Physical Layer Test System (PLTS version 5.2)

Keysight Technologies, Inc. is a leader in multiport Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) test systems. It is important to have many flexible system configurations to adapt to each customer’s specific application requirements. Most high speed digital design engineers require multiples of 4-ports in order to characterize differential transmission lines (i.e., 4-port, 8-port, 12-port or 16-port). This can be accomplished with either a 2-port VNA or a 4-port VNA.

The following multiport configurations are meant to show the most popular configurations that signal integrity laboratories use today. In each case, the PLTS software license was defaulted to the fixed node license option. As can be seen near the end of this document under, “PLTS Software Ordering Information,” there are a variety of PLTS licenses that may be substituted in this configuration guide.

Important notes regarding PLTS software configuration

1. If PLTS Studio is used (PLTS options 1NP, 1FP or 1TP), this will allow data analysis of files up to and including 4 ports (*,s4p Touchstone files). However, if data is to be analyzed from files containing more than 4 ports (for example, 12-port data from a *.s12p Touchstone file), the appropriate PLTS multiport option must be purchased (PLTS options 7NP, 7FP or 7TP).

2. As noted in the sample configurations on pages 3-6 of this configuration guide, the VNA firmware Options 550 or 551 must be ordered in conjunction with PLTS to work properly as a calibration and measurement system. Option 550 is for applications of 4 ports or less, while option 551 is for applications greater than 4 ports.

3. PLTS option 1xP is required for either 3xP, 5xP, or 7xP options.

4. PLTS as an annual update called “SUS” that stands for “Software Update Service”. Each new PLTS license comes with 12 months of SUS. Twelve months after initial purchase, a 1 or 2 year SUS extension must be purchased to receive technical support and new PLTS software updates. If any SUS lapses, then a 2 year SUS must be purchased to re-activate the support and updates.

5. Option 3xP is required for instrument control portions of option 5xP. As noted in 3 above, option 1xP is required for either 3xP, 5xP, or 7xP options.