Is there a summary of available cable test methods when using the FieldFox Hand Held portable analyzers?

The FieldFox hand held portable analyzers provide several different test methods to test cables. The optimal cable test method is dependent upon several factors including:

• Cable Type;
• Cable Length;
• Cable loss;
• Cable connector types;
• Accessibility of either a single cable end or both cable ends;
•  FieldFox model number, available options and installed options;
• Desired level of measurement accuracy;

Supported FieldFox cable measurements methods, as a function of FieldFox model numbers and installed options may include:

1. One-port Cable Loss;
2. Two-port cable loss scalar or vector transmission measurements ;
3. FieldFox Independent Source/Tracking Generator + Spectrum Analyzer mode;
4. FieldFox Power Meter (USB) Mode with Source Control. FieldFox as sweeping source, USB sensor as receiver;

Details
 

One-Port Cable Loss

The FieldFox one port cable loss test method is often the most user friendly test method. FieldFox calibration is not required for measurements directly at the test port. One port cable loss method works best for cable insertion loss which does not exceed 10dB one-way (or equivalently 20db round trip).

For measurements not directly at the FieldFox test port advanced calibration methods include one port QuickCalibration; mechanical calibration kit via Short – Open – Load (SOL) and Electronic calibration (Ecal). These advanced calibration methods remove the effects of adapters and test port cables. Available calibration methods are a function of FieldFox model numbers as well as the installed options. One port cable loss advanced calibration methods are not available on FieldFox Spectrum Analyzer only models.

Two-port cable loss scalar or vector transmission measurement

The two-port cable loss transmission measurement requires analyzer access to both ends of the cable under test. If the cable connector ends are at a significant physical separation a long test port cable may be required. Due to potential loss long test port cables decrease system dynamic range and may also add instability. Use the best phase-stable test port cables available.

Two port cable loss measurements with full 2-port error correction / calibration are the most accurate overall test methods. The full 2-port error corrected test method performs 12 term error correction.

Optimum test results are obtained when using high quality phase-stable RF test port cables equipped with precision RF connectors. Results are dependent on quality of test port cable phase and amplitude stability. Full 2-port calibration may use a mechanical calibration kit, Ecal module, or QuickCal.

Additional details regarding 12-term error correction are available in various vector network analyzer technical publications including the Handbook Of Microwave Component Measurements by Dr. Joel Dunsmore.

QuickCalibration (two port), mechanical calibration kits and Ecal can be used to calibrate and remove the effects of adapters or test port cables. This method works for cables with higher loss, up to 50dB. Two-port cable loss scalar /vector measurements and calibration types are a function of FieldFox model numbers and installed / available options.

FieldFox Independent Source/Tracking Generator + FieldFox spectrum analyzer mode

This is a scalar measurement, i.e. no vector (phase) data and no vector error correction. Phase data is not available. Mainly utilized when other cable test methods are not available and cable phase data is not required. FieldFox spectrum analyzer narrow resolution bandwidth (RBW) can be used for high loss measurements to 70dB and beyond. This method has the best dynamic range approaching 100dB. Calibration uses a normalization step correcting the scalar transmission tracking error term.

FieldFox Power Meter (USB) Mode with Source Control

This is a scalar measurement, i.e. no vector (phase) data and no vector error correction. Phase data is not available. Especially useful for cable testing at higher frequencies with moderate lengths of cable under test. USB extenders can be used to extend the USB based power sensor out to approximately 50 feet. Calibration uses a normalization step correcting the scalar transmission tracking error term.

For more information about Fieldfox handheld RF and microwave analyzer, please visit FieldFox Handheld RF and Microwave Analyzers.