Precautions before using the network analyzer

Network analyzers are the main instruments for testing and debugging RF components. With the rapid development of radio communication equipment, the demand for RF devices has also increased dramatically, and network analyzers are one of the indispensable instruments.

Today, Antai Testing will simply share with you some precautions before using the network analyzer to help you use the network analyzer correctly. After all, the price of a mid-to-high-end network analyzer from an imported brand is similar to that of a car. If the instrument is damaged due to improper operation, it would be a loss.

The basic function of a vector network analyzer is S parameter testing. The so-called S parameters are scattering parameters, which describe the incident wave quantity, reflected wave quantity, and wave quantity transmission characteristics of electromagnetic waves in the device under test. Simply put: S11 represents the reflection of port 1, S22 represents the reflection of port 2, S21 is the transmission from port 1 to port 2, and S12 is the transmission from port 2 to port 1.

Setup before testing:

§ Network analyzer port connected to a dedicated test cable;

§ The frequency range is set according to the frequency range of the device under test (DUT);

§ When measuring a DUT such as an amplifier with maximum gain Gain, set the output power PWR>>Power: -Gain. Also note that the DUT output power must not exceed the range (such as 0dBm);

§ IF bandwidth setting is based on test standard or BW>>Bandwidth: 1kHz;

§ The number of measurement points is based on standard or Sweep>>number of points: 401;

§ Connect the auto-calibration device to perform calibration CAL>>Start Autocal;

§ If there is only a manual calibration part, the vector network must load the data file that matches the calibration part, and ideal data cannot be used to perform UOSM or TOSM calibration;

§ Note that the type of the test port of the dedicated test cable must be consistent with the calibration component and cannot be transferred.

After the above settings and calibration, select the required test items for testing.