Agilent Technologies E1401-90493 17. Absolute Amplitude Accuracy (Reference Settings): Agilent E4401B and E4411B

Chapter 2 129

Performance Verification Tests

17. Absolute Amplitude Accuracy (Reference Settings): Agilent E4401B and E4411B

17. Absolute Amplitude Accuracy (Reference

A power sensor (the “buried sensor”), power splitter, and attenuator

combination is characterized at 50 MHz using a second power sensor

(the “reference sensor”). The attenuator is then connected to the input

of the analyzer and the signal generator power level is adjusted for the

appropriate level at 50 MHz. A complete auto alignment is performed.

The 50 MHz signal is then measured with the spectrum analyzer. The

difference between the power meter reading (corrected for the

splitter/attenuator tracking error) and spectrum analyzer readings is

calculated.

For analyzers with 75Ω inputs, a minimum loss pad is used between the

attenuator and the analyzer, and a lower-value attenuator is used.

For analyzers with Option 1DS, Preamplifier, the test is repeated with

preamp on

Equipment Required

Synthesized signal generator

Power meter

RF power sensor (2 required)

Power splitter

20 dB attenuator

Cable, Type-N, 152-cm (60-in)

Adapter, Type-N (m) to Type-N (m)

Additional Equipment for 75 Ω Input

Power sensor, 75 Ω

Adapter, mechanical, Type-N (f), 75 Ω to Type-N (m) 50 Ω

Pad, minimum loss

Adapter, Type-N (f), to BNC (m), 75 Ω

10 dB attenuator

Procedure

This performance test consists of three parts:

Part 1. Splitter/Attenuator Characterization

Part 2. Absolute Amplitude Accuracy, Preamp Off

Part 3. Absolute Amplitude Accuracy, Preamp On (Option 1DS)

Parts 1 and 2 should be performed on all Agilent Spectrum Analyzers.

Part 3 should be performed only on ESA-E Series Spectrum Analyzers