50 GHz
Figure 2-2U7227A/C/F
Indication light description
ReadyWhen the USB pre-amplifier is connected with the X-series signal analyzer.
Busy
Error
When communication between the USB pre-amplifier and the X-series signal analyzer
is in progress.
– When there is a connection error or a data download error. The X-series signal
analyzer is unable to communicate with the USB pre-amplifier.
– When there is an input power overload at the X-series signal analyzer.
22Keysight U7227A/C/F Operating and Service Manual
Signal Analyzer Retrofit Requirements
X-series analyzers
There is no required Option in the signal analyzer in order to connect the
U7227A/C/F to the signal analyzer.
Installation2
Keysight U7227A/C/F Operating and Service Manual23
2Installation
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24Keysight U7227A/C/F Operating and Service Manual
3Operating Guides
Operating Instructions 26
Service and Maintenance 29
This chapter provides simple quick-check instructions to verify the U7227A/C/F
USB pre-amplifier functionality prior to usage.
Operating Guides3
Keysight U7227A/C/F Operating and Service Manual25
3Operating Guides
CAUTION
Operating Instructions
Operator’s check
The operator's check is supplied to allow the operator to make a quick check of
the U7227A/C/F prior to usage or if a failure is suspected.
ESD exceeding the level specified or RF power applied is greater than the
maximum specified may cause permanent damage to the device.
Operator's check for the S-parameter test
Any network analyzer with a USB supply can be used for performance test
verification. The equipment setup is as illustrated below.
Figure 3-1Quick-check configuration for the S-parameter test
26Keysight U7227A/C/F Operating and Service Manual
Operating Guides3
Quick-check procedure
1 Set the following parameters on the network analyzer to perform 2-port
measurements:
Table 3 -1S-parameter measurement parameters
U7227AU7227CU7227F
Start frequency
Stop frequency
[a]
Points
IFBW100 Hz100 Hz100 Hz
Input power-30 dBm-40 dBm-50 dBm
[a] The same frequency settings (start frequency and stop frequency) and number of points apply for all parameters.
[a]
[a]
2 Calibrate the network analyzer using the appropriate calibration procedure.
3 Connect the input of the pre-amplifier to port 1 of the network analyzer and
the output to port 2.
10 MHz100 MHz2 GHz
4 GHz26.5 GHz50 GHz
201201201
4 Connect the pre-amplifier to the USB supply of the network analyzer.
5 Obtain the measurement result for S11 (input return loss), S22 (output return
loss), and S21 (gain).
6 Compare the measurement results with the specifications.
Keysight U7227A/C/F Operating and Service Manual27
3Operating Guides
Operator’s check for the noise figure measurement
1 Set the following parameters on the network analyzer to perform 2-port
measurements:
Tab le 3-2Noise figure measurement parameters
Start frequency
Stop frequency
Points
Input power-30 dBm-40 dBm-50 dBm
Bandwidth2 MHz2 MHz2 MHz
GainMediumMediumLow
[a] The same frequency settings (start frequency and stop frequency) and number of points apply for all parameters.
2 Calibrate the network analyzer for noise figure measurements.
U7227AU7227CU7227F
[a]
[a]
[a]
10 MHz100 MHz2 GHz
4 GHz26.5 GHz50 GHz
201201201
3 Connect the input of the pre-amplifier to port 1 of the network analyzer and
the output to port 2.
4 Connect the pre-amplifier to the USB supply of the network analyzer.
5 Obtain the measurement result for noise figure.
6 Compare the measurement results with the specifications.
28Keysight U7227A/C/F Operating and Service Manual
Service and Maintenance
Service
The U7227A/C/F does not have internal adjustments and should not be opened; it
should only be repaired by service-trained personnel. Should it become necessary
to return the U7227A/C/F for repair or service, contact your nearest Keysight
Sales and Service Center.
Maintenance
The connectors of the U7227A/C/F, particularly the connector faces must be kept
clean. Keysight recommends that the connectors be periodically inspected and
cleaned if necessary. For instructions on the connection and maintenance of your
connectors, refer to the Connector Care Quick Reference Card (08510-90360).
Operating Guides3
Keysight U7227A/C/F Operating and Service Manual29
3Operating Guides
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30Keysight U7227A/C/F Operating and Service Manual
This information is subject to change
without notice. Always refer to the
English version at the Keysight
website for the latest revision.