M980xA and M983xA Series PXIe Vector Network Analyzer

Introduction

As the test margins for multiport devices become tighter, your test equipment needs to be one step ahead. Keysight’s PXI Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) meets the most demanding multiport challenges with exceptional measurement performance and a fast cycle time so you can do more in less time. Gain deeper insights into your devices with the widest available portfolio of measurement applications for PXI VNAs, including spectrum analysis, noise figure (NF) measurements, error vector magnitude (EVM) measurements, and more.

This configuration guide describes standard configurations, options, accessories, upgrade kits and compatible peripherals for the M980xA and M983xA Series PXIe VNA.

Automatic fixture removal (S95007B)

Many devices do not have coaxial connectors and are put in fixtures in order to measure them in a coaxial environment. Accurately removing the effects of the fixture is required to get a good measurement of the device under test (DUT). This application adds a powerful application wizard to guide you through characterizing a fixture and removing it from the measurement. Devices can be single-ended or differential. Files can be saved in a variety of formats for later use in ENA, PNA, PXI VNA, Streamline Series VNA, ADS, and PLTS.

Time domain analysis (S95010B)

This application enables the analyzer to view reflection and transmission responses in time or distance. Use time domain to tune filters, gate out the response of fixtures and cables, characterize the impedance of transmission lines and more.

Enhanced time domain analysis with TDR (S95011B)

This application enables the analyzer to perform enhanced time domain analysis for high-speed data applications. All functionalities of the S95010B are included (TDR/TDT mode). In addition, the S95011B enables more detailed measurements and evaluations, such as eye-diagram/mask modes, without adding PLTS software. Jitters and/or emphasis/equalization capabilities enables simulation of real-world signals and environment. S95011B covers up to 53 GHz bandwidth with 8.42 psec rise time. Full calibration is available and the automatic deskew ensures easy removal of fixture and probe effects. To get the best accuracy, mechanical calibration kits or ECal with DC option (ex. N443xD or N469xD with Option 0DC) are recommended.

When the PXI VNA is launched as a multiport VNA using multiple VNA modules with the S95551B, the number of test ports can be increased for this application.

S95011B supports maximum 24-port measurements with multiport DUT topologies, such as six differential 2-port DUTs or 24x single-ended 1-port DUTs.

Real time S-parameter and power measurement uncertainty (S95015B)

This application provides uncertainties for both S-parameter and power measurements on the PXI VNA. The real-time display of the uncertainty associated with power and S-parameter traces increases the confidence in the reproducibility of measurements. This allows users to implement pass/fail tests easily because now the instrument quantifies the gray region that is in between a full pass or a full fail, apply more realistic limit lines which can increase the production yield and reduce the defect percentage on the finished products. This application easily establishes a metric to quantify the quality of the measurement process, so your company’s quality control procedures are simplified. It includes the uncertainty information for most Keysight calibration kits and provides national metrology institute traceability through Keysight’s calibration kits. This application also helps you to include uncertainty information for your product’s specifications and data sheets.

Multi-site measurement configurations are not supported with the S95015B.

Basic pulsed-RF measurements lite (S95024B)

This application enables internal pulse generators that can be used to control the internal pulse modulators, and it provides an integrated pulse application that uses the wideband-detection method. The software requires hardware option 021 pulse modulator hardware.

S95024B provides an easy way to set up point-in-pulse measurements with pulse width as narrow as 50 μs, and pulse-profile measurements with 1 us minimum timing resolution. Using the built-in pulse modulators, the PXI VNA is a complete pulsed-RF measurement solution, eliminating the need for external test sets and pulse generators. S95024B also controls external pulse generators and modulators and can synchronize to external master pulses. Y1731A PXI Adapter Module is recommended to access pulse signals with SMB connectors if using external master pulses or external pulse modulators.

S95024B is a subset of S95025B, so they should not be installed together.

Basic pulsed-RF measurements (S95025B)

This application enables internal pulse generators that can be used to control the internal pulse modulators, and it provides an integrated pulse application that uses the wideband-detection method. The software requires hardware option 021 pulse modulator hardware.

S95025B extends the capabilities of S95024B and provides an easy way to set up point-in-pulse measurements with pulse width as narrow as 200 ns, and pulse-profile measurements with 40 ns minimum timing resolution. Using the built-in pulse modulators with pulse width as narrow as 1 μs, the PXI VNA is a complete pulsed-RF measurement solution, eliminating the need for external test sets and pulse generators. Examples of pulse modulation shapes with 1 us and 100 us pulse width using the internal pulse modulators are included in M980xA data sheet (5992-3596EN) or M983xA data sheet (3122-2129.EN). S95025B also controls external pulse generators and modulators and can synchronize to external master pulses. Y1731A PXI Adapter Module is recommended to access pulse signals with SMB connectors if using external master pulses or external pulse modulators.

Add mechanical noise tuner control for noise figure/parameter measurements (S95027B)

Noise figure measurements using application software S95029B utilize an ECal module as an impedance tuner to provide source- corrected noise figure and noise parameter measurements of nominally matched devices, with gamma-opts < 0.3. To measure noise parameters of unmatched devices with higher gamma- opts, an external tuner is needed. This application software enables control of Maury Microwave LXI tuners or Focus Microwaves’ CCMT tuners in place of an ECal module, extending noise parameter measurements to devices with gamma-opts < 0.9. Requires application software S95029B. Refer to Maury Microwave’s or Focus Microwaves’ websites for more information about compatible tuners.

Noise figure measurements with vector correction (S95029B) using M980xA

This software application enables high-accuracy noise figure and noise-power measurements of amplifiers, frequency converters, and mixers, utilizing Keysight’s unique vector-source-correction technique that uses Keysight N469xD series ECal module as a source-impedance tuner to remove the effects of imperfect system-source match. This approach yields accuracy that surpasses that provided by the Y-factor method and other cold-source implementations, especially for in-fixture, on-wafer, and automated-test environments. S95029B controls N469xD Series ECal modules configured as impedance tuners for use with the M980xA.

A scalar-calibrated method is also available that offers less accuracy but is faster and does not require an impedance tuner. This method requires an external switch to isolate the M980xA’s source signal during noise figure measurements. A 50-ohm load must be connected to the DUT’s input using the external switch.

With the M980xA, the instrument’s standard receivers are used for noise figure measurements with the S95029B. An external preamplifier, filter(s) and switches are required for devices with < 30 dB of excess noise (gain plus noise figure in dB) 1. Typical block diagrams of scalar-calibrated (left) and vector-calibrated (right) noise figure measurements with M980xA are shown.