Agilent Technologies N5532A Manual

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N5532A Sensor Module
User’s and Service Guide
for the Agilent N5531S and N5530S Measuring Receiver Systems
Manufacturing Part Number: N5532-90005
Supercedes Part Number N5532-90004
Printed in USA
November 2006
© Copyright 2004-2006 Agilent Technologies

2
Notice
The 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 furnishing,
performance, or use of this material.
The following safety symbols are used throughout this manual.
Familiarize yourself with the symbols and their meaning before
operating this equipment.
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. Do not proceed beyond a caution sign
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.
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 that 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 to return the product to Buyer. However, Buyer
shall pay all shipping charges, duties, and taxes for products returned
to Agilent Technologies from another country.

Contents
3
Table of Contents
1. General Information
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
N5532A Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Instruments Covered by Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2. Installation
Initial Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Operating Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Installing the Calibration Factors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Installing the Cal Factors in the N5530S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Installing the Cal Factors in the N5531S, N5530SE26, and N5530SE50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3. Specifications
N5532A Sensor Module Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
N5532A Sensor Module Supplemental Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4. Maintenance and Repair
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Power sensor replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Disassembly Hints for Options 504, 518, and 526 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Re-assembly Hints for Options 504, 518, and 526 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Disassembly Hints for Option 550 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Re-assembly Hints for Option 550 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Replaceable Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Cal Factor Data File Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Contacting Agilent Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

4
Contents
Table of Contents

5
General Information
1General Information
This user guide contains information about installation, operation,
product specifications, calibration data, maintenance and repair, and
storage conditions of the N5532A Sensor Module.

6Chapter 1
General Information
Description
General Information
Description
The N5532A is intended to be used with the N5531S or N5530S
Measuring Receiver System. It is essentially a power sensor with a
power splitter at the input. See Figure 1-1 on page 7. In use, the sensor
module's two output cables are connected to a power meter (E4418/19,
E4416/17, or N1911/12 Series) and the Performance Spectrum Analyzer
(PSA) RF Input. When using an N1911 or N1912 Series power meter, it
is necessary to use an adapter (N5532A Option 019) to connect the
output cable of the sensor module to the power meter. The sensor
module is calibrated such that the power meter indicates the power
supplied by the source under test.
The N5532A Sensor Module is offered in four frequency configurations:
• Option 504 covers 100 kHz to 4.2 GHz
• Option 518 covers 10 MHz to 18 GHz
• Option 526 covers 30 MHz to 26.5 GHz
• Option 550 covers 30 MHz to 50 GHz
(with adaptor 11903D 2.4mm(f) to Type N(m))
The sensor module accurately measures power levels from -20 dBm to
+30 dBm (10 µW to 1 W). Calibration Factor (Cal Factor) information is
unique to each sensor module and is supplied on a floppy disc included
with each N5532A. Please refer to “Installing the Calibration Factors”
on page 2-12 for more information on using the Cal Factor Data.

Chapter 1 7
General Information
Description
General Information
NOTE The N5532A Sensor Module is compatible ONLY with the newer
E4418/19, E4416/17, or N1911/12 Series power meters. They are NOT
compatible with the earlier 430 Series or 70100 power meters. If used
with an N1911/12 Series power meter, an adapter (N5532A Option 019)
is required to connect the dc cable to the power meter.
N5532A Block Diagram
Figure 1-1 N5532A Sensor Module

8Chapter 1
General Information
Instruments Covered by Manual
General Information
Instruments Covered by Manual
These instruments have a two-part serial number: the prefix (two
letters and the first four numbers), and the suffix (the last four
numbers). The two letters identify the country in which the unit was
manufactured. The four numbers of the prefix are a code identifying the
date of the last major design change incorporated in your Agilent
Technologies product. The four-digit suffix is a sequential number and
coupled with the prefix, provides a unique identification for each unit
produced. The contents of this manual apply directly to all serial
numbers unless otherwise indicated.

9
Installation
2Installation

10 Chapter 2
Installation
Initial Inspection
Installation
Initial Inspection
Inspect the shipping container for damage. If the shipping container or
packaging material is damaged, it should be kept until the contents of
the shipment have been checked mechanically and electrically. If there
is mechanical damage notify the nearest Agilent Technologies office as
shown in Table 4-3 on page 37. Keep the damaged shipping materials (if
any) for inspection by the carrier and an Agilent Technologies
representative.
Operating Precautions
NOTE For optimal results, the sensor module must be placed on a supportive
surface with the serial number label facing up. This orientation
provides repeatable measurements by eliminating strain on the input
connector.
The input connector should be torqued to 12 in-lb (135 Ncm) for the
type-N connector, 8 in-lb (90 Ncm) for the APC 3.5 mm connector, or 8
in-lb (90 Ncm) for the 2.4 mm connector to ensure a repeatable
connection in order to meet the published specifications.
Connect the sensor module by turning only the hex nut portion of the
connector. Damage can occur if torque is applied to the sensor module
body.
The connector plastic insulator bead deteriorates when contacted by
acetone, trichloroethylene, carbon tetrachloride, benzene, etc.
WARNING BEFORE CONNECTING THE SENSOR MODULE TO OTHER
INSTRUMENTS, ensure that all instruments are connected to
the protective (earth) ground. Any interruption of the
protective earth grounding will cause a potential shock hazard
that could result in personal injury and cause damage to the
sensor module.

Chapter 2 11
Installation
Initial Inspection
Installation
CAUTION To prevent physical damage to the sensor module or device-under-test
(DUT), pay careful attention to the mechanical setup. The mechanical
design of the sensor module minimizes SWR. However, the weight and
length of the module, combined with the stiffness of the interconnect
cables, enables the exertion of considerable leverage at the module’s
input connector. To prevent physical damage to the sensor module, the
DUT, and the mating connectors, and to assure best electrical
performance, observe the following precautions:
1. Do not permit the interconnect cables of the sensor module to extend
out where anyone passing by could accidentally push and exert
leverage on the cables. This consideration is especially important
when the DUT is a light-weight instrument that sits freely on a
table.
2. When possible, lay the sensor module on a supportive surface with
the serial number label facing up. This consideration is especially
important when rigid RF adapters are used to directly interconnect
the sensor module to the DUT. RF adapters lengthen the leverage
arm of the sensor module and are often fragile. When level-accuracy
requirements permit, use flexible cables to interconnect the sensor
module to the DUT.
3. Do not bend or coil the interconnect cables (more than necessary) to
a diameter circumscribing less than 150 mm (6 in.). This precaution
often applies when the instruments are rack-mounted and
interconnected to rear-panel connectors. Repeated flexing of coiled,
interconnect cables can degrade SWR and increase RFI of the RF
output cable.
4. Do not attempt to tighten the type-N connector by twisting the body
of the sensor module.

12 Chapter 2
Installation
Installing the Calibration Factors
Installation
Installing the Calibration Factors
Cal factors can be entered and stored in an internal table (Automatic
Cal Factors) in the PSA’s non-volatile memory. The table is
automatically accessed during RF power measurements (after the
measuring receiver has tuned to the frequency) to correct for the
non-linear response of the power sensor. If no entry in the table directly
corresponds to the frequency being measured, the measuring receiver
derives a cal factor through linear interpolation using the nearest
calibration points in the table.
Installing the Cal Factors in the N5530S
There are two methods of installing the sensor module calibration
factors (cal factors) in the N5530S Measuring Receiver System.
The first method loads and saves the cal factors using the PC. The
second method uses the PSA to load the data.
Figure 2-1 Utilities Menu
Both methods are accessed through the Utilities drop-down menu (See
Figure 2-1, “Utilities Menu.”.)
Using the PC to Load and Save the Cal Factors
1. Insert the N5532A Sensor Module Data Disk in the PC A:\ drive.
NOTE If your PC does not have a floppy disc drive, use the PSA to save your
cal data to your PC. Then use this procedure to load the sensor cal
factors into the system.
2. Select Calibration Factors to bring up the Calibration View
Edit dialog box.
3. Press Load Cal File in the Calibration View Edit dialog box. The
Open Calibration File dialog box appears.
4. Navigate to the PC A:\ drive if necessary and select the CFData.XML
file.

Chapter 2 13
Installation
Installing the Calibration Factors
Installation
NOTE If you obtained the cal data from the PSA, go to the directory you
specified in Step 2 of the next section to load the data.
5. Press Open.
6. Press OK to apply the Cal Factors to the system.
Using the PSA to Save the Cal Factors to the PC
1. Insert the N5532A Sensor Module Data Disk into the PSA A:\ drive.
2. Select Copy Files from SA under the Utilities menu option of the
N5531S or N5530S User Interface. Browse to the location you wish
to place the SA floppy disc files.
3. Click OK to copy the calibration factor files to the specified location.
Three files appear: CALTABLE.XSL (enables viewing with web
browser), CFDATA.XML (actual Cal Factor Data), and CFCERT.DOC
(Cal Factor Certification)1.
4. To load this data into the system, follow steps 2 through 6 in the
section entitled, “Using the PC to Load and Save the Cal Factors” on
page 2-12.
Installing the Cal Factors in the N5531S, N5530SE26,
and N5530SE50
1. Insert the floppy disk in to PSA floppy disk drive. Make sure the disk
is for the sensor module you are using.
2. Press MODE, Measuring Receiver, File, Load, Type, and select
Calibration Factor as the file type. Press Dir Up, Up Arrow, Dir Select to
ensure the “A” drive is selected. Then press Load Now to load the cal
factor file (CFDATA.XML) to the PSA spectrum analyzer.
1. . Provides traceability to National Institute of Standards and Technology or
NIST

14 Chapter 2
Installation
Installing the Calibration Factors
Installation

15
Specifications
3Specifications
The specifications listed in Table 3-1, “Specifications,” are the
performance standards or limits against which the sensor module may
be tested. These specifications are valid ONLY after proper calibration
of the power meter.

16 Chapter 3
Specifications
N5532A Sensor Module Specifications
Specifications
N5532A Sensor Module Specifications
Table 3-1 Specifications
Description Specification Comments
Frequency Range
Option 504
Option 518
Option 526
Option 550
100kHzto4.2GHz
10 MHz to 18 GHz
30 MHz to 26.5 GHz
30 MHz to 50 GHz
Power Range +30 dBm (1 watt) to
−20 dBm (10 µW)
Maximum Safe Power
+30 dBm
Average Total
Power
Sensor Module
Linearity
Opt. 504
+30 to +20 dBm
< +20 dBm
±3%
negligible
Sensor Module
Linearity
Opt. 518
+30 to +20 dBm
< +20 dBm
±3%
negligible
Sensor Module
Linearity
Opt. 526
+30 to +20 dBm
< +20 dBm
±3%
negligible
Sensor Module
Linearity
Opt. 550
+30 to +20 dBm
< +20 dBm
±3%
negligible
Input SWRa
Opt. 504
100kHzto2GHz
2GHzto4.2GHz
< 1.10:1
< 1.28:1

Chapter 3 17
Specifications
N5532A Sensor Module Specifications
Specifications
Input SWRa
Opt. 518
10 MHz to 2 GHz
2 GHz to 18 GHz
< 1.10:1
< 1.28:1
Input SWRa
Opt. 526
30 MHz to 2 GHz
2 GHz to 18 GHz
18 GHz to 26.5 GHz
< 1.10:1
< 1.28:1
< 1.40:1
Input SWRa
Opt. 550
30 MHz to 2 GHz
2 GHz to 18 GHz
18 GHz to 26.5 GHz
26.5 GHz to 33 GHz
33 GHz to 40 GHz
40 GHz to 50 GHz
< 1.10:1
< 1.28:1
< 1.40:1
< 1.55:1
< 1.70:1
< 1.75:1
a. When connected to PSA with at least 30 dB attenua-
tion
Table 3-1 Specifications
Description Specification Comments

18 Chapter 3
Specifications
N5532A Sensor Module Supplemental Information
Specifications
N5532A Sensor Module Supplemental
Information
Table 3-2 Supplemental Information
Description Supplemental
Information
Comments
Input Impedance 50 ohms
Input Connector
Option 504
Option 518
Option 526
Option 550
Type-N (male)
Type-N (male)
APC 3.5 mm (male)
2.4 mm (male)
Recommended Torque
12 in-lbs (135 Ncm)
12 in-lbs (135 Ncm)
8 in-lbs (90 Ncm)
8 in-lbs (90 Ncm)
RF Output
Insertion Loss
Opt. 504
7 dB @ 3 Hz to
8 dB @ 4.2 GHz Typical
RF Output
Insertion Loss
Opt. 518
7 dB @ 3 Hz to
11 dB @ 18 GHz Typical
RF Output
Insertion Loss
Opt. 526
7 dB @ 3 Hz to
13 dB @ 26.5 GHz Typical
RF Output
Insertion Loss
Opt. 550
7 dB @ 3 Hz to
16 dB @ 50 GHz Typical
Military Specification Type tested to an
equivalent of
MIL-PRF-28800F
class 3
environmental
specifications
Altitude
Operating
Storage
< 4600 meters
(15,000 feet)
<7600 meters
(25,000 feet)
Temp. Range
Operating
Storage
0 to +55 °C
− 40 to 70 °C
Calibration Cycle 1 year
Weight 0.72 kgm (1.5 lb)
Shipping Weight 1.28 kgm (2.8 lb)

Chapter 3 19
Specifications
N5532A Sensor Module Supplemental Information
Specifications
Dimensions
Height 51.2 mm (2 in)
Width 62.4 mm (2.5 in)
Lengtha210 mm (8.3 in)
Lengthb1905 mm (75 in)
a. From input connector to end of plastic casing.
b. From input connector to end of cable.
Table 3-2 Supplemental Information
Description Supplemental
Information
Comments
Table 3-3 Maximum Cal Factor Uncertainty
Frequency Range
Maximum Cal Factor Uncertainty
Opt 504 Opt 518 Opt 526 Opt 550
100 kHz to ≤30 MHz ± 1%
30 MHz to ≤2 GHz ± 1% ± 1.5 ± 1.5 ± 1.5
2 GHz to ≤4.2 GHz ± 1% ± 2.0% ± 2.0% ± 2.0%
2 GHz to ≤10 GHz ± 2.0% ± 2.0% ± 2.0%
10 GHz to ≤18 GHz ± 2.5% ± 2.0% ± 2.0%
18 GHz to ≤26.5 GHz ± 2.5% ± 2.5%
26.5 GHz to ≤50 GHz ± 4.2%