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The Agilent PNA-X measurement receiver and PNA/PNA-X series network analyzers
incorporate new technologies and features to provide better performance and capabili-
ties for antenna and radar cross-section (RCS) test applications.
High sensitivity
The Agilent PNA-X measurement receiver is a direct replacement for the previous 8530A
model with fast throughput and higher measurement sensitivity.
The PNA/PNA-X analyzer has a mixer-based architecture providing excellent sensitiv-
ity. With the PNA/PNA-X series, you have the ability to select from a minimum of 29
different IF bandwidths. This allows you to optimize the sensitivity versus measurement
speed tradeoff to fit particular measurement and application requirements.
With the PNA-X series analyzer, you can maximize sensitivity with remote mixing by
adding Option 020, IF Access. This option allows you to use an externally generated
7.606 MHz IF and bypass the PNA-X’s internal first down-converter. Front loops can
also improve sensitivity by about 15 dB by bypassing the coupler.
PNA series analyzers provide maximum sensitivity with remote mixing by adding Option
H11, IF Access. This option allows you to use an externally generated 8.33 MHz IF and
bypass the PNA’s internal first down-converter. Option 014 can also improve sensitivity
by about 15 dB by adding reference links that allow you to bypass the coupler.
Increased speed
Extremely fast data transfer rates with the network analyzers are accomplished using
the COM/DCOM features. LAN connectivity through a built-in 10/100 Mb/s LAN inter-
face enables the PC to be distanced from the test equipment. Together these features
provide remote testing and reduced test time.
Option 118 ads fast CW mode and provides a data acquisition speed of more than
400,000 points per second; with up to five measurement receivers simultaneously.
Flexibility and accuracy
Up to five simultaneously test receivers (A, B, C, D and R) are available in the PNA-X
measurement receiver, four receivers in PNA/PNA-X standard, and five receivers in
PNA-X option 020; with each receiver capable of measuring up to 400,000 points of data.
Option 080 enables the PNA/PNA-X series analyzers to set the source frequency
independently from where the receivers are tuned. The user may enter multiplier and
offset values to describe how the instrument’s receivers track the source frequency.
With Option 080, PNA reference receiver power levels can be below the phase lock
level since phase locking is performed separately. You can attain exceptionally accu-
rate antenna measurements by combining Option H11, IF access, with Option 080,
Frequency-offset capability and advanced triggering.
PNA-X measurement receivers and PNA/PNA-X analyzers support synchronization with
external signal generators which can further enhance performance and greatly improve
measurement accuracy.
Pulsed measurements
PNA-X Series Option 020 port-one internal modulator and 025 internal pulse generators
add pulsed-RF for pulsed antenna test applications. PNA Series Option H11 adds inter-
nal receiver gates for use in pulsed-RF and pulsed antenna test applications. Combined
with Option H08, these gates augment the PNA’s pulse measurement capability by
enabling point-in-pulse testing, with pulse widths smaller than 100 ns.
Security
For secure environments, the PNA family features a removable hard drive to completely
ensure the security of the data that is acquired by the PNA. Refer to “Appendix 1” on
page 64 for detailed information.
The following sections demonstrate how the PNA can be integrated into your near-field,
far-field, RCS, and millimeter-wave systems.
2. Overview of antenna
applications using
Agilent PNA Series
network analyzers
