What is the difference between the E5092A Configurable Multiport Test set and E5091A multiport test set?
(SUPPORTED MODELS IN BOLD : E5071C E5070B/71B E5070A/71A E5061A/62A)
While the E5091A (option 009 or 016) working with the 4-port ENA is tailored for testing front-end module (FEM) such as antenna switch modules for cellular handsets, the E5092A offers a complete multiport solution for a wide range of R&D and manufacturing measurement applications. As well as the upper compatibility for the E5091A, the E5092A has more application coverage with better analog performance.
Frequency coverage
The internal switches in the E5092A are specified from 50 MHz to 20 GHz, whereas the maximum frequency of the E5091A is limited at 8.5 GHz. When using the E5092A with the E5071C 20 GHz option (option 4K5), it is possible to characterize multiport DUTs such as WLAN front-end modules that requires third harmonics measurement of 5 GHz band with the WLAN standard 802.11a.
The typical performance of insertion loss of the internal SP4T (Single-Pole-4-Throw; one input and 4 outputs) switch in the E5091A option 016 and E5092A are shown in Figure 1. (In the E5091A, the insertion loss between the input of SW1 and the output of SW2 or SW3.) Note that the internal switch in the E5092A has better insertion loss compared to the E5091A in the same frequency range below 8.5 GHz.
Equipment
E5071C ENA Network Analyzer (300 kHz - 20 GHz)
E5092A Configurable Multiport Test Set (S/N: MY48100061, 50 MHz - 20 GHz)
E5091A Multiport Test Set (S/N: MY42100655, 50 MHz - 8.5 GHz)
Measurement setup
Full 2-port calibration, 50 MHz to 20 GHz, NOP = 401, IFBW = 100 Hz, Output power level = 0 dBm
Figure 1 - Performance comparison of internal SP4T switch in the E5092A (red) vs. E5091A (blue)
Switching configuration
The E5091A has two hardware options: option 009 for 9-port configuration and option 016 for 13-port or 16-port configuration (Figure 2). These configurations are suitable for characterization of FEM used in cellular handsets.
Figure 2 - Block diagram of the E5091A option 009 (left) and option 016 (right)
The E5092A has 10 independent internal switches, SW1 to SW10. (Figure 3). As all the ports of the internal switches in the E5092A can be accessed from the front panel of the test set, flexible multiport test setup can be done including the above configurations of the E5091A option 009 & 016. Also the maximum number of test port can be increased up to 22-port, and maximum 10-port full crossbar (matrix) measurement can be performed with a combination of the 4-port ENA and E5092A. These switching configurations are pre-installed in the ENA firmware, revision A.09.10 or above.
Figure 3 - Block diagram of the E5092A
Figure 4 - Switching configurations of the E5091A/E5092A in the ENA firmware
Measurement stability
The E5092A has a function that controls ambient temperature in the test set which makes it more stable against variations of environment temperature. The stability of the internal switches are specified below 0.003 dB/ deg.C for the frequency range up to 6 GHz providing superior measurement stability. The E5091A has the same function with the specification of 0.005 dB/deg.C in the same frequency range.
DC Source Capability
Some multiport devices like multiport switches require bits of DC control voltage to select an active path of operation. Both the E5091A and E5092A has control lines and DC voltage from the internal DC source in the test set can be applied to a DUT, enabling multiport S-parameter measurements synchronous to the operation of the DUT. The E5091A has one internal DC source that can be supplied to 8-bits of control pins at the DUT, while the E5092A has 4 independent DC sources for up to 20 control bits on the DUT.
For more details on this function, refer to the E5092A FAQ: Is it possible to supply a DC control voltage to a multiport DUT with the E5092A?
Comparison table between the E5092A and E5091A are shown below.
Figure 5 - Comparison table of the E5091A & E5092A
Learn more about Keysight Multiport Test Solution