Keysight Vector Network Analyzer Calibration and Connector Care Timothy Lee Keysight Technologies Australia Pty Ltd Application Engineer
Calibration Connector care Agenda Vector Network Analyzer Calibration Page 2 E5080A New Product Introduction
The Need For Calibration Why do we have to calibrate? It is impossible to make perfect hardware It would be extremely difficult and expensive to make hardware good enough to entirely eliminate the need for error correction How do we get accuracy? With vector-error-corrected calibration Not the same as the yearly instrument calibration What does calibration do for us? Removes the largest contributor to measurement uncertainty: systematic errors Provides best picture of true performance of DUT Systematic error Page 3
Network Analyser Errors Types of Errors Measured Data Errors: SYSTEMATIC RANDOM DRIFT Unknown Device Systematic Drift Random - Repeatable - Time variant - Temperature variation - Controllable - Unpredictable - Non-repeatable Remove by calibration? YES YES NO Page 4
NA Calibration Why calibrate? Measuring filter insertion loss 0 2.0 Cor CH1 S21&M log MAG 1 db/ REF 0 db CH2 MEM log MAG 1 db/ REF 0 db After two-port calibration 20 data before 1-port calibration 1.1 Cor x2 1 2 After response calibration Uncorrected Return Loss (db) 40 60 data after 1-port calibration 6000 12000 MHz Page 5 1.01 1.001 VSWR
NA Errors : Correcting Measurement Error 2- Ports Devices : Full 2-ports Accuracy Enhancement R Directivity A Crosstalk/ Isolation B DUT Frequency response reflection tracking (A/R) transmission tracking (B/R) Source Mismatch Load Mismatch Six forward and six reverse error terms yield 12 error terms for two-port devices Page 6
NA Calibration Types of Error Correction Response (Normalization) Vector Simple task One cal standard needed : Open, Short or Thru Measured data divided by stored(initial) data Less accurate Does not require measurement of phase or vector math Available in both vector and scalar analyzers More steps Requires to use standard for calibration : Open, Short, Load and Thru Able to remove systematic error Accurate measurement Calibrate for both phase and magnitude Cal kit must match cal kit standard definition in analyzer Page 7
What is Vector-Error Correction? Vector-error correction Is a process for characterizing systematic error terms Measures known electrical standards Removes effects of error terms from subsequent measurements Measured Errors Actual Electrical standards Can be mechanical or electronic Are often an open, short, load, and thru, but can be arbitrary impedances as well Page 8
NA Calibration Calibration Types Fast Uncorrected Response 1 Port Full 2 Port No errors removed Short standard yields better response Removes errors: Directivity Source match Reflection tracking Reflection measurement Removes errors: Directivity Source match Reflection Tracking Slowest Removes errors: Directivity Source, Load match Reflection tracking Transmission tracking Crosstalk Not accurate Medium accuracy High accuracy Highest accuracy DUT SHORT OPEN OR SHORT OPEN SHORT OPEN SHORT OPEN OR LOAD LOAD LOAD thru thru Page 9
ECal Introduction Electronic Calibration - Precision single connection from one to multiport calibration - Using known electronic impedance standard - Programmable and highly repeatable impedance states. - Transfer standard based on the measurement accuracy of the original calibration and test setup used to measure the ECal impedance standard. - Internal thermal compensation to limit performance variation due to temperature changes. Page 10
ECal How it works? Two port Two Port Err Correction - Similar to one port calibration - ECal provides known values of impedance standards (,,, ) - Network Analyzer provides raw measured value (, - TT and LM can be solved using equation 2 & 3 Page 11
ECal - User Characterizations ECal Characterization 1. Select adapters for the module to match the connector configuration of the DUT. 2. Perform a calibration using appropriate mechanical standards. 3. Measure the ECal module, including adapters, as though it were a DUT 4. VNA stores resulting characterization data inside the module. Page 12
TRL Calibration Introduction Transmission Line - TRL reference standard - Simplest elements to realize in many noncoaxial media - Impedance can be accurately determined physical dimension and material - Traditionally being used as standard TRL was developed for non-coaxial microwave Thru, Reflect, Line (TRL) - Extremely accurate - Test fixture or wafer probing measurement - Need not be defined as completely and accurately as SOLT - Modeled, not completely characterized - Quality and repeatability of TRL standard relies on the characteristic impedance of a short transmission line - THRU connection of port 1 and 2 directly or with a short length of transmission line - REFLECT connect identical one port high reflection coefficient devices (Short) at each port - LINE short length (different length compared to THRU) measurements Page 13
TRL Calibration Example : Microstrip test fixture THRU Reflection LINE Page 14
Connector Care
Rough Estimation of Connectors Cost N Type ~$912.00 1.0mm ~$2584.00 2.4mm ~$805.00 Adapter 2.4mm to 3.5mm ~$670.00 Type F 75Ohm Cable ~$1520.00 Page 16
Connector Examples Page 17
Connector Considerations Repeatability Allows user to connect/disconnect while maintaining the performance Measurement Accuracy Test result is consistent and repeatable Type Compatibility Wear and Tear Choose the right connector to avoid cascading of different type of connectors Choose the right connector for the test frequency range Connectors are consumable and limited lifespan Frequent use = high wear and tear Quality Metrology Instrument # Use Production (Field) Page 18
Characteristic Impedance Characteristic Impedance, D = Inner diameter of outer conductor Z 0 = 60 ε r ln D d d = Outer diameter of inner conductor E.g. D = 7.0 mm ; d = 3.04 mm Z εr 0 = 50 ohms d D Page 19
Frequency Coverage Formula f max (GHz) = approx. 120/D mm 7 mm = approx. 18 GHz 3.5 mm = 32 GHz Ratio D/d constant Depends strongly on dielectric support and mating pin geometry d D Page 20
Connector Summary C o n n e c to r M e tro lo g y In s tru m e n t P ro d u c tio n C u to ff F re q (G H z ) S e x e d P re c is io n S lo tte d C o n n e c to r T y p e F (7 5 ) N N Y 1 Y N B N C (5 0 & 7 5 ) N N Y 2 Y N S M C N Y N 7 Y N T y p e N (5 0 & 7 5 ) Y Y Y 1 8 Y Y A P C -7 o r 7 m m Y Y Y 1 8 N N S M A (4.1 4 m m ) N N Y 2 2 Y N 3.5 5 m m Y Y Y 3 4 Y Y 2.9 2 m m o r " K " 1 N Y Y 4 4 Y N 2.4 m m 2 Y Y Y 5 2 Y Y 1.8 5 m m 2,3 N Y Y 7 0 Y N 1.0 m m N Y Y 1 1 0 Y N 1 2 3 C o m p a tib le w ith S M A a n d 3.5 m m C o n n e c to rs N o t C o m p a tib le w ith S M A, 3.5 m m, o r 2.9 2 m m C o n n e c to rs 1.8 5 m m IS C o m p a tib le w ith 2.4 m m C o n n e c to r Page 21
What mates with what? Connector Type Frequency Range Mates with Notes 1.0mm To 110GHz 1.0mm Much smaller connector than any of those below 1.85mm To 70GHz 2.4mm The outer thread size of 1.85 and 2.4 is bigger than SMA, 3.5 and 2.92 2.4mm To 50GHz 1.85mm 1.85mm connector by Keysight has groove in male nut and female shoulder to distinguish these 2 connector types 2.92mm To 40GHz 3.5mm and SMA These two connectors use the same center pin 3.5mm To 34GHz 2.92mm and SMA SMA To 24GHz 2.92mm and 3.5mm Uses Teflon as dielectric Page 22
Recommended Connection Steps Steps - Inspect - Clean - Gauge (if necessary) - Connect - Disconnect - Protect (cap and store) Page 23
Recommended Connection Steps Do / Don t Handling / Storage Visual inspection Connector cleaning Gauging connection (If necessary) Making connection Do Keep connectors clean Extend sleeve or connector nut(7mm) Use plastic end-caps during storage Inspect all connectors carefully before making connection Look for metal particles, scratches and dents Try compressed air first Use isopropyl alcohol Clean connector threads Clean and zero the gauge before use Use the correct gauge type Use correct end of calibration block Gauge all connectors before first use Align connectors carefully Make preliminary connection lightly Turn only the connector nut Use a torque wrench for final connection Don t Touch mating surfaces Set connectors contact-end down Use a damaged connector - ever Use any abrasives Get liquid into plastic support beads Use an out-of-spec connector Apply bending force to connection Over tighten preliminary connection Twist or screw any connection Page 24 Tighten & Connector past Care torque wrench break point
QUESTION? Page 25
Introducing the next generation ENA network analyzer E5080A, 9 khz to 4.5 / 6.5 / 9 GHz Timothy Lee Keysight Technologies Australia Pty Ltd Application Engineer
E5080A ENA Series Network Analyzer The next-generation ENA offering the best-in-class performance with modern GUI on the new common VNA platform 9 khz to 4.5 / 6.5 / 9 GHz with bias-t 2 or 4-port Enhanced performance Wider dynamic range (135 db, spec) Faster measurement speed (3 ms @ 201pts & 2-port cal) Expanded source range (-90 to +15 dbm, spec) Modern GUI with larger display Page 27
Keysight s Bench-top VNA platform PNA platform PNA-X New common VNA platform ( PNA based, with new GUI) PNA PNA-L ENA platform E5071C 4.5/6.5/8.5 GHz 14/20 GHz E5072A 4.5/8.5 GHz NEW E5080A 1 st version 4.5/6.5/9 GHz The first shot of Keysight s new common VNA platform E5061B 1.5/3 GHz E5063A 4.5/8.5/18 GHz Page 28
E5080A product structure E5080A Test set options E5080A-245 E5080A-265 E5080A-295 E5080A-445 E5080A-465 E5080A-495 ENA Series network analyzer 2-port test set, 9 khz to 4.5 GHz with bias tees 2-port test set, 9 khz to 6.5 GHz with bias tees 2-port test set, 9 khz to 9 GHz with bias tees 4-port test set, 9 khz to 4.5 GHz with bias tees 4-port test set, 9 khz to 6.5 GHz with bias tees 4-port test set, 9 khz to 9 GHz with bias tees Software options E5080A-009 Frequency offset mode #1 E5080A-010 Time domain analysis E5080A-790 Measurement wizard assistant Other options High stability time base, Removable SSD, Keyboard, Mouse, Rack mount kits #1. Provides basic FOM functions, SMC (Scalar Mixer Calibration), and VMC (Vector Mixer Characterization) macro. & Connector Care Page 29
E5080A specs & features E5080A E5071C (4.5/6.5/8.5 GHz options) Frequency 9 khz to 4.5/6.5/9 GHz, with bias-t 9 khz to 4.5/6.5/8.5 GHz, without bias-t 100 khz to 4.5/6.5/8.5 GHz, with bias-t Test port 2 or 4-port, 50 Ω 2 or 4-port, 50 Ω Dynamic range Trace noise Stability Meas. speed (201 pts, 500 khz IFBW, 200 MHz span, 2-port cal) Source power 135 db (147 db typ.) (at 50 M to 6 GHz, 10 Hz IFBW) 0.0015 dbrms (at 10 M to 6 GHz, 10 khz IFBW) 0.005 db/deg.c (at 9 k to 3 GHz) 123 db (130 db typ.) (at 10 M to 6 GHz, 10 Hz IFBW) 0.003 dbrms (at 10 M to 4.38 GHz, 70 khz IFBW) 0.005 db/deg.c (at 9 k to 3 GHz) 3 ms (sweep mode: AUTO #1 ) 5 ms (sweep mode: swept, RF ranging fixed) -90 to +15 dbm (typ. +17 dbm) (at 50 M to 6 GHz) -55 to +10 dbm (at 9 k to 5 GHz) NOP Max 100,001 Max 20,001 #1. Auto mode: automatically selects the faster mode from Stepped or Swept. Page 30
E5080A specs & features E5080A User interface Modern GUI Classic UI Calibration capabilities SOLT, TRL, Response, Enhanced resp., Source/receiver cal Various dialogs/wizards selectable (Basic Cal, Smart Cal, Cal ALL, etc) E5071C (4.5/6.5/8.5 GHz options) SOLT, TRL, Response, Enhanced resp., Source/receiver cal Software options Freq. offset mode, Time domain, MWA Freq. offset mode, Time domain, MWA, Enhanced time domain (option TDR) Other major software capabilities Programming Other hardware capabilities Fixture simulator, Equation editor, cxl, PMAR (power meter as receiver) Remote control with SCPI commands ( PNA-compatible commands) High stability oven(option), Trig In/Out, DC input ports Fixture simulator, Equation editor, cxl, External test set mode #1 Remote control with SCPI commands Built-in VBA High stability oven(option), Trig In/Out, DC input ports, Probe power Multiport test set E5092A E5092A, E5091A #2 Display 12.1 inch 10.4 inch Box height 6U 5U #1. Assigns 4 test ports as direct source/receiver ports, S, R, A, and B. #2. Discontinued test set, EOS in December 2014. Page 31
E5080A s two major features over E5071C Enhanced performance Wider dynamic range Faster speed Improve test throughput. Drive down cost of test. Enhanced usability with new GUI Improves efficiency & comfort of measurements in R&D. & Connector Care Page 32
Wider dynamic range E5080A: 135 db vs. E5071C: 123 db (at IFBW=10 Hz, max source power) Possible to use wider IFBW to achieve same dynamic range. To measure DUT requiring 110 db dynamic range E5080A : 0.17 sec (IFBW=10 khz, Source=+15 dbm, NOP=801, 2-port cal) E5071C: 1.6 sec (IFBW=1 khz, Source=+10 dbm, NOP=801, 2-port cal) -110 db 10-times faster throughput Page 33
Enhanced performance Faster measurement speed Example of automated mfg test of handset duplexer Optimized segment sweep table for this DUT Space Sweep Start [MHz] Stop [MHz] Span [MHz] NOP [MHz] mode 1 50 2422 2372 476 5.0 Swept 2 2427 2485 58 13 4.8 Stepped 3 2485.5 2570 84.5 170 0.5 Swept 4 2570.5 2620 49.5 100 0.5 Stepped 5 2620.5 2710 89.5 180 0.5 Swept 6 2710.5 2725 14.5 30 0.5 Stepped 7 2730 3800 1070 215 5.0 Swept 8 3810 7950 4140 415 10.0 Swept Segment-1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 80 db dynamic range required. Applicable power level is +5 dbm. Use stepped sweep at segment-2, -4, and -6 to measure filter edges accurately. Page 34
Enhanced performance Faster measurement speed Example of automated mfg test of handset duplexer Speed benchmark test result E5080A E5071C IFBW Measurement cycle time Dynamic range (Source= +5 dbm) Measurement cycle time Dynamic range (Source= +5 dbm) 70 khz 88 ms 87 db 96 ms 80 db 100 khz 73 ms 85 db 82 ms 78 db 300 khz 54 ms 80 db 77 ms 73 db Nearly 2-times faster throughput NOTE: Dynamic range shown above is calculated from catalog spec at IFBW=10 Hz & source=max. Page 35
Enhanced usability Quickly making setups Add or delete traces & channels with icons Tabbed soft panel Enables accessing your desired functions within 2 steps. Select tab, and press desired softkey. Long press or right click to show popup menus. Page 36
Enhanced usability Intuitively laying out traces & windows Drag & drop traces with finger or mouse. All traces plotted in the same window All traces moved to desired windows. & Connector Care Page 37
Enhanced usability Easily making complicated setups with dialogs & wizards Quick Start dialog Smart cal wizard SMC dialog & Connector Care Page 38
Enhanced usability Customizable UI Register frequently-used softkeys to Favorite menu. Long press or right click to register softkeys. Add more icons on the tool bars. Page 39
E5080A s other features inherited from PNA & E5071C Function Features Benefits Source power cal Faster power cal speed than E5071C. Advanced techniques such as power cal using receivers. PMAR (power meter as receiver) FOM / SMC (opt.009) Useful for amplifier tests. Plots power sensor s measured data on the VNA trace. Useful for amplifier & mixer tests. Embedding/De-embedding usable in SMC mode. External SG quickly sweepable with Trig In/Out. Improve accuracy & speed of mixer tests. Equation editor MATLAB support Enable more complicated data processing. Cal plane manager Characterizes fixtures/adapters with O/S/L cal kits. Other useful capabilities for modifying S2P data. Copy channel Copy setups & user cal data to other channels (equivalent to E5071C s save/recall channel) Improve accuracy at DUT planes. Useful for making multi-ch setups. Segment sweep IFBW & source level settable per segment & per port Improves filter test throughput. Multi-peak search MKR search for multiple positive/negative peaks Useful for antenna tests. Limit test Ripple/BW limit & Point limit Useful for filter & antenna tests. VMC (opt.009) Measures mixer s phase. (up-down conversion method) Inherited from PNA Inherited from E5071C Enables deeper mixer characterization. & Connector Care Page 40
Summary E5080A ENA Series Network Analyzer 9 khz to 4.5 / 6.5 / 9 GHz Enhanced performance Enhanced usability Page 41
QUESTION? Page 42
FieldFox Measurement Tips Timothy Lee Keysight Technologies Australia Pty Ltd Application Engineer
Agenda Burst RF transmitter test (WIMAX) Vector Network Analyzer Calibration Page 44 TDMA signal GSM Pulse radar measurement 75Ohm calibration CAT/NA
Burst RF Transmitter Test (WIMAX) Tips - Use Burst RF as trigger source - Set trigger level - Set frequency span bigger than signal s BW - Use average Page 45
TDMA Signal - GSM Tips - Use Burst RF as trigger source - Set trigger level - Set frequency span bigger than signal s BW - Use average Page 46
Pulse Radar measurement Tips - Use narrow RBW in frequency domain - Use Zero Span (0Hz) time domain - Use wide RBW in time domain - Change sweep time to zoom in/out Page 47
75 Ohm Calibration - CAT/NA Tips - Use low loss 50Ohm to 75Ohm adaptor - Change the system impedance to 75Ohm - Cal with 75Ohm load. Page 48
Extended Range Transmission Analysis (ERTA) ERTA Measurement setup Long cable under test Trigger in Trigger out Trigger out Trigger in Ethernet cable Slave / source Master / slave architecture Trigger in /out keep both box in sync Master provide test configuration, data transfer and final measurement presentation Each box can be locked with GPS timing to get better dynamic range and stability. Test / jumper cable loss can be measured using VNA and recalled as cable loss in ERTA mode Master / receiver Page 49
Extended Range Transmission Analysis (ERTA) ERTA Measurement setup Page 50
QUESTION? Page 51