Keysight Technologies N432A User manual

Keysight N432A Thermistor
Power Meter
User’s Guide

2 Keysight N432A User’s Guide
Notices
Copyright Notice
© Keysight Technologies 2006-2020
No part of this manual may be repro-
duced in any form or by any means
(including electronic storage and
retrieval or translation into a foreign
language) without prior agreement and
written consent from Keysight Technol-
ogies as governed by United States and
international copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
N432A-90002
Edition
Edition 6, December 8, 2020
Printed in:
Printed in Malaysia
Published by:
Keysight Technologies
Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone,
11900 Penang, Malaysia
Technology Licenses
The hardware and/or software
described in this document are fur-
nished under a license and may be
used or copied only in accordance with
the terms of such license.
Declaration of Conformity
Declarations of Conformity for this
product and for other Keysight prod-
ucts may be downloaded from the
Web. Go to http://www.keysight.com/
go/conformity. You can then search by
product number to find the latest Dec-
laration of Conformity.
U.S. Government Rights
The Software is “commercial computer
software,” as defined by Federal Acqui-
sition Regulation (“FAR”) 2.101. Pursu-
ant to FAR 12.212 and 27.405-3 and
Department of Defense FAR Supple-
ment (“DFARS”) 227.7202, the U.S.
government acquires commercial com-
puter software under the same terms
by which the software is customarily
provided to the public. Accordingly,
Keysight provides the Software to U.S.
government customers under its stan-
dard commercial license, which is
embodied in its End User License
Agreement (EULA), a copy of which can
be found at http://www.keysight.com/
find/sweula. The license set forth in the
EULA represents the exclusive authority
by which the U.S. government may use,
modify, distribute, or disclose the Soft-
ware. The EULA and the license set
forth therein, does not require or per-
mit, among other things, that Keysight:
(1) Furnish technical information
related to commercial computer soft-
ware or commercial computer software
documentation that is not customarily
provided to the public; or (2) Relinquish
to, or otherwise provide, the govern-
ment rights in excess of these rights
customarily provided to the public to
use, modify, reproduce, release, per-
form, display, or disclose commercial
computer software or commercial com-
puter software documentation. No
additional government requirements
beyond those set forth in the EULA
shall apply, except to the extent that
those terms, rights, or licenses are
explicitly required from all providers of
commercial computer software pursu-
ant to the FAR and the DFARS and are
set forth specifically in writing else-
where in the EULA. Keysight shall be
under no obligation to update, revise or
otherwise modify the Software. With
respect to any technical data as
defined by FAR 2.101, pursuant to FAR
12.211 and 27.404.2 and DFARS
227.7102, the U.S. government
acquires no greater than Limited Rights
as defined in FAR 27.401 or DFAR
227.7103-5 (c), as applicable in any
technical data.
Warranty
THE MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS
DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS,”
AND IS SUBJECT TO BEING
CHANGED, WITHOUT NOTICE, IN
FUTURE EDITIONS. FURTHER, TO THE
MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY
APPLICABLE LAW, KEYSIGHT DIS-
CLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH REGARD
TO THIS MANUAL AND ANY INFORMA-
TION CONTAINED HEREIN, INCLUD-
ING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MER-
CHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. KEYSIGHT
SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ERRORS
OR FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSE-
QUENTIAL DAMAGES IN CONNECTION
WITH THE FURNISHING, USE, OR
PERFORMANCE OF THIS DOCUMENT
OR OF ANY INFORMATION CON-
TAINED HEREIN. SHOULD KEYSIGHT
AND THE USER HAVE A SEPARATE
WRITTEN AGREEMENT WITH WAR-
RANTY TERMS COVERING THE MATE-
RIAL IN THIS DOCUMENT THAT
CONFLICT WITH THESE TERMS, THE
WARRANTY TERMS IN THE SEPARATE
AGREEMENT SHALL CONTROL.
Safety Information
CAUTION
A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It
calls attention to an operating proce-
dure, practice, or the like that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in damage to the product
or loss of important data. Do not pro-
ceed beyond a CAUTION notice until
the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.
WARNING
A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It
calls attention to an operating proce-
dure, practice, or the like that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in personal injury or death.
Do not proceed beyond a WARNING
notice until the indicated conditions are
fully understood and met.

Keysight N432A User’s Guide 3
Certification
Keysight Technologies certifies that this product met its published specifications
at the time of shipment. Keysight further certifies that its calibration
measurements are traceable to the United States National Institute of Standard
and Technology (formerly National Bureau of Standards), to the extent allowed by
that organization’s calibration facility, and to the calibration facilities of other
International Standards Organization members.
General Warranty
The material contained in this document is provided “as is,” and is subject to
being changed, without notice, in future editions. Further, to the maximum extent
permitted by applicable law, Keysight disclaims all warranties, either express or
implied with regard to this manual and any information contained herein,
including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness
for a particular purpose. Keysight shall not be liable for errors or for incidental or
consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, use, or performance of
this document or any information contained herein. Should Keysight and the user
have a separate written agreement with warranty terms covering the material in
this document that conflict with these terms, the warranty terms in the separate
agreement shall control. Duration and conditions of warranty for this product may
be superseded when the product is integrated into (becomes a part of) other
Keysight products. During the warranty period, Keysight will, at its option, either
repair or replace products which prove to be defective. The warranty period begins
on the date of delivery or on the date of installation if installed by Keysight.
Warranty Service
For warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to a service facility
designated by Keysight. For products returned to Keysight for warranty service,
the Buyer shall prepay shipping charges to Keysight and Keysight shall pay
shipping charges to return the product to the Buyer. However, the Buyer shall pay
all shipping charges, duties, and taxes for products returned to Keysight from
another country.

4 Keysight N432A User’s Guide
Limitation of Warranty
The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from improper or
inadequate maintenance by the Buyer, Buyer-supplied products or interfacing,
unauthorized modification or misuse, operation outside of the environmental
specifications for the product, or improper site preparation or maintenance.
The design and implementation of any circuit on this product is the sole
responsibility of the Buyer. Keysight does not warrant the Buyer’s circuitry or
malfunctions of Keysight products that result from the Buyer’s circuitry. In
addition, Keysight does not warrant any damage that occurs as a result of the
Buyer’s circuit or any defects that result from Buyer-supplied products.
To the extent allowed by local law, Keysight makes no other warranty, expressed
or implied, whether written or oral with respect to this product and specifically
disclaims any implied warranty or condition of merchantability, fitness for a
particular purpose or satisfactory quality.
Exclusive Remedies
To the extent allowed by local law, the remedies provided herein are the Buyer’s
sole and exclusive remedies. Keysight shall not be liable for any direct, indirect,
special, incidental, or consequential damages (including lost profit or data),
whether based on warranty, contract, tort, or any other legal theory.

Keysight N432A User’s Guide 5
Restricted Rights Legend
The Software and Documentation have been developed entirely at private
expense. They are delivered and licensed as “commercial computer software” as
defined in DFARS 252.227-7013 (Oct 1988), DFARS 252.211-7015 (May 1991), or
DFARS 252.227-7014 (Jun 1995), as a “commercial item” as defined in FAR
2.101(a), or as “restricted computer software” as defined in FAR 52.227-19 (Jun
1987) (or any equivalent agency regulation or contract clause), whichever is
applicable. You have only those rights provided for such Software and
Documentation by the applicable FAR or DFARS clause or the Keysight standard
software agreement for the product involved.
Technology Licenses
The hardware and/or software described in this document are furnished under a
license and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of such
license.

6 Keysight N432A User’s Guide
Safety Symbols
The following symbols on the instrument and in the documentation indicate
precautions which must be taken to maintain safe operation of the instrument.
Direct current (DC). Alternating current (AC).
Off (mains supply). On (mains supply).
Caution, risk of electric shock.
Caution, risk of danger (refer to this
manual for specific Warning or Caution
information).
Earth (ground) terminal. Frame or chassis (ground) terminal.
Protective earth (ground) terminal.
Equipment protected throughout by
double insulation or reinforced
insulation.
Both direct and alternating current. Out position of a bi-stable push
control.
Caution, hot surface. In position of a bi-stable push control.
Three-phase alternating current. Equipotentiality.
This symbol indicates the operating
switch for ‘Stand-by’ mode. Note, the
instrument is NOT isolated from the
mains when the switch is pressed. To
isolate the instrument, the mains
coupler (mains input cord) should be
removed from the power supply.
This symbol indicates the Fuse.

Keysight N432A User’s Guide 7
Safety Considerations
Read the information below before using this instrument.
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 for design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. Keysight
Technologies assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these
requirements.
Recommended Calibration Interval
Keysight Technologies recommends a two-years calibration cycle for the N432A
Thermistor power meter.

8 Keysight N432A User’s Guide
General Safety Information
This is a Safety Class I instrument (provided with a protective earthing ground,
incorporated in the power cord). The mains plug shall only be inserted in a socket
outlet provided with a protective earth contact. Any interruption of the protective
conductor inside or outside of the instrument is likely to make the instrument
dangerous. Intentional interruption is prohibited.
WARNING
– DO NOT allow the mains supply voltage fluctuation to exceed +/- 10% of
the nominal supply voltage. Instrument is designed for use in
Overvoltage Category II and Pollution Degree 2.
– DO NOT operate the product in an explosive atmosphere or in the
presence of flammable gases 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.
– 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 a
Keysight Technologies Sales and Service Office for service and repair to
ensure the safety features are maintained.

Keysight N432A User’s Guide 9
WARNING
– 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 a
Keysight Technologies Sales and Service Office for service and repair to
ensure the safety features are maintained.
CAUTION
CLEAN WITH SLIGHTLY DAMPENED CLOTH
Clean the outside of the instrument with a soft, lint-free, slightly dampened
cloth. Do not use detergent, volatile liquids, or chemical solvents.

10 Keysight N432A User’s Guide
Regulatory Markings
The CE mark is a registered trademark
of the European Community. This CE
mark shows that the product complies
with all the relevant European Legal
Directives.
ICES/NMB-001 indicates that this ISM
device complies with the
Canadian ICES-001.
Cet appareil ISM est conforme a la
norme NMB-001 du Canada.
ISM GRP.1 Class A indicates that this
is an Industrial Scientific and Medical
Group 1 Class A product.
The CSA mark is a registered
trademark of the Canadian
Standards Association.
The RCM mark is a registered
trademark of the Australian
Communications and Media Authority.
This signifies compliance with the
Australian EMC Framework
Regulations under the terms of the
Radio Communications Act of 1992.
This symbol indicates the time period
during which no hazardous or toxic
substance elements are expected to
leak or deteriorate during normal use.
Forty years is the expected useful life
of the product.
This symbol is a South Korean Class A EMC Declaration.
This equipment is Class A suitable for professional use and is for use in electromagnetic environments
outside of the home.
KCC-REM-ATi-
WCPWR

Keysight N432A User’s Guide 11
South Korean Class A EMC Declaration
Information to the user:
This instrument has been conformity assessed for use in business environments.
In a residential environment, this equipment may cause radio interference.
This EMC statement applies to the equipment only for use in business
environment.
Safety and EMC Requirements
The N432A Thermistor power meters are designed to comply with the following
safety and EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) requirements:
Safety compliance
– Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU
EMC compliance
– EMC Directive 2014/30/EU

12 Keysight N432A User’s Guide
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
This instrument complies with the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking
requirement. This affixed product label indicates that you must not discard this
electrical or electronic product in domestic household waste.
Product category:
With reference to the equipment types in the WEEE directive Annex 1, this
instrument is classified as a “Monitoring and Control Instrument” product.
The affixed product label is as shown below.
Do not dispose in domestic household waste.
To return this unwanted instrument, contact your nearest Keysight Service Center,
or visit http://about.keysight.com/en/companyinfo/environment/takeback.shtml
for more information.
Sales and Technical Support
To contact Keysight for sales and technical support, refer to the support links on
the following Keysight websites:
–www.keysight.com/find/powermeter
(product-specific information and support, software and
documentation updates)
–www.keysight.com/find/assist
(worldwide contact information for repair and service)

Keysight N432A User’s Guide 13
Table of Contents
Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
General Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Warranty Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Limitation of Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Exclusive Remedies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Restricted Rights Legend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Technology Licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Safety Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Safety Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Recommended Calibration Interval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
General Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Regulatory Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
South Korean Class A EMC Declaration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Safety and EMC Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive . . . . . . .12
Sales and Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
1Introduction
LXI Class-C Compliant N432A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Sensor Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Front Panel Outlook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Display Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Window Symbols and Pop-Ups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Using the N432A Web Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
2 Operating Information
Setting the Bridge Resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Setting the Resistance Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Setting the Measurement Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

14 Keysight N432A User’s Guide
Setting the Measurement Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Setting the Resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Displaying Voltage Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Making Relative Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Setting Offsets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Setting the Voltage Averaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Step Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Setting Measurement Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Single Function Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Combined Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Max Hold/Min Hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Recorder Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Saving and Recalling N432A States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Zeroing the N432A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Using the Calibration/Correction Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Power Measurement Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Blank Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Secure Blank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Backlight Intensity Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Memory Erase/Secure Erase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Warm Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
3Maintenance
Self-Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Operator Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Contacting Keysight Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Erasing Memory Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Returning the N432A for Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Keysight N432A User’s Guide 15
4 Specifications and Characteristics
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130
N432A Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132
Rear Panel Input and Output Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133
1 mW Power Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134
Environmental Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134
Physical Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135

16 Keysight N432A User’s Guide
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Keysight N432A Thermistor Power Meter
User’s Guide
17
1 Introduction
LXI Class-C Compliant N432A 18
Sensor Compatibility 19
Conventions Used in This Guide 20
Front Panel Outlook 21
Rear Panel Connections 26
Display Layout 27
Window Symbols and Pop-Ups 31
Using the N432A Web Interface 34
Making the Socket Connection 42
This chapter provides a general overview of the N432A thermistor power meter.

1
18 Keysight N432A User’s Guide
LXI Class-C Compliant N432A
The N432A is a single-channel, average RF power measurement meter that
supports thermistor sensors. The N432A has the capability to measure and
display average power, RF bridge voltages (VRF0 and VRF1), compensation bridge
voltages (VCOMP0 and VCOMP1), V0, and V1. It is also provided with a set of features
such as zeroing and a built-in self-test.
The N432A basic configuration consists of two key sections; bridge and meter
logic. When a compatible thermistor sensor is connected to the N432A, the RF
and compensation bridge circuits are formed in the bridge section. VRF, which is
the voltage at the top of the RF bridge, is responsive to both input RF power and
ambient temperature changes. On the other hand, VCOMP, which is the voltage at
the top of the compensation bridge, is responsive only to ambient temperature
changes. The VRF and VCOMP values are used in calculating the RF power.
Meanwhile, the meter logic section processes VRF and VCOMP to produce a meter
current proportional to RF power.
In general, the N432A is an easy-to-use instrument especially with the availability
of an integrated Web browser that provides a convenient way to view and modify
the instrument network configuration.
Besides the LAN interface, the N432A also supports industry standard GPIB and
USB interfaces for measurement automation.
Developed using LXI technology, the N432A is an LXI Class-C compliant
instrument. LXI, an acronym for LAN eXtension for Instrumentation, is an
instrument standard for devices that use the Ethernet (LAN) as their primary
communication interface.

1
Keysight N432A User’s Guide 19
Sensor Compatibility
The N432A is compatible with the Keysight 478A and 8478B thermistor sensors.
The following table lists the frequency range and operating resistance for each of
these thermistor sensors:
Thermistor sensor model Frequency range (GHz) Operating resistance (Ω)
478A 0.01 to 10 200
478A Option H63 0.0001 to 1 200
478A Option H75 0.001 to 1 200
478A Option H76 0.001 to 1 200
8478B 0.01 to 18 200
NOTE
For further information on the thermistor sensors, refer to their respective
manuals.

1
20 Keysight N432A User’s Guide
Conventions Used in This Guide
The following conventions are used throughout this guide.
This symbol and text represents a labeled key on the N432A front panel
This symbol and text represents a labeled softkey, and is used to indicate that
you should press the unmarked key beside the displayed text
Message This text represents a displayed message
Parameter This is used to represent a parameter, value, or title
Softkey