GSi Protek A333 User manual

Version 1.0 ▪ June 2008 A333 Network Analyzer
© 2007, 2008 GS Instru ents, Co., Ltd.
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CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................... 4
1. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................................... 5
2. GENERAL OVERVIEW .............................................................................................. 7
2.1 Description ............................................................................................................ 7
2.2 Specifications ........................................................................................................ 7
2.3 Options and Accessories...................................................................................... 15
2.4 Principle of Operation ......................................................................................... 15
3. PREPARATION FOR USE ........................................................................................ 17
3.1 General Information ............................................................................................ 17
3.2 Front Panel .......................................................................................................... 17
3.3 Rear Panel ........................................................................................................... 26
4. GETTING STARTED ................................................................................................. 29
4.1 Analyzer Preparation for Reflection Measurement............................................ 30
4.2 Stimulus Signal Setting ...................................................................................... 31
4.3 IF Bandwidth Setting ......................................................................................... 31
4.4 Number of Traces, Measured Parameter and Display Format Setting............... 32
4.5 Trace Scale Setting............................................................................................. 33
4.6 Analyzer Calibration for Reflection Coefficient Measurement ......................... 34
4.7 SWR and Reflection Coefficient Phase Analysis Using Markers...................... 36
5. MEASUREMENT SYSTEM SETTING .................................................................... 38
5.1 Screen Layout and Functions.............................................................................. 38
5.2 Channel Window Layout and Functions............................................................. 42
5.3 Channel Parameters Setting Using Mouse ......................................................... 50
5.4 Channel and Trace Setting.................................................................................. 56
5.5 Stimulus Setting ................................................................................................. 61
5.6 Trigger Setting.................................................................................................... 66
5.7 Measured Data Setting ....................................................................................... 67
5.8 Data Format Setting ........................................................................................... 69
5.9 Diagram Scale Setting........................................................................................ 75
5.10 IF Bandwidth, Averaging and Smoothing Setting.............................................. 79

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5.11 Initial Condition Setting ..................................................................................... 81
5.12 Reference Frequency Oscillator Selection ......................................................... 81
5.13 User Interface Setting.......................................................................................... 82
6. CALIBRATION AND CALIBRATION KIT ............................................................. 86
6.1 Calibration.......................................................................................................... 86
6.2 Calibration Kit Management............................................................................ 112
7. MEASUREMENT DATA PROCESSING FUNCTIONS ........................................ 117
7.1 Markers............................................................................................................. 117
7.2 Fixture Simulation............................................................................................ 132
7.3 Time Domain Transformation .......................................................................... 137
7.4 S-Parameter Conversion................................................................................... 141
7.5 Limit Test ......................................................................................................... 142
7.6 Memory Trace Function ................................................................................... 145
8. ANALYZER DATA OUTPUT.................................................................................. 149
8.1 Analyzer State Saving and Recalling ............................................................... 149
8.2 Data File Saving ............................................................................................... 151
8.3 Diagram Printout .............................................................................................. 153
9. MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE......................................................................... 155
9.1 Maintenance Procedures ................................................................................. 155
9.2 Storage Instructions.......................................................................................... 156
10. WARRANTY INFORMATION................................................................................ 157
Appendix 1 — Default Settings Table ............................................................................ 159

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INTRODUCTION
This Operating Manual represents design, specifications, overview of functions, and
detailed operation procedure of A333 Network Analyzer, to ensure effective and safe
use of the technical capabilities of the instruments by the user.
Network Analyzer operation and maintenance should be performed by qualified
engineers with initial experience in operating of microwave circuits and PC.
Below you will find the abbreviations used in this Manual:
PC - Personal Computer
DUT - Device Under Test
IF - Intermediate Frequency
CW - Continuous Wave
SWR - Standing Wave Ratio

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1. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Carefully read through the following safety instructions before putting the Analyzer
into operation. Observe all the precautions and warnings provided in this manual for
all the phases of operation, service, and repair of the Analyzer.
The Analyzer must be used only by skilled and specialized staff or thoroughly trained
personnel with the required skills and knowledge of safety precautions.
A333 complies with INSTALLATION CATEGORY II as well as POLLUTION
DEGREE 2 in IEC61010-1.
A333 is MEASUREMENT CATEGORY I (CAT I). Do not use for CAT II, III, or
IV.
A333 is for INDOOR USE only.
A333 is tested with stand-alone condition or with the combination with the
accessories supplied by Protek against the requirement of the standards described in
the Declaration of Conformity. If it is used as a system component, compliance of
related regulations and safety requirements are to be confirmed by the builder of the
system.
Never use the Analyzer without secure grounding. Operation is permitted only with
protective earth connection by the supplied power cable to a 3-pin grounded power
outlet.
Never operate the Analyzer in the environment containing inflammable gasses or
fumes.
Operators must not remove the cover or part of the housing. The Analyzer must not
be repaired by the operator. Component replacement or internal adjustment must be
performed by qualified maintenance personnel only.
Never operate the Analyzer if the power cable is damaged.
Never connect the test terminals to mains.
Observe all the general safety precautions related to operation of equipment powered
by mains.
The definitions of safety symbols used on the instrument or in manuals are listed
below.
Refer to the Manual if the instrument is marked with this
symbol. .
Alternating current.

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Direct current.
On (Supply).
Off (Supply).
A chassis terminal; a connection to the instrument’s chassis,
which includes all exposed metal structure.
WARNING
This sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure,
practice, or condition that, if not correctly performed or
adhered to, could result in injury or death to personnel.
CAUTION
This sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure,
practice, or condition that, if not correctly performed or adhered
to, could result in damage to or destruction of part or all of the
instrument.
Note
This sign denotes important information. It calls attention to a
procedure, practice, or condition that is essential for the user to
understand.

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2. GENERAL OVERVIEW
2.1. Description
A333 Network Analyzer has been designed for use in the process of development,
adjustment and testing of various electronic devices in industrial and laboratory
facilities, including operation as a component of an automated measurement system.
A333 is designed for operation with external PC, which is not supplied with the
Analyzer.
2.2. Specifications
2.2.1. Basic Specifications
The basic specifications of the Analyzer detailed in table 1.1 apply over the
temperature range of 23 °C ±5 °C (unless otherwise specified) after 40 minutes of
warming-up, with less than 1 °C deviation from the full two-port calibration
temperature, at output power of -5 dBm, and IF bandwidth 1 Hz. The calibration
requires the use of the calibration kits specified in table 6.3.
Table 1.1 Basic Specifications
Frequency range 300 kHz to 3.2 GHz
CW frequency accuracy ±5×10
–6
Harmonic distortion -30 dB
Non harmonic spurious -30 dB
Output power level -45 dBm to +10 dBm
Output power level accuracy ±1.0 dB

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Table 1.1 (continued)
Magnitude transmission measurement accuracy, if S
11

andS
22
of the DUT are less than -32 dB, and S
21
and
S
12
values are as follows:
+5 dB to +15 dB
-50 dB to +5 dB
-70 dB to -50 dB
-90 dB to -70 dB
0.2 dB
0.1 dB
0.2 dB
1.0 dB
Phrase transmission measurement accuracy, if S
11

andS
22
of the DUT are less than -32 dB, and S
21
and
S
12
values are as follows:
+5 dB to +15 dB
-50 dB to +5 dB
-70 dB to -50 dB
-90 dB to -70 dB
2
o
1
o
2
o
6
o
Magnitude reflection measurement accuracy, if S
11
and
S
22
values are as follows:
-15 dB to 0 dB
-25 dB to -15 dB
-35 dB to -25 dB
0.4 dB
1.5 dB
4.0 dB
Phase reflection measurement accuracy, if S
11
and
S
22
values are as follows:
-15 dB to 0 dB
-25 dB to -15 dB
-35 dB to -25 dB
4
o
7
o
22
o
Receiver noise floor (IF bandwidth 10 Hz) -120 dBm
Trace noise (IF bandwidth 3 kHz) 0.001 dB rms
Uncorrected directivity 25 dB
Uncorrected source match -15 dB
Uncorrected load match -25 dB

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Table 1.1 (continued)
AC mains power 220 ± 22 V
Power consumption 30 W
Dimensions LxWxH 275x415x97 mm
Weight 5 kg
Operating conditions:
- Temperature
- Humidity at 25 °C
- Altitude
- Error-Corrected Temperature Range
(with <1°C deviation from calibration temperature)
5 °C to 40 °C
90%
0 to 2,000m
23°C ± 5°C
Non- Operating conditions:
- Temperature
- Humidity at 25 °C
- Altitude
-10 °C to 60 °C
90%
0 to 4,572m

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2.2.2. Supplemental Specifications
Source stability within operating temperature range ±5×10
–6
.
Frequency resolution 1 Hz.
Measurement time per test point 125 µs.
Number of test points per sweep from 2 to 10001.
Source to receiver port switchover time less than 10 ms.
Power level resolution 0.05 dB.
IF bandwidth settings from 1 Hz to 30 kHz with step of 1/1.5/2/3/5/7.
Measurement of conversion coefficient |С21| for frequency converting
DUT. |С21| measurement accuracy for |С21| values from -60 dB to +10 dB
is 1.5 dB.
External reference frequency is 10 MHz, input level is 2 dBm ± 2 dB, and
input impedance at «10 MHz» input is 50 Ω. Connector type is BNC
female.
Output reference signal level is 3 dBm ± 2 dB at 50 Ωimpedance. «OUT 10
MHz» connector type is BNC female.
Connector for external trigger source is BNC female. TTL compatible
inputs of 3 V to 5 V magnitudes have up to 1 µs pulse width. Input
impedance at least 10 kΩ.
Effective directivity 45 dB.
Effective source match -40 dB.
Effective load match -45 dB.
Dependence ofS21orS11 parameter of 0 dB per 1 degree variation of
environment temperature is less than 0.02 dB.
Warm-up time 40 min.

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2.2.3. Measurement Capabilities
Measured parameters S
11,
S
21,
S
12,
S
22
Number of
measurement channels
Up to 16 independent logical channels. A logical
channel is defined by such stimulus signal settings
as frequency range, number of test points, power
level, etc. Each logical channel is represented on
the screen as an individual channel window.
Data traces Up to 16 data traces can be displayed in each
channel window. A data trace represents one of
such parameters of the DUT as S-parameters,
response in time domain, input power response.
Memory traces Each of the 16 data traces can be saved into
memory for further comparison with the current
values.
Data display formats Logarithmic magnitude, linear magnitude, phase,
expanded phase, group delay, SWR, real part,
imaginary part, Smith chart diagram and polar
diagram.
Data markers Up to 16 markers for each trace. Reference marker
available for delta marker operation. Smith chart
diagram supports 5 marker formats: linear
magnitude/phase, log magnitude/phase,
real/imaginary, R + jX and G + jB. Polar diagram
supports 3 marker formats: linear magnitude/phase,
log magnitude/phase, and real/imaginary.
Marker functions
Marker search Search for max value, min value, peak, peak left,
peak right, target, target left, target right, and
bandwidth parameters.
Marker search
additional features
Setting of search range; a specific value tracking or
single operation search functions.
Parameter setting by
markers
Setting of start, stop and center frequencies by the
stimulus value of the marker and setting of
reference level by the response value of the marker.

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Sweep features
Sweep type Linear frequency sweep, logarithmic frequency
sweep, and segment frequency sweep, when the
stimulus power is a fixed value; and linear power
sweep when frequency is a fixed value.
Measured points per
sweep
Set by the user from 2 to 10001.
Segment sweep features A frequency sweep within several independent
user-defined segments. Frequency range, number of
sweep points, source power, and IF bandwidth
should be set for each segment.
Power Source power from –45 dBm to +10 dBm with
resolution of 0.05 dB. In frequency sweep mode the
power slope can be set up to 2dB/GHz for
compensation of high frequency attenuation in
connection wires.
Sweep trigger Trigger modes: continuous, single, hold. Trigger
sources: internal, manual, external.
Trace functions
Trace display Data trace, memory trace, or simultaneous
indication of data and memory traces.
Trace math Data trace modification by math operations:
addition, subtraction, multiplication or division of
measured complex values and memory data.
Autoscaling Automatic selection of scale division and reference
level value to have the trace most effectively
displayed.
Electrical delay Calibration plane moving to compensate for the
delay in low-loss test setup. Compensation for
electrical delay in a DUT during measurements of
deviation from linear phase.
Phase offset Phase offset defined in degrees.
Statistics Calculation and display of mean, standard
deviation, and peak-to-peak deviation for a data
trace.

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Accuracy enhancement
Calibration Calibration of a test setup (which includes the
Analyzer, cables, and adapters) significantly
increases the accuracy of measurements.
Calibration allows for correction of the errors
caused by imperfections in the measurement
system: system directivity, source and load match,
tracking and isolation.
Calibration methods Calibration methods of various sophistication and
accuracy enhancement level are available. The
most accurate among them are full one-port
calibration and full two-port calibration.
Reflection and
transmission
normalization
Magnitude and phase correction of frequency
response errors for reflection or transmission
measurements.
Full one-port calibration Magnitude and phase correction of frequency
response, correction of directivity, and source
match errors for one-port reflection measurements.
One-path two-port
calibration
Performed for reflection and one-way transmission
measurements. Similar to one-port calibration for
reflection measurements. Magnitude and phase
correction of frequency response, and correction of
source match errors for transmission
measurements.
Full two-port
calibration
Performed for full S-parameter matrix
measurement of a DUT. Magnitude and phase
correction of frequency response for reflection and
transmission measurements, correction of
directivity, source match, load match, and isolation.
Isolation calibration can be omitted.
Directivity calibration
(optional)
Correction of directivity additionally to reflection
normalization.
Isolation calibration
(optional)
Correction of isolation additionally to transmission
normalization, one-path two-port calibration, or full
two-port calibration.
Error correction
interpolation
When the user changes such settings as start/stop
frequencies and number of sweep points, compared
to the settings at the moment of calibration,
interpolation or extrapolation of the calibration
coefficients will be applied.

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Data analysis
Port impedance
conversion
The function of conversion of the S-parameters
measured at 50 Ωport into the values, which could
be determined if measured at a test port with
arbitrary impedance.
De-embedding The function allows to mathematically exclude
from the measurement result the effect of the
fixture circuit connected between the calibration
plane and the DUT. This circuit should be
described by an S-parameter matrix in a
Touchstone file.
Embedding The function allows to mathematically simulate the
DUT parameters after virtual integration of a
fixture circuit between the calibration plane and the
DUT. This circuit should be described by an S-
parameter matrix in a Touchstone file.
S-parameter conversion The function allows conversion of the measured S-
parameters to the following parameters: reflection
impedance and admittance, transmission impedance
and admittance, and inverse S-parameters.
Time domain
transformation
Transformation of measured data from frequency
domain into time domain using Chirp Z
Transform.. Transformation types: bandpass,
lowpass impulse, and lowpass step. Transformation
windows available: minimum, normal, maximum.
Gating Gating filter types: bandpass and notch. Gating
windows available: wide, normal and minimum.
Other features
Familiar graphical user
interface
Graphical user interface based on Windows
operating system ensures fast and easy Analyzer
operation by the user.
Analyzer control Using personal computer.
Diagram
printout/saving
The diagram and data printout function has preview
feature. The preview, saving and printout can be
performed using MS Word, Image Viewer for
Windows, or Analyzer Print Wizard.
Programming Functions COM/DCOM automation

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2.3. Options and Accessories
The contents of the delivery package of A333 are represented in table 1.2:
Table 1.2 A333 package contents
Description Quantity, pcs
Analyzer Unit 1
USB Cable 1
Power Cable 1
CD with software and Operating Manual 1
2.4. Principle of Operation
A333 Network Analyzer consists of the Analyzer Unit, some supplementary
accessories supporting the instrument functioning, and personal computer (which is
not supplied with the package). The Analyzer Unit is connected to PC via USB-
interface. The block diagram of the Analyzer is represented in figure 1.1.
The Analyzer Unit consists of source oscillator, local oscillator, source power
attenuator, and switch transferring the source signal to two directional couplers,
which are ending with port 1 and port 2 connectors. The incident and reflected waves
from the directional couplers are supplied into the mixers, where they are converted
into first IF (10.7 MHz), and are transferred further to the 4-Channel receiver. The 4-
Channel receiver, after filtration, produces the signal of second IF (about 30 kHz),
then digitally encodes it and supplies for further processing (filtration, phase
difference estimation, magnitude measurement) into the signal processor. The filters
for the second IF are digital and have passband from 1 Hz to 30 kHz. Each port of the
Analyzer can be a source of the tested signal as well as a receiver of the signal
transferred thought the DUT. If port 1 is a source, port 2 will be a receiver. The
definition «incident and reflected» wave is correct for the port, when it is a source of
the test signal. The combination of the assemblies of directional couplers, mixers and
4-Channel receiver forms four similar signal receivers.
The operation of the assemblies of the A333 is controlled by an external PC.
To fulfill the S-parameter measurement, the Analyzer supplies the source signal of
the assigned frequency from one of the ports to the DUT, then measures magnitude
and phase of the signals transmitted and reflected by the DUT, and after that
compares these results to the magnitude and phase of the source signal.

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Figure 1.1 A333 Network Analyzer block diagram

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3. PREPARATION FOR USE
3.1. General Information
Unpack the Analyzer and other accessories. Check the contents of the package against
the list specified in table 1.2. Connect your A333 to the 220VAC/50Hz power source
by means of the Power Cable supplied with the instrument. Connect USB-port of your
Analyzer to the PC using the USB Cable delivered in the shipment. Install the
software (supplied on the CD) onto your PC. The software installation procedure is
described below in section 3.2.
Warm-up the Analyzer for 40 minutes after power-on.
Assemble the test setup using cables, connectors, fixtures, etc, which allow DUT
connection to the Analyzer.
Perform calibration of the Analyzer. Calibration procedure is described in section 6.1.
3.2 Front Panel
The front view of A333 is represented in figure 3.1. The front panel is equipped with
the following parts:
 «PRESET» default setting key;
 ON/STANDBY switch;
 Display;
 Functional keys (column of 12 keys);
 CONTROL and ENTRY keypads;
 Rotary knob, navigation keys;
 USB connectors;
 Test Ports 1 and 2 with LED indicators.

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Figure 3.1 A333 front panel
3.2.1 «PRESET» Default Setting Key
«PRESET» key restores the initial condition of the
Analyzer. The values of the default settings are
represented in Appendix 1.
3.2.2 ON/STANDBY Switch
ON/STANDBY switch toggles between On and
Standby states of the Analyzer.
In Standby state the Analyzer is connected to 220 V
mains; internal computer and measurement circuits are
power-off; power source maintains voltage to power
the standby circuit.
In Standby state, pushing the key will turn on power
supply, boot up Windows operating system, and will
start the Analyzer program.
In On state, pushing the key will initiate Windows
shutdown, followed by internal computer and
measurement circuits power off. The Analyzer will
come into the Standby state.

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Note Holding the key for more than 4 seconds on an
operating Analyzer will turn off the power supply
skipping the normal Windows shutdown process.
CAUTION Do not disconnect the power cable from the 220 V
mains when the Analyzer is operating. This can
damage the Analyzer software.
Do not turn an operating Analyzer off by holding the
ON/STANDBY key for more than 4 seconds. This can
damage the Analyze software.
To disconnect the Analyzer from the mains, first
activate the normal Windows shutdown process by
short pushing on the ON/STANDBY key, and wait for
Windows to complete this process.
3.2.3 Display
The Analyzer is equipped with 10.4” color LCD. The display can come complete with
a touch screen (TS option). The touch screen LCD allows to manipulate the Analyzer
by touching the LCD screen directly with a finger.
CAUTION Do not press the touch screen with a pen, screwdriver
or any other sharp-pointed object. This can damage the
touch screen.
The display consists of the control elements and area for measurement result
indication.
The main control element of the display is a vertical softkey menu bar in the right part
of the screen.
The softkey menu bar consists of program softkey panels, which appear one instead
of the other. Each panel represents one of the submenus of the softkey menu. All the
panels are integrated into multilevel menu system and allow access to all the functions
of the Analyzer.
Note The top line of the screen represents the menu bar,
which enables you direct access to the submenus of the
softkey menu. This menu is an auxiliary one and can be
hidden.
Control elements and measurement result indication areas of the screen are described
in section 5.1.

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3.2.4 Functional Keys
Functional keys
block
The functional keys control the functions of the
Analyzer together with the softkeys. The assignment of
functional keys is defined by a current softkey panel
displayed along the right side of the screen. The top
functional key enables you to return to an upper level
of the menu.
3.2.5 CONTROL Keypad
CONTROL keypad The control keys enable you direct access to the control
functions of the Analyzer. They allow to access a
specific function just by pushing one key, e.g. pushing
«Meas» key opens the measured parameter (S
11
, S
21
,
S
12
or S
22
) selection submenu.
Note The control keys do not activate the control functions
of the Analyzer. The control keys are intended for fast
selection of the softkey panels, and consequently fast
change of the functional key assignment. A control key
pushing as a rule is followed by pushing on a
functional key corresponding to the desired function.
«Active Tr/Ch» key «Active Tr/Ch» key enables the softkey submenu for
selection of active channel and trace. Active channel is
a channel, which accepts the channel parameter setting
commands. Active trace is similarly a trace, which
accepts the trace parameter setting commands. Before
sending commands for changing of a channel or trace
settings, assign the active channel or trace, respectively.
Channel and trace setting is described in section 5.4.
«Stimulus» key «Stimulus» key enables the softkey submenu for active
channel stimulus parameter setting. These parameters
are such as the start and stop values of the frequency
sweep range, number of sweep points, stimulus power,
etc. Stimulus setting softkey submenu is described in
section 5.5.