Agilent has also expanded its award-winning PNA-X nonlinear vector network analyzer (NVNA) line with an 8.5 GHz model. These new solutions give engineers who develop and manufacture active devices the flexibility to select the exact frequency they need for their specific application.
When characterizing active devices, having the right combination of speed, performance, and measurement integrity is crucial for gaining a competitive edge. The new 8.5 GHz model in the PNA-X family offers unparalleled performance and the capabilities needed to deliver results across the board. Furthermore, its lower cost and lower frequencies bring advanced measurement capabilities to the cost-sensitive mobile communications device market, where reducing test duration, costs, and the number of stations is paramount.
When performing tests on a low-noise amplifier, such as those for gain, small-signal matching, distortion, and noise figure, several test stations are typically used. The PNA-X integrates all these test stations into a single one. Integrating the measurements from multiple test stations into one allows the PNA-X to reduce the number of test stations by 75%, which in turn lowers costs by 30%.
The new 8.5 GHz model also incorporates the NVNA solution for engineers specializing in RF and microwave frequency ranges. Agilent's NVNA is the industry's leading measurement and simulation environment for designing nonlinear components. The result is the highest level of data on the behavior of nonlinear devices, making NVNA capabilities especially useful for scientists researching new RF technologies and for engineers designing today's high-performance active devices. Using NVNA, X-parameters are measured and then used to create X-parameter models that can be imported into Agilent's Advanced Design System (ADS) to simulate the real-world behavior of linear and nonlinear components.
“For today’s designers and manufacturers of RF components for mobile communications, it’s critical to have a test system that meets their needs without forcing them to pay for features they don’t want,” explains Steve Scheppelmann, PNA Marketing Director at Agilent. “The new 8.5 GHz model in the PNA-X family, equipped with the industry’s broadest range of measurement applications, gives them the flexibility they need to build their optimal test solution.”.
Key features of the PNA-X Series network analyzers include:
Multiple measurements with a single connection. Configurable 2- or 4-port network analyzers offer a unique, single-connection solution for continuous and pulse wave S-parameter measurements, compression, intermodulation distortion, and noise figure.
Two integrated high-performance signal sources make the PNA-X the only two-port network analyzer on the market with a second internal source. These sources offer high output power (+16 dBm), low harmonics (-60 dBc), and a wide power sweep range (40 dB).
The industry's broadest range of measurement applications for amplifiers, converters, and modules with linear and nonlinear characteristics. Applications include vector noise figure, gain compression, intermodulation distortion, real differential, and NVNA.
or Internal signal routing switches. Switches provide greater flexibility for adding signal conditioning hardware and additional test equipment to perform measurements with a single connection.
Internal pulse modulators and generators for fast and easy pulse measurements: the only network analyzer to incorporate them. This advanced capability allows pulse measurements up to 30 times faster than with other analyzers that require external generators and modulators.
