What you need to know about network analyzer basics

1. Overview of Network Analyzer

A network analyzer is a powerful test and measurement instrument. As long as it is used and operated correctly according to the flow, it can achieve extremely high accuracy. It uses its own signal source to compare and measure whether the electrical characteristics and performance parameters of other electronic equipment, electronic components, electronic parts, network connectors, cables, etc. meet the standards and requirements. It can accurately measure the amplitude and phase information of the incident wave, reflected wave, and transmitted wave, and quantitatively describe the reflection and transmission characteristics of the device under test through the ratio measurement method. It has a wide range of applications and is indispensable in many industries, especially in measuring the linear characteristics of wireless radio frequency (RF) components and equipment.

This article, shared by Antai Instrument Repair Center, mainly focuses on the characteristics of the network analyzer itself, introducing the usage steps, usage requirements, basic calibration methods, and how to use it to perform test tasks during the use of the network analyzer.

Network analyzers, when used correctly, are some of the most accurate RF instruments, with typical accuracy of ±0.1dB and ±0.1 degrees. They can make precise, repeatable RF measurements, offering configurations and measurement capabilities as wide as their application range. Choosing the right instrument, calibration, features, and employing reliable RF measurement methods can optimize the results of your tests (Network Analyzer Application Case).

2. The basic structure of commonly used network analyzers

The network analyzer is mainly composed of a signal source, a signal separation device, a receiver and a processing and display unit. We will give a detailed explanation below.

(1) Signal source: A synthetic signal source consisting of a 3-6 GHz YIG oscillator, a 3.8 GHz dielectric oscillator, a source module component, a clock reference and a decimal loop, which can provide a variety of signal outputs.

(2) Test device: It is generally composed of a directional coupler and a switch. Its function is to separate the reflected signal and the incident signal, thereby performing initial signal separation and preprocessing.

(3) Signal receiver: The signal pre-processed by the test device is processed again after being processed. Its function is to down-convert the signal and process the intermediate frequency digital signal for output or display comparison. The receiver is mainly composed of sampling/mixing, intermediate frequency processing and digital signal processing.

(4) Display: Its function is to intuitively display the display output or signal comparison, etc. It is used for high-brightness, high-speed display of characters and graphics. It is mainly composed of a graphics processor, a high-brightness LCD display, an inverter, etc.

3. Notes on instrument operation

1. When testing the product, do not directly power on the device for testing.

2. Before testing the power amplifier, it must be checked on a spectrum analyzer to see if there is self-excitation before other indicators can be measured with a network analyzer.

3. Prevent large DC current from being added. The network instrument can withstand a maximum DC current of 10V.

4. Prevent excessive signal input.

4.1 The maximum allowable input signal of the network analyzer is 20dBm.

4.2 When the input signal is greater than 10dBm, a corresponding attenuator should be added.

5. Make sure the instrument is grounded before use.