Agilent Technologies NFA Series Use and care manual

Noise Figure Analyzers
NFA Series
Performance Verification and
Calibration Guide
The specifications in this manual are applicable to models having
Serial Prefix GB4446 and greater.
Manufacturing Part Number: N8973-90012
January 2011
Supersedes November 2004
© Copyright 2004 - 2011 Agilent Technologies

ii
Safety Notices
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 instrument.
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 product. 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.

iii
General Safety Information
The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of
operation, service, and repair of this instrument. Failure to comply with these
precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety
standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. Agilent
Technologies assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these
requirements.
DO NOT operate the product in an explosive atmosphere or in the presence of
flammable gasses or fumes.
DO NOT use repaired fuses or short-circuited fuseholders: For continued protection
against fire, replace the line fuse(s) only with fuse(s) of the same voltage and current
rating and type. Disconnect product from mains supply voltage before replacing
fuse.
DO NOT perform procedures involving cover or shield removal unless you are
qualified to do so: Operating personnel must not remove equipment covers or
shields. Procedures involving the removal of covers and shields are for use by
service-trained personnel only.
DO NOT service or adjust alone: Under certain conditions, dangerous voltages may
exist even with the equipment switched off. To avoid dangerous electrical shock,
service personnel must not attempt internal service or adjustment unless another
person, capable of rendering first aid and resuscitation, is present.
DO NOT operate damaged equipment: Whenever it is possible that the safety
protection features built into this product have been impaired, either through
physical damage, excessive moisture, or any other reason, REMOVE POWER and
do not use the product until safe operation can be verified by service-trained
personnel. If necessary, return the product to an Agilent Technologies Sales and
Service Office for service and repair to ensure the safety features are maintained.
DO NOT substitute parts or modify equipment: Because of the danger of
introducing additional hazards, do not install substitute parts or perform any
unauthorized modification to the product. Return the product to an Agilent
Technologies Sales and Service Office for service and repair to ensure the safety
features are maintained.

iv
WARNING This is a Safety Class 1 Product (provided with a protective earth ground
incorporated in the power cord). The mains plug shall only be inserted in a
socket outlet provided with a protected earth contact. Any interruption of the
protective conductor inside or outside of the product is likely to make the
product dangerous. Intentional interruption is prohibited.
WARNING If this product is not used as specified, the protection provided by the
equipment could be impaired. This product must be used in a normal condition
(in which all means for protection are intact) only.
CAUTION This product is designed for use in INSTALLATION CATEGORY II and
POLLUTION DEGREE 2, per IEC 61010 Second Edition and 664 respectively.
Trademark Acknowledgement
Microsoft®is a US registered trademark of Microsoft Corp.
Updated Information
Where to Find the Latest Information
Documentation is updated periodically. For the latest information about the NFA
Noise Figure Analyzer Series, including firmware upgrades and application
information, please visit the following Internet URL:
http://www.agilent.com/find/nf/

v
Lifting and Carrying
Use the handle for lifting or carrying the unit.
Before attempting to lift or carry the instrument consider the following basic lifting
techniques to help avoid personal injury.
Using one arm to lift instrument.
• BRACE your body with the opposite arm, if possible.
• Reach for the instrument - bend your knees and waist, and keep your back
straight.
• GRASP the instrument firmly - using the handle.
• LIFT with your legs, using the free arm for balance.
• KEEP your shoulders level - switch hands regularly.
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 “Declaration of Conformity” on page vi.

vi
Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic Field
Immunity
When a 3 Vm-1 radio-frequency electromagnetic field is applied to the Noise Figure
Analyzer according to IEC 61000-4-3:1995, degradation of performance may be
observed. When the frequency of the incident field matches the frequency 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
Analyzer will continue to perform to specification at all other frequency sample
points.
The Noise Figure Analyzer may be unable to calibrate a chosen frequency sample
point, if the frequency matches that of an incident electromagnetic field.
Declaration of Conformity
A copy of the Manufacturer’s European Declaration of Conformity for this
instrument can be obtained by contacting your local Agilent Technologies sales
representative.
Declaration of Compliance
This instrument has been designed and tested in accordance with CAN/CSA
22.2 No. 61010-1-04 & UL Std. No. 61010-1 (2nd Edition).

Contents
vii
1. Preparing for Calibration and Performance Verification Test
Purpose of Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Calibration Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Before You Start. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Front and Rear Panel Symbols. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Recording the Test Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Recommended Test Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Performance Verification and Adjustment Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
2. Test Descriptions
10 MHz Out Frequency Reference Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Test Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Test Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Related Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Required Test Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Test Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Test Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
10 MHz Out Frequency Reference Adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Test Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Required Test Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Test Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Test Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Input VSWR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Test Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
VSWR Test Specification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Related Adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Required Test Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Test Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

viii
Contents
Test Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Frequency Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Test Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Test Specification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Related Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Required Test Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Test Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Test Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Noise Source Supply Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Test Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Test Specification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Related Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Required Test Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Test Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Test Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Noise Figure Range and Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Test Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Test Specification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Related Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Required Test Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Test Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Test Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Gain Measurement Uncertainty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Test Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Test Specification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Related Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Required Test Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Test Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Test Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Instrument Noise Figure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Contents
ix
Test Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Test Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Related Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Required Test Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Test Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Test Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Measurement Jitter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Test Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Test Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Related Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Required Test Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
Test Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
Test Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
3. Technical Specifications
Frequency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90
Noise Figure and Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92
RF Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99
Display units. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99
Connectivity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
Noise Source Drive Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
A. Model N8973A: Test Records
10MHz Out Frequency Reference Accuracy Test Record. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106

x
Contents
Input VSWR Test Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Frequency Accuracy Test Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Noise Source Supply Accuracy Test Record. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Noise Figure Range and Accuracy Test Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Results: 4.5 - 6.5dB Noise Source ENR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Results: 14 - 17dB Noise Source ENR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Results: 20 - 22dB Noise Source ENR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Gain Measurement Uncertainty Test Record. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Instrument Noise Figure Test Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Measurement Jitter Test Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
B. Model N8974A: Test Records
10MHz Out Frequency Reference Accuracy Test Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Input VSWR Test Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Frequency Accuracy Test Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Noise Source Supply Accuracy Test Record. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Noise Figure Range and Accuracy Test Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Results: 4.5 - 6.5dB Noise Source ENR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Results: 14 - 17dB Noise Source ENR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123
Results: 20 - 22dB Noise Source ENR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124
Gain Measurement Uncertainty Test Record. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Instrument Noise Figure Test Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Measurement Jitter Test Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
C. Model N8975A: Test Records
10MHz Out Frequency Reference Accuracy Test Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130