7-3
Operating Concepts
System Operation
System Operation Network analyzers measure the reflection and transmission characteristics of devices and
networks. A network analyzer test system consists of the following:
• source
• signal-separation devices
• receiver
•display
The analyzer applies a signal that is transmitted through the test device, or reflected from
its input, and then compares it with the incident signal generated by the swept RF source.
The signals are then applied to a receiver for measurement, signal processing, and display.
The vector network analyzer integrates a high resolution synthesized RF source, test set,
and a dual channel three-input receiver to measure and display magnitude, phase, and
group delay of transmitted and reflected power. With Option 010, the analyzer has the
additional capability of transforming measured data from the frequency domain to the
time domain. Other options are explained in “Options and Accessories” chapter of the
reference guide. A simplified block diagram of the network analyzer system is shown in
Figure 7-1. A detailed block diagram of the analyzer is provided in the service guide
together with a theory of system operation.
Figure 7-1 Simplified Block Diagram of the Network Analyzer System
The Built-In Synthesized Source
The analyzer's built-in synthesized source produces a swept RF signal or CW (continuous
wave) signal in the following ranges:
• 8719ET/ES: 50 MHz to 13.5 GHz
• 8720ET/ES: 50 MHz to 20.0 GHz
• 8722ET/ES: 50 MHz to 40.0 GHz