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Smart Noise Sources
SNS Series
Operating and Service Guid e
N4000A, N4001A, and N4002A
Manufacturing Part Number: N4000-90001
March 2001
© Copyright 2001 Agilent Technologies
Notice
Information contained in this document is subject to change without
notice. Agilent Technologies makes no warranty of any kind with regard
to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Agilent
Technologies shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for
incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishings,
performance, or use of this material. No part of this document may be
photocopied, reproduced, or translated to another language without the
prior written consent of Agilent Technologies.
Certification
Agilent Technologies certifies that this product met its published
specifications at the time of shipment from the factory. Agilent
Technologies further certifies that its calibration measurements are
traceable to the United States National Institute of Standards and
Technology, to the extent allowed by the Institute’s calibration facility ,
and to the calibration facilities of other International Standards
Organization members.
Warranty
This Agilent Technologies instrument product is warranted against
defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from date
of shipment. During the warranty period, Agilent Technologies will at its
option, either repair or replace products which prove to be defective. For
warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to a service
facility designated by Agilent Technologies. Buyer shall prepay shipping
charges to Agilent Technologies and Agilent Technologies shall pay
shipping charges, duties, and taxes for products returned to Agilent
Technologies from another country. Agilent Technologies warrants that
ii
its software and firmware designated by Agilent Technologies for use
with an instrument will execute its programming instructions when
properly installed on that instrument. Agilent Technologies does not
warrant that the operation of the instrument, or firmware will be
uninterrupted or error free.
Limitation of Warra nty
The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from
improper or inadequate maintenance by Buyer, Buyer-supplied software
or interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse , oper ation outside of
the environmental specifications for the product, or i mproper site
preparation or maintenance.
NO OTHER WARRANTY IS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. AGILENT
TECHNOLOGIES SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Exclusive Remedies
THE REMEDIES PROVIDED HEREIN ARE BUYER’S SOLE AND
EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES. AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES SHALL NOT
BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL,
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON
CONTRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY.
Safety Notices
This guide uses warnings and cautions to denote hazards.
iii
WARNING Warning denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure
which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in
injury or loss of life. Do not proceed beyond a warning note until
the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
CAUTION Caution denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or
destruction of the instrument. D o not proceed bey ond a caution sig n until
the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
NOTE Note calls out special information for the user’s attention. It provides
operational information or additional instructions of which the user
should be aware.
Safety Symbols
The following symbols on the instrument and in the manual indicate
precautions which must be taken to maintain safe operation of the
instrument.
Table 1 Safety Symbols
iv
The Instruction Documentation Symbol. The product is
marked with this symbol when it is necessary for the
user to refer to the instructions in the supplied
documentation.
This symbol indicates that a device, or part of a device,
may be susceptible to electrostatic discharges (ESD)
which can result in damage to the product. Observe
ESD precautions given on the product, or its user
documentation, when handling equipment bearing this
mark.
Electromagnetic Compatibility
This product conforms with the protection requirements of European
Council Directive 89/336/EEC for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC).
The conformity assessment requirements have been met using the
technical Construction file route to compliance, using EMC test
specifications EN 55011:1991 (Group 1, Class A) and EN 50082-1:1992.
In order to preserve the EMC performance of the product, any cable
which becomes worn or damaged must be replaced with the same type
and specification. See the Declaration of Conformity on page vi.
Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic Field
Immunity
When a 3 Vm-1 radio-frequency electromagnetic field is applied to the
Smart Noise Source according to IEC 61000-4-3:1995, degradation of
performance may be observed. When the frequency of the incident field
falls within the bandwidth of a measured noise figure or gain, the values
displayed will deviate from those expected. This phenomenon will only
affect that specific frequency, and the SNS will continue to perform to
specification at all other frequency sample points.
The NFA may be unable to calibrate a chosen frequency sample point, if
the frequency matches that of an incident electromagnetic field.
v
Declaration of Conformity
vi
Contents
1. General Information
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Specifications - Table 1-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Excess Noise Ratio Expanded Uncertainty (U(Y)) - Table 1-2 . . . . . .6
Supplemental Characteristics - Table 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Equipment Supplied with the NFA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Equipment Available But Not Supplied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Recommended Test Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Handling Precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Initial Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Returning an SNS to Agilent for Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Mating Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Connectors That Can Be Mated With the Noise Sources . . . . . . . . .12
Storage and Shipping Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Operating Environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Operator’s Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Operator’s Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Operator’s Check for Data Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Operator’s Check for Tcold Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Operator’s Check for Switching Noise Source Off and On . . . . . . . .21
Performance Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Replaceable Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
vii
Contents
Replaceable Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Replaceable Parts List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Chassis Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Documentation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Principles of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Repair of Defective Noise Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Disassembly Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Reassembly Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Returning a Noise Source for Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
2. ENR File Format
Format Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Comment Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Header Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
ENR Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Viewing the Smart Noise Source ENR Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
A. Caring for Connectors
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Connector Part Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Handling and Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Visual Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Obvious Defects and Damage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Mating Plane Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Precision 7 mm Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
viii
Contents
Sexed Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Compressed Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Cleaning Alcohol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Precision 7 mm Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Cleaning Interior Surfaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Drying Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Mechanical Inspection: Connector Gages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Mechanical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Precision 7mm Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Sexed Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
50 Ohm Type-N Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
75 Ohm Type-N Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Using Connector Gages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Inspecting and Cleaning the Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Zeroing the Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Measuring Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Making Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Align Connectors Carefully . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
To Make a Preliminary Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Final Connection Using a Torque Wrench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Disconnection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Adapters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
Principles of Microwave Connector Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
ix
Contents
x
1 General Information
1
General Information
Introduction
Introduction
This manual contains operating and service information for the Agilent
SNS Series Smart Noise Sources, models; N4000A, N4001A, and
N4002A.
The Agilent SNS Se ries Smart Noi se Sources h ave been desi gned to work
with the Agilent NFA Series Noise Figure Analyzers.
Figure 1-1 An Agilent SNS Smart Noise Source
Specifications
The “Specifications - Table 1-1” on page 3, page 4, and page 5 are
performance standards or limits against which the noise source may be
tested. These specifications for the noise source are ONLY valid if the
analyzer has been allowed to meet its specified warm up time of 60
minutes.
ENR expanded uncertainty analysis for noise source calibration in
“Excess Noise Ratio Expande d Un certaint y (U(Y )) - Table 1-2” on page 6
and page 7. The “Supplemental Characteristics - Table 1-3” on page 8
are not specifications but are typical characteristics included as
additional information for the user.
2 Chapter 1
General Information
Introduction
Specifications - Table 1-1
NOTE Specifications are valid at ambient temperature 23 oCelsius only (296 K).
Frequency Range
N4000A and N4001A 10 MHz - 18 GHz
N4002A 10 MHz - 26.5 GHz
Excess Noise
Ratio (ENR)
Range
1
N4000A 4.5 - 6.5 dB
N4001A 14 - 16 dB
N4002A 12 - 17 dB
Impedance
50 ohm nominal
Operating
Temperature
o
C to 55 oC
0
Maximum reverse
power
1 Watt
1. ENR values are given at cardinal frequency points over the frequency range of each noise
source. These values are stored within the noise source’s internal EEPROM and documented on
the calibration report.
Chapter 1 3
Maximum
Standing Wave
Ratio (SWR) and
Reflection
Coefficient (
Source ON/OFF
States
ρ)
General Information
Introduction
Specifications - Table 1-1 Continued
Instrument model Frequency Range
(GHz)
N4000A
N4001A 0.01-1.5 <1.15:1 0.07
N4002A 0.01-1.5 <1.22:1 0.10
1
0.01-1.5 <1.06:1 0.03
1.5 - 3.0 <1.06:1 0.03
3.0 - 7.0 <1.13:1 0.06
7.0 - 18.0 <1.22:1 0.10
1.5 - 3.0 <1.15:1 0.07
3.0 - 7.0 <1.20:1 0.09
7.0 - 18.0 <1.25:1 0.11
1.5 - 3.0 <1.22:1 0.10
3.0 - 7.0 <1.22:1 0.10
7.0 - 18.0 <1.25:1 0.11
18.0 - 26.5 <1.35:1 0.15
Maximum
Standing Wave
Ratio (SWR)
Reflection
Coefficient
(Rho) (
ρ)
1. Maximum change in complex reflection coefficient between source ON
and source OFF at all frequencies for N4000A only: 0.01.
4 Chapter 1
Specifications - Table 1-1 Continued
General Information
Introduction
Figure 1-2 Characteristic
Connectors
2
SNS Output
SNS Input Interconnect with 11730A/B/C cable to use with NFA.
1
SWR at 23 oC
APC-3.5 (male) standard or Type-N (male) Option 001
1
1. Type-N connector (option 001) only available on the N4000A and
N4001A models.
Dimensions
112 x 38 x 30 mm (4.4 x 1.5 x 1.2 in)
Net Weight
0.160 kg (5.64 oz.)
1. Characteristic values are met or bettered by 90% of instruments with 90% confidence.
2. For correct connector usage, refer Table A-2 for the torque settings.
Chapter 1 5
General Information
Introduction
Excess Noise Ratio Expanded Uncertainty (U(Y)) - Table 1-2
ENR values are given at cardinal frequency points over the frequency
range of each noise source. These values are stored within the noise
sources internal EEPROM and documented on the calibration report.
The uncertainty analysis for the calibration of the noise sources is in
accordance with the ISO/TAG4 Guide. The uncertainty data reported on
the calibration report is the expanded uncertainty (U(Y)) with 95%
confidence level and a coverage factor of 2. This uncertainty analysis is
valid for APC 3.5mm and Type-N (option 001) connector types.
A significant proportion of the expanded uncertainty (U(Y)) is based on
the uncertainties pro vi ded by the Na ti on al S t and ards Institutes. Agi l ent
therefore reserve the right to change the overall expanded uncertainties
based on changes in uncertainty values within the National Standards
Institutes.
Uncertainties are valid at ambient temperature 23°C ±1°C (296K) only.
A typical characteristic plot of ENR (U(Y)) versus each cardinal
frequency point is shown in Figure 1-3.
1
Figure 1-3 Characteristic
ENR Plot versus Cardinal Frequency Points
1. Characteristic values are met or bettered by 90% of instruments with 90% confidence.
6 Chapter 1
Characteristic
ENR (U(Y))
Specification
General Information
Introduction
Excess Noise Ratio Expanded Uncertainty (U(Y)) - Table 1-2
Continued
Instrument model Frequency
(GHz)
N4000A 0.01-1.5 0.16
1.5 - 3.0 0.15
3.0 - 7.0 0.15
7.0 - 18.0 0.16
N4001A 0.01-1.5 0.14
1.5 - 3.0 0.13
3.0 - 7.0 0.13
7.0 - 18.0 0.16
N4002A 0.01-1.5 0.15
1.5 - 3.0 0.13
3.0 - 7.0 0.13
7.0 - 18.0 0.15
18.0 - 26.5 0.22
ENR Uncertainty (
±dB)
1
1. Characteristic values are met or bettered by 90% of instruments with
90% confidence.
Chapter 1 7
Supplemental
Characteristics
General Information
Introduction
Supplemental Characteristics - Table 1-3
ENR variation with
temperature:
Temperature Sensing
Accuracy
<0.01 dB/°C for 30 MHz to 26.5 GHz
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
0 to 55
0.25
± 1
± 2
o
C
o
C
o
at 25 oC
o
over 0 oC to 55 oC
8 Chapter 1
General Information
Description
Description
The Smart Noise Source, when commanded “Off” produces RF noise due
to thermal agitation of its RF components at a level appropriate to its
physical temperature. When commanded “On” it still produces this noise
and produces additional noise component, referred to as EXCESS
NOISE. These two noise levels are used to measure the gain and added
noise of the device under test, and consequently, its noise figure.
The Excess Noise Ratio (ENR) f or each SNS has been measured at
cardinal frequencies and these frequency/ENR pair values are stored in
the SNS’s internal EEPROM. The ENR of the source relates the level of
excess noise in dB to the noise level appropriate to the standard
temperature; 296 K. ENR does not include the “Off” noise component.
Also included in the EEPROM calibration data is the measurement
uncertainty and the complex reflection coefficient in both the “On” and
“Off” states for each SNS.
The SNS has a built in thermometer which monitors the ambient
temperature. This value can be transferred to the NFA and control the
calculation of the T
cold
value.
All models are provided with a twelve pin connector for power input and
data transfer. The output connector is a male APC-3.5 on the standard
noise sources. Type-N connectors are available as options for the Agilent
SNS models N4000A and N4001A.
Warranty
The noise sources are warranted and certified as indicated in this
manual. Connector damage resulting from improper use is not covered
under warranty.
Equipment Supplied with the NFA
The following equipment is supplied from Agilent Technologies with the
N8974A and the N8975A Noise Figure Analyzer models for use with the
Precision APC 3.5 mm Smart Noise Sources:
• 8710-1761: 7.0 mm Wrench
• 83059B: Precision 3.5mm Coaxial Adaptor
Chapter 1 9
General Information
Description
Equipment Available But Not Supplied
The following equipment is available from Agilent Technologies for use
with the noise sources:
• 8710-1764: 20mm 8lb-in Torque Wrench
• 8710-1765: 5/16" 8lb-in Torque Wrench
• 8710-1766: 3/4" 12lb-in Torque Wrench (for use with option 001)
Options
The Agilent N4000A and N4001A Noise Sources are available with the
following output connector options:
• Option 001, Type-N (male)
Since the Type-N connectors are not suitable for use above 18.0 GHz, no
output connector options are available for the Agilent N4002A.
Recommended T est Equipment
All of the operator’s checks are performed using an Agilent Noise Figure
Analyzer with firmware version A.01.01 and above. This can be used to
perform an operational verification check.
10 Chapter 1
General Information
Installation
Installation
Handling Precautions
CAUTION The diode module is static sensitive and can be damaged or the
calibration can be altered.
CAUTION Do not rotate the Smart Noi se So urce bo dy when connect ing to the Noise
Figure Analyzer, or internal damage may result.
CAUTION Do not drop the noise source. Dropping can damage the unit o r alter the
calibration.
Proper connector care is essential. See Operator’s Maintenance in the
Operation section of this manual for more information.
Initial Inspection
Inspect the shipping container for damage. Inspect the noise source for
mechanical damage incurred in transit. If the shipping container or
cushioning material is damaged, it should be kept until the contents of
the shipment have been checked for completeness and the noise source
has been mechanically and electrically checked. If the contents are
incomplete, if there is mechanical damage or a defect, or if the noise
source does not work electrically, notify the nearest Agilent Technologies
office. If the shipping container is damaged, or the cushioning material
shows signs of unusual stress, notify the carrier as well as the Agilent
Technologies office. Keep the shipping materials for the carrier’s
inspection.
Chapter 1 11
General Information
Installation
Returning an SNS to Agilent for Repair
Container and materials identical to those used in factory packaging are
available through Agilent Technologies offices. If the noise source is
being returned to Agilent Technologies for servicing, attach a tag
indicating the name and address of the company, the technical contact
person, phone number and extension, the model number, serial number,
type of service being requested, and failure symptoms if applicable. For
this purpose, blue service tags have been provided at the back of this
manual. Mark the shipping container FRAGILE. In any correspondence,
refer to the noise sources by model number and serial number.
Mating Connectors
The noise sources can be mated with other instrumentation having the
connectors listed in Table 1-4.
Connectors That Can Be Mated With the Noise SourcesTable 1-4
Configuration Mating Connector
Input: all units
Output: standard APC-3.5 female
Opt.001
1. This is designed to operate with the NFA using the 11730 cable. A
11730A cable is supplied with the NFA.
2. Must comply with U.S. Military Standard MII,C-39012
multi-pin connector
Type-N female
1
2
Storage and Shipping Environment
The noise sources must be stored in a clean, dry environment. The
following environmental limitations apply to both storage and shipment:
• Temperature: -55 °C to +75 °C
• Humidity: <95% relative
• Altitude: <15300 meters (50000 feet)
12 Chapter 1
General Information
Operation
Operation
This section refers to operation with the Agilent NFA Series Noise
Figure Analyzers. The Agilent SNS Series Smart Noise Sources have
been designed to work specifically with these analyzers. For more
detailed operating instructions, refer to the Agilent NFA Series Noise
Figure Analyzers User’s Guide.
CAUTION Use a dc blocking capacitor to protect the noise source f rom damage
when connected to any system where a dc voltage is present on the
output center conductor.
Noise figure measurements of devices (such as amplifiers, mixers,
transistors, and receivers) can be made using the Smart Noise Sources
with a Noise F igure Analyz ers . Figu re 1-4 s hows a s imple test set up for a
noise figure measurement.
Figure 1-4 Typical Noise Figure Measurement Test Setup
Chapter 1 13
General Information
Operation
Operating Environment
The operating environment of the noise sources must be within the
following limitations:
• Temperature: 0 °C to +55 °C
• Humidity: <95% relative
• Altitude: <4600 metres (15 000 feet)
Operator’s Maintenance
Proper connector care is a vital part of the maintenance which should be
performed by the user. The life of the connector can be greatly extended
by following the general connector care practices outlined in
Appendix A , “Caring for Connectors, ” on page 43.
Operator’s Check
The operator’s checks in this section should be performed if failure of the
noise source is suspe cted. The checks can be used only to verify that the
noise sources are producing a broadband noise spectrum. They can not
be used to check the units against specifications.
NOTE The operator’s checks are designed to find a fault in the SNS. However,
the fault could equally be with the cable and this should also be checked.
NOTE All of the operator’s checks are performe d usi ng a Nois e Figure Analyzer
with firmware version A.01.01 and above. This can be used to perform an
operational verification check.
14 Chapter 1
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