To satisfy R&D and manufacturing engineers' demand for accuracy, speed, and ease of use, Agilent Technologies has unveiled a high-performance network analyzer for testing RF and microwave components from 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz. Labeled PNA-X, the analyzer delivers all of the core functionality of existing PNA series with unsurpassed combination of speed and accuracy as well as an easy-to-use Windows-based open architecture. Plus, it features an integrated second source and signal-combining network to offer a unique single-connection solution for two-tone and swept LO measurements. Besides internal second source, the PNA-X provides configurability and a large touch-screen-controlled front-panel display. Eight soft keys and simplified hard-key arrangement make it easier for engineers to read multiple measurements at the same time (see figure).

The PNA-X is a configurable two-port or four-port 26.5 GHz network analyzer built on the PNA platform. According to Agilent, it is the only two-port network analyzer available with an internal second source. A new signal-routing architecture transforms it from a pure network analyzer to an RF measurement hub for amplifiers and frequency converters. With two internal signal sources, each with high output power (+16 dBm), low harmonics (-59 dBc at 24 GHz), a wide power sweep range (40 dB), and a built-in pulse modulator and signal combiner, the PNA-X can easily perform amplifier intermodulation distortion (IMD), hot S22, traditional S-parameter and pulsed S-parameter measurements along with harmonic and compression measurements.

The analyzer's integrated second source can be used as a fast fixed-IF or swept-LO signal for testing mixers and converters. Speed improvements of up to 35 times faster can be realized using the PNA's internal source as compared to using a traditional external source, said Chad Gillease, product marketing engineer. The result is exceptional throughput, as well as reduced complexity and measurement time, added Gillease.

To provide increased flexibility for adding signal-conditioning hardware or additional test equipment for single-connection measurements, the PNA-X also offers internal signal-routing switches. This capability, coupled with the analyzer's improved source performance, unmatched receiver compression (0.1 dB at +12 dBm) and stability, significantly simplifies test setup and reduces the number of system calibrations required, while ensuring faster, more accurate measurements.

According to product manager Dave Ballo, the PNA-X is the only network analyzer with internal pulse modulators and generators for fast, simplified pulse measurements. This advanced capability enables pulse measurements to be up to 30 times faster compared with other analyzers that require external generators and modulators, noted Ballo.

As a highly integrated solution, it reduces test costs, set-up time, measurement complexity and the time it takes to make measurements on the broadest range of components. The PNA-X is crafted for engineers in the aerospace/defense and wireless communications industries developing and testing high-performance active devices such as amplifiers, mixers and converters.

The high performance N5242A PNA-X network analyzer is available at a starting price of $92,000.
Agilent Technologies
(800) 829-4444
www.agilent.com

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