Keysight Technologies N432A User Manual

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Keysight N432A Thermistor
Power Meter

User’s Guide

Notices

CAUTION

WARNING

© Keysight Technologies 2010 - 2014

No p art o f this manu al may be re produce d 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

N432A-90002

Edition

Edition 5, November 14, 2014

Printed in Malaysia

Keysight Technologies
1400 Fountaingrove Parkway
Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Trademark Acknowledgements

Microsoft is a trademark or registered trade­mark of Microsoft Corporation.

Mozilla is a trademark of the Mozilla Foun­dation.

Java is a trademark of Sun Microsystems,
Incorporated.

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.

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.

Restricted Rights Legend

U.S. Government Restricted Rights. Soft­ware and technical data rights granted to
the federal government include only those
rights customarily provided to end user cus­tomers. Keysight provides this customary
commercial license in Software and techni­cal data pursuant to FAR 12.211 (Technical
Data) and 12.212 (Computer Software) and,
for the Department of Defense, DFARS

252.227-7015 (Technical Data - Commercial
Items) and DFARS 227.7202-3 (Rights in
Commercial Computer Software or Com­puter Software Documentation).

Safety Notices

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.

II N432A User’s Guide

Certification

General Warranty

Keysight Technologies certifies that this product met its published
specifications at the time of shipment. Keysight further certifies that its
calibration measurements are traceable to the United States National
Institute of Standards and Technology (formerly National Bureau of
Standards), to the extent allowed by that organization calibration facility,
and to the calibration facilities of other International Standards
Organization members.

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
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. Duration and conditions of warranty for
this product may be superseded when the product is integrated into
(becomes a part of) other Keysight products. During the warranty period,
Keysight will, at its option, either repair or replace products which prove to
be defective. The warranty period begins on the date of delivery or on the
date of installation if installed by Keysight.

Warranty Service

For warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to a service
facility designated by Keysight. For products returned to Keysight for
warranty service, the Buyer shall prepay shipping charges to Keysight and
Keysight shall pay shipping charges to return the product to the Buyer.
However, the Buyer shall pay all shipping charges, duties, and taxes for
products returned to Keysight from another country.

N432A User’s Guide III

Limitation of Warranty

Exclusive Remedies

The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from improper
or inadequate maintenance by the Buyer, Buyer-supplied products or
interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse, operation outside of the
environmental specifications for the product, or improper site preparation
or maintenance.

The design and implementation of any circuit on this product is the sole
responsibility of the Buyer. Keysight does not warrant the Buyer’s circuitry
or malfunctions of Keysight products that result from the Buyer’s circuitry.
In addition, Keysight does not warrant any damage that occurs as a result
of the Buyer’s circuit or any defects that result from Buyer-supplied
products.

To the extent allowed by local law, Keysight makes no other warranty,
expressed or implied, whether written or oral with respect to this product
and specifically disclaims any implied warranty or condition of
merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or satisfactory quality.

To the extent allowed by local law, the remedies provided herein are the
Buyer’s sole and exclusive remedies. Keysight shall not be liable for any
direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages (including
lost profit or data), whether based on warranty, contract, tort, or any other
legal theory.

IV N432A User’s Guide

Restricted Rights Legend

The Software and Documentation have been developed entirely at private
expense. They are delivered and licensed as “commercial computer
software” as defined in DFARS 252.227-7013 (Oct 1988), DFARS

252.211-7015 (May 1991), or DFARS 252.227-7014 (Jun 1995), as a
“commercial item” as defined in FAR 2.101(a), or as “restricted computer
software” as defined in FAR 52.227-19 (Jun 1987) (or any equivalent
agency regulation or contract clause), whichever is applicable. You have
only those rights provided for such Software and Documentation by the
applicable FAR or DFARS clause or the Keysight standard software
agreement for the product involved.

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.

N432A User’s Guide V

Safety Summary

WARNING

CAUTION

Safety Notices

The following general safety precautions must be observed during all
phases of operation of this instrument. Failure to comply with these
precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates
safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the
instrument. Keysight Technologies assumes no liability for the customer’s
failure to comply with these requirements.

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 loss of life. Do not proceed
beyond a WARNING notice until the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.

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.

VI N432A User’s Guide

Safety Symbols

The following symbols on the instrument and in the documentation
indicate precautions that must be taken to maintain safe operation of the
instrument.

Caution, risk of danger. The Instruction
Documentation Symbol. The
instrument is marked with this symbol
when it is necessary for the user to
refer to the instructions in the supplied
documentation.

Alternating current (AC)

Direct current (DC) On (Supply)

Both direct and alternating current Off (Supply)

Three-phase alternating current Caution, risk of electric shock

Earth (ground) TERMINAL Caution, hot surface

This symbol indicates the operating
switch for ‘Stand-by’ mode.
Note, this instrument is NOT isolated
from the mains when the switch is
pressed. To isolate the instrument, the
mains coupler (mains input cord) should
be removed from the power supply.

Instrument protected throughout by
DOUBLE INSULATION or RE-INFORCED
INSULATION

PROTECTIVE CONDUCTOR TERMINAL In position of bi-stable push control

Frame or chassis TERMINAL Out position of bi-stable push control

Equipotentiality

N432A User’s Guide VII

General Safety Information

WARNING

This is a Safety Class I instrument (provided with a protective earthing
ground, incorporated in the power cord). The mains plug shall only be
inserted in a socket outlet provided with a protective earth contact. Any
interruption of the protective conductor inside or outside of the instrument
is likely to damage the instrument. Intentional interruption is prohibited.

• Do not operate the instrument in an explosive atmosphere or in the

• Do not use repaired fuses or short-circuited fuseholders. For

• Do not perform procedures involving cover or shield removal unless

• Do not service or adjust alone. Under certain conditions, dangerous

• Do not operate damaged instrument. Whenever it is possible that the

• Do not substitute parts or modify the instrument. Because of the

presence of flammable gasses or fumes.

continued protection against fire, replace the line fuse(s) only with
fuse(s) of the same voltage and current rating and type.

you are qualified to do so. Operating personnel must not remove the
meter covers or shields. Procedures involving the removal of covers
and shields are for use by service-trained personnel only.

voltages may exist even with the instrument switched off. To avoid
electrical shock, service personnel must not attempt internal service
or adjustment unless another person, capable of rendering first aid
and resuscitation, is present.

safety protection features built into this instrument have been
impaired, either through physical damage, excessive moisture, or
any other reason, REMOVE POWER and do not use the instrument
until safe operation can be verified by service-trained personnel. If
necessary, return the instrument to Keysight for service and repair to
ensure the safety features are maintained.

danger of introducing additional hazards, do not install substitute
parts or perform any unauthorized modification to the instrument.
Return the instrument to Keysight for service and repair to ensure
the safety features are maintained.

VIII N432A User’s Guide

In This Guide...

1 Introduction

This chapter introduces you to the front panel display and instrument Web
browser of the Keysight N432A Thermistor Power Meter.

2 Operating Information

This chapter provides the information on the N432A general operation.

3 Maintenance

This chapter describes the built-in self-tests, error messages, and general
maintenance.

4 Specifications and Characteristics

This chapter lists the specifications and characteristics of the N432A.

N432A User’s Guide IX

Declaration of Conformity (DoC)

NOTE

The Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for this instrument is available on the
Keysight Web site. You can search the DoC by its product model or
description at the Web address below.

If you are unable to search for the respective DoC, please contact your
local Keysight representative.

X N432A User’s Guide

Contents

1 Introduction 1

LXI Class-C Compliant N432A 2

Sensor Compatibility 3

Conventions Used in This Guide 4

Front Panel Outlook 5

Rear Panel Connections 10

Display Layout 11

Window Symbols and Pop-Ups 15

Warning symbol pop-up 15
Wait symbol pop-up 16
Confirm symbol pop-up 16
Numeric entry pop-up 16
Tex t e nt ry po p- up 17
List pop-up 17

Using the N432A Web Interface 18

Using the remote front panel 22
Editing the N432A LAN settings 23
Capturing the screen image 25
Getting the instrument data 26

Making the Socket Connection 27

2 Operating Information 29

Setting the Bridge Resistance 30

Setting the Resistance Type 31

Setting the Measurement Unit 34

Setting the Measurement Frequency 35

N432A User’s Guide XIII

Setting the Resolution 37

Displaying Voltage Measurements 38

Making Relative Measurements 39

Setting Offsets 41

Setting the channel offset 42
Setting the display offset 43
Setting the frequency-dependent offset 45

Setting the Voltage Averaging 52

Step Detection 53

Setting Measurement Limits 54

Checking for limit failures 56

Single Function Measurement 57

Combined Measurement 58

Max Hold/Min Hold 60

Recorder Output 63

Saving and Recalling N432A States 66

Editing a register name 67
Recalling a measurement setup 67

Zeroing the N432A 69

Using the Calibration/Correction Factors 70

Frequency-specific calibration factors 70
Sensor calibration tables 71
Selecting a sensor calibration table 71
Editing/generating sensor calibration tables 73

Power Measurement Procedures 77

Internal power measurement 77
Precision power measurement 79

Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) Measurement 82

XIV N432A User’s Guide

Blank Screen 88

Secure Blank 89

Backlight Intensity Control 92

Memory Erase/Secure Erase 93

Warm Start 95

3 Maintenance 97

Self-Test 98

Front panel selection of self-tests 98
Instrument self-test 99
Remote testing 101
Test descriptions 101

Error Messages 103

Introduction 103
Error list 105

Operator Maintenance 112

Checking the power line fuses 112

Contacting Keysight Technologies 113

Prior to contacting Keysight Technologies 113
Check the basics 114
Instrument serial numbers 114
Recommended calibration interval 115

Erasing Memory Data 116

Returning the N432A for Service 117

Packaging the N432A for shipment 117

Keysight Sales and Service Offices 118

4 Specifications and Characteristics 119

Introduction 120

N432A User’s Guide XV

Specification definitions 120

N432A Specifications 122

Rear Panel Input and Output Connections 124

Line power 124

1 mW Power Reference 125

Environmental Conditions 126

General 126
Operating environment 126
Storage 126

Physical Characteristics 127

Dimensions 127
Weight 127

Regulatory Information 128

Electromagnetic (EM) compatibility 128
Product safety 128
Low voltage directive 129

XVI N432A User’s Guide

List of Figures

Figure 1-1 Dual numeric display 11
Figure 1-2 Single numeric and analog display 12
Figure 1-3 Full screen numeric display 13
Figure 1-4 Accessing the N432A Web interface from the Connection Expert 18
Figure 1-5 N432A Web interface (Welcome page) 19
Figure 1-6 Blinking message to identify the N432A 20
Figure 1-7 Example of the Lan Status message 20
Figure 1-8 Virtual front panel 22
Figure 1-9 Viewing the current LAN configuration from the Web interface 23
Figure 1-10 Enter Password dialog box 23
Figure 1-11 Changing the N432A LAN interface configuration 24
Figure 1-12 Screen capture 25
Figure 1-13 Obtaining instrument data 26
Figure 1-14 Add Instrument dialog 27
Figure 1-15 Add LAN Instruments dialog 28
Figure 1-16 N432A connected via the socket connection 28
Figure 2-1 Bridge resistance pop-up list 30
Figure 2-2 Connections for Ruser measurement 31
Figure 2-3 Resistance type pop-up list 32
Figure 2-4 Ruser pop-up 32
Figure 2-5 Frequency pop-up 36
Figure 2-6 Voltage measurement display 38
Figure 2-7 Typical relative measurement display 39
Figure 2-8 Simplified measurement path 41
Figure 2-9 Setting the channel offset 42
Figure 2-10 Offset indicator 43
Figure 2-11 Setting the display offset 44
Figure 2-12 Frequency-dependent offset tables 46
Figure 2-13 Frequency-dependent offset table indicator 46
Figure 2-14 Edit Offset display with data added 48
Figure 2-15 Edit table name pop-up 48
Figure 2-16 Setting the offset unit 49
Figure 2-17 Offset display in the engineering unit (when the selected unit is %) 51
Figure 2-18 Volt Avg pop-up list 52
Figure 2-19 Minimum limit pop-up 55

N432A User’s Guide XVII

Figure 2-20 Meter minimum pop-up 55
Figure 2-21 Limit failures 56
Figure 2-22 Single function measurement configuration 57
Figure 2-23 Function pop-up list 57
Figure 2-24 Combined measurement configuration 58
Figure 2-25 Measurement display example 59
Figure 2-26 Max hold/min hold measurement performed on the ‘HOLD’ block 60
Figure 2-27 Hold pop-up list 61
Figure 2-28 Min Hold and Max Hold measurement modes indicated on the

display 61
Figure 2-29 Min Hold indicated in full in the expanded window 62
Figure 2-30 Recorder output pop-up list 63
Figure 2-31 Recorder Minimum pop-up 64
Figure 2-32 Recorder Maximum pop-up 64
Figure 2-33 Save/Recall screen 66
Figure 2-34 Save confirmation pop-up dialog 66
Figure 2-35 File name pop-up 67
Figure 2-36 Recall confirmation pop-up dialog 68
Figure 2-37 Zeroing pop-up message 69
Figure 2-38 Cal Factor pop-up 70
Figure 2-39 Sensor table selected 72
Figure 2-40 Sensor calibration table indicator 72
Figure 2-41 Sensor Tbls screen 74
Figure 2-42 Edit Cal display 75
Figure 2-43 Edit table title pop-up 75
Figure 2-44 Connection diagram for precision power measurement 80
Figure 2-45 Connection diagram for VRC measurement 84
Figure 2-46 Connection diagram for VSWR measurement 86
Figure 2-47 Blank Screen feature 88
Figure 2-48 Secure Blank feature 89
Figure 2-49 Enter 6-digit Password pop-up 89
Figure 2-50 Warning message 90
Figure 2-51 Reconfirm Password pop-up 90
Figure 2-52 Warning message 90
Figure 2-53 Password reconfirmation pop-up 91
Figure 2-54 Password required to restore display 91
Figure 2-55 Backlight intensity control feature 92
Figure 2-56 Increase or decrease the backlight brightness 92

XVIII N432A User’s Guide

Figure 2-57 Activate memory erase using combo keys 93
Figure 2-58 Secure Erase feature 94
Figure 2-59 Confirmation to begin secure erase 94
Figure 2-60 Warning message displaying the secure erase status 94
Figure 2-61 Warm start On/Off feature 95
Figure 3-1 Self-test completed 99
Figure 3-2 V

RF, VCOMP

, and V0 tests skipped 100
Figure 3-3 Error indicator 103
Figure 3-4 Checking the fuses 112
Figure 3-5 Secure erase status pop-up 116

N432A User’s Guide XIX

XX N432A User’s Guide

List of Tables

Table 1-1 Lan Status messages 21
Table 2-1 Measurement units 34
Table 2-2 Range of values for window limits 54
Table 2-3 Ranges of the recorder output setting 65
Table 2-4 Installed thermistor sensor models 74

N432A User’s Guide XXI

XXII N432A User’s Guide

Keysight N432A Thermistor Power Meter
User’s Guide

1
Introduction

LXI Class-C Compliant N432A 2
Sensor Compatibility 3
Conventions Used in This Guide 4
Front Panel Outlook 5
Rear Panel Connections 10
Display Layout 11
Window Symbols and Pop-Ups 15
Using the N432A Web Interface 18
Making the Socket Connection 27

This chapter provides a general overview of the N432A thermistor power meter.

1 Introduction

LXI Class-C Compliant N432A

The N432A is a single- channel, average RF power measurement meter that
supports thermistor sensors. The N432A has the capability to measure and
display average power, RF bridge voltages (V
bridge voltages (V

COMP0

and V

), V0, and V1. It is also provided with

COMP1

RF0

and V

a set of features such as zeroing and a built-in self- test.

Developed using LXI technology, the N432A is an LXI Class- C compliant
instrument. LXI, an acronym for LAN eXtension for Instrumentation, is an
instrument standard for devices that use the Ethernet (LAN) as their
primary communication interface.

The N432A basic configuration consists of two key sections; bridge and
meter logic. When a compatible thermistor sensor is connected to the
N432A, the RF and compensation bridge circuits are formed in the bridge
section. V

, which is the voltage at the top of the RF bridge, is responsive

RF

to both input RF power and ambient temperature changes. On the other
hand, V

, which is the voltage at the top of the compensation bridge,

COMP

is responsive only to ambient temperature changes. The V
values are used in calculating the RF power. Meanwhile, the meter logic
section processes V

RF

and V

to produce a meter current proportional

COMP

to RF power.

), compensation

RF1

and V

RF

COMP

In general, the N432A is an easy- to- use instrument especially with the
availability of an integrated Web browser that provides a convenient way
to view and modify the instrument network configuration.

Besides the LAN interface, the N432A also supports industry standard
GPIB and USB interfaces for measurement automation.

2 N432A User’s Guide

Sensor Compatibility

NOTE

The N432A is compatible with the Keysight 478A and 8478B thermistor
sensors. The following table lists the frequency range and operating
resistance for each of these thermistor sensors:

Thermistor sensor model Frequency range (GHz) Operating resistance (Ω)

478A 0.01 to 10 200

478A Option H63 0.0001 to 1 200

478A Option H75 0.001 to 1 200

478A Option H76 0.001 to 1 200

8478B 0.01 to 18 200

For further information on the thermistor sensors, refer to their respective manuals.

Introduction 1

N432A User’s Guide 3

1 Introduction

Softkey

Conventions Used in This Guide

The following conventions are used throughout this guide.

This symbol and text represents a labeled key on the N432A front panel

This symbol and text represents a labeled softkey, and is used to indicate
that you should press the unmarked key beside the displayed text

Message This text represents a displayed message

Parameter This is used to represent a parameter, value, or title

4 N432A User’s Guide

Front Panel Outlook

This section briefly describes the functions of the front panel keys and
connectors.

These keys are located to the left of the display.

Key Function

Introduction 1

Press this key to preset the N432A to its default state

Press this key to control the N432A from the front panel when it is
operating via the remote interfaces (when Local Lock Out is disabled)

Press this key to select the upper or lower measurement window. The
selected window is highlighted by a blue line on the right of the window.
Any measurement setup you create is performed in the selected window.

Press this key to select a windowed, expanded, or full-screen display of a
numeric measurement

Press this key to switch the N432A between on and standby. When
power is supplied, the background LED turns red. Pressing the key
switches on the N432A and the background LED turns yellow. When the
N432A is powered on, the startup will take approximately 25 seconds.

N432A User’s Guide 5

1 Introduction

These keys are located along the lower edge of the display.

Key Function

Press this key to access general configuration menus, such as the
remote interface configuration. You can also access some measurement
configuration menus. The measurement screen remains visible.

Press this key to access the channel configuration menu. Channel
parameters such as voltage averaging and offsets are configured from
this menu.

Press this key to access the triggering menu

Press this key to configure measurements for the selected measurement
window, such as display offsets and relative measurements

Press this key to access the measurement display menu. You can select
the displayed measurement resolution, unit, and display format.

Use this key together with to configure measurement
displays.

6 N432A User’s Guide

Introduction 1

Confirm

These keys are associated with the menu labels and data entry. They are
located to the right of the display.

Key Function

Press this key to return to the previous screen. This key also cancels
pop-up entries.

These unmarked keys are called ‘softkeys’ and are referred to by the text
on the display next to them.

For example, during a preset, you are given an option to confirm the

command. Press to continue, that is, press the softkey beside

the displayed word Confirm.

The lowest of the unmarked softkeys is used when there is a two-page
menu to be displayed. For example, a 1 of 2 is displayed beside the key
indicating the first page of a two-page menu. Press the key to access the
next page or the second page (a 2 of 2 is displayed).

N432A User’s Guide 7

1 Introduction

These keys and connectors are associated with the measurement channel
and are located on the right of the front panel.

Key Function

The arrow keys are used for navigation around the parameter entry
screens. The up and down arrows are used for selecting values from
a pop-up list. They are also used to enter text such as table names.

Press this key to select a highlighted field to allow data entry, select
a check box, or confirm the entry of a pop-up list

Press this key to access the zeroing menu

Press this key to reset the MAX HOLD and MIN HOLD measurements

Press these keys to enter numeric values in the pop-up fields, for
example, the offset values. To complete the entry, use the softkey.

8 N432A User’s Guide

Connector Function

The power reference is a 1 mW (0 dBm), 50 MHz signal available
from a 50 W type-N connector. It is used for calibrating a 478A or
8478B thermistor sensor and meter system. The yellow LED
beside the connector is lit when turned on.

Thermistor mount input connector for 1.5 m, 3 m, and 6.1 m
cables that connect to the 478A or 8478B thermistor sensors

Introduction 1

N432A User’s Guide 9

1 Introduction

5

6

4

7

2

1

3

Rear Panel Connections

No. Connection

1 Ground connector

2 Recorder output terminal 1

Recorder output connection is made via a BNC connector. This output produces a DC
voltage that corresponds to the power level of the channel input.

3 AC inlet

The N432A has an autoconfiguring power supply. This allows it to operate over a range of
voltages without manually being set to a certain voltage.

4V

5USB Mini-B port

6LAN interface

7 GPIB interface

and V

RF

The V

RF

the compensation bridge voltage. Both the V

output terminals

COMP

BNC terminal outputs the RF bridge voltage, while the V

and V

RF

outputs are used for calibrating

COMP

BNC terminal outputs

COMP

the N432A and for precision power measurements.

Allows the N432A to be controlled remotely over the USB interface

Allows the N432A to be controlled remotely over the LAN interface

Allows the N432A to be controlled remotely over the General Purpose Interface Bus
(IEEE-488) standard interface

10 N432A User’s Guide

Display Layout

Disp Type

1

2

5

6

7

9

8

3

4

The following figure shows the display when two windows are configured
in the dual numeric mode.

Introduction 1

Other display formats are available by pressing >

.

Figure 1-1 Dual numeric display

1 The status reporting line displays messages and the control status of

the N432A.

For example, the status can be either RMT (remote, GPIB, USB, or LAN
operation) or LCL (local, front panel operation). The message field will
indicate ERR for any error conditions that occur.

2 The measured channel is shown with a thermistor sensor connected.

3 This field displays the current bridge resistance value as an indicator

with or without the thermistor sensor connected.

4 The information in this field is displayed in two lines and depends on

the sensor calibration factor, sensor calibration and
frequency- dependent offset tables currently selected, and the
measurement frequency.

5 This field displays the menu title.

For example, Channel Setup, or press and the Zero/Cal menu is
displayed.

N432A User’s Guide 11

1 Introduction

10

11

13

14

15

12

6 The blue highlight on the right of the window indicates the currently

selected measurement display line. This measurement line refers to the
upper window/upper measurement.

7 The available softkey labels are displayed in these fields. Additionally,

settings associated with the labeled function are displayed under the
label. Softkey labels that are grayed out cannot be selected.

8 This displays the measurement unit.

9 This displays the number of pages in the current menu. For example,

1 of 2 indicates that there are two pages in the menu and the first page

is currently displayed. Pressing the softkey displays the next page,
indicated by 2 of 2 (press the softkey again to display the previous menu
page).

Figure 1-2 Single numeric and analog display

Figure 1- 2 shows the default display format of two measurement windows

in the single numeric and analog mode.

10 The information in this field is displayed in two lines and depends on

the sensor calibration factor, sensor calibration and
frequency- dependent offset tables currently selected, and the
measurement frequency.

11 The upper window is configured to show a single numeric display.

12 This field displays the current bridge resistance value as an indicator

with or without the thermistor sensor connected.

12 N432A User’s Guide

13 The lower window is configured to show an analog meter which

displays the measurement result and the meter scaling.

Introduction 1

21

17

20

16

18

19

14 This displays the connected sensor, offset value, acquisition mode, and

bridge resistance type for the channel.

15 The blue highlight on the right of the window indicates the currently

selected measurement display line.

Using the up/down arrow key or , you can change the
measurement window selection.

Using on a numeric measurement result window allows you to
select either a single enlarged window or a full screen display. The
display style is applied to the currently selected window or
measurement line.

Figure 1-3 Full screen numeric display

Figure 1- 3 shows a single numeric full screen displaying a relative result.

16 This field displays either a ratio or difference measurement indicator

when the Combined measurement function is enabled.

17 This field displays either Minimum Hold or Maximum Hold if the range hold

is set to minimum or maximum respectively.

18 This field displays Dty Cyc if a duty cycle is set.

19 This field displays Ofs if an offset is set.

20 This field displays Rel if relative mode is enabled.

N432A User’s Guide 13

1 Introduction

21 This field indicates that the measurement result is beyond the

configured upper or lower limit. If the measurement result is within the
limits, this field is empty. If the measurement result is less than the
minimum limit set, Undr Lmt is displayed. If the measurement result is
more than the maximum limit set, Over Lmt is displayed.

14 N432A User’s Guide

Window Symbols and Pop-Ups

There are several different graphic symbols and pop- up messages that can
occur on the N432A display. These can occur for a variety of reasons,
such as:

• An error or warning occurs

• You are required to wait while the N432A carries out a procedure

• You are required to select an entry from a list

• You are required to enter a numeric value

There are three different colors used to signify the pop- up status:

• Green – used to allow data entry

• Orange – used to display information

• Red – used to display an error

Warning symbol pop-up

Introduction 1

A warning symbol is displayed either in a pop- up message or directly in
the measurement window when such an event occurs. A pop-up message
is displayed for approximately two seconds. The text in the pop- up
message gives details of the warning type, for example, to indicate that a
sensor has insufficient bandwidth or a previously entered frequency value
in a table. Depending on the severity of the warning, the pop- up may be
displayed in orange or red.

N432A User’s Guide 15

1 Introduction

Wait symbol pop-up

The wait symbol is displayed when the N432A is carrying out a procedure
and no action is required from you. The symbol appears in a pop- up
message, for example, during zeroing.

Confirm symbol pop-up

This type of pop-up message is displayed when you are required to press
Confirm to verify your previous selection, for example, prior to a Save
being carried out.

Numeric entry pop-up

This type of pop- up dialog is displayed when you need to modify numeric
data. Use the numeric keys to enter the value.

16 N432A User’s Guide

Introduction 1

Text entry pop-up

This type of pop- up dialog is displayed when you need to modify
alphanumeric data such as table names. The up/down arrow key
increments/decrements the alphanumeric digit that the cursor is currently
positioned. The left/right arrow key moves the cursor to another
alphanumeric digit.

List pop-up

This pop-up list is displayed when you are required to select an entry

from a list. Use the up/down arrow key to highlight your selection. Press

to complete the entry.

N432A User’s Guide 17

1 Introduction

NOTE

Using the N432A Web Interface

You can communicate with the N432A using the Web interface.

The N432A Web interface can be accessed from the Keysight Connection
Expert as shown in Figure 1- 4.

For more details on remote interface configuration, refer to the N432A Thermistor Power
Meter Installation Guide.

Alternatively, the Web interface can also be accessed directly from a Web
browser by entering the N432A IP address or host name in the Address
panel of the browser.

Figure 1-4 Accessing the N432A Web interface from the Connection Expert

18 N432A User’s Guide

Introduction 1

NOTE

The Welcome page of the N432A Web interface is shown as follows:

Figure 1-5 N432A Web interface (Welcome page)

You can control the N432A via GPIB, LAN, or USB connection. Connection
parameters such as SCPI TCPIP socket port (5025), SCPI Telnet port
(5024), VISA TCPIP Connect String, VISA USB Connect String, and GPIB
address are shown on the Welcome Page. Click Advanced Information… to
display more information on the N432A.

• The N432A has an embedded Web server, which is listening on port 80 to serve Web
pages.

• The Web pages can be browsed using Web browsers such as Internet Explorer
Mozilla

®

Firefox®.

• To obtain optimum accuracy of the N432A in a remote interface environment, it is
recommended to use the LAN interface to minimize ground noise contribution.

The N432A on the network can be physically identified from the blinking
message on the front panel screen by clicking Turn On Front Panel Identification

Indicator on the Welcome Page.

N432A User’s Guide 19

®

and

1 Introduction

The “IDENTIFY” message will
blink when the front panel
identification indicator is
turned on.

When the front panel identification indicator is turned on, a blinking
“IDENTIFY” message is displayed on the front panel screen as shown in
the following figure. The “IDENTIFY” message will blink to identify the
N432A until you click Turn Off Front Panel Identification Indicator.

Figure 1-6 Blinking message to identify the N432A

When the N432A is configured to LAN, the Lan Status on the Remote
Interfaces screen will display the LAN error condition and status of the

LAN configuration connection. There are six types of Lan Status messages
that may occur, as listed in Table 1-1.

Figure 1-7 Example of the Lan Status message

20 N432A User’s Guide

Table 1-1 Lan Status messages

Message type Description

Introduction 1

Lan: No Fault

Status: Initialized

Lan: No Fault

Status: Running

Lan: Fault

Status: Initialization failed

Lan: Fault

Status: Disconnected

Lan: –

Status: Restarting

Lan: DHCP Not Available

Status: Running

A valid IP address is successfully obtained using the selected
LAN configuration, and the network is initialized

A valid IP address is successfully obtained using the selected
LAN configuration while the network is running

• An IP conflict occurs, or

• An IP address fails to be obtained using the selected LAN

configuration, or

• No LAN configuration is selected

The LAN cable is unplugged

• The network is restarting

• Trying to obtain an IP address using the selected LAN

configuration

• Unable to obtain an IP address from the DHCP server (if
DHCP configuration is selected)

• An IP address will be obtained from the auto IP or manual
configuration

N432A User’s Guide 21

1 Introduction

NOTE

Using the remote front panel

The N432A Web interface also provides a virtual front panel interface that
can be used to control the N432A remotely.

1 On the left of the Welcome Page, select Browser Web Control. The virtual

front panel will appear as shown below.

Figure 1-8 Virtual front panel

2 Click the front panel keys to control the N432A.

Java™ must be installed on the controlling PC for remote front panel operation.

22 N432A User’s Guide

Introduction 1

Editing the N432A LAN settings

Once the communication path to the N432A has been established, the
N432A LAN configuration can be viewed and modified using the Web
interface.

On the Welcome page, click View and Modify Configuration at the left of the
page. This opens the configuration page as shown below.

Figure 1-9 Viewing the current LAN configuration from the Web interface

To edit the available parameters, click Modify Configuration. The Enter
Password dialog box will appear as follows.

Figure 1-10 Enter Password dialog box

N432A User’s Guide 23

1 Introduction

NOTE

Remote Interfaces

1 of 2

LAN Reset

LAN Reset

Click Submit (to accept the default password), and the page as shown in

Figure 1- 11 will be displayed. The default password is “keysight”.

A LAN reset needs to be performed to ensure that the password is reset to default. The
LAN reset procedure is as given below:

1 Press > to display the Remote Interfaces screen.

2 Press to display the second page of the Remote I/F menu.

3 Press to reset the LAN settings to default.

When is pressed, it will also change the GPIB address to default.

You can change the password from the Configuring your N432A Power Meter page as
shown in Figure 1-11. Scroll down the Parameter column until you locate the Change

Password parameter.

24 N432A User’s Guide

Figure 1-11 Changing the N432A LAN interface configuration

Introduction 1

Capturing the screen image

Use the following steps to save the N432A display from the Web interface:

1 On the left of the Welcome Page, select Get Image. The screen image will

be displayed as shown below.

Figure 1-12 Screen capture

2 Right- click on the image and select Save Image As…..

3 Select a storage location for the image file and click Save.

The image is saved as a bitmap (BMP) file to the default file name,
display.bmp.

N432A User’s Guide 25

1 Introduction

Getting the instrument data

The N432A Web interface allows you to transport measurement readings
from the N432A to PC applications such as word and spreadsheet
applications.

Use the following steps to obtain the instrument data.

1 On the left of the Welcome Page, select Get Data. The Get Data Web page

will be displayed as shown below.

Figure 1-13 Obtaining instrument data

2 Select the window/measurement type of the N432A.

3 Enter your desired count value (up to 1000 only) of the data and click

Get Data. The data will be displayed in a text box.

4 Copy and paste the data into your intended PC application.

26 N432A User’s Guide

Making the Socket Connection

The N432A can be connected remotely via the socket connection as
explained in the following procedure.

1 Right- click the IO Control icon of the Keysight IO Libraries Suite

on the taskbar notification area, and select Keysight Connection Expert.

2 In the Keysight Connection Expert window, click on

the toolbar. An Add Instrument dialog will appear as shown below.
Select the Add LAN instrument on LAN (TCPIPO) interface and click OK.

Introduction 1

Figure 1-14 Add Instrument dialog

3 In the Add LAN Instruments dialog (Figure 1- 15), click Add Address at

the top of the dialog.

4 In the Enter Instrument Address panel, select the Use IP Address option

and type the IP address. In the Optional Socket Connection panel,
select the Use socket connection option.

5 Click Test Connection to verify if the N432A is present.

6 Click OK. You will then return to the Keysight Connection Expert

window (Figure 1- 16). Your N432A is now successfully connected via
the socket connection.

N432A User’s Guide 27

1 Introduction

Figure 1-15 Add LAN Instruments dialog

Figure 1-16 N432A connected via the socket connection

28 N432A User’s Guide

Keysight N432A Thermistor Power Meter
User’s Guide

2
Operating Information

Setting the Bridge Resistance 30
Setting the Resistance Type 31
Setting the Measurement Unit 34
Setting the Measurement Frequency 35
Setting the Resolution 37
Displaying Voltage Measurements 38
Making Relative Measurements 39
Setting Offsets 41
Setting the Voltage Averaging 52
Setting Measurement Limits 54
Single Function Measurement 57
Combined Measurement 58
Max Hold/Min Hold 60
Recorder Output 63
Saving and Recalling N432A States 66
Zeroing the N432A 69
Using the Calibration/Correction Factors 70
Power Measurement Procedures 77
Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) Measurement 82
Blank Screen 88
Secure Blank 89
Backlight Intensity Control 92
Memory Erase/Secure Erase 93
Warm Start 95

This chapter describes the general operation of the N432A thermistor power meter.

2 Operating Information

Setting the Bridge Resistance

A bridge resistance can be set for the thermistor sensor to balance
bridges. There are four selectable bridge resistance values consisting of
100 Ω, 200 Ω, 300 Ω, and 400 Ω, with 200 Ω as the default value. The
current resistance value is displayed on the measurement window as an
indicator with or without the thermistor sensor connected.

If you have modified the bridge resistance value, the subsequent power- up
value will correspond to the “Warm Start” state setting.

Upon each thermistor sensor connection, you will be informed of the
current bridge resistance value and will be required to select a new
resistance value or reconfirm the current desired resistance value.

Procedure

Use the following steps to set the bridge resistance.

1 Press to access the channel setup screen.

2 Use the up/down arrow key to highlight the Bridge Resistance value field,

and press to display the Bridge Resistance pop- up list. Use the

up/down arrow key to highlight the desired resistance value, and press

to enter the value.

Figure 2-1 Bridge resistance pop-up list

3 Press to exit the channel setup screen.

30 N432A User’s Guide

Setting the Resistance Type

DMM

+

-

N432 A c hannel A input connector N432A rear panel VRF output connector

Two resistance types consisting of Rmeas and Ruser can be selected, with
Rmeas as the default type.

When Rmeas is selected, an externally measured bridge resistance value
stored in EEPROM will be used. This value corresponds to the current
bridge resistance setting, and is not editable via the front panel.

When Ruser is selected, you can enter a resistance value to be used in
power measurement. The value of Ruser corresponds to the current bridge
resistance setting, with a ±10% tolerance. If a value entered for Ruser
exceeds the ±10% tolerance level of the bridge resistance, the value will be
clipped to the upper/lower limit within tolerance.

You can measure the value of Ruser using the following steps:

1 Set up the connections as shown in the figure below. The positive and

negative terminals of a digital multimeter (DMM) are connected to the
indicated N432A channel A input connector pin and rear panel V
output connector pin respectively.

Operating Information 2

RF

Figure 2-2 Connections for Ruser measurement

2 Set the DMM to measure resistance. The resistance value obtained is

the Ruser value.

N432A User’s Guide 31

2 Operating Information

Enter

If you have modified the resistance type and the Ruser value, the
subsequent power- up setting will correspond to the “Warm Start” state
setting.

Procedure

Use the following steps to set the resistance type.

1 Press to access the channel setup screen.

2 Use the up/down arrow key to highlight the Res Type value field, and

press to display the Res Type pop- up list. Use the up/down

arrow key to highlight the desired bridge resistance type, and press

to enter the selection.

Figure 2-3 Resistance type pop-up list

3 When Ruser is selected, you can enter a resistance value within a ±10%

tolerance level of the current bridge resistance setting. Use the left/right

arrow key to highlight the resistance value field, then press to

display the Ruser pop- up. Use the numeric keypad to enter the

required value and press to confirm the entry.

Figure 2-4 Ruser pop-up

32 N432A User’s Guide

4 Press to exit the channel setup screen.

Operating Information 2

N432A User’s Guide 33

2 Operating Information

Units

dBmWdB

%

NOTE

Setting the Measurement Unit

The Units menu is used to select the measurement unit for the currently
selected window. The unit can either be logarithmic (dBm or dB) or linear

(Watt or %). Presetting ( ) the N432A sets the measurement unit to

dBm. Table 2- 1 shows the units that are applicable to each measurement
type.

Press > . Select the unit of measurement from , , ,

and . Softkeys which cannot be selected in your particular mode of
operation are grayed out.

When the measurement unit is set to Watt (W), it is possible that negative power results
are displayed when measuring low power levels.

Tab l e 2 -1 Measurement units

Measurement mode Relative mode Off Relative mode On

Log dBm dB

Linear Watt %

34 N432A User’s Guide

Setting the Measurement Frequency

Offsets

Ta bl e

On

NOTE

Ta bl e

Done

Entering the frequency of the RF signal you are measuring optimizes the
accuracy and minimizes measurement uncertainty, especially when making
comparative measurements between signals.

The frequency value field is only enabled when either the
frequency- dependent offset table or sensor calibration table, or both, is
turned on. For more information on these tables, refer to “Setting

Offsets” on page 41 and “Using the Calibration/Correction Factors” on
page 70.

Procedure

Use the following steps to set the measurement frequency.

1 Press to access the channel setup screen.

2 Press , then use the up/down arrow key to highlight the FDO Table

or CF Table setting field and press to display the tables.

Operating Information 2

3 Use the up/down arrow key to highlight one of the table titles and

press to highlight .

When no data is contained in the highlighted table, the key is disabled (grayed out).

4 Press to complete the selection of the offset table and press

again to return to the channel setup screen. Press >

to complete the selection of the calibration table and return to

the channel setup screen.

N432A User’s Guide 35

2 Operating Information

MHz

GHz

5 On the channel setup screen, use the up/down arrow key to highlight

the Frequency value field and press to display the Frequency

pop-up. Use the numeric keypad to enter the required value.

Figure 2-5 Frequency pop-up

6 Confirm your selection by pressing or .

7 Press to exit the channel setup screen.

36 N432A User’s Guide

Setting the Resolution

Resolution

Resolution

The resolution of the N432A numeric type windows can be set to four
different levels (1, 2, 3, or 4).

These four levels represent:

• 1, 0.1, 0.01, or 0.001 respectively if the measurement suffix is dBm or
dB.

• 1, 2, 3, or 4 significant digits respectively if the measurement suffix is
W or %.

The default resolution is 0.01 dBm or 3 significant digits.

Procedure

Use the following procedure to set the resolution on the currently selected
window.

1 Press to access the display format menu. The current

resolution setting is highlighted under the softkey.

2 To change this setting, press repeatedly until the required

resolution setting is highlighted.

Operating Information 2

N432A User’s Guide 37

2 Operating Information

NOTE

1 of 2

Voltages Display

Displaying Voltage Measurements

The N432A allows you to view the voltage measurement values for the
selected measurement window. Values of V

are displayed together with the associated average power

V

RF1

measurement value, PV

.

1

0

, V

PV1 is obtained after any channel offset has been applied but prior to any display offset. For
details on offset configuration, refer to “Setting Offsets” on page 41.

COMP0

, V

RF0

, V1, V

COMP1

, and

, V

V

0

with the RF source disconnected. After zeroing, V

COMP0

, and V

values are determined when zeroing is performed

RF0

1

, V

COMP1

, and V

RF1

are

measured with the RF source turned on.

The voltage measurement range for V

and V1 have a default measurement range of –0.625 V to 1.875 V.

V

0

The values for V

and V

RF

6.5- digit resolution. The V

are displayed in the VDC unit with a

COMP

and V1 values are displayed in VDC if the

0

and V

RF

is –200 mV to 10 V.

COMP

voltage value is more than 1 VDC and in mVDC if the voltage value is less
than 1 VDC; with a 6.5- digit resolution.

Procedure

Use the following steps to display the voltage measurement values:

1 Press to access the display format menu.

2 Press and select . The voltage and average power

measurement values will be displayed as shown in the example below:

38 N432A User’s Guide

Figure 2-6 Voltage measurement display

Making Relative Measurements

Meas Select

Relative

setting field

Relative field

Original result

Result field

Selected window/
measurement

Relative mode enables comparison of a measurement result to a reference
value. The relative reading, or difference, can be displayed in either the
dB or % term. When the measurement result is displayed in %, a prefix
multiplier may be shown.

Procedure

Use the following steps to make relative measurements.

1 Press to access the measurement setup screen.

Figure 2- 7 shows a Measurement Setup display and the relative

measurement items labeled.

2 Select the window you wish to set a reference value on by pressing

. The currently selected window/measurement configuration

is displayed.

3 Use the up/down arrow key to highlight the Relative setting field.

Operating Information 2

Figure 2-7 Typical relative measurement display

4 Press to select the Relative setting field.

5 Confirm that the N432A is measuring the signal you want to use as the

reference. This is displayed under the Result field.

6 Press the left/right arrow key to highlight the Rel field.

N432A User’s Guide 39

2 Operating Information

NOTE

Relative indicator

7 Press and the original result value will appear on the right of

the Rel field.

8 The relative value displayed under the Result field will change as the

measured signal varies.

If you return the N432A to the numeric display, a Rel symbol will be displayed in the
measurement window it is applied to.

The Rel symbol will not be displayed when the associated measurement is displayed in the

Dual Numeric or Analog format.

40 N432A User’s Guide

Setting Offsets

Channel function

Window functions

Display

Relative

offset

Channel A

Upper window

Lower window

Display

Relative

offset

Display

Relative

offset

Display

Relative

offset

Measurement highway

Freq-dep.
offset

Channel
offset

Cal
factor

The N432A can be configured to compensate for a signal loss or gain in
your test setup. The N432A allows you to apply offsets at three different
points in the measurement path.

Operating Information 2

Figure 2-8 Simplified measurement path

The above figure shows that you can apply a channel offset or a
frequency- dependent offset prior to any mathematical functions. This

allows you to compensate the channel separately. An overall offset can be
applied if required using the display offset.

N432A User’s Guide 41

2 Operating Information

Offsets

Offset value field

Offset setting field

dB

Setting the channel offset

This gain or loss is applied to the measured power before any
mathematical functions, display offsets, or relative functions are included.

The offset is entered in dB within the range of –100 dB to +100 dB.

The equivalent range in % is from 0.0000000001% to 10000000000%.

A positive value compensates for a loss, while a negative value
compensates for a gain.

Procedure

Use the following steps to set a channel offset.

1 Press to access the channel setup screen.

2 Press to display the channel offset setup screen.

3 Use the up/down arrow key to highlight the Offset setting field.

4 Press to select the Offset setting field.

42 N432A User’s Guide

Figure 2-9 Setting the channel offset

5 Press the right arrow key to highlight the Offset value field and press

to display the Offset pop-up. Use the numeric keypad to enter

the required value.

6 Confirm your entry by pressing .

7 Press to exit the offset setup screen. If either a channel or a

display offset is set, the Ofs indicator is displayed.

Operating Information 2

Offset indicator

NOTE

Meas Select

Figure 2-10 Offset indicator

The Ofs indicator will not be displayed when the associated measurement is displayed in
the Dual Numeric or Analog format.

Setting the display offset

This gain or loss is applied to the measured power after any channel
offset or mathematical functions have been included.

The offset is entered in dB within the range of –100 dB to +100 dB. A
positive value compensates for a loss, while a negative value compensates
for a gain.

Procedure

Use the following steps to set a display offset on the currently selected
window.

1 Press to access the measurement setup screen.

2 Select the window you wish to set the offset value on by pressing

.

3 Use the up/down arrow key to highlight the Offset setting field.

4 Press to select the Offset setting field.

N432A User’s Guide 43

2 Operating Information

Selected window/
measurement

Offset value field

Offset setting field

dB

NOTE

Figure 2-11 Setting the display offset

5 Press the right arrow key to highlight the Offset value field and press

to display the Display Offset pop-up. Use the numeric keypad to

enter the required value.

6 Confirm your entry by pressing . Press to exit the offset

setup.

44 N432A User’s Guide

The Ofs indicator will be displayed if the display offset is selected.

Operating Information 2

Ta bl e s

Freq. Dep. Offset

NOTE

NOTE

Offsets

Ta bl e s

Freq. Dep. Offset

Offsets

Setting the frequency-dependent offset

Frequency- dependent offset tables provide a quick and convenient method
of compensating for frequency-related changes in the response of your test
system. Note that when selected, frequency- dependent offset corrections
are applied IN ADDITION to any correction for the sensor frequency
response.

The N432A is capable of storing 10 frequency- dependent offset tables with
a maximum of 80 frequency points each.

Selecting a frequency-dependent offset table

You can select a frequency- dependent offset table by pressing >

> .

You need to enable the frequency-dependent offset table prior to configuring the
measurement frequency value in the channel setup screen.

The Offset Tables screen is shown in Figure 2- 12. The State column
indicates if any frequency- dependent offset (FDO) tables are currently
selected.

N432A User’s Guide 45

You can also view which FDO table is being used by pressing > , then use

the up/down arrow key to highlight the FDO Table setting field and press to display

the tables.

Procedure

Use the following steps to select an offset table.

1 Press either:

• > > .

• > , then use the up/down arrow key to highlight the

FDO Table setting field and press to display the tables.

2 Operating Information

Ta bl e

On

NOTE

Ta bl e

Offset Table A selected

Figure 2-12 Frequency-dependent offset tables

2 Use the up/down arrow key to highlight one of the 10 table titles and

press to highlight .

When no data is contained in the highlighted table, the key is disabled (grayed out).

46 N432A User’s Guide

3 Press to complete the selection of the offset table.

4 The following figure shows the indicator for the selected offset table.

Figure 2-13 Frequency-dependent offset table indicator

Operating Information 2

NOTE

Ta bl e s

Freq. Dep. Offset

NOTE

Ta bl e s

Freq. Dep. Offset

Edit Table

If a measurement frequency does not correspond directly to a frequency in the sensor
calibration table (if selected) and the frequency-dependent offset table being used, the
N432A calculates the calibration factor and offset using linear interpolation.
If you enter a frequency outside the frequency range defined in the sensor calibration table
or the frequency-dependent offset table, the N432A uses the highest or lowest frequency
point in the appropriate table to set the calibration factor and offset.

Editing the frequency-dependent offset table

There are 10 frequency- dependent offset tables named CUSTOM_A through
CUSTOM_J. They are empty of any data when the N432A is shipped from

the factory.

You cannot delete any of the 10 existing frequency- dependent offset tables
or create any additional tables. However, you can enter values into the 10
existing tables. Each frequency- dependent offset table can contain a
maximum of 80 frequency points.

To view the frequency- dependent offset tables currently stored in the

N432A, press > > .

N432A User’s Guide 47

Editing the offset tables requires the following steps:

1 Identify and select the table you want to edit

2 Rename the table

3 Enter the frequency and offset pairs

4 Save the table

Procedure

First, select the table you want to edit as follows:

A frequency in the range of 0.001 MHz to 1000.0 GHz can be entered. An offset in the range
of 0.00000001% to 1000000000000% can be entered.

1 Press > > to access the Offset Tables

screen.

2 Select the table you want to edit using the up/down arrow key. Press

to display the Edit Offset menu as shown in Figure 2- 14.

2 Operating Information

Change

Insert Char

Delete Char

Enter

NOTE

Figure 2-14 Edit Offset display with data added

3 Highlight the table title using the up/down arrow key. Press and

use the arrow keys to select and change the characters in the Table
Name pop- up to create the name you want to use.

Figure 2-15 Edit table name pop-up

• Pressing adds a new character to the right of the selected

character.

• Pressing removes the selected character.

4 Press to complete the entry.

The following rules apply to naming the tables:

• The name must consist of not more than 12 characters.

• Space is not allowed as the first character.

48 N432A User’s Guide

Operating Information 2

Insert

Change

GHz

MHz

Change

%

Done

NOTE

Enter (or edit) the frequency and offset pairs as follows:

1 Press to add a new frequency value (or press to edit). Use

the numeric keypad to enter the required value in the Frequency
pop- up. Complete the entry by pressing or .

2 Enter a new offset value (or press to edit). Use the numeric

keypad to enter the required value in the Offset pop- up. Complete the
entry by pressing .

Figure 2-16 Setting the offset unit

3 Continue adding/editing values until you have entered all the required

data.

4 Once completed, press to save the table.

If you measure a signal with a frequency outside the frequency range defined in the
frequency-dependent offset table, the N432A uses the highest or lowest frequency point in
the frequency-dependent offset table to calculate the offset.

N432A User’s Guide 49

2 Operating Information

1 of 2

Offset Unit

dB

1 of 2

Offset Unit

%

Frequency-dependent offset unit (dB or %)

The offset in dB ranges from –100 dB to +100 dB.

The range in % is from 0.00000001% to 1000000000000%.

Once the offset unit has been selected, it will be applied to all the offsets
in the selected table and also to the remaining nine tables.

To change the offset unit to dB, press > > .

To change the offset unit to %, press > > .

50 N432A User’s Guide

Operating Information 2

If the selected offset unit is %, the display of the offset will be in the
engineering unit only if the percentage value is <0.01% or ≥10000%. The
format of the display in the engineering unit for an offset ≥10000% will be
shown as follows:

xxxx.yyyyyyyy e+z

• There is a maximum of four numbers before the decimal point,

indicated by x.

• y is optional if there are zero numbers after the decimal point.

For example,

• 123478202 will be displayed as 1234.78202000 e+5

• 10000 will be displayed as 1000.00000000 e+1.

The format of the display in the engineering unit for an offset <0.01% will
be shown as follows:

x.yyyyyyy e–z

• The first leading non- zero number, x, is placed before the decimal

point.

• y is optional if there are zero numbers after the decimal point.

For example,

• 0.009876 will be displayed as 9.8760000 e–3

• 0.0001 will be displayed as 1.0000000 e–4.

Figure 2-17 Offset display in the engineering unit (when the selected unit is %)

N432A User’s Guide 51

2 Operating Information

Setting the Voltage Averaging

Voltage averaging can be set for the thermistor sensor to be used in the
calculation of the incident power. There are four selectable averages
consisting of 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128, with 16 as the default value.

Procedure

Use the following steps to set the voltage averaging.

1 Press to access the channel setup screen.

2 Use the up/down arrow key to highlight the Meas Avg setting field.

3 Press to display the Volt Avg pop- up list, and use the up/down

arrow key to step through the available values. Press to enter

the required value.

Figure 2-18 Volt Avg pop-up list

4 Press to exit the channel setup screen.

52 N432A User’s Guide

Step Detection

To reduce the filter settling time after a significant step in the measured
power, the filter can be set to re- initialize upon detection of a step
increase or decrease in the measured power.

Procedure

Use the following steps to set the step detection.

1 Press to access the channel setup screen.

2 Use the up/down arrow key to highlight the Step Detect setting field.

3 Press to toggle between turning on or off the step detection.

4 Press to exit the channel setup screen.

Operating Information 2

N432A User’s Guide 53

2 Operating Information

Meas Select

Setting Measurement Limits

You can configure the N432A to detect when a measurement has crossed
over a predefined upper and/or lower limit value.

Limits are boundaries set for a certain power range and it can be applied
to the power, ratio, or difference measurement.

The N432A can be configured to verify the current measurement in any
measurement line against predefined upper and/or lower limit values. The
range of values that can be set for the upper and lower limits and the
default values depend on the measurement units in the currently selected
measurement line, as listed in the following table:

Tab l e 2- 2 Range of values for window limits

Window unit Maximum Minimum Default maximum Default minimum

dB +200 dB –180 dB 60 dB –120 dB

dBm +230 dBm –150 dBm 90 dBm –90 dBm

% 999.9 X% 100.0 a% 100.0 M% 100.0 p%

W 100.000 XW 1.000 aW 1.000 MW 1.000 pW

Procedure

The following procedure describes how to set the limits.

1 Press > to select the required window/measurement.

2 Use the up/down arrow key to highlight the Limits setting field.

3 Press to select the Limits setting field.

4 Use the right arrow key to highlight the Min Power value field.

5 Press to display the Minimum Limit pop-up (if the current unit is

dBm or dB) or the Meter Minimum pop- up (if the current unit is W or

%).

54 N432A User’s Guide

Operating Information 2

dBmdB%mWμWnW1 of 2

Increment Multiplier

Decrement Multiplier

Increment Multiplier

NOTE

Figure 2-19 Minimum limit pop-up

Figure 2-20 Meter minimum pop-up

6 If the current unit is dBm or dB, use the numeric keys to enter the

required value and press or . If the current unit is % or W, use

the numeric keys to enter the required value and press or , ,

respectively. You can modify the unit multiplier by pressing ,

followed by or . Press the

corresponding unit multiplier softkey above to enter

your selection.

N432A User’s Guide 55

7 Now, use the right arrow key to highlight the Max Power value field.

8 Press to display the Maximum Limit pop- up (if the current unit is

dBm or dB) or the Meter Maximum pop- up (if the current unit is W or

%).

9 Repeat Step 6 and press to exit the measurement setup screen.

The Limits setting can be disabled and re-enabled by selecting the Limits setting field.

2 Operating Information

This measurement has failed as the
result is greater than the set limit level

This measurement has failed as the
result is less than the set limit level

Checking for limit failures

A limit failure is displayed on a specific field in the measurement window
as shown below.

Figure 2-21 Limit failures

56 N432A User’s Guide

Single Function Measurement

Selected window/measurement

Function field

Meas Select

The following figure shows a single function measurement configuration
for the upper measurement line of the upper display window.

Figure 2-22 Single function measurement configuration

Procedure

Operating Information 2

Use the following the procedure to set the single function measurement:

1 Press > to select the required window/measurement.

2 Use the arrow keys to highlight the Combination function field.

3 Press to display the Function pop- up list, and use the up/down

arrow key to highlight Single.

Figure 2-23 Function pop-up list

4 Press to enter the selection.

5 Press to complete the setup and display the measurement

results.

N432A User’s Guide 57

2 Operating Information

Selected window/measurement

Function fields

Meas Select

Combined Measurement

The following figure shows a combined measurement configuration where
a ratio measurement is assigned in the upper measurement line of the
lower display window.

Figure 2-24 Combined measurement configuration

Procedure

Use the following procedure to set the combined measurement:

1 Press > to select the required window/measurement.

2 Use the arrow keys to highlight the Combination function field.

3 Press to display the Function pop- up list (Figure 2- 23), and use

the up/down arrow key to highlight Combined.

4 Press to enter the selection.

5 To select the measurement type of either ratio or difference, use the

arrow keys to highlight the Feed1/Feed2 function field.

6 Press to display the Combination pop- up list, and use the

up/down arrow key to highlight the required measurement type.

58 N432A User’s Guide

Operating Information 2

7 Press to enter the selection.

8 Press to complete the setup and display the measurement

results.

Figure 2-25 Measurement display example

N432A User’s Guide 59

2 Operating Information

SENSe1:
Input from
the SENSe1
block

:FEED

FEED1

FEED2

:MATH

“A”|”B”

“A- A” |“A/A“

“B-A”|“B/A“

“A- B ” |“A/B“

“B-B”|“B/B“

A

B

:GAIN

:HOLD

:REL

CALCulate Block

Max hold/ Min hold

P

avg

Max Hold/Min Hold

The max hold/min hold setting on the measurement setup window can be
configured on the front panel or via SCPI.

Min hold is the minimum of all measurements since the start time. The
min hold reading will be updated as a new minimum reading appears.

Max hold is the maximum of all measurements since the start time. The
max hold reading will be updated as a new maximum reading appears.

The max hold/min hold reading are resettable by pressing .

Figure 2-26 Max hold/min hold measurement performed on the ‘HOLD’ block

Procedure

Use the following steps to set max hold/min hold.

1 Press to access the measurement setup screen.

2 Use the up/down arrow key to highlight the Hold setting field.

60 N432A User’s Guide

3 Press to display the Hold pop- up list, and use the up/down

arrow key to highlight Min or Max.

Operating Information 2

Figure 2-27 Hold pop-up list

4 Press to enter the selection.

5 Press to complete the setup and display the measurement

results.

Figure 2-28 Min Hold and Max Hold measurement modes indicated on the display

6 Press to display the measurement window in the full screen

mode. The max hold/min hold is indicated in full in the expanded
window as shown in Figure 2- 29.

N432A User’s Guide 61

2 Operating Information

Figure 2-29 Min Hold indicated in full in the expanded window

62 N432A User’s Guide

Recorder Output

Meas Select

The rear panel Recorder Output connector produces a DC voltage that
corresponds to the power level in Watts of the channel depending on the
measurement type. This DC voltage ranges from 0 to +1 Vdc. The output
impedance is typically 1 kΩ, while channel and display offsets and duty
cycle have no effect on the recorder output.

For example, the recorder output can be used to:

• Record swept measurements

• Level an output from a source using external leveling, or

• Monitor the output power

To access the Recorder menu, press , and enable Rec. This allows
you to switch the recorder output signal on or off, or to enable or disable
autoscaling of the signal. The Max Power and Min Power value fields allow
you to scale the power levels to represent the 1 Vdc maximum and 0 Vdc
minimum output voltages of the recorder output.

Operating Information 2

Procedure

Use the following steps to set the recorder output.

1 Press > to select the required

window/measurement.

2 Use the up/down arrow key to highlight the Rec setting field.

3 Press to display the Recorder pop- up list.

Figure 2-30 Recorder output pop-up list

N432A User’s Guide 63

2 Operating Information

4 Use the up/down arrow key to highlight the required option and press

.

5 If On is selected, use the right arrow key to highlight the Min Power

value field.

6 Press to display the Recorder Minimum pop- up.

Figure 2-31 Recorder Minimum pop-up

7 Use the numeric keys to enter the power level you want to generate a

1 Vdc output in the Recorder Minimum pop- up, and press the
corresponding unit softkey.

8 Use the right arrow key to highlight the Max Power value field.

9 Press to display the Recorder Maximum pop- up.

Figure 2-32 Recorder Maximum pop-up

10 Use the numeric keys to enter the power level you want to generate a

0 Vdc output in the Recorder Maximum pop- up, and press the
corresponding unit softkey.

11 Press to exit the measurement setup screen.

64 N432A User’s Guide

Operating Information 2

NOTE

The recorder output can be disabled and re-enabled by selecting the Rec setting field.

The highest power you are going to measure is used to determine the value which you
should set for the recorder output maximum setting. For example, if you are measuring a
power less than 1 mW and greater than 100 mW, set the recorder maximum value to 1 mW.

Tab l e 2- 3 Ranges of the recorder output setting

Log 50 dBm 40 dBm 30 dBm 20 dBm 10 dBm 0 dBm

Linear 100 W 10 W 1 W 100 mW 10 mW 1 mW

Log –10 dBm –20 dBm –30 dBm –40 dBm –50 dBm –60 dBm

Linear 100 mW 10 mW 1 mW 100 nW 10 nW 1 nW

N432A User’s Guide 65

2 Operating Information

Save/Recall

Save

Confirm

Saving and Recalling N432A States

To reduce repeated setup sequences, you can save a maximum of 10
N432A states in the non- volatile memory.

The save and recall functions are part of the Sys/Inputs menu, accessed by

pressing .

Procedure

Use the following steps to save a measurement setup.

1 Press > to display the Save/Recall screen as shown

below.

Figure 2-33 Save/Recall screen

2 Using the up/down arrow key, select a register name from the displayed

list. To change the name of a register, refer to “Editing a register

name”, otherwise press .

3 The N432A will prompt you to press to proceed.

Figure 2-34 Save confirmation pop-up dialog

66 N432A User’s Guide

Operating Information 2

Save/Recall

Edit Name

Insert Char

Delete Char

Enter

Save/Recall

Recall

Recall

Confirm

Editing a register name

Procedure

Use the following steps to edit the name of a register.

1 Press > .

2 Use the up/down arrow key to select the required register and press

. The current register name will be displayed as shown in the

following example.

Figure 2-35 File name pop-up

3 Use the up/down arrow key to modify the character on which the

cursor is currently positioned.

4 Use the left/right arrow key to move to other characters.

5 Use and as required.

6 To confirm your selection, press .

Recalling a measurement setup

Procedure

Use the following steps to recall a measurement setup.

1 Press > .

2 Use the up/down arrow key to select the required register, and press

. The softkey is disabled (grayed out) when an unused

register is selected.

3 The N432A will prompt you to press to proceed.

N432A User’s Guide 67

2 Operating Information

Figure 2-36 Recall confirmation pop-up dialog

68 N432A User’s Guide

Zeroing the N432A

NOTE

Zero

Confirm

Cancel

Zeroing adjusts the N432A for a zero power reading with no power applied
to the thermistor sensor. During zeroing (which takes approximately
25 seconds), the wait symbol is displayed.

Figure 2-37 Zeroing pop-up message

Upon each thermistor sensor connection, you will be prompted for bridge resistance
selection or reconfirmation, followed by confirmation to proceed with zeroing.

When to perform zeroing?

Operating Information 2

Zeroing of the N432A is recommended:

• when a 5

• when connection to the thermistor sensor is established.

• when you change the thermistor sensor.

• every 24 hours.

• prior to measuring low- level signals.

o

C change in temperature occurs.

To zero the N432A:

Press > . You will be prompted to confirm whether the
thermistor sensor has been disconnected from the RF source. Once
is pressed, zeroing will begin. If is pressed, the screen will revert
to the Zero/Cal menu.

N432A User’s Guide 69

2 Operating Information

Offsets

%

Using the Calibration/Correction Factors

The N432A provides two methods of using the calibration factors:

• inputting an individual calibration factor for a frequency prior to
making the measurement, or

• using sensor calibration tables.

If you are making most of your measurements at a single frequency, or in
a narrow range of frequencies, entering a specific calibration factor is a
more effective method. Only a minimal amount of data entry is required.

However, if you are making measurements on a wide range of signal
frequencies, a sensor table is more effective as you only need to enter the
frequency of the signal you are measuring. The N432A automatically
selects and applies the calibration factor from the selected table.

Frequency-specific calibration factors

Use the following procedure to set the calibration factor for the frequency
of the signal you want to measure.

1 Check the current calibration factor setting by pressing >

. The value is displayed on the Cal Fac setting field.

2 Verify that the value matches the calibration factor of the sensor listed

in the calibration factor table on the sensor body.

3 To change the setting, use the up/down arrow key to highlight the Cal

Fac setting field and press to display the Cal Factor pop- up. Use

the numeric keypad to enter the required value.

Figure 2-38 Cal Factor pop-up

4 Press to complete the entry.

70 N432A User’s Guide

Operating Information 2

NOTE

Single Numeric

Ta bl e s

Sensor Cal Tables

NOTE

NOTE

Offsets

When no sensor tables are selected and the display mode is chosen, the
calibration factor used for the measurement is displayed in the upper window.

Sensor calibration tables

Sensor calibration tables store the measurement calibration factors for
thermistor sensors in the N432A. They are used to correct measurement
results.

Use sensor calibration tables when you want to make measurements over
a range of signal frequencies.

The N432A is capable of storing 20 sensor calibration tables, each
containing up to 80 frequency points. The N432A is supplied with a set of
two predefined sensor calibration tables plus a “100%” default table. The
data in these tables is based on statistical averages for a range of Keysight
thermistor sensors. Your own sensor will most likely differ from the
typical to some degree. If you require best accuracy, create a custom table
for each sensor you use as described in “Editing/generating sensor

calibration tables” on page 73.

N432A User’s Guide 71

Selecting a sensor calibration table

You can select a calibration factor table from > >

.

You need to enable the calibration factor table prior to configuring the measurement
frequency value in the channel setup screen.

The State column indicates if any calibration factor tables are currently
selected. The Sensor Tbls screen is shown in Figure 2- 39.

You can also access the sensor calibration tables by pressing > and

using the up/down arrow key to highlight the CF Table setting field and pressing to

display the tables.

2 Operating Information

Ta bl e s

Sensor Cal Tables

Ta bl e

On

NOTE

Ta bl e

Done

Sensor Table 1 selected

Procedure

Use the following procedure to select a sensor calibration table:

1 Press > > .

2 Use the up/down arrow key to highlight one of the 20 table titles and

press to highlight .

72 N432A User’s Guide

Figure 2-39 Sensor table selected

When no data is contained in the highlighted table, the key is disabled (grayed out).

3 Press to complete the selection of the calibration factor table.

4 The following figure shows the selected table.

Figure 2-40 Sensor calibration table indicator

Operating Information 2

NOTE

Single Numeric

Offsets

Ta bl e s

Sensor Cal Tables

• If the measurement frequency does not correspond directly to a frequency in the sensor

calibration table, the N432A calculates the calibration factor using linear interpolation.

• If you enter a frequency outside the frequency range defined in the sensor calibration
table, the N432A uses the highest or lowest frequency point in the sensor calibration
table to set the calibration factor.

• When the display mode is chosen, the frequency you entered and the

sensor table indicator will be displayed in the upper window. Also, pressing >

displays the frequency you entered and the calibration factor derived from the

selected sensor table.

Editing/generating sensor calibration tables

To help achieve the best accuracy in your measurement, you can enter the
values supplied for the sensors you are using by editing the installed
sensor calibration tables or by generating your own custom tables.

You cannot delete any of the 20 existing calibration tables or create any
additional tables. However, you can edit or delete the contents of each
table. If you need another table, you should edit and rename one of the
tables. Each calibration table can contain a maximum of 80 frequency
points.

To view the calibration tables currently stored in the N432A, press

> > . The Sensor Tbls screen is displayed as

shown in Figure 2- 41.

N432A User’s Guide 73

2 Operating Information

Ta bl e s

Sensor Cal Tables

Tab l e 2- 4 Installed thermistor sensor models

Tabl e Sen s o r m o d e l

0 DEFAULT

1478A

2 8478B

[1] DEFAULT is a sensor calibration table where the reference calibration factor and

calibration factors are 100%. This sensor calibration table can be used during the
performance testing of the N432A.

[1]

There are also 17 sensor calibration tables named CUSTOM_0 through
CUSTOM_16. These tables do not contain any data when the N432A is

shipped from the factory.

Editing the sensor calibration tables require the following steps:

1 Identify and select the table you want to edit

2 Rename the table

3 Enter the frequency and calibration factor pairs

4 Save the table

74 N432A User’s Guide

Procedure

First, select the table you want to edit as follows:

1 Press > > to display the Sensor Tbls screen.

Figure 2-41 Sensor Tbls screen

Operating Information 2

Edit Table

Change

Insert Char

Delete Char

Enter

2 Select the table you want to edit using the up/down arrow key. Press

to display the Edit Cal screen as shown below.

Figure 2-42 Edit Cal display

3 Highlight the table title using the up/down arrow key. Press and

use the arrow keys to select and change the characters in the Ta bl e
Name pop-up to create the name you want to use.

Figure 2-43 Edit table title pop-up

• Pressing adds a new character to the right of the selected

character.

• Pressing removes the selected character.

4 Press to complete the entry.

N432A User’s Guide 75

2 Operating Information

NOTE

Insert

Change

GHz

MHz

Change

%

Done

NOTE

A calibration factor in the range of 1% to 150% can be entered.

The following rules apply to naming sensor calibration tables:

• The name must consist of no more than 12 characters.

• Space is not allowed as the first character.

Enter (or edit) the frequency and calibration factor pairs as follows:

1 Press to add a new frequency value (or press to edit). Use

the numeric keypad to enter the required value in the Frequency pop-up.
Complete the entry by pressing or .

2 Enter the new cal factor value (or press to edit). Use the

numeric keypad to enter the required value in the Cal Factor pop- up.
Complete the entry by pressing .

3 Continue adding or editing values until you have entered all the

required data.

4 When you have finished editing the table, press to save the table.

Ensure that the frequency points you use cover the frequency range of the signals you want
to measure. If you measure a signal with a frequency outside the frequency range defined
in the sensor calibration table, the N432A uses the highest or lowest frequency point in the
sensor calibration table to calculate the offset.

76 N432A User’s Guide

Power Measurement Procedures

Offsets

Ta bl eOnDone

This section describes how to perform two types of power measurement:

• Power measured internally by the N432A.

• Power obtained through calculation of V

external digital multimeters.

Internal power measurement

The following procedure guides you on how to perform a basic power
measurement on the N432A.

and V

RF

Operating Information 2

measured by

COMP

1 Preset the N432A to its default state by pressing

2 Connect a thermistor sensor to the channel A input connector of the

N432A.

3 A message will appear to inform you of the current bridge resistance

value and require you to select a new resistance value or reconfirm the
current resistance value. Use the softkeys to select the desired value.

4 You will then be prompted for confirmation to proceed with zeroing.

Press Confirm to proceed.

5 Another message will appear, prompting you to confirm whether the

sensor has been disconnected from the RF source. Press Confirm once
you have verified that there is no RF source connected.

6 Zeroing will start automatically. The Zeroing pop- up message will be

displayed during the zeroing process.

7 Enable the sensor calibration table by pressing > ,

using the up/down arrow key to highlight the CF Table setting field, and

pressing to display the tables. Use the up/down arrow key to

select the required table and press to highlight . Press >

to complete the table selection and return to the channel setup

screen.

.

then

N432A User’s Guide 77

2 Operating Information

MHz

GHz

Offsets

8 Enter the frequency of the RF signal you are measuring by using the

up/down arrow key to highlight the Frequency setting field, and pressing

. Use the numeric keypad to enter the required value in the

Frequency pop- up, then press either or . The N432A will

automatically select and apply the calibration factor from the selected

table based on the entered frequency. Press > to check

the calibration factor value on the Cal Fac setting field.

9 Now, connect the sensor to the RF signal to be measured.

10 The corrected measurement result will be displayed.

78 N432A User’s Guide