HP 85714A Scalar Measurements Personality User's Guide A_85630A A 85630A

User Manual: A_85630A

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This manual may contain references to HP or Hewlett-Packard. Please note that
Hewlett-Packard's former test and measurement, semiconductor products and
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made no changes to this manual copy. In other documentation, to reduce
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the company name prefix: where a product number/name was HP XXXX the
current name/number is now Agilent XXXX. For example, model number
HP8648A is now model number Agilent 8648A.

I-

-I

User’s Guide

-HP 85714A Scalar
Measurements
Personality

-I

HP Part No. 85714-90008
Printed in USA July 1994

@Copyright Hewlett-Packard Company 1994
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction, adaptation, or translation without prior
written permission is prohibited, except as allowed under the copyright laws.
1400 Fountaingrove Parkway, Santa Rosa, CA 95403-1799, USA

I-

-I

Scalar measurements with the HP 85714A

The HP 85714A scalar measurements personality provides a portable
easy-to-use solution for making scalar measurements. The HP 85714A installs
in any HP 8590 Series Option 010 spectrum analyzers. (Option 010 spectrum
analyzers have built-in tracking generators.) Depending on your spectrum
analyzer, you can perform transmission measurements in the following
frequency range:
. . 100 kHz to 1.8 GHz
HP 8590B
. 100 kHz to 1.8 GHz
HP 8590D
.
.
.
100 kHz to 1.8 GHz
.
.
HP 8590L
. . 100 kHz to 1.8 GHz
HP 8591A
. . 1MHzto 1.8GHz
.
HP 8591C
. .
. . . 100 kHz to 1.8 GHz
HP 85913
. . .
.
. . .300 kHz to 2.9 GHz
. .
.
HP 8593A
.
300 kHz to 2.9 GHz
.
HP 85933
.
. 300 kHz to 2.9 GHz
HP 8594A
300 kHz to 2.9 GHz
. .
.
HP 85943
. .300 kHz to 2.9 GHz
.
.
HP 8595A
.
. 300 kHz to 2.9 GHz
HP 85953
.
300 kHz to 2.9 GHz
HP 85963
Reflection measurements are possible when the spectrum analyzer/HP 85714A
combination is used with an HP 85630A transmission/reflection test set.
One-button measurement solutions.

The HP 857148 offers one-button measurement solutions that allow you to
measure parameters such as:
0 transmission coefficient
l
reflection coefficient
l VSWR
0 insertion loss
l
bandwidth
l shape factor

.Q
Using limit lines, you can implement pass/fail testing.

111

-I

I-

Once installed, the features of the HP 85714A scalar measurements
personality are accessed via front-panel keys and softkeys.
Required spectrum analyzer:
H P 8590B
HP 8590D . .
HP 85901, . . .
HP 8591A . .
HP 8591C . .
HP 85913 .
HP 8593A .
HP 85933
HP 85948
HP 85943
H P 8595A
H P 8595E
HP 85963 . .

.
.
.
..
.
.
..
.
.

OPTIONS 003 AND 010
OPTIONS 003 AND 010
OPTIONS 003 AND 010
. ............ OPTION 0 10
............ OPTION 010
............ OPTION 010
............ OPTION 010
............ OPTION 010
............ OPTION 010
............ OPTION 010
............ OPTION 010
............ OPTION 010
............ OPTION 010

.
.

.
..... .
. . . . .
.
.
.
.

.
.

I-

-OPT IONAL
H P 8563OA S C A L A R

TRANSMISSION/
REFLECTION TEST SET

PVZlA

I-

To make a measurement.

1. Install the HP 85714A as shown in Chapter 1.
2. Set the frequency and amplitude parameters as shown in Chapter 2.
3. Perform a calibration as shown in Chapter 3.
4. Measure the response as described in Chapter 4.

External tracking generators
T h e H P 85714A scalar measurements personality is designed to use the spectrum analyzer’s internal
tracking generator. Although external tracking generators can be used, the HP 85714A cannot control
them.

Calibration kit
Reflection calibration requires both open
Kit supplies 5OQ type N open

and short

standards. The HP 85032B Option 001 Calibration

standards for calibration.

I-

-I

Redefined front-panel keys.

While in the scalar measurement mode, many of the front-panel keys invoke
new softkeys menus. Refer to Chapter 8, “Reference,” for menu maps
showing the changed keys.
Optional HP 85630A Scalar Transmission/Reflection Test Set.

The optional HP 85630A scalar transmission/reflection test set greatly reduces
the setup time required for reflection measurements. The test set also allows
you to make simuItaneous transmission and reflection measurements without
having to change the equipment setup. The scalar measurements personality
controls the scalar test set via the spectrum analyzer’s rear-panel AUX
INTERFACE connector.
Memory allocation.

The HP 85714A scalar measurements personality stores calibration and limit
line data in trace memory. Therefore, when saving traces use caution to avoid
overwriting calibrations or limit lines. Before saving traces, use the spectrum
analyzer’s catalog feature to determine which trace registers are available for
data.
Reflection measurements.

The optional HP 85630A scalar transmission/reflection test set provides the
necessary external bridge needed to perform reflection measurements. If you
don’t have the HP 85630A, you will need to connect the necessary bridge and
cables to perform the measurement.
In addition to providing a bridge, the test set allows you to perform both
transmission and reflection measurements using the same setup. There’s no
time consuming equipment changes.

Vlll

I-

-I

I-

In this book

This book provides all the information needed to install and operate the
HP 857148 scalar measurements personality and the HP 85630A scalar
transmission/reflection test set.
Softkeys are indicated by a boxed word written in a shadow typeface.
Chapter 1, “Quick Start Guide, 11 explains how to install the personality and
guides you through some simple scalar measurements.
Chapters 2 through 7 describes how to perform measurements using the
scalar measurement mode.
Chapter 8, “Reference,” lists reference material in a easy-to-find manner.
Chapter 9, “Concepts,” is a technical discussion on scalar measurement
accuracy.
Chapter 10, “If You Have a Problem” provides solutions for problems you may
encounter.

Spectrum analyzer operation
If you are not familiar with your spectrum analyzer, refer to the spectrum analyzer’s installation and
operation and programming manuals. These manuals describe spectrum analyzer preparation and
verification, and tell you what to do if something goes wrong. Also, they describe spectrum analyzer
features and tell you how to make spectrum analyzer measurements. Consult these manuals whenever
you have a question about standard spectrum analyzer use.
I

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I-

Hewlett-Packard Software Product License
Agreement and Limited Warranty

Important
Please carefully read this License Agreement before opening the media envelope or operating the
equipment. Rights in the software are offered only on the condition that the Customer agrees to
all terms and conditions of the License Agreement. Opening the media envelope or operating the
equipment indicates your acceptance of these terms and conditions. If you do not agree to the License
Agreement, you may return the unopened package for a full refund.

I-

License Agreement

In return for payment of the applicable fee, Hewlett-Packard grants the
Customer a license in the software, until terminated, subject to the following:
Use.
l

Customer may use the software on one spectrum-analyzer instrument.

Customer may not reverse assemble or decompile the software.

Copies and Adaptations.
l

Customer may make copies or adaptations of the software:
q

For archival purposes, or

When copying or adaptation is an essential step in the use of the
software with a computer so long as the copies and adaptations are used
in no other manner.

Customer has no other rights to copy unless they acquire an appropriate
license to reproduce which is available from Hewlett-Packard for some
software.

Customer agrees that no warranty, free installation, or free training is
provided by Hewlett-Packard for any copies or adaptations made by
Customer.

All copies and adaptations of the software must bear the copyright
notices(s) contained in or on the original.

Ownership.
l

Customer agrees that they do not have any title or ownership of the
software, other than ownership of the physical media.

Customer acknowledges and agrees that the software is copyrighted and
protected under the copyright laws.

Customer acknowledges and agrees that the software may have been
developed by a third party software supplier named in the copyright
notice(s) included with the software, who shall be authorized to hold the
Customer responsible for any copyright infringement or violation of this
License Agreement.

-I

I-

Transfer of Rights in Software.
l

Customer may transfer rights in the software to a third party only as part
of the transfer of all their rights and only if Customer obtains the prior
agreement of the third party to be bound by the terms of this License
Agreement.

Upon such a transfer, Customer agrees that their rights in the software are
terminated and that they will either destroy their copies and adaptations or
deliver them to the third party.

Transfer to a U.S. government department or agency or to a prime or
lower tier contractor in connection with a U.S. government contract shall
be made only upon their prior written agreement to terms required by
Hewlett-Packard.

Sublicensing and Distribution.
l

Customer may not sublicense the software or distribute copies or
adaptations of the software to the public in physical media or by
telecommunication without the prior written consent of Hewlett-Packard.

Termination.
l

Hewlett-Packard may terminate this software license for failure to comply
with any, of these terms provided Hewlett-Packard has requested Customer
to cure the failure and Customer has failed to do so within thirty (30) days
of such notice.

Updates and Upgrades.
l

Customer agrees that the software does not include future updates
and upgrades which may be available for HP under a separate support
agreement.

Export.
l

xii

Customer agrees not to export or re-export the software or any copy or
adaptation in violation of the U.S. Export Administration regulations or
other applicable regulations.

-I

Limited Warranty

Software.

Hewlett-Packard warrants for a period of 90 days from the date of purchase
that the software product will execute its programming instructions when
properly installed on the spectrum-analyzer instrument indicated on this
package. Hewlett-Packard does not warrant that the operation of the software
will be uninterrupted or error free. In the event that this software product
fails to execute its programming instructions during the warranty period,
customer’s remedy shall be to return the measurement card (“media”) to
Hewlett-Packard for replacement. Should Hewlett-Packard be unable to
replace the media within a reasonable amount of time, Customer’s alternate
remedy shall be a refund of the purchase price upon return of the product
and all copies.
Media.

Hewlett-Packard warrants the media upon which this product is recorded
to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use
for a period of 90 days from the date of purchase. In the event any media
prove to be defective during the warranty period, Customer’s remedy
shall be to return the media to Hewlett-Packard for replacement. Should
Hewlett-Packard be unable to replace the media within a reasonable amount
of time, Customer’s alternate remedy shall be a refund of the purchase price
upon return of the product and all copies.
Notice of Warranty Claims.

Customer must notify Hewlett-Packard in writing of any warranty claim not
later than thirty (30) days after the expiration of the warranty period.
Limitation of Warranty.

Hewlett-Packard makes no other express warranty, whether written or oral,
with respect to this product. Any implied warranty of merchantability or
fitness is limited to the 90 day duration of this written warranty.
This warranty gives specific legal rights, and Customer may also have other
rights which vary from state to state, or province to province.

x111

-I

Exclusive Remedies.

The remedies provided above are Customer’s sole and exclusive remedies.
In no event shall Hewlett-Packard be liable for any direct, indirect, special,
incidental, or consequential damages (including lost profit) whether based on
warranty, contract, tort, or any other legal theory.
Warranty Service.

Warranty service may be obtained from the nearest Hewlett-Packard sales
office or other location indicated in the owner’s manual or service booklet

xiv

-1

-I

Quick Start Guide

-I

Quick Start Guide

Use the steps in this chapter to install the HP 85714A scalar measurements
personality and the optional HP 85630A scalar transmission/reflection test set.
These steps also introduce you to some basic measurement features.
You can complete this chapter in about 20 minutes. For instructional
purposes, a 50 MHz bandpass filter is used. You can easily substitute your
own hlter or other device by simply adjusting the frequencies used in these
procedures.

l-2

I-

-I

Before you begin

CAUTION

To install the HP 85714A and skip the tutorial steps, perform only step 2.

Perform steps 1 and 7 through 10 only if you have an HP 85630A test set.

Do not connect or disconnect the HP 85630A test set’s control cable to the
spectrum analyzer’s rear-panel AUX INTERFACE connector while power is
on. Connecting or disconnecting the cable while power is applied may result
in loss of factory correction constants.

l-3

-I

I-

Step 1. Connect the optional HP 85630A test
set

Turn the spectrum analyzer off, and remove the line-power cord.

CAUTION: loss of factory correction constants may result if the spectrum analyzer is powered while connecting or disconnecting th
rear-panel AUX INTERFACE cable.

You may notice the test set’s front-panel PORT 2 connector has a small amount of movement. This is nor a mechanical fault. The
movement is designed to make connecting semirigid cables easier.

Place the two stacking support shoes on the top of the HP 85630A.

STACK I NG
SUPPORT
SHOES

l-4

-I

IQuick Start Guide

Step 1. Connect the optional HP 8563OA test set

Set the spectrum analyzer on top of the stacking support shoes.

PV23A

1 I Connect the front-panel semirigid cables.

CABLES

l-5

I-

-I
Buick S t a r t G u i d e

Step 1. Connect the optional HP 85630A test set

5 Connect the rear-panel auxiliary interface cable.

c
- AUX
INTERFACE
CABLE

Connect the line-power cord to the spectrum analyzer, end turn the power on.

l-6

-I

I-

Step 2. Load the personality

locate the arrow printed on the HP 85714A card’s label.

,RROW

Insert the card into the spectrum analyzer with its arrow matching the raised arrow on the bezel around the card-insertion slot.

1-7

-I
Chick S t a r t G u i d e

Step 2. load the personality

3 On the spectrum analyzer, press

Cm).

Press the

INTRNL

CRD softkey so that CRD is underlined.

PY28A

11 Press the following softkeys

to load the HP 85714A: CATALOG

CARD , MORE 1 OF 2, CATALOG DLP

, end

LOAD FILE.
This step takes about 1 minute to complete. If INVALID
to Chapter 10, “If You Have a Problem.”

REF

PEAK

SYMTAB ENTRY: SYMTAB OVERFLOW

.B dBm
ATTEN IE dB
..............,...............................................................................
HPB59X 128
105 09:16:49 JAN ii, 1991

:i”

dB/

!lLP

is displayed, refer

press to load
scalar analyzer

DELETE
FILE

scalar a n a l y z e r
personality
SA SG

SC FC
CORR

CENTER

EXIT
CATALOG

900 MHz

RES BW 3 MHz

1-8

UBW

1 MHz

SPhN 1.800 GHz

SWP 28 M5eC

PREU
MENU

Quick S t a r t G u i d e

Step 2. load the personality

Press Cm] and then SCALAR

Press the

TEST SET

YES

ANALYZER.

softkey so that YES is underlined.

$7;,,HP 1998,1991,1992 SCALRR
8.8 dBm ATTEN 18 dS
SMPL
LOO

ii/

A.Bl.01

,..
.:.
.:
:. .:..
:
:
HP86714f( SCALAR ANALYZER
(c)HP i99@.199i>1992
SCRLfiR
;
.,, (,,,,,,,, :,, ,,,,,, I,,, ,,,.,; ..,.....,
:

:
.:... . . . . . .

Wh SE
SC FC ,.,, .,, ,,,,,..,......
C O R R
m
-10.0
d0m
CENTER 900 MHz
RRES BY 1E kHz

ANALYZER

.:
:
,,.

UBN 10 kHz

:
'.
:

TEST SET
YES g

p r e s s t o
u n d e r l i n e

Y E S

REVISION
OISPOS~
SCRLAR

:..
.:

SEalaP
ncnu

nore
3af3
SPAN i.#00 0Hz
SWP 50.8 lh5ce RT

The scalar measurements personality is now configured for the test set. Turning the spectrum analyzer off or removing the line
power does not alter this configuration.

l-9

-I

IQuick Start Guide

Step 2. load the personality

,9 Remove the card from the spectrum analyzer.

$&b,HP

1989>199G,1991
SCALAR
0.E dBm ATTEN 10 dB

ANALYZER

l/11/91

..... ........... ................ . ............ .......... ... . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... .... ..

PRESET
SCRLAR

LOG
10
dB/

Anptd

Cal
WA SI
SC FI
CORI

q
dBs'

CENTI
I

Measure

:
IISPLAY

UNDER-RANGE

:5900
BW MHz
18 kHz

:
:

:
:
UBW 18 kHz

l-10

SPAN SWP
1.800
58 15ec
GHz

Display
R,

scalar analyzer
main menu softkeys

I-

Step 3. Calibrate a transmission measurement

This step calibrates the scalar measurements personality for measuring
transmission through a filter.
1. Connect a short, low-loss cable between the input and output
l

If you are using the HP 85630A, connect between Port 1 and Port 2.

If you are using a spectrum analyzer, connect between RF OUT and
INPUT.

2. Press @?ZGKiWJ, and set the center frequency. Our example is 50 MHz.
3. Press ISPANJ, and set the spanwidth. Our example is 50 MHz.
4. Press the ICAL) key and then the CAL THRU softkey.
This enters a guided calibration routine. This routine normalizes the
system response thus eliminating system errors from any measurements.
5. Press the STORE THRU softkey.

1-11

-I

IStep 4. Display the response full screen

SPECTRUM ANALYZER

FILTER

PV210A

1. Connect a bandpass iilter between the input and output.
l

If you are using the HP 85630A, connect between Port 1 and Port 2.

If you are using a spectrum analyzer, connect between RF OUT and
INPUT.

1-12

I-

-I
Quick Start Guide

Step 4. Display the response full screen

The response should appear similar to the following figure.
~;c)HP

1989,199t3,1991
8.0 dB RTTEN 10

SCALAR
dB

ANALYZER

SMPL
LOG
*%.

2/68/91
...................

CAL
OPN/SHRT
CAL
THRU

dB/

CAL ST0
OEVICE
NORMLIZE
E OFF
TRACKING
PERK

0.11

dBm
CENTER 50.00 MHz
#RES BW 18 kliz

'JBW 18 kHz

SPAN

50.00 MHz
SWP 50 msec

MbI-C
1 of 2
RT

2. Press the @LiKiKK) key.

1-13

-I

IQuick S t a r t G u i d e

Step 4. Display the response full screen

3. Press the AUTO SCALE softkey.
The response peak is automatically placed at the normalized reference
level, and the vertical log scale is adjusted to view the response as large
as possible.

Amplitude
autoscaled \

$&WHP 1989,1998,1991 SCALAR
-3.5 d8 RTTEN 18 dB

ANALYZER

2/88/91

ATTEN
m MRN
LOG
SCALE
AUTO
SCRLE
NORR

REF
POSN

NbPc
1 of 2

CENTER 50.00 MHz

#RES 8W 18 kHz

l-14

U8W 1 8 kHz

SPAN 50-00 MHz
GWP

58 lSec

Step 5. Measure the filter’s passband

1. Press the fjMEAS/USER] key followed by the Device BW Meas softkey.
2. Press the BW MEAS ON OFF softkey so that ON is underlined.
3. The display shows the titer’s center frequency, insertion loss, 3 dB
bandwidth, and Q.

F1KR 49.88 MHz
/@(c)HP 1989>1998>1991 SCALAR
REF
,.:".:5...? . . . . il.;.;.F!;F!.;.$.+. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .?.!8...~
SMPL
1 Center:
_
_

ElARKER
49.88 MHz

UPPER 8W
TRRGET
LOWER BW
TARGET
haln
Menu
Previbus
Menu

ES BW 1B kH

UBW IO kHz

SWP 58 15ec

measurement
results

4. Press the SF MEAS ON OFF softkey so that ON is underlined.

1-15

I-

-I

Ihick S t a r t G u i d e

Step 5. Measure the filter’s passband

5. The display shows the filter’s shape factor (lower bandwidth divided by
upper bandwidth).

$;c,HP 1989,1998,1991 SCALAR
MKR A 22.88 MHz I
-3.5 dB RTTEN IB d8
.I6 dB 8W flEAS
SMPL ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
,,-y
:
I
'1Shape Fabtbr (L/U):
LOG
5.88:1
8
Upper BW: -3
SF NEA
dBj
gg OF
LbWer BW: -68
MARKER b
22.88 MHz

LOWER BW
TflRGET

Nain

Menu
Previaus
Menu
UBW

18 kHz

SWP

m5ec

Shape factor
measurement
results

6. Press the SF MEAS ON OFF softkey so that OFF is underlined.
7. To turn the markers off,
l

If you are using an HP 8590B, HP 8591A, HP 5893A, HP 8594A, or
HP 8595A, press the IrV1KR) then MARKERS OFF softkey.

If you are using an HP 8590D, HP 85913, HP 85933, HP 85943,
HP 85953, or HP 85963, press the (MKR), then More, 1 of 2 , and
then the MARKERS ALL OFF softkey.

l-16

-1

-I

Step 6. Set up standard device testing

Standard device testing automatically creates and displays test limits for a
“standard” device. Similar devices can then be compared to the standard
response. This feature is very useful in repetitive production-line testing.
1. Press the ICAL) key followed by the CAL STD DEUICE softkey.
2. With the filter still connected to the spectrum analyzer, press the
STORE STD DEV softkey. The spectrum analyzer displays upper and
lower limit traces that are parallel to the standard devices response.

.1991 SCALAR
$;c,HP 1989,1998.---e
-3.5 d8 RTTEN IS d8

ANALYZER

Z/88/91

UPPER
LIMIT
:
LOWER
LIMIT

__.. ___ !$-$TiH:.58..i&.iil
:S 8W 1E kHz

VBW

16 kHz

SUP

y15ec

\Lower
limit
trace

-I
hick S t a r t G u i d e

Step 6. Set up standard device testing

3. Remove the filter and observe the limit traces displayed on the screen.
The UPPER LIMIT and LOWER LIMIT softkeys define the placement of
the limit traces.
$+$&HP 1989>1938.1991
-3.5 dB RTTEN 18
SMPL

SCALAR
dB

ANALYZER

2/08/91
UPPER
LIMIT

LOG
8
dB/

LOWER
LIMIT
STORE
ST0 OEU
LINITEST
&4 O F F
TRACKING
PERK
CANCEL
tRES BW 18 kHz

UBW 18 kHz

SUP 58 nt5ec

4. Press the LIMITEST ON OFF softkey so that OFF is underlined.

l-18

-I

I-

Step 7. Calibrate a transmission measurement

1. Connect a short, low-loss cable between the input and output.
l

If you are using the HP 85630A, connect between Port 1 and Port 2.

If you are using a spectrum analyzer, connect between RF OUT and
INPUT.

2. Press [FREQUENCY), and set the center frequency. Our example is 50 MHz.
3. Press LSPAN), and set the span width. Our example is 50 MHz.
4. Press the (CAL) key and then the CAL THRU softkey.
5. Press the STORE THOU softkey.

l-19

I-

-I

Step 8. Calibrate a reflection measurement

S P E C T R U M A N A L Y Z E R

OUT

INPUT
SHORT

OPEN
DIRECTIONAL
COUPLER
(OR BRIDGE)
PV21 IA

l-20

SHORT h 6 OPEN

I-

-I
Buick S t a r t G u i d e

Step 8. Calibrate a reflection measurement

Reflection Measurements
In order to measure reflection, a directional signal splitting device, such as a coupler, bridge, or the
H P 85630A test set is required.
I

1. Press the CAL OPN/SHRT softkey.
2. Connect an OJWZ to the measurement port, and then press STORE OPEN
The measurement port may be from the coupler, bridge, or the
HP 85630A test set.
It is good practice to place the OJXYZ at the end of any cable used to
connect PORT 1 to the device being tested. This moves the calibration
to the plane of measurement.
3. Remove the OJWZ and replace it with a short.
4. Press the STORE SHORT softkey.
5. Remove the short.

Step 9. Measure reflection coefficient and
VSWR

S P E C T R U M

F I L T E R

A N A L Y Z E F

F I L T E R

PVZIOA

1. Connect the bandpass filter between the input and output.
l

If you are using the HP 85630A, connect between Port 1 and Port 2.

If you are using a spectrum analyzer, connect between RF OUT and
INPUT.

2. Press the [AMPLITUDE) key.
3. Press the AUTO SCALE softkey.
4. Press the (j-3 key, and then Marker Convert softkey.
5. Press the MAC Sll ON OFF softkey so that ON is underlined.
6. Press the VSWR ON OFF softkey so that ON is underlined.
7. The reflection coefficient and VSWR at the marker is displayed on the
screen.
Use the front-panel knob to move the marker and read the value at
any point.

l-22

-I

IChick Start Guide

Step 9. Measure reflection coefficient and VSWR

ReflectIon
coefficient
and VSWR
at
marker

REF

8.8

ATTEN

ii N A G S l l
i g OFF

USWR
OFF

NAG
ON

S21
OFJ

main
nenu

I _________: _________: __.._.___: _________: _________: _________: _________: .____....: . . . . . . . . . . .
CENTER 50.00 MHz
SPAN 50.00 MHz
#RES BW 18 kHz
UBW IB kHz
SWP 58 M5eC

8. Press the MAC Sll ON OFF softkey so that OFF is underlined.
g. Press the VSWR ON OFF softkey so that OFF is underlined.
lo. Press the (j-1 key and then the LOG SCALE softkey.
11. Set the log scale back to 10 dB per division.

1-23

Step 10. View transmission and reflection
results

ReflectIon
response

Transmission
response

@I
:

_
CENTER 50.00 HHz
XRES

1-24

18 kHz

120 dB
m
ON

.
UBW 18 kH

OFF

.
SPAN 50.00 MHz

I of 2
__

I-

-I
Quick Start Guide

Step 10. View transmission and reflection results

Simultaneous Results
In order to simultaneously view reflection and transmission results, an HP 85630A is required.

1. Press the (MEAS/USER) key, and view the reflection response.
2. Press the TRANS softkey to view the transmission response.
3. Press the @iGiX) key followed by the DUAL DSP OM OFF softkey to
view both the reflection and transmission responses at the same time.
If the Iilter is adjustable, you can adjust it while observing the resulting
transmission and reflection responses in near real time. The scalar
measurements personality updates the traces on alternating sweeps.
4. Press the DUAL DSP ON OFF softkey so that OFF is underlined.

Configuration Error
I f t h e e r r o r m e s s a g e “85630A T E S T S E T C O N F I G U R A T I O N REOUIRED” i s d i s p l a y e d , t h e s c a l a r
personality must be configured. Press CZFiFJ

TEST SET YES

MO so that

YES

More 1 of

3 ,

More 2 of

3 , then

is underlined.

l-25

-I

Preparing for
Measurements

I-

-I

Preparing for Measurements

This chapter teaches the basic controls for the scalar measurements
personality. To use the scalar measurements personality, you must first install
it, refer to Chapter 1, then change to scalar analyzer mode.

2-2

-I

I-

Changing scalar analyzer mode

In this section, you’ll learn how to start, preset, exit, and remove the scalar
measurements personality. Information on finding the HP 85714A’s revision
number is also included. If you followed the instructions in Chapter 1, the
scalar measurements personality should already be installed and in the active
mode.
‘lb use the scalar measurements personality, you must first change the
spectrum analyzer to scalar analyzer mode. You can switch your instrument
between signal analyzer and scalar analyzer operation at any time. This
is accomplished by pressing the front-panel IIVIODE) key, and using softkeys
displayed shown below:

REF
LOG
10
dB/

0.0 dBm RTTEN 10 dB

SPECTRUM
, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A
. NIILY*ER
:

:
:

. . . . . . . .
:

SCALAR
AHRLYZER

press f o r spectrum
analyzer mode
press for scalar
analyzer mode

UBW 10 kHz

Main menu
Enter the scalar measurements personality’s Main menu at any time by pressing [m)

SCALAR ANALYZER.

2-3

IPreparing for Measurements

Changing scalar analyzer mode

The HP 85714A scalar measurements personality does not need to be
reinstalled after switching between the two modes of operation. However, if
you remove the HP 85714A scalar measurements personality as shown in this
section, you’ll need to reinstall it using the procedure in Chapter 1.
Presetting the scalar measurements personality returns it to a known start-up
state. PRESET SCALAR in Chapter 8 provides information on the preset
state.

To enter scalar analyzer mode
1. Press the front-panel (rvroDEl) key.
2. If the SCALAR ANALYZER mode softkey does not appear, press Ijjj
again.
3. Press the SCALAR ANALYZER softkey.

To return to spectrum analyzer mode
1. Press the front-panel [MODE) key.
2. Press the SPECTRUM ANALYZER softkey.

2-4

I-

-I
Preparing for Measurements

Changing scalar analyzer mode

To preset the scalar measurements personality
1. Press the (MODE) key.
2. Press Scalar Analyzer to enter the main menu.
3. Press the PRESET SCALAR softkey.

To remove the HP 85714A
1. Press the front-panel (CONFIG) key.
2. Press the MORE 1 of 3 and then MORE 2 of 3 softkeys.
3. Press the DISPOSE SCALAR softkey twice.
This procedure removes the HP 857148 from the spectrum analyzer’s
memory. You must reinstall the HP 85714A to use it again.

2-5

-I
Viewing the revision number

The scalar measurements personality’s revision number is available via
softkeys. It is used by the factory to indicate the vintage of the program. You
may be asked for this number when requesting help from Hewlett-Packard.

2-6

-I

IPreparing for Measurements

Viewing the revision number

To view the HP 85714A revision number
Revision
number

1990>1991
SCALAR ANALYZER
A.EB.BE
8.8 dBm ATTEN 10 dB
...................................................................................................

$;o)HP
SMPL
LO0
dlgB/

.._

:
;
:
:

:
:

j
I
I
:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .._ ,,,,....
:
:
:

:
:
:

TEST SET
YES E

01SP0SE
SChLAR

' . . . . . .iv . . . . . . .i . . . . . . . . .,:;...::..i.;., . . . . . . . . . .____.. 2
dB:"li
SPhN 1.800 GHz
CENTER 900 MHz
SWP 58 M5eC
UBW 18 kHz
lRES BW 18 kHz

MOPC
3 of 3
RT

1. Press the front-panel (jCONFIG) key.
2. Press the MORE 1 of 3 and then MORE 2 of 3 softkeys.
3. Press the SCALAR REVISION softkey.
4. The revision number is displayed at the top of the display.

2-7

-I

I-

Controlling the frequency

The scalar measurements personality uses the spectrum analyzer’s built in
tracking generator as the RF source. The tracking generator’s output tracks
the scalar analyzer’s input frequency.
Set the scalar analyzer’s frequency using the front-panel [FREQUENCY) and
LSPAN_) keys. The tracking generator’s output frequency tracks the scalar
analyzer’s frequency. So, by setting the scalar analyzer’s frequency you
control the tracking generator.

2-8

-I
Preparing for Measurements

Controlling the frequency

To sweep the frequency
1. Press the front-panel CFREQUENCY) key.
2. Use the front-panel knob or numeric keypad to set the center frequency.
3. Press the (SPAN] key.
4. Use the front-panel knob or numeric keypad to set the frequency span.

2-9

-I

I-

Controlling the amplitude

The Amplitude menu allows you to control the scalar analyzer’s vertical scale,
reference level, and normalized trace position. To enter the Amplitude menu,
press the front-panel @KiKiKK] key or press the main menu’s Amptd
softkey.

Reference
level

/;o

REF

10
dB/

6.0 dBm RTTEN 10 dB
........................................................................................
“‘.’

.....

“’

“““”

..““““““.‘.

..-..........:......

I
-....:......

I
I

LEVEL

Scalar
analyzer
ATTEN/input
attenuation
m MhN

ScEYVertrcaI
log scale
hUT0
SCALE

NORN

i
I
:
:
:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . i . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . :r . i . . . . . . . . . .

dl sm
CENTER 900 MHz
#RI :S BW 10 kHz

UBW 10 kHz

REF
POSN

,Automatically
sets log scale
for proper
display

Mare
1 of 2

SPAN 1.
SWP

Page One of Amplitude Menu

RT
\

‘Normalized
reference
position

Any changes in the reference level should be made before measurement
calibration. To change the reference position after calibration, use
NORM REF POSN Refer to Chapter 3 for information on calibrating for
measurements.
For best measurement accuracy, place the peak signal response at the
reference level. The AUTO SCALE softkey automatically sets the vertical
scale to show a displayed response. Use this softkey after calibration.

2-10

-I

IPreparing for Measurements

Controlling the amplitude

&h,HP

1990>1991,1992
SCALAR
0.0 dBm ATTEN 10 dB

ANALYZER

SMPL I
:

A.O1.O1
:

:
:

COlJPLE/~~" iyi\it 0 n
DC K

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,: ,,,,,,,,,:,,,,,,,I,,,..,......,........:...
.: :. .
CENTER 900 MHz
I)RES BW 10 kHz

UBW 10 kHz

. . . . . . . I ,........
SPAN i.800 GHz
SWP
50.0
msec

MaIn
Menu
mare

HP 8594AIE
HP 8595AIE
HP 8598E

2 of 2
RT

Page Two of Amplitude Menu

2-11

-I

IPreparing for Measurements

Controlling the amplitude

To change the reference level
1. Press the front-panel [AMPLITUDE) key.
2. Press the REF LEVEL softkey.
3. Use the front-panel knob or numeric keypad to set the new reference
level.

To change the amplitude scale
1. Press the front-panel @KiKKKK] key.
2. Press the LOG SCALE softkey.
3. Use the front-panel knob or numeric keypad to change the amplitude scale.
The default log scale is set to 10 dB per division.

2-12

-I

I-

Changing the input attenuation

The scalar analyzer’s input attenuator can be set in 10 dB increments. For
HP 8590B and HP 8591A spectrum analyzers, the range is from 0 dB to 60 dB.
For HP 8593A, HP 8594A, and HP 8595A spectrum analyzers, the range is
from 0 dB to 70 dB. To protect the scalar analyzer, 0 dB attenuation can only
be set using the numeric keypad (not the front-panel knob).
Input attenuation can be controlled automatically by the scalar analyzer
personality or manually from the front-panel. Automatic coupling adjusts the
attenuator to prevent compression of the input signal. Attenuation that is
set manually is uncoupled from the reference level. (The reference level is
limited at the high end by the manual attenuation setting. This limit is equal
to -10 dBm plus the amount of RF attenuation.)

To change the input attenuation
1. Press the front-panel CAMPL’TUDE] key.
2. Press the ATTEN AUTO MAN softkey to activate the input attenuation.
3. Press the ATTEN AUTO MAN softkey until MAN is underlined.
4. Use the front-panel knob or numeric keypad to set the input attenuation.

2-13

-I

I-

Controlling the source’s frequency and power

You control the built-in tracking generator through the Source menu. To
enter the source menu, press the front-panel (AUXCTRL) key or use the scalar
analyzer’s main menu.

$f7;c,HP 1989,1998>1991
SCALAR
0.8 dBm fITTEN lb3 dB

LOG
10

dBr'

ANALYZER

l/11/91

. . . ..*.............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
:
j
:
j
j
j
u
T R A C K I N G
:
PEAK
:
IRWIN TRK
RDJUST
PWR
ON

SWP
j3FJ

ATTEN PORT 1

activate
and set

source
power level

optimize source
frequency tracking
manually adjust
source tracking
sweep
output

the source’s
power

set optional test
set’s PORT 1
attenuator

r-lore
1 of 2
RT

Page One of Source Menu

The source frequency tracks the input frequency of the scalar analyzer. To
ensure accurate frequency tracking between the scalar analyzer and its
tracking generator, press the TRACKING PEAK softkey in the CAL menu.
Peaking the source is especially important at these times:
l

Before a calibration.

After temperature changes.

After any resolution bandwidth changes.

2-14

-I
Preparing for Measurements

Controlling the source’s frequency and power

8.8 dBm RTTEN 10 dB
...........................,.................................................................

SRC ,q*~
m MAN
SRC PWR
OFFSET

_....._.. i .__.._.__: _._______: _________~ ________.~ . . .._____. _________: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...! . . . . . . .
CENTER 900 MHz
SPAN 1.800 GHz
UBW 18 kHz
#RES BW 10 kHz
SWP 58 15co

-set a u t o m a t i c
or
control
of
source
-

offset

?.ource

manual
attenuator

power

NOPC
2 of 2
RT

Page Two of Source Menu

2-15

I-

-I
Preparing for Measurements

Controlling the source’s frequency and power

The amount of control over the source’s output power depends on the
spectrum analyzer used. See the following table for a summary of the
options, power ranges and attenuations.
HP 8590 Series Source Power Range and Attenuation
I

Model Number

Power Range

Attenuation

010

0 t o - 1 5 dBm

None

011

- 6 t o - 2 1 dBm

None

010

0 t o - 7 0 dBm

0 to ‘60 dB

011

- 6 t o - 7 0 dBm

0 t o 60 dB

+l t o - 1 0 dBm

None

Option

HP 85908, HP 8590D

HP 8691A. HP 8591E

HP 8593A. HP 8594A. HP 8595A
010

HP 8593E, HP 8594L HP 8595E. HP 8698E
010
- 1 t o - 6 6 dBm

0 to 56 dB

Attenuation on the HP 8591A, HP 85933, HP 85943, HP 85953, and
HP 85963 can be changed from 0 to 60 dB. With automatic control, the scalar
analyzer sets the attenuation as necessary to maintain a calibrated display.
The default setting is AUTO with 0 dB of attenuation and - 10 dBm source
power.
The default setting after presetting the scalar analyzer is power on.
Activating the SRC PWR CM OFF softkey makes the output power the active
function.

2-16

-I

IPreparing for Measurements

Controlling the source’s frequency and power

To turn on and set source power
1. Press the [AUX] key to enter the scalar analyzer’s Source menu
2. Press SRC WA ON OFF so that ON is underlined.
3. Use the front-panel knob or numeric keypad to set the source output
power.

2-17

I-

-I

Changing the source’s attenuation

HP 8591A, HP 85933, HP 85943, HP 85953, and HP 85963 spectrum
analyzers have output attenuators for the tracking generator. HP 8590B,
HP 8590D, HP 8593A, HP 8594A, and HP 8595A spectrum analyzers do not
have output attenuators.
Attenuation can be changed from 0 to 60 dB. In automatic mode, the scalar
analyzer sets the attenuation as necessary to maintain a calibrated display.
The default setting is AUTO with 0 dB of attenuation.

To change source attenuation
1. Press the @KZKj key.
2. Press the More 1 of 2 softkey.
3. Press the SRC ATM AUTO MAN softkey to activate the function.
4. Press the SRC ATM AUTO MAN again so that MAN is underlined.
5. Use the front-panel knob or numeric keypad to set the source attenuation.

2-18

-I
Compensating for external gain or loss

Compensating for external gain or loss ensures that display readouts reflect
the true power levels at the input to the device being tested.
For example, if the source power is 0 dBm, and 3 dB of loss occurs between
the RF OUT connector and the device being tested, the display readouts show
the power at the RF OUT connector. With the source power offset set to 3
dB, the displayed source power annotation indicates the power at the device
being tested: -3 dBm.
Because output power is specified over a finite range, certain combinations
of source power and source power offset can produce an uncalibrated or
unleveled source output.

To compensate for external gain or attenuation
1. Press the (AUXj key to enter the scalar analyzer’s Source menu.
2. Press the More 1 of 2 softkey.
3. Press the SIX! PWR OFFSET softkey.
4. Enter the amount of offset in dB. (Press the [ENTER) key to complete the
entry.)

2-19

-I

I-

Power sweeps

You can configure the scalar measurements personality for swept-power
measurements. Power sweeps can be used in a zero frequency span or with
frequency sweeps. As an example, use power sweeps to measure the 1 dB
gain compression of a limiter. Or, use a power sweep to remove the slope
from cable related losses. (You can compensate for roll off, but not roll up,
with power sweeps.) Refer to the spectrum analyzer’s operating manual for
more information on power sweeps.

To sweep the power
1. Press the (AUX] key to enter the scalar measurements personality’s
Source menu.
2. Use the front-panel knob or numeric keypad to enter the starting power
for the sweep.
3. Press TRACKING PEAK softkey.
4. Press the PWR SWP IIN OFF softkey twice so that ON is underlined.
5. Use the front-panel knob or numeric keypad to enter the amount in dB to
sweep the power.

2-20

-I

IPreparing for Measurements

Power sweeps

To remove slope from the test setup
The scalar analyzer’s power sweeps can be used to remove slope from the
test setup. By sweeping the source’s power level we can compensate for the
system loss. The following figure illustrates slope caused by the frequency
response of the system.
14:40:36 FEB 09, 1991

$'Fh,HP 1989,1990>1991
SCALAR ANALYZER Z/88/91
-13.9 dBm ATTEN 18 dB
..............................................................................................
SMPL
LOG
:
. . . . . . . :. . . . . . . . . . . . .

:e/
:
.,.......,..........,...........,......:
,.

:
..I I,: II.......: ,,......1................~~~~.........
:
1

REF
LEVEL
ATTEN
m MRN
LOG
SCRLE

. . . .
AUTO
SCALE
NORII

I _________: _________: ___._____: .._._____: _________: _________: _________: _________: _________: _________
SPAN 1.300 GHz
CENTER 900 MHz
SWP 58 lasec
XRES BW 18 kHz
VBW 18 kHz

REF
POSN

not-e
1 ot 2
RT

1. Press the a key, and place the marker at the start of the displayed
response. This is the start power level.
2. Press the MARKER DELTA softkey, and place the delta marker at the other
end of the display.
The delta marker now reads the amount of loss or gain in the response
over the entire viewed frequency range.
3. Press the [AUX] key to enter the Source menu.
4. Press the PWR SWP ON OFF softkey so that ON is underlined.
5. Enter the power gain or loss required at the end of the sweep relative to
the start of the sweep.

2-21

-I

Preparing for Measurements

Power sweeps

This is equal to the negative of the value determined using the marker
keys in the above steps. For example, if the delta marker reads -2.6 dB,
enter +2.6 dB for the power sweep.

14:43:27

FEB 09, 1991

$&MiP
SCRLAR
-13.91989>1998a1991
dBm ATTEN 10 dB

ANALYZER

Set
starting
power

2/08/91
2

CENTER 900 MHz
XRES BW 10 kHz

2-22

;

VBW 10 kHz

OFF

Mare

SPAN

.
1.800 GHz

SWP

bsec

1 of 2
RT

-I

I-

Controlling the HP 85630A test set

HP 85630A scalar transmission/reflection test set with Option 001 includes an
output attenuator at PORT 1. You can change the attenuation from 0 to 70 dB
in 10 dB steps.

&h,HP 1989,1990,1991 SGALRR ANALYZER l/11/91
8.0 d8n RTTEN 10 dB
...................................................................................................
. . . . . . . . . . . . . :...
dB/

RTTEN PORT 1
0 dB

:
:

.,,,,,,,,:

TRACKING
PEbK

:
:
,,,,.,,...,,..,....,.....,...:

MAN TRK
AOJUST

psOsftd;u;

SRC PYR
oN OFF

attenuation

PWR SUP

. . . I . . ..I

Piore
._.______: _____._____________: __.......: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 of 2
SPAN i-800 GHz

CENTER 900 MHz
XRES BW 10 kHz

VBW 10 kHz

SWP 59 I!.CC

You must inform the scalar analyzer if you have the optional HP 85630A
scalar transmission/reflection test set connected. Refer to the following
procedure. The scalar analyzer controls the test set through the auxiliary
interface on the spectrum analyzer’s rear panel.

2-23

I-

-I
Preparing for Measurements

Controlling the HP 85830A test set

To turn on the test set
1. Press the front-panel (m] key.
2. Press the MORE 1 of 3 and then

2 of 3 softkeys.

3. Press the TEST SET YES NO softkey so that YES is underlined.
Turning the test set on informs the scalar analyzer that the optional
HP 85630A test set is attached.

To change the test set’s attenuation
1. Press the (AUXCTRL) key.
2. Press the More 1 of 2 softkey.
3. Press the ATTEN PORT 1 softkey.
4. Use the front-panel knob or numeric keypad to set the source attenuation
from 0 to 70 dB.
HP 85630A scalar transmission/reflection test set must include Option 001.
Standard test sets do not have the PORT 1 attenuator.

2-24

I-

-I

AC/DC coupling

With HP 8594A, HP 85943, HP 8595A, HP 85953, and HP 85963
spectrum analyzers, you can select either AC or DC coupling between the
INPUT connector and the internal circuits. Use the Amplitude menu’s
COUPLE AC DC softkey to select AC or DC coupling.

2-25

-I

I-

Calibrating for
Measurements

I-

-I

Calibrating for Measurements

Measurement calibration is required before performing accurate reflection
or transmission measurements. Calibration “normalizes” the test setup by
canceling system frequency response.

3-2

-I

Using self-guided calibrations

The calibration procedures described in this chapter are self guided. They
prompt you to make the necessary equipment connections. Using the
Calibration menu you can:
l
l
l
l
l
l
l

Calibrate reflection measurements.
Calibrate transmission measurements.
Calibrate standard device measurements.
Turn normalization on or off.
Save and recall calibrations.
Show calibration ranges using display lines.
Peak the tracking generator.

To enter the Calibration menu, press the front-panel ICAL) key or press the
Main menu’s Cal softkey.

Calibration data
Until saved, calibration data is stored in volatile memory and can be lost.

3-3

-I

I-

Calibrating for maximum dynamic range

Maximum dynamic range is the amplitude range between the largest and
smallest signal that can be measured simultaneously. Maximum dynamic
range is especially important during transmission measurements.

To ensure maximum dynamic range
1. Display the uncalibrated response of the device.
2. Reduce the spectrum analyzer’s input attenuation and tracking generator’s
output attenuation to the lowest level possible. Use the maximum tracking
generator power without causing signal compression.
3. Change the reference level so that the response is at the top of the display.
4. Perform the calibration as described in this chapter.

3-4

-I

I-

Peaking the tracking generator

Peaking optimizes the source’s frequency tracking. This ensures optimum
frequency tracking between the RF OUT and the scalar analyzer’s input
frequency. Remember to peak the tracking generator before calibration.

To peak the tracking generator
1. Press the front-panel m key.
2. Press the TRACKING PEAK softkey.

3-5

I-

-I
Calibrating transmission measurements

During transmission calibrations, the device being tested is replaced with
a through-line (cable). The resulting calibration cancels out the frequency
response of the system including the cable. Use a low-loss cable with low
VSWR to avoid introducing errors.

To calibrate a transmission measurement
1. Set the scalar analyzer’s frequency, span, output power, output
attenuation, resolution bandwidth, and reference level for the desired
response.
2. Connect a low-loss, low-VSWR, cable (thru line) between the front-panel
RF OUT and INPUT connectors.
If using the HP 85630A test set, connect the cable between the test set’s
PORT 1 and PORT 2 connectors.
3. Press the front-panel ICAL) key.
4. Press the TRACKING PEAK softkey.
The scalar analyzer performs a short routine to optimize the frequency
tracking of the tracking generator.
5. Press the CAL THRU softkey.
6. Press the STORE THRU softkey.
Notice the “NORM” annotation in the lower-left corner of the display
indicating the display is normalized.

3-6

-I

I-

Calibrating reflection measurements

During Reflection calibrations, you terminate the line at the plane of reflection
using an OJXX and short connection. The plane of reflection is typically
located at the input to the device being tested. Simply remove the device and
replace it with the short or OJXVZ as directed by the calibration routine.

Calibration kit
Reflection calibration requires both open
Kit supplies 5OQ type N open

and short

and shurr

standards. The HP 850328 Option 001 Calibration

standards for calibration.

To calibrate a reflection measurement
You must use an external bridge (test set) to make reflection measurements.
The optional HP 85630A scalar transmission/reflection test set is the
recommended test set.
1. Set the scalar analyzer’s frequency, span, output power, output
attenuation, resolution bandwidth, and reference level for the desired
response.
2. Press the front-panel a key.
3. Connect a cable (thru line) between PORT 1 and PORT 2 of the
HP 85630A test set.
4. Press the TRACKING PEAK softkey.
The scalar analyzer performs a short routine to optimize the frequency
tracking of the tracking generator.

3-7

-1

I-

-I
Calibrating for Measurements

Calibrating reflection measurements

5. Remove the cable from the path between the PORT 1 and PORT 2
connectors.
6. Press the CAL OPN/SHRT softkey.
7. Place an OJXX connector on PORT 1 of the HP 85630A. This is the output
of the bridge.

PV222

8. Press the STORE OPEN softkey.
9. Replace the 0~ connector with a

short

connector.

10. Press the STORE SHORT softkey.
Notice the NORM annotation in the lower-left corner of the display
indicating the display is normalized.

3-8

-I

I-

Calibrating for a standard device

The scalar measurements personality provides a standard device calibration
routine. Standard device calibration allows you to make repeated pass/fail
testing based on the response of a standard device-under-test. During
calibration, instead of using a through line, your standard device is placed in
the path between the RF output and the RF input connectors. The scalar
analyzer personality then creates special limit-line traces above and below the
response of the standard device.
The following figure shows the response of a 50 MHz bandpass filter. You
could save this response as a standard device against which to test similar
bandpass filters.
c
REF

0.0

ATTEN

CAL
OPN/SHRT

SMPL
LOG
10
dB/

CAL
THRU
CAL ST0
DEVICE
NORMLIZE
E OFF
TRACKING
PEAK

CENTER 56.66 MHz
tRES BW 10 kHz

UBW 10 kHz

SPAN 58.66 MHz

SWP 50 ld5ec

Limit-line testing is turned on (and upper and lower limit traces displayed)
after pressing the ICAL) key and then the CAL STD DEVICE softkey.

3-9

-I
Calibrating for Measurements

Calibrating for a standard device

& (c)HP 1989,199B,1991 SCALAR
-3.5 dG ATTEN 1G dl
REF
‘, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SMPL
LOG
:
j
:
I
*

ANALYZER

Z/88/91

EB
UPPER
LINIT

Upper
limit
trace

Response
standard
device

#RES GW 18 kHz

UBW 18 kHz

SWP 58 15ec

Lower
limit
trace

You define the window between the upper and lower limit traces using the
UPPER LIMIT and LOWER LIMIT softkeys. Enter the amount of deviation
in dB between the response of the standard device and the limit trace. The
default value is 3 dB.
Standard device calibrations can be performed after a normal open/short
or thru calibration. Limit traces created by the standard device calibration
cannot be edited or stored. To turn off a standard device calibration,
press the Calibration menu’s LIMITEST ON OFF softkey so that OFF is
underlined.

3-10

I-

-I
Calibrating for Measurements

Calibrating for a standard device

To calibrate a standard device
1. Connect the device between the front-panel RF OUT and INPUT
connectors.
or
If you are using the HP 85630A test set, connect the device between the
test set’s PORT 1 and PORT 2 connectors.
2. Set the scalar analyzer’s frequency, span, output power, output
attenuation, resolution bandwidth, and reference level for the desired
response.
3. Press the front-panel ICAL) key.
4. Press the TRACKIWG PEAK softkey.
The scalar analyzer performs a short routine to optimize the frequency
tracking of the tracking generator.
5. Press the CAL STD DEVICE softkey.
6. Press the UPPER LIMIT softkey, and enter the amount of deviation in dB
that is acceptable above the displayed response.
7. Press the LOWER LIMIT softkey, and enter the amount of deviation in dB
that is acceptable below the displayed response.
3. Press the STORE STD DEV softkey
9. Replace the standard device with the device to be tested.

3-11

I-

-I

I-

Saving and recalling calibrations

Transmission, reflection, and standard device calibrations can be saved and
recalled for later use. (Turning the scalar analyzer off or presetting it will
not effect the calibration data.) However, if a calibration is not saved, the
calibration data can be lost if one of the following occurs:
l

the spectrum analyzer is turned off

the front-panel [PRESET) key is pressed

another calibration is performed

Saving calibrations
When saving calibration data, keep in mind that reflection and transmission
calibrations are saved in the same operation as a group of data. Two separate
save and recall operations are not needed.
CAUTION

Calibration data is saved in trace memory registers. Use caution to avoid
deleting any previously saved traces.
Calibrations are saved in CAL groups starting with number 1. Each group
requires two trace memory registers and is saved starting at trace register
51. (Trace register 52 is used by the program and is not available.) Trace
CAL group 1 corresponds to trace memory registers 50 and 51. As more
calibrations are saved, calibration memory grows towards trace memory
register 1. If you need to determine availability and use of trace registers,
catalog trace memory.
Before being saved, calibration data is temporarily stored in CAL group
0. Unlike the CAL groups used for saving calibrations, this storage area is
temporary. Calibration data in CAL group 0 can be lost if it is not saved as
described in this section.

3-12

I-

-I
Calibrating for Measurements

Saving and recalling calibrations

limit lines
Limit lines, as described in Chapter 5, are also saved in trace memory Limit lines are saved starting at
memory register 0 and increasing towards calibration memory As the number of saved calibrations and
limit lines grows, the possibility of overwriting limit line or calibration data increases.

To catalog trace memory
1. Press the [RECALL) key.
2. Press the INTRNL CRD softkey so that INTRNL is underlined.
3. Press the CATALOG INTRNL softkey.
4. Press the CATALOG REGISTER softkey.
5. Use the front-panel knob to scroll the display of trace memory.

To save calibration data
1. Perform a calibration.
2. Press the More 1 of 2 softkey.
3. Press the SAVE + CAL softkey.
4. Enter a register number.
5. Press [ENTER) to store the calibration data.
3-13

-I

ICalibrating for Measurements

Saving and recalling calibrations

Recalling calibrations
When recalled, calibration data automatically sets the scalar analyzer’s
frequency, amplitude, and scale parameters appropriate to the calibration.
When recalling calibration data, remember the following:
l

Normalization remains off until you turn it on.

Both transmission and reflection calibration data is recalled (if both saved).

Measurement type (transmission/reflection) is not selected.

To recall calibration data
1. Press the front-panel a key.
3. Press the More 1 of 2 softkey.
3. Press the RECALL --+ CAL softkey,
4. Enter the register number.
5. Press @KKK) to recall the calibration data.

3-14

-I

IViewing calibration limits

Display calibration has a finite amplitude range. This is due to 70 dB of log
fidelity and because normalization shifts the response.

REF

'3.8

ATTEN

llKR

321.4 NH,? m
-2.37 dB
SAVE
+CRL

LOG
10
dB/

RECALL
rCRL
MAX RNG
O N OFF
........
:

Wh-SB

,,..... :. .,,.,

I.................
: \

dBa
.0ISP:LAY UNDER-:RtoNGE:
._
CENTER 321.4 MHz
UBW
XRES BW 1 kHz

1 kHz

calibration
warning

limit

HIN RNG
fi OFF

.
.
.
.
SPhN 468.8 MHz
SWP 568 M5eC

press to show
minimum
calibrati on
display line

n0re

2 of 2
RT

display Line showing
minimum
calibration

range

To view the limits of calibration, use the MAX RNG ON OFF and
MIN RNG ON OFF softkeys. Horizontal calibration lines are displayed
indicating the limits of display calibration. (The lines may not be visible if
their amplitude is beyond the displayed scale.) Normally, the calibration lines
are turned off.

3-15

-I

ICalibrating for Measurements

Viewing calibration limits

When a response goes beyond the calibrated limit, the scalar analyzer
displays one of the following two messages:
DISPLAYUNDER-RANGE
DISPLAYOVER-RANGE
Portions of the trace displayed outside the calibration limit lines do not show
an accurate response. The portion of the response that falls between the two
display lines remains calibrated. Portions which cross the displayed line are
uncalibrated. Changing the log scale does not affect calibration.

To view the calibrated limits of the display
1. Press the front-panel @ZJ key.
2. Press the More 1 of 2 softkey.
3. To show the maximum level of calibrated display, press MAX RNG ON OFF
so that ON is underlined.
4. To show the minimum level of calibrated display, press MIN RNG ON OFF
so that ON is underlined.

3-16

-I

Changing the normalized position and
reference level

The default normalized reference position is at the display’s top graticule line.
(It is represented on screen by an angle bracket at each end of a horizontal
graticule line.) NORM REF POSN sets the reference position to any of the
eight major horizontal graticule lines. Position eight is the top graticule;
position zero is the bottom graticule.
The reference position is always the top graticule line when normalization is
turned off.
The scalar analyzer places the normalized reference level at the normalized
reference position. (The default is at top horizontal line of the graticule.)

To change the normalized reference position
1. Press the front-panel (-J key.
3. Press the NORM RRF POSN softkey.
3. Use the front-panel knob or numeric keypad to place the normalized
reference position at any of the eight major horizontal graticules.

I-

-I

Measuring
Reflection/Transmission
Parameters

-I

Measuring Reflection/Transmission Parameters
The HP 85714A scalar measurements personality not only displays device
reflection and transmission, but in addition provides automatic measurements
for device characterization. These include VSWR, transmission/reflection
coefficients, bandwidth, and shape factor parameters. This chapter includes
information on swept-power measurements which allow you to characterize
distortion related to input power.

4-2

-I

IMeasuring Reflection/Transmission Parameters

Changing the normalized position and reference level

To enter the Measure menu, press the front-panel [MEAS/USER) key or press
the Main menu’s Measure softkey.

View
reflection
t
REF

0.0

flTTEN

.tB

-/
REFL

Device

BW Mear

Measure
bandwidth
parameters

C~~::::\Meas”re

Sil.
s21.
and VSWR

CENTER 321.4 MHz

#RES BW 18 kHi!

UBW 18 kHz

SPAN 5 0 0 . 8 MHz
SWP 58 nt5ec

nbPt
1 of 2
RT

Page One of Measure Menu

4-3

-I
Measuring Reflection/Transmission Parameters

Changing the normalized position and reference level

For information on using the DELTA MEAS , PK-PK MEAS , and
Limit Lines softkeys, refer to Chapter 5.

REF

B.B

RTTEN

DELTA
nfhs

SMPL
LOG
10
dB/

Main
Menu

CENTER 321.4 RHz

XRES BW 18 kHz

'JEW 18 kHz

SPAN 500.0 MHz
SW,' 58 M5tb

Page Two of Measure Menu

4-4

MbPt
2 of 2
RT

-I
Viewing transmission and reflection

After normalizing the display, the scalar measurements personality offers
extensive control for viewing the response on the screen.
If an HP 85630A scalar transmission/reflection test set is used, you can easily
switch between transmission and reflection measurements. The test set also
provides the ability to simultaneously display both responses. The scalar
analyzer automatically controls the HP 85630A scalar transmission/reflection
test set for the two measurement setups.

Reflection
response

Transmission
response

DSP LINE
ON
OFF
DUAL OSP
Qy O F F
120 dE
O N @-J
Tabular
Display

CENTER 50.00 MHz

#RES BW 18 kHz

UEW 18 kHz

SPAN

50.00
MHz
s!dP 58 M5tb

NbPt
I of 2

N O T E
If you don’t have the test set, you must manually use external cabling and couplers to view reflection.

4-5

I-

-I
Measuring Reflection/Transmission Parameters

Viewing transmission and reflection

To view device transmission
1. Calibrate the measurement as explained in “To Calibrate a Transmission
Measurement” in this chapter.
2. If you are not using the HP 85630A test set, connect the device being
measured (for example a Iilter) between the scalar analyzer’s RF OUT and
INPUT connectors.
S P E C T R U M

A N A L Y Z E R

RF
PV28

F I L T E R

3. If you are using the HP 85630A test set, connect the device being
measured between the PORT 1 and PORT 2 connectors.

2
cviiv

4-6

PORT 2

F I L T E R

-I
Measuring Reflectionflransmission Parameters

Viewing transmission and reflection

4. Press the (jMEAS/USER] key.
5. Press the TRAWS softkey so that it is underlined.

To view device reflection
You must use an external bridge (test set) to view device reflection. The
optional HP 85630A scalar transmission/reflection test set is the recommended
test set.
1. Calibrate the measurement as explained in “To Calibrate a Reflection
Measurement” in Chapter 3.
2. Connect the device being measured (for example a filter) between the
PORT 1 and PORT 2 connectors of the HP 85630A test set.

PORT 2

PV220

F I L T E R

3. Press the (jMEAS/USER) key.
4. Press the REFL softkey so that it is underlined.

4-7

IMeasuring Reflection/Transmission Parameters

Viewing transmission and reflection

To view transmission/reflection simultaneously
Viewing both the transmission and reflection response simultaneously
requires an HP 85630A scalar transmission/reflection test set.
Make sure the HP 85630A scalar transmission/reflection test set is turned
on as described in Chapter 2.
Calibrate the measurement as explained in “To calibrate a Transmission
measurement” and “To calibrate a reflection measurement” in Chapter 3.
Connect the device being measured (for example a filter) between the
PORT 1 and PORT 2 connectors of the HP 85630A test set.

PV220

F I L T E R

Press the c-1 key.

Press the DUAL DSP ON OFF softkey so that ON is underlined.

4-8

I-

-I
Measuring Reflection/Transmission Parameters

Viewing transmission and reflection

To turn normalization off
1. Press the front-panel ICALl key.
2. Press the NORMLIZE ON OFF softkey so that OFF is underlined.
Use this feature to temporarily turn normalization on or off.

4-9

IViewing 120 dB of measurement range

The scalar analyzer can display a 120 dB measurement range not available
with the normal 15 dB per division log scale.

REF

8.8

ATTEN

OSP LINE
ON JIFJ

Tabular
Display

CENTER 321.4 MHz

#RES BW 18 kHz

UBW

18 kHz

SPAN 500.0 MHz

SUP 58 15ec

The 120 dB calibrated measurement range is achieved by splicing two
separate traces. For each visible sweep, the scalar analyzer first saves the top
50 dB of trace data. Then, the reference level is set up to 50 dB below the
current reference level and another reading is taken. Finally, these two traces
are spliced together and displayed on the screen.
To achieve greater than 85 dB of dynamic range, perform the measurement
without the HP 85630A Scalar Transmission/Reflection Test Set.

In dual display mode
You cannot view 120 dB measurement range in the dual display mode. Klual display refers to
simultaneously displaying both transmission and reflection responses.)

4-10

I-

-I
Measuring Reflection/Transmission Parameters

Viewing 120 dB of measurement range

Use the 120 dB ON OFF softkey to turn on the 120 dB measurement range
feature. This feature places the spectrum analyzer in single sweep mode.
Press the (j-1 key to remeasure a device.

To view 120 dB of measurement range
1. Press the front-panel I-J key.
2. Press the 120 dE! ON OFF softkey so that ON is underlined.
3. Press the [HOLD] key to remove the displayed measurement message
4. Press the CsGLSWP) key each time you need an updated display.

4-11

I-

-I

Automatically scaling the response

The scalar analyzer provides one-button scaling. To scale the response for
full screen, simply press the Amplitude menu’s AUTO SCALE softkey. Of
course, you can still manually scale the response by changing the normalized
reference level and log scale.

~IUTO
SCRLE
NORN

CENTER

321.40 MHz

tRES BW 18 kHz

VBW 18 ktiz

REF
POSN

Press
10
scale
autom atically

SPAN 75.00 MHz

SWP 58 m5ec

Response before Automatic Scaling

Auto scaling is a one-time adjustment. The log scale does not continually
update when the response amplitude changes.

4-12

-I
Measuring Reflection/Transmission Parameters

Automatically scaling the response

Adjuste
log sea

REF
LEVEL
ATTEN
&UTJ MAN

LOG
SCALE
AUTO
SC~ILE

NORN REF
POSN

CENTER 321.40 MHz
tRES BW 18 kHz

UBW 18 kHz

SPAN 75.00 MHz
SWP 58 15ec

Mare
i of 2
RT

Response after Automatic Scaling

To automatically scale the response
1. Press the front-panel (XiKiKKJ key.
2. Press the AUTO SCALE softkey.

4-13

-I
Measuring VSWR, transmission, and reflection

The scalar measurements personality can display the VSWR, transmission
coefficient (&r), or reflection coefficient (&I) at any point along the displayed
response. (VSWR and reflection coefficient measurements require the use of
the HP 85630A scalar transmission/reflection test set.)

REF

-1.B dB

ATTEN 1B dB
*ET. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .:..

llKR

318.6

MHz

-18.65 dB ,tAG SII-

;............................

LO0
6

; to view
Elion
icient

dB/

CENTER

321.4 MHz

XRES BW 1 kHz

U8W I kHr

......

SPAN 150.0 MHz

Previous
MeFlu

SWP 588 15.e'0

reflection coefficient
readout at marker

The scalar measurements personality displays a moveable marker showing
the value at the marker position. The displayed values are continuously
updated. This is true even in single sweep and view modes. Softkeys for
these measurements are available from the Measure menu’s Marker Convert
selection.

4-14

-I

IMeasuring Reflection/Transmission Parameters

Measuring VSWR, transmission, and reflection

To measure transmission coefficient
1. Display the desired response on the scalar analyzer’s display.
2. Press the fjMEAS/USER) key and then the Marker Convert softkey.
3. Press the NAG S21 ON OFF softkey so that ON is underlined.
4. Move the marker to the desired trace position, and read the displayed
transmission coefficient.

To measure reflection coefficient
1. Display the desired response on the scalar analyzer’s display.
2. Press the C-1 key and then the Marker Convert softkey.
3. Press the MAG Sll ON OFF softkey so that ON is underlined.
4. Move the marker to the desired trace position, and read the displayed
reflection coefficient.

4-15

I-

-I
Measuring Reflectionilransmission Parameters

Measuring VSWR, transmission, and reflection

To measure VSWR
1. Display the desired response on the scalar analyzer’s display.
2. Press the (j-1 key and then the Marker Convert softkey.
3. Press the VSWR ON OFF softkey so that ON is underlined.
4. Move the marker to the desired trace position, and read the displayed
voltage standing wave ratio.

4-16

-I

I-

Measuring insertion loss and bandwidth
parameters

The scalar analyzer performs the following bandwidth measurements:
0 center frequency
l
l

insertion loss in dB
bandwidth

$V:o,HP 1989~1998>1991 SCALfiR
ilKR 49.68 MHz
-3.5 dB ATTEN 18 dB
I
-4.48 dB
> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4q
. . . . .,BBB
. . . . . . . . .MHz
. . . . . . . . . . : . . . . . . . . i . . . . . . . . .I . . . . . . . . .I . . . . . . . . .I . . . . . . . .
SMPL
Center:
LOG
!,"r Loss: . 4.48
dB
:
..n
8
3 dB BW:
4 . 5 8 8
N H
dB/
(Fa/BW)Q:
18.88

m
BW MERS
3 OFF

;: "2;
-

MARKER
UPPER BW
TARGET

CENTER
#RE

'JBW 18 kHr

SPAN 50.0G
SWP 50

measurement
results

Bandwidth measurements are updated after each sweep. The bandwidth
measurement uses a 3 dB default bandwidth (upper bandwidth). The default
bandwidth used can be changed using the UPPER BW TARGET softkey.
For example, you could change the bandwidth from 3 dB to 6 dB. Lower
bandwidth is not defined for this measurement.

4-17

-I

IMeasuring Reflection/Transmission Parameters

Measuring insertion loss and bandwidth parameters

The Q indicates the frequency selectivity of a response. The narrower
the bandwidth at a given frequency, the higher the Q. It is deEned by the
following formula:

where:
f, is the center frequency of the displayed response
BW is the bandwidth of the displayed response.

To measure insertion loss and bandwidth parameters
1. Display the desired response on the scalar analyzer’s display.
2.

Press the

[MEAWJSER)

key and then the Device 3W Meas softkey.

3. Press the BW MEAS ON OFF softkey so that ON is underlined.
The measurement continually repeats until the BW MEAS ON OFF
softkey is pressed so that OFF is underlined.
The response’s center frequency, insertion loss, bandwidth, and Q is
displayed on the screen.

4-18

-I

IMeasuring filter shape factor

Shape factor characterizes the slope of a bandpass filter’s skirts.

f&WHP 1989,1996>1991
-3.5 dE ATTEN fG
Sl4PL
LOG
8
dB1

Shape

Factor

SCALAR
dG

FlKR

1991 SCALAR ANAL\
0.0 dBa ATTEN 10 dB

mKR 60 Hz w
-47.35 dBa
EXIT
FFT
mARKER
OELTh
NEXT
PEAK
NEXT PK
RIGHT
NEXT PK
LEFT
PEAK
EXCURSN

XRES BW 10 kHi!

VBW 10 kHz

#SWP

2.0

5ec

FFT showing 60 Hz amplitude modulation

8. Press the MARKER DELTA softkey.
9. Use the front-panel knob to scroll the marker to the 60 Hz peak.
10. Read the marker value, and determine the percent of amplitude
modulation by substituting the value as dBc in the following formula.
(Notice the minus sign indicating dBc is a negative value.)
Percent AM = (200)

lo(*)

For example, if 60 dB separates the 60 Hz modulation from the carrier, the
percent of amplitude modulation is 0.2 %

4-24

I-

-I
Measuring Reflection/Transmission Parameters

Making swept-power measurements

To perform swept-power measurements
1. Connect the source’s output to the scalar analyzer’s input.
2. Set the scalar analyzer to the desired center frequency. Set the
spanwidth to 0 Hz.
3. Press the (AUX) key, then enter the source’s power.
This is the sweep’s start power.
4. Press the PWR SWP ON OFF softkey twice so that ON is underlined.
5. Enter the amount of power change in dB of the power sweep. (Press the
CENTER) key to complete the entry.)
6. Set the reference level so that when the device to be tested is inserted in
the line, any gain will not cause the response to be off screen.
7. Press the (CAL) key, CAL THRU , and STORE THRU softkeys.
8. Place the device to be tested between the source’s output and the scalar
analyzer’s input.
9. Press the [W) key, and then set the normalized reference level so
that the response is displayed.
10. Press the AUTO SCALE softkey.

4-26

I-

IMeasuring Reflection/Transmission Parameters

Making swept-power measurements

Example: measuring amplifier compression

Reference
marker

Delta
marker
at -1
dB

:: : ::
:

tlKNOISE
O N OFF
MARKERS
OFF
NORE
1 of 2

CENTER 200.0806 MHz
#RES BW 18 kHz

lVBW 1 kHz

Horizontal
scale
is
1 dB/ dlvlslon
(Source
power from
-20 to -10 dBm)

This example measures the 1 dB compression point of an HP 8447A Dual
Amplifier. The measurement requires placing the scalar analyzer in a zero
frequency span and sweeping the input power to the amplifier.
The HP 8447A Dual Amplifier has 20 dB of gain 100 kHz to 400 MHz. We’ll
locate its 1 dB compression point at 200 MHz. Because the amplifier’s output
compression point is typically greater than 6 dBm, we need to sweep its
output power from 0 to + 10 dBm. The amplifier’s 20 dB of gain requires

4-27

-1

Measuring Reflection/Transmission Parameters

Making swept-power measurements

that we sweep its input power from -20 to -10 dBm to meet our output
requirements.
The example does not use the HP 85630A scalar transmission/reflection test
set. If you use the test set, you’ll need to compensate for the power loss of
the test set.
CAUTION

Be sure that the spectrum analyzer’s input power does not exceed +30 dBm
or damage will result.
1. Press the PRESET SCALAR softkey in the scalar analyzer’s Main menu.
2. Use a BNC cable to connect the scalar analyzer’s RF OUT and INPUT
connectors.
3.

Press the

[FREQUENCY)

key and enter a center frequency of 200 MHz.

4. Press the m key and enter a frequency span of 0 Hz.
The scalar analyzer is now a fixed-tuned receiver at 200 MHz.
5.

Press the [AUX] key.

6. Press the TRACKING PEAK softkey.
7. Enter a source power level of -20 dBm.
This sets the starting power level for the power sweep.
3. Press the PWR SUP ON OFF softkey twice so that ON is underlined.
9. Enter 10 dB.
This sets the amount of the power sweep. The scalar analyzer is now
sweeping the source’s output power from -20 to -10 dBm.
10. Press the

(AMPLITUDE]

key and enter a reference level of 10 dBm.

This step places the stop power level 20 dB below the displayed
reference level. This is necessary to ensure a calibrated display with
the amplifier’s 20 dB of gain.

4-28

-1

I-

-I
Measuring Reflection/Transmission Parameters

Making swept-power measurements

REF

lB.O dBm ATTEN 28 dB

SMPL
LOG
10
dB/

;
,,

:.,

ATTEN
u MhN
LOG
SCRLE

AUTO
SCRLE

Nh Sl
SC FI
CORI
M
dBn'
CENTI
I

NORFl REF
POSN

. :

200.0000 MHz
ES BW 18 kHz

'JEW 10 kHz

SPhN 0 Hz
SWP 58 h5eC

more
1 of 2
Rl

11. Press the (CAL) key followed by the CAL TMRU softkey.
12. Press the STORE TWRU softkey.
The scalar analyzer’s display is now normalized for the power sweep.
13. Connect the scalar analyzer’s RF OUT to the amplifier’s INPUT connector,
14. Connect the ampliEer’s OUTPUT connector to the scalar analyzer’s
INPUT connector.
15. Press the (AMPLITUDE) key.
l6. Press the REF LEVEL softkey. Enter a reference level of 20 dB.
This places the ampliEer’s response on the screen. However, changing
the reference level introduces error caused by reference level accuracy.
This is indicated on screen by the ? character displayed after the NORM
annotation.

4-29

-I

IMeasuring Reflection~ransmission Parameters

Making swept-power measurements

ATTEN
m MAN
LOG
SCALE
AUTO
SCALE
NORfl

‘7 . . . . . . . . . I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .: i ..__.....: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SPAN
I ..___.. i0. . HZ
. . .I .._. 1

CENTER 200.0000 MHZ
#RI TS BW 10 kHz

UBW 18 kHz

SWP 58 I se0

REF
POSN
flare
of 2
RT

17. Press the AUTO SCALE softkey.
The AUTO SCALE function reduces the scalar analyzer’s log scale as
necessary to fill the complete display with the response.
18. Press the m key. Press the VID BW AUTO MAN softkey twice so that
MAN is underlined.
19. Reduce the video bandwidth to 1 kHz
Do not change the resolution bandwidth or additional measurement
uncertainties will be introduced. Reducing the video bandwidth
reduces the noise displayed on the trace.
20. Press the (SGLSWP) key to stop the trace.
21. Press the INIKR] key, and use the front-panel knob to place the marker at
the peak of the response.
22. Press the MARKER DELTA softkey and move the delta marker on the
response so that it reads -1 dB. This is the 1 dB compression point of the
ampliEer at 200 MHz.

4-30

-I

IMeasuring Reflection/Transmission Parameters

Making swept-power measurements

Reference
marker

Delta
marker
at -1
dB

19.5 dB

ATTEN

. . . . . . . . . . :. . . . . . . .

..........
..I.

W*-$B

. I.

IKNOISE
ON
OFF
-

.:
;

MARKERS
OFF

;

:
.

CENTER 20G.0000 MHz
XRES BW 18 kHz

i'lORE
1 of 2

.
#WBW 1 kHz

SWP 58 15ec

Horizontal
scale
is
1 dB/ dlvislon
(Source
power from
-20 to -10 dBm)

23. Press the MARKER NORMAL softkey.
The marker readout now indicates the device gain at the 1 dB
compression point. In this case 18.4 dB. See the Egure at the end of
this procedure.

4-31

I-

-I
Measuring Reflection/Transmission Parameters

Making swept-power measurements

Pinput

24. Based on the horizontal power scale of 1 dB per division, calculate the
input power level at the 1 dB compression point.
= start power +

power sweep range
1O horr, divisions

(number

divisions)

pinput = - 2 0 dBm +
Pinput

dBm

-10.2

25. To calculate the output power at the 1 dB compression point, add the
input power level determined in the previous step to the gain at the
compression point (marker value).
P output = Pinput + compressed gain
P output = - 1 0 . 2 dBm + 1 8 . 4 dB
P output = 8.2 dBm

R
REF

19.5 dB

ATTEN

llKR

43.7499986 MS~C
18.44 dB

MARKER
DELTA
MKR CNT
ON m
RKNOISE
O N @J
MARKER5
OFF

....................................................

CENTER 200.0000 MHz
#RES BW 10 kHz

4-32

#UBW 1 kHz

SPAN 0 Hz
SWP 50 15ec

MORE
1 of 2
R

-I

Using Markers and Limit
Lines

I-

-I

Using Markers and Limit Lines

Peak-to-peak markers and delta markers enable you to quickly measure
absolute and relative amplitude and frequencies of a response. Limit lines
enable you to perform repeatable production-line testing.

5-2

IUsing markers

Multiple Markers and Marker Tables
M u l t i p l e m a r k e r s , w h i c h a r e a v a i l a b l e w i t h t h e H P 8591E, H P 8593E, H P 8594E, H P 8595E, a n d
H P 8596E, a r e n o t a v a i l a b l e w h e n i n D u a l D i s p l a y M o d e .
The

MK TABLE

function is not available when in the Scalar personality mode.

Enter the second page of the Measure menu to use markers. (Press the
front-panel c-1 key, or press the Main menu’s Measure softkey.)

t
REF

B.B dBm ATTEN 1B dB

SMPL
LOG

10
dB/

Peak-to-peak
markers

WA SI

SC FI
CORl

!bPe

. . . . . . . ..i.........i.........i.........i.....~.........~.........
SPAN 10G.G MHz
CENTER 32104 MHz
#RES BW 18 kHz

UBW

18 kHz

SWP

58 M5eC

2 of 2
RT

Second Page of Measure Menu

5-3

-I

IUsing Markers and Limit Lines

Using markers

After selecting DELTA MEAS or PK-PK MEAS , use the NEXT PEAK ,
NEXT PK RIGHT , and NEXT PK LEFT softkeys to place the displayed
marker on a signal peak. Marker frequency and amplitude are directly read
from the display. The MARKER DELTA softkey displays the relative amplitude
and frequency between two displayed markers.
When searching for a signal peak, the scalar analyzer recognizes signals that
rise and fall by a predehned excursion value. This default excursion value
is 6 dB. You can change the excursion value by using the PEAK EXCURSN
softkey.

To use peak and delta markers
1. Display the desired response on the scalar analyzer’s display.
2. Press the CMEAS/USER) key and then the More 1 of 2 softkey.
3. Press the PK-PK MEAS softkey to perform peak marker measurements.
4. Press the DELTA MEAS softkey to perform relative marker measurements.
5. Press the EXIT PK-PK or EXIT DELTA softkeys to turn the markers off
and return to the Measure menu.

To define what is a valid peak
1.

Press the

[MEAS~USER)

key and then the More 1 of 2 softkey.

2. Press either the PK-PK MEAS or DELTA MEAS softkeys.
3. Press the PEAK EXCURSN softkey, enter the value in dB that represents
the smallest acceptable peak excursion.
5-4

Creating limit lines

Limit lines are displayed lines showing acceptable limits for a displayed
response. In production settings, limit lines can be used for pass/fail testing.
Enter the second page of the Measure menu to use limit lines. (Press the
front-panel C-1 key, or press the Main menu’s Measure softkey.)
You define the shape (including upper and lower limits) of the limit lines. If
the response is outside the limit lines, a failure message is displayed.

REF

SMPL

B.B dBn ATTEN 1B dB

DELTA
MERS

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LOG
18
dEI

FFT
MEAS
1 .I

.._......

...I i . . . . . .;.

:::::\,imit
ila1n
Menu

..I.,
0.B
;
j
dBm
CENTER 321.4 MHz
XRES BW 18 kHz

,........
:

:
'JBW 18 kHz

:
SPAN

100.0 MHz
SWP 58 m5ec

line
menu

mare

2 of 2
RT

Second Page of Measure Menu

You define the shape (including upper and lower limits) of the limit lines. If
the response is outside the limit lines, a failure message is displayed as shown
in the following figures.

5-5

I-

-I
Using Markers and Limit Lines

Creating limit lines

10:56:4
/tz

limit

OEC 25, 1990
ATTEN it3 dB

line

limit
pass
m e s s a g e

LIMITEST
fi OFF
EOIT
LIMIT

l.........:.........i.....................~........~........~........~.........:........~.........l
CENTER 50.80 MHz
SPAN 50.00 MHz
#RES BW 18 kHz
UBW 18 kHZ
SWP 58 M5eC

limit line with LIMIT PASS message
ii:37:

&(c)HF
SHPL
LOG

OEC 06. 1990
.989,1990 SCALAR ANALYZER 11/12/98
RTTEN IO dB
I.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i
+,
i
j
LIrIT
F;I
I

RECALL
LIMIT
SAVE
LIMIT

ii,

CHANGE
TITLE
.INITEST
fi OFF
WA s
SC F
COR

EOIT
LIMIT

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..___ _____: ____..._.: . . .._____. _________: ________.

CENT ER 50.00 MHz
XR ES BW 18 kHz

UB 1 18I kHz

SPAN 50.00 MHz
SWP
5B
MS~C

limit line with LIMIT FAIL message

5-6

NEW
LIMIT
RT

Ii::
RT

Using Markers and Limit Lines

Creating limit lines

You can create Iimit lines that:
1. Define the upper limit of a response.
2. Define the lower limit of a response.
3. Define both lower and upper response limits.
4. Display relative to the center frequency and reference level.
5. Display at a fixed center frequency and reference level.
You create limit lines that are either fixed or relative with respect to the
scalar analyzer’s frequency and reference level. After being displayed,
relative limit lines do not change screen position if the frequency or reference
level is changed. However, fixed limit lines do change screen position if the
frequency or reference level is changed.
The two tutorials, located at the end of this, chapter give step-by-step
instructions for creating limit lines. Be prepared to spend about twenty
minutes on the tutorials. Both tutorials draw the same limit lines using two
alternate methods.

limit-line amplitude units
After display normalization, the amplitude units displayed for limit lines and entered using the front
panel are in dEIm (decibels relative to 1 mW1. However, because of display normalization, the units
actually used are decibels Idt3). The power levels are relative to the normalized reference level.

limit lines and the normalized reference position
When editing or creating limit lines (the

EDIT LIMIT

NEX LIMIT

softkey is pressed),

the scalar measurements personality sets the normalized reference position to eight. This is the default
normalized reference position at the top of the screen. The original position is restored when the

EDIT DONE

softkey is pressed.

5-7

I-

-I
Using Markers and Limit Lines

Creating limit lines

To enter the limit line menu
1. Press the fjj] key.
2. Press the More 1 of 2 softkey.
3. Press the Limit; Lines softkey.

To make a limit-line relative or fixed
1. With a limit line displayed on the screen, press the CMEAS/USER) key.
2. Press the More 1 of 2 softkey.
3. Press the Limit Lines softkey followed by the EDIT LIMIT softkey.
4. Press the LIMITS FIX REL softkey so that desired selection is
underlined.

Limit-line segments
Limit lines are made by “drawing” lines between frequency/amplitude points.
Each line is called a segment. Segments begin at a starting frequency and
continue to the next segment.
Segments can be one of three types: SLOPE, FLAT, or POINT. With slope
types, segments with different amplitudes are connected using sloping lines.
With Flat types, segments remain constant in amplitude until the next
segment’s starting frequency is reached. With point types, a segment’s
starting frequency is not connected to the next segment.

5-a

IUsing Markers and Limit Lines

Creating limit lines

The following figures illustrate the difference between the three slope types.
The limit lines in each figure are identical except for the segment’s type.
ii:39:5
b (c)HP

DEC

06,

1990
SCALAR ANALYZER
ATTEN 10 dB

llCl2/90

SELECT
SEGMENT

SMPL
LOG

SELECT
FRED

SELECT
MID RMPL
SELECT
OLT AMPL
WA 3 B'
SC F
COR,;.

CENT

SELECT
TYPE

xii

__........._...............................
I

: 50.00 NHz
XR'ES BW IE kNz

IHZ

SPAN 50.00 MHz
SWP 58 R5eC

MORE
1 of 2
RT

SLOPE Segment Types
13:55:54 DEC 06, 1990
~$7 (c)HP 1989,1990 SCALAR ANALYZER
ATTEN 18 dB

11/12/98
RECALL
LIMIT
SAVE
LIMIT
CHANGE
TITLE
LIIIITEST
m OFF
EDIT
LIMIT

CENTEl(.5i..~i..iHr
XRES iW 18 kHz

.: . . . . . . . . . . i I I
Hz

SPAN 30.00 MHz
SWP 58 m5e.c

NEW
LIMIT
RI

FLAT Segment Types

5-9

-I

IUsing Markers and Limit Lines

Creating limit lines

i4:0 :33 DEC 06, II
k Cc BHP 1989,1990
S
I
SMPL
LOG

.....................................

RECALL
LIMIT

......................................
LIMI. PRSS

SAVE
LIMIT
CHANGE
TITLE
LIllITEST
fi O F F

I :

EDIT
LIMIT

CENTER 50.00 MHz
URES BW 10 kHz

.
SPAN 30.00 MHz
SWP 50 lh5eo

NEW
LIMIT
RT

POINT Segment Types

To enter or edit a limit-line’s title
1. If you are creating or editing a limit line, press the EDIT DONE softkey
after all data has been entered.
2. In the Limit Line menu, press the CHANGE TITLE softkey.
3. Use the front-panel softkeys to select the desired characters.
You can also press the MORE 1 af 2 then RPG TITLE softkeys and
use the front-panel knob to select the desired characters.
4. Press the front-panel cm) key to backspace over a character.
5. To erase a title, press the YX,# SPC CLEAR softkey and then the CLEAR
softkey.

5-10

-1

I-

-I
Using Markers and Limit Lines

Creating limit lines

To turn limit testing on
In order to turn limit testing on, you must first create a limit line.
1. Create a limit line.
2. Press the limit-line menu’s LIMITEST ON OFF softkey so that ON is
underlined.

-I
Saving and recalling limit lines

Limit lines can be saved and recalled for later use. (Presetting or turning the
scalar measurements personality off will not effect the limit line data.)
CAUTION

Limit line data is saved in trace memory registers. Use caution to avoid
deleting any previously saved traces.
Each limit line requires one trace memory register and is saved starting at
trace register 0. Limit line 0 corresponds to trace memory registers 0. As
more limit lines are saved, limit line memory grows towards trace memory
register 5 1.
Catalog trace memory if you need to determine availability and use of trace
registers.

Calibration data
Calibrations are also saved in trace memory starting at memory register 51 and growing towards
register 0. As the number of saved calibrations and limit lines grows, the possibility of overwriting
memory increases.

5-12

I-

-I
Using Markers and Limit tines

Saving and recalling limit lines

To save a limit line
1. Create a limit line.
2. Press the limit-line menu’s SAVE LIMIT softkey.
3. Press a number representing a memory register.
4. Press the (Z?FK] key.

To recall a limit line
1. Press the limit-line menu’s RECALL LIMIT softkey.
2. Press a number representing a memory register between 0 and 51.
3. Press the CENTER] key.

-I

Tutorial: Creating upper/lower limit lines

This procedure should take you about 10 minutes to complete. It shows the
basics of creating limit lines.
11:39:1
b (c)HP

DEC

06,

1990
SCALAR ANALYZER
f?TTEN 18 dB

11/12/9B
SELECT
SEGMENT

SELECT
FREQ
SELECT
UPR AMPL
SELECT
LWR ~IMPL
SELECT
TYPE

CENTER 50.00 MHz
#RES 8W 10 kHz

. .
kHz

SPAN

50.00 MHz
SUP 50 !a5ec

NORE
1 of 2
RT

Upper/lower limit lines

The following procedure guides you through the task of creating a limit
line centered at 50 MHz. The limit line contains both upper and lower
limits. Limit lines are divided into segments, with each segment defining an
amplitude limit for a range of frequencies.

limit-line amplitude units
After display normalization, the amplitude units displayed for limit lines and entered using the front
panel are in dBm (decibels relative to 1 mW1. However, because of display normalization, the units
actually used are decibels IdfN. The power levels are relative to the normalized reference level.

5- 14

I-

-I
Using Markers and Limit tines
Tutorial: Creating upper/lower limit lines

The data entered to create the limit line is shown in the following table.
Upper/Lower limit line Example Data
Segment

Start
Upper
Frequency Amplitude

lower
Amplitude

Type

28.00 MHz - 5 5 . 0 dBm

*a*

SLOPE

40.00 MHz - 5 5 . 0 dBm

I(“”

SLOPE

48.00 MHz

- 5 . 0 dBm - 2 0 . 0 dBm SLOPE

52.00 MHz

- 5 . 0 dBm - 2 0 . 0 dBm SLOPE

60.00 MHz - 5 5 . 0 dBm

l “”

SLOPE

72.00 MHz - 5 5 . 0 dBm

**(I

SLOPE

Step 1. Set the DISPLAY SETTINGS
When creating a limit line it is convenient to view the limit lines as you
create them. Set the frequency and span so that the desired frequency range
is viewed.
1. Press the

CFREQUENCY)

key and enter 50 MHz.

2. Press the m key and enter 50 MHz.

5-15

IUsing Markers and Limit Lines
Tutorial: Creating upper/lower limit lines

Step 2. Enter the menu
1. Press the (j-1 key.
2. Press the More 1 of 2 then Limit Lines softkeys.
3. Press the LIMITEST ON OFF softkey so that ON is underlined.
Turning limitest on allows you to view the limit lines as you create
them.
4. Press the NEW LIMIT softkey twice.
Any previously entered limit line data is lost. Pressing the softkey
twice prevents accidental erasure. Data previously saved using the
SAVE LIMIT softkey is not erased.
You’ll notice the LIMITS FIX REL softkey has FIX underlined.
This indicates that the limit lines are fixed with respect to the center
frequency and span. (This means you can change the center frequency
such that the limit lines is no longer displayed.) If you want the limit
line to track the center frequency, press the LIMITS FIX REL softkey
so that REL is underlined.
When NEW LIMIT is pressed, the normalized reference position is
automatically set to 8.
5. Press the EDIT UP/LOW softkey.

5-16

IUsing Markers and Limit Lines
Tutorial: Creating upper/lower limit lines

Step 3. Enter the first segment
A total of five segments will be used to define the limit line. This step enters
the starting frequency for the first limit-line segment.
1. Press the SELECT SEGMENT softkey.
2. Enter 1 to select the first segment.
3. Press SELECT FREQ and enter 30 MHz.
4. Press SELECT UPR AMPL and enter -55 dBm.

Step 4. Enter the second segment
1. Press the SELECT SEGMENT softkey.
2. Enter 2 to select the second segment.
3. Press SELECT FREQ and enter 40 MHz.
4. Press SELECT UPR AMPL and enter -50 dBm.

5-17

I-

-I
Using Markers and Limit Lines
Tutorial: Creating upper/lower limit lines

Step 5. Enter the third segment
1. Press the SELECT SEGMENT softkey.
2. Enter 3 to select the third segment.
3. Press SELECT FREQ and enter 48 MHz.
4. Press SELECT UPR AMPL and enter -5 dB.
5. Press SELECT LWR AMPL and enter -20 dBm.

Step 6. Enter the fourth segment
1. Press the SELECT SEGMENT softkey.
2. Enter 4 to select the fourth segment.
3. Press SELECT FREQ and enter 52 MHz.
4. Press SELECT UPR AMPL and enter -5 dBm.
5. Press SELECT LWR AMPL and enter -20 dB.

Step 7. Enter the fifth segment
1. Press the SELECT SEGMENT softkey.
2. Enter 5 to select the fifth segment.
3. Press SELECT FREQ and enter 60 MHz.
4. Press SELECT UPR AMPL and enter -50 dBm.
5-18

I-

-I
Using Markers and Limit Lines
Tutorial: Creating upper/lower limit lines

Step 8. Enter the sixth segment
1. Press the SELECT SEGMENT softkey.
2. Enter 6 to select the sixth segment.
3. Press SELECT FREQ and enter 70 MHz.
4. Press SELECT UPR AMPL and enter -50 dBm.

Step 9. Exjt and save the limit lines
1. Press the More i of 2 softkey
2. Press the EDIT DONE softkey.
When you leave the limit line editing menu, limit line testing is
automatically turned off and the limit lines are not longer displayed on
the screen. The limit line data is now stored in volatile RAMmemmy.
3. Press the SAVE LIMIT softkey.
You must save the limit line data in non-volatile RAM to protect loss
from an instrument preset, power disruption, or creating another limit
line.
4. Press 1 and the @?i@ key to select memory register 2.
5. Press the [ENTER] key.

5-19

ITutorial: Creating mid/delta limit lines

This procedure should take you about 10 minutes to complete. It shows the
basics of creating limit lines.
11:39:1
DEC 06, 1990
& (c)HP P1989,199&i SCALAR ANALYZER
ATTEN 1G dtl
SMPL
LOG
18
dB/

11/12/9!3

I
I

SELECT
SEGMENT
SELECT
FREQ

SELECT
UPR AtlPL
SELECT
LWR AMPL
WA SI
SC FI
CORI

CENTI

SELECT
TYPE

.............................
50.00 MHz
'ES BW 10 kHz

SPAN 50.00 MHz
SWP 50 MSeE

MORE
i of 2
RT

Mid/Delta limit lines

Limit-line amplitude units
After display normalization, the amplitude units displayed for limit lines and entered using the front
panel are in dHm (decibels relative to 1 mW). However, because of display normalization, the units
actually used are decibels idHI. The power levels are relative to the normalized reference level.

5-20

-I

IUsing Markers and Limit Lines
Tutorial: Creating mid/delta limit lines

The data entered to create the limit line is shown in the following table.
Mid/Delta limit line Example Data
Segment

Middle
Start
Frequency Amplitude

Delta
Rmplitude

Type

28.00 MHz - 5 5 . 0 dBm

“f”

SLOPE

40.00 MHz - 5 5 . 0 dBm

x*x

SLOPE

48.00 MHz - 1 2 . 5 dBm - 7 . 5 dBm SLOPE
52.00 MHz - 1 2 . 5 dBm - 7 . 5 dBm SLOPE
XXI
SLOPE
60.00 MHz - 5 5 . 0 dBm
XX”
SLOPE
72.00 MHz - 5 5 . 0 dBm

Step 1. Set the display settings
1. Press the

[FREQUENCY)

key and enter 50 MHz.

2. Press the (SPAN) key and enter 50 MHz.
When creating a limit line it is convenient to view the limit lines as you
create them. These steps set the frequency and span so that the desired
frequency range is viewed.

5-21

-I
Using Markers and Limit tines
Tutorial: Creating mid/delta limit lines

Step 2. Enter the menu
1. Press the (-1 key.
2. Press the More 1 of 2 then Limit Lines softkeys.
3. Press the LIMITEST OM OFF softkey so that ON is underlined.
Turning limitest on allows you to view the limit lines as you create
them.
4. Press the NEW LIMIT softkey twice.
Any previously entered limit line data is lost. Pressing the softkey
twice prevents accidental erasure. Data previously saved using the
SAVE LIMIT softkey is not erased.
You’ll notice the LIMITS FIX REL softkey has FIX underlined.
This indicates that the limit lines are fixed with respect to the center
frequency and span. (This means you can change the center frequency
such that the limit lines is no longer displayed.) If you want the limit
line to track the center frequency, press the LIMITS FIX REL softkey
so that REL is underlined.
When NEW LIMIT is pressed, the normalized reference position is
automatically set to 8.
5. Press the EDIT UP/LOW softkey.

5-22

I-

-I
Using Markers and Limit Lines
Tutorial: Creating mid/delta limit lines

Step 3. Enter first segment
A total of five segments will be used to define the limit line. This step enters
the starting frequency for the first limit-line segment.
1. Press the SELECT SEGMENT softkey.
2. Enter 1 to select the first segment.
3. Press SELECT FREQ and enter 30 MHz.
4. Press SELECT MID AMPL and enter -50 dBm.

Step 4. Enter the second segment
1. Press the SELECT SEGMENT softkey.
2. Enter 2 to select the second segment.
3. Press SELECT FREQ and enter 40 MHz.
4. Press SELECT MID AMPL and enter -50 dBm.

5-23

I-

-I
Using Markers and Limit tines
Tutorial: Creating mid/delta limit lines

Step 5. Enter the third segment
1. Press the SELECT SEGMENT softkey.
2. Enter 3 to select the third segment.
3. Press SELECT FREQ and enter 48 MHz.
4. Press SELECT MID AMPL and enter -12.5 dBm.
5. Press SELECT DLT AMPL and enter -7.5 dBm.

Step 6. Enter the fourth segment
1. Press the SELECT SEGMENT softkey.
2. Enter 4 to select the fourth segment.
3. Press SELECT FREQ and enter 52 MHz.
4. Press SELECT MID AMPL and enter -12.5 dBm.
5. Press SELECT DLT AMPL and enter -7.5 dBm.

Step 7. Enter the fifth segment
1. Press the SELECT SEGMENT softkey.
2. Enter 5 to select the fifth segment.
3. Press SELECT FREQ and enter 60 MHz.
4. Press SELECT UFR AMPL and enter -50 dBm.
5-24

I-

-I
Using Markers and Limit tines
Tutorial: Creating mid/delta limit lines

Step 8. Enter the sixth segment
1. Press the SELECT SEGMENT softkey.
2. Enter 6 to select the sixth segment.
3. Press SELECT FREQ and enter 70 MHz.
4. Press SELECT UPR AMPL and enter -50 dBm.

Step 9. Exit and save the limit lines
1. Press the More 1 of 2 softkey.
2. Press the EDIT DONE softkey.
When you leave the limit line editing menu, limit line testing is
automatically turned off and the limit lines are no longer displayed on
the screen. The limit line data is now stored in volatile RAM memxxy.
3. Press the SAVE LIMIT softkey.
You must save the limit line data in non-volatile RAM to protect loss
from an instrument preset, power disruption, or creating another limit
line.
4. Press 2 and the Cm) key to select memory register 2.
5. Press the (ENTER) key.

5-25

-I

Displaying Results in a
7hble

-I

I-

Displaying Results in a Yhble

The scalar measurement personality’s Tabular Display feature displays
transmission and reflection results in a table. The displayed results consist of
the values of each of the 401 trace measurement points. The table can then
be printed on a Hewlett-Packard printer. A compress feature is available for
reducing the number of table entries.

6-2

I-

Creating a table

Tabular Display is located in the Display menu, and is reached by pressing
the @iSFiX] key and then the Tabular Display softkey. When turned on,
Tabular Display places the scalar measurements personality in single-sweep
mode.

Turns
on or
FREQUENCY
(ilHz)

TRANSMISSION
(dB)
-62.49
-62.49
-62.64
-62.62
-62.66
-62.63
-63.14
-62.93
-62.64

I;;*;;

-62185
-62.89
-62.96
-63.14
-62.78
-62.54
-62.87

CENTER 50.00 MHz

RETURN
LOSS (CIB)

USWR

e.2e
0.20
0.16
-0.02

0.21
0.14

86.863:I
86.863:I
10s.577:1
-868.578:1
217.152:1
108.577:1
115.817:1
82.728:I
124.088~1

-K

-579.086:1
144.768:I

0.08
0.16

0.15

0:18
0.14
0.28
0.06
0.85
0.15

8.89

96.514:l

124.088:1
86.863:l
289.525:i
347.436:1
115.317:1
193.021:1
Pa3e I of 23

SPhN 50,00 MHz

table
off

OFF

Enters
number
TI% - of
table entries
PRINT
PhGE G
\

VIEW

Selects
data
for printing

VIEW

PG -4

hanges
page of

display ed
table

flare

I of 2
RT

Page one of Tabular Display menu

Results are displayed only for normalized transmission and return loss
(reflection) responses. The scalar measurements personality’s dual display
feature must be turned on in order to fill the table with both transmission and
return loss results. Table entries are listed as UNCAL if a calibration has not
been performed.

6-3

-I

IDisplaying Results in a Table

Creating a table

Selects

FREQUENCY

(MHz)
25.00
25.13
25.25
25.38
25.50
25.63
25.75
25.88
26.00
26.13
26.25
26.38
26.50
26.63
26.75
26.88
27.00
27.13
HP 85714R

TRANSMISSfON

RETURN

(dB)
-62.49
-62.49
-62.64
-62.62
-62.66
-62.63
-63.14
-62.93
-62.64

LOSS (dB)
0.20
0.20
0.16
-0.02
0.08
0.16
0.15
0.21
0.14

I;;*;;

-:-i:
0:18
0.14
8.20
0.06
0.05
0.15
0.09

-62185
-62.89
-62.96
-63.14
-62.78
-62.54
-62.87

USWR

C0mprc55
Function

compression
for reduced
table

Main
Menu
uore

2 of 2

SPAN 50.00 MHz

CENTER 50.00 MHz

Page two of Tabular Display menu

To view a table
1. Display a normalized transmission and/or reflection response as described
in the previous chapters.
2. Press the front-panel cm) key.
3. Press the Tabular Display softkey.
4. Press the TABULAR ON OFF softkey so that ON is underlined.
5. Use the VIEW NEXT PG and VIEW PREV PG softkeys to scroll through
the table.

6-4

I-

-I

Printing a table

In order to print the table, you must first connect a graphics printer, and
then configure the scalar analyzer for the printer. For detailed information
on configuring the printer and spectrum analyzer, refer to the printer and
spectrum analyzer manuals.
Examples of graphics printers include the following Hewlett Packard printers:
l

ThinkJet

QuietJet

LaserJet

0 PaintJet

To configure the printer
1. Configure the printer for the interface used. This will vary depending on
RS-232 or HP-IB interfaces.
Refer to the printer manual for any switch settings. Refer to the
spectrum analyzer manual for information on RS-232 interfacing.
2. Connect the printer.
3. Press the scalar analyzer’s front-panel [CONFIG) key.
4. Press the COPY DEV PRNT PLT softkey so that PRNT is underlined.
5. Press the PRINT CONFIG softkey.
6. Press the softkey to select the appropriate printer.
7. If an HP-IB interface is used to connect the printer, press
PRINTER ADDRESS , and enter the address of the printer.

6-5

I-

-I
Displaying Results in a Table

Printing a table

To print the table
1. View the table on the screen as previously described in this chapter.
2. To indicate that the complete table should be printed, press the
PRINT PAGE ALL softkey so that ALL is underlined. To indicate only the
displayed table page should be printed, press the softkey so that PAGE is
underlined.
3. Press the front-panel [copy) key.

6-6

-I
Reducing the number of table entries

Transmission and reflection response traces are displayed using 401
measurement points. This results in 401 table entries. The number of
table entries can be compressed while retaining the relative frequency and
amplitude characteristics of the original response.
The source trace data is divided into intervals equal to the number desired
table entries. The data in each interval is compressed to obtain a table entry.
Tabular display offers five data compression methods: AVERAGE, NORMAL,
NEGATIVE, POSITIVE, and SAMPLE.

AVERAGE
ON E
25.80
25.13
25.25
25.38
25.50
25.63
25.75
25.88
26.00
26.13
26.25
26.38
26.50
26.63
26.75
26.88
27.00
27.18
IHP 85714A

CENTER

50.00 MHz

-62.49
-62.49
-62.64
-62.62 .
-62.66
-62.63
-63.14
-62.93
-62.64
-62.38
-62.96
-62.85
-62.89
-62.96
-63.14
-62.78
-62.54
-62.87

0.20
0.20
0.16
-0.02
0.08
0.16
0.15
0.21
0.14
-0.03
0.12
0.i8
0.14
e.2e
0.06
3.05
0.15
0.09

NORMAL
O N OFF
108.577:1
115.817:1
82.728:i
124.088:i
-579.086:1
144.768:l
96.514:i
124.088:1
86.863:1
289.525:1
347.436:l
115.817:1
193.021:1
Page 1 of 23

SPAN 50.00 MHz

NEGATIVE
O N OFF
POSITIVE
O N OFF
SAIIPLE
g4 O F F
PreVi0Us
Menu

6-7

IDisplaying Results in a Table

Reducing the number of table entries

With AVERAGE compression, the data in each interval is averaged to obtain
the table entry.
With NORMAL compression, the data in each interval is obtained using a
Rosenfell algorithm. The Rosenfell algorithm is a mathematical operation that
selectively chooses between positive and negative peak values in the interval.
With NEGATIVE compression, the lowest value data in each interval is placed
in the table entry.
With POSITIVE compression, the highest value data in each interval is placed
in the table entry.
With SAMPLE compression, the last value in each interval is placed in the
table entry.

To reduce tabular entries
1. Press (-1 and then the Tabular Display softkey to enter the
Tabular Display menu.
2. Press the NUMBER POINTS softkey, and enter the desired number of table
entries.

To select the compression method
1. Press (jj) and then the Tabular Display softkey to enter the
Tabular Display menu.
2. Press the More 1 of 2 softkey.
3. Press the Compress Function softkey.
4. Press the softkey corresponding to the desired compression method.

6-8

I-

-I

I-

- Programming

I-

Programming

This chapter presents programming techniques for sending commands
and receiving data. You can program the HP 85714A scalar measurements
personality using the programming commands listed in Chapter 8, Reference.
For information on programming the spectrum analyzer, refer to the spectrum
analyzer’s programming manual.

7-2

I-

Sending commands

Always place the spectrum analyzer in the scalar analyzer mode befie
sending any scalar measurement commands. To place the spectrum analyzer
in the scalar measurements personality mode, press c-1 and then
SCALAR ANALYZER.
All scalar analyzer commands begin with the characters ns,. For example,
the command to preset the scalar analyzer is ns-MP. Chapter 8 documents all
available scalar measurements personality commands. Chapter 8 also contains
a table grouping all commands according to function.
While the scalar measurements personality is operating, some spectrum
analyzer commands should not be used. For example, instead of the
analyzer’s FFT command, use the ns-FFT command documented in Chapter
8. Refer to Chapter 8 for a list of all replaced spectrum analyzer commands.

Output examples
Send commands as ASCII strings. The method used depends on the
programming language and environment used. Using an HP 9000 Series 300
technical computer with the HP-BASIC language, send the command to the
spectrum analyzer as follows:
OUTPUT 718; “ns_MP;”
Using an HP Vectra computer with the HP-IB Interface and Command Library
(and programming in c), the same command could be sent as follows:
iooutputs(718L,“ns_MP;“,6);

7-3

-I

IProgramming

Sending commands

Using the MOV command
It is recommended that the MOV command be used to execute all
programming commands that take number parameters. Using the MOV
command is faster and avoids displaying text on the analyzer screen. For
example, to set the reference level using the BASIC language, send the
following:
OUTPUT 718;“MOV ns-RL,-10;”

To send a scalar analyzer command
1. Connect the spectrum analyzer to the computer using either the HP-IB or
RS-232 interface.
Refer to the spectrum analyzer’s programming manual for information
on connecting the interface.
2. Locate the appropriate command in Chapter 8.
3. Use your programming language’s output statement to send the command
as an ASCII string to the spectrum analyzer.

7-4

I-

-I

Receiving data

Many programming commands can be sent as queries requesting the state
of the scalar measurements personality. For example, ns-NORM? requests
whether normalization is turned on or off. The command reference in
Chapter 8 documents available command queries.
Automatic measurement results are stored in spectrum analyzer variables.
The contents of these variables can be requested by your application program
to obtain measurement results. The measurements and their variables are
listed in the following table.
Measurement Variables
Variable
ns-VSWF
transmission coefficient ns_MTC
reflection coefficient

ns-MRC
ns-DEW
ns-OCF
ns-DSF
ns-DBQ

1 Zsertion l

s ns-OIL

Queries and variables are normally sent from the spectrum analyzer in the
form of ASCII strings. It is your responsibility to allocate memory for them in
your application.

IProgramming

Receiving data

To return a measurement value
1. Send to the spectrum analyzer an ASCII string consisting of the variable
name with the ? character appended.
For example, to return the shape factor, send ns_DSF?.

7-6

Reference

-I

I-

Reference

This chapter gives you quick access to information on the scalar
measurements personality. The chapter contains four sections: menu maps,
definitions of keys, programming commands, and characteristics. Within each
section, the material is organized alphabetically.

8-2

I-

Menu maps

Menu maps illustrate how softkeys are located relative to each other; they
help you form a “mental” map of instrument functions. The five menu maps
in this section graphically represent softkey paths and include front-panel
keys used to access the menus.

8-3

-I
Reference

Menu maps

iD I SPLAYj
From Map l’s
MAIN MENU
D i s p l a y softkey

DISPLAY MENU
DSP LINE, ON OFF
D U A L DSP. O N O F F
1 2 0 dB, O N O F F
T a b u l a r , D~sploy

VIEW. NEXT PG
VIEW. PRE” PG

CHANG,

PREFIX

ANNOT. O N O F F
Main, Menu

Main,

AVERAGE,

ON OFF
NORMAL, ON OFF
NEGATIVE, ON OFF
POSITIVE, ON OFF
SAMPLE, ON OFF
PV25A

Map 2. Display and Tabular Display Menus

8-5

IReference

Menu maps

Additional redefined front-panel keys
The HP 85714A scalar measurements personality redefines the softkeys
associated for several front-panel keys not listed in the scalar analyzer menu.
The softkey maps for these redefined keys are shown on this page.

I
RES BW AUTO MAN
“ I D BW AUTO M A N
“BW,RSW. RATIO
“ID AVG. ON OFF

SPAN
SPAN. ZOOM
FULL, SPAN
ZERO. SPAN
PEAK, ZOOM t

MARKER, NORMAL
MARKER, DELTA
MKNO, SE, ON OFF
MARKERS. OFF

MKPAUSE. ON OFF
MARKER, AMPTD
PK-PK.

MEAS

Mo,n. Menu

“SWR, Oi4 O F F
MAG S21 O N O F F

i More

3 Of

MARKER. NORMAL
MARKER, DELTA
MARKER. AMF’TD
SELECT 1 2 3 4
MARKER 1, ON OFF

L MK READ, F T / APBC
TRACE, AVTO

MARKER. ALL OFF
More 2 0, 3

“SWR. ON O F F
MAG s21, O N

Map 5. Redefined Front-Panel Keys

8-8

OFF

-I

IDefinitions of keys

This section lists in alphabetical order the definitions of all HP 85714A scalar
measurements personality keys. Alphabetically listed definitions give you a
quick access to information concerning any key or softkey. Some front-panel
keys have been redefined to allow quick access of scalar analyzer functions.
Refer to the spectrum analyzer’s operating manual for information on any key
not affected by the personality.

120 dB ON OFF
The 120 d3 ON OFF softkey displays 120 dB of calibrated measurement
range.
This feature provides 120 dB of measurement range not available with the
normal 15 dB per division log scale. The 120 dB calibrated measurement
range is achieved by splicing two separate traces. For each visible sweep, the
scalar analyzer first saves the top 50 dB of trace data. Then, the reference
level is set up to 50 dB below the current reference level and another reading
is taken. Finally, these two traces are spliced together and displayed on the
screen.
You cannot use this feature in the dual display mode. (Dual display refers to
simultaneously displaying both transmission and reflection responses.)
The default setting for this measurement is OFF.
Related Programming

ns-EDR

Command

8-9

I-

-I
Reference

Definitions of keys

The front panel (AMPLITUDE) key presents the scalar analyzer’s Amplitude
menu.
This key is identical to pressing the scalar analyzer’s Amptd softkey. Use this
menu to control the log scale, reference level, and input attenuation.

Amptd
The Amptd softkey enters a menu used for controlling the log scale, reference
level, and input attenuation. This softkey is identical to pressing the scalar
analyzer’s @LiKiEK] key.

ANNOT ON OFF
The ANNOT ON OFF softkey turns the displayed annotation text on or off.
Related

Programming

ns-ANNOT

Command

8-10

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IReference

Definitions of keys

ATTEN AUTO MAN
The ATTEN AUTO MAN softkey selects automatic or manual RF input
attenuation control.
Signal levels above +30 dBm will damage the spectrum analyzer.
AUTO.

The RF input attenuator is coupled to the reference level. When a continuous
wave signal is displayed with its peak at or below the reference level,
attenuator coupling keeps the signal level at the internal RF mixer at or
below the specified level.
MAN.

The RF input attenuator is not coupled to the reference level. Its value can
be set independently. In certain situations, increasing the input attenuation
may reduce signal compression in the presence of broadband signals.
See Also

AUTO SCALE in

this chapter.

ATTEN PORT 1
The ATTEN PORT 1 softkey controls the attenuator in Option 001
HP 85630A scalar transmission/reflection test sets.
The test set has an input attenuator which reduces the power applied to its
PORT 1 output connector. The default attenuation is 0 dB.
Related Programming

ns-EXATN

Command

8-11

I-

-I
Reference

Definitions of keys

AUTO SCALE
The AUTO SCALE softkey automatically adjusts the log scale to display a
signal full screen.
This function is a one-time adjustment. The log scale does not continually
update with each new trace acquisition.
Related Programming
Command

ns_AUTOSC

(AUXCTRL)
The (AUX] key presents the scalar analyzer’s Source menu.
The Source menu controls the RF output of the spectrum analyzer’s
tracking generator. It can also be used to set the optional attenuator on the
HP 85630A test set.

8-12

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-I
Reference

Definitions of keys

AVERAGE ON OFF
The AWERAGE ON OFF softkey selects average compression for the Tabular
Display feature.
l%bular display lists each transmission and/or reflection measurement point as
an entry in a table. Traces comprise 401 measurement points resulting in 401
table entries. The number of table entries can be compressed while retaining
the relative frequency and amplitude characteristics of the original response.
If the table is compressed, the source trace data is divided into intervals equal
to the number desired table entries. The data in each interval is compressed
to obtain a table entry. With average compression, the data in each interval
is averaged to obtain the table entry.
Related Programming

ns-TCA

Command

BW
0

The Isw) key presents a menu for controlling the scalar analyzer’s
bandwidth.

8-13

-I

IReference

Definitions of keys

BW MEAS ON OFF
The BW MEAS ON OFF softkey automatically performs bandwidth
measurements on a transmission response.
Parameters measured include the following:
0 center frequency
0 insertion loss
l
bandwidth

l Q

$:c)HP 1989.1990,1991 SCALAR
-3.5 dB RTTEN 16 dB
SnPL
LOG
8
dB/

Ins

MKR 49.88 Rtlz m

Lass:

(Fa/BW)Q:
MARKER
49.08 MHz
'-4.48 dB
.

UPPER BW
TARGET

..I...
:

#RES BW 18 kHz

UBW 18 kHz

LOWER RW
TARC!ET

58.66
MHz
SWP
5G
nsec

measurement
results

The measurement uses a default bandwidth of 3 dB. Use the
UPPEB BW TARGET softkey to change the bandwidth used in the
measurement. (The displayed LOWER BW TARGET softkey is not used in this

8-14

IReference

Definitions of keys

measurement.) For example, using the UPPER BW TARGET softkey, you could
change the bandwidth used in the measurement from 3 dB to 6 dB.
The bandwidth measurement repeats continuously until turned off.
Related Programming

ns-BMT

Command
See Also

SF MEAS

OFF

in this chapter.

The a key presents the scalar analyzer’s calibration menu.
The scalar analyzer provides guided calibration routines for both transmission
and reflection measurements.

Cal
The Cal softkey presents the scalar analyzer’s calibration menu.
The scalar analyzer provides guided calibration routines for both transmission
and reflection measurements.

8-15

I -

-I

IReference

Definitions of keys

CAL OPN/SHRT
The CAL OPN/SHRT softkey preforms a guided calibration for reflection
measurements.
Reflection calibration requires both 0~ and short standards. The HP 85032B
Option 001 Calibration Kit supplies 5061 type N 0~ and short standards for
calibration.
After calibration, normalization is turned on as indicated by the screen
annotation NORM displayed on the lower left side of the screen. Turn
normalization on or off using the NORMALIZE ON OFF softkey.
Related Programming

ns_CALR

Command
See Also

NORMALIZE

OFF

in this chapter.

CAL STD DEV
The CAL STD DEV softkey preforms a guided calibration for transmission
measurements using a standard device.
After calibration of the standard device, a limit line is created around the
response of the device. This feature allows repeated response testing in
production-line environments.
Standard device calibration requires a through-line. After calibration,
normalization is turned on as indicated by the screen annotation “NORM”
displayed on the lower left side of the screen. Turn normalization on or off
using the Cal, NORMALIZE ON OFF softkey.
Related Programming

ns_CALS

Command

8-16

I-

-I
Reference

Definitions of keys

CAL THRU
The CAL THRU softkey preforms a guided calibration for transmission
measurements.
Transmission calibration requires a through-line. After calibration,
normalization is turned on as indicated by the screen annotation “NORM”
displayed on the lower left side of the screen. Turn normalization on or off
using the NORMALIZE UN OFF softkey.
Related Programming

ns-CALT

Command
See Also

NORMALIZE ON OFF

in this chapter.

CANCEL
The CANCEL softkey cancels the current calibration routine and returns to
the Cal menu.
NS-CAN

CHANGE TITLE
The CHANCE TITLE softkey presents a menu for writing titles on the screen.

8-17

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-I
Reference

Definitions of keys

CHANGE PREFIX
The CHANGE PREFIX softkey changes the prefix used in saving and recalling
data to and from the memory card. You can also catalog by prefix. The
default preEx is SCALAR.
The prefix can be from one to seven characters long. The longer the prefix,
the shorter the register number must be. The total length of the prefix and
register number cannot exceed eight characters, The prefix can be any
character; however, the underscore should not be the first character of the
prefix.
Pressing CHANGE PREFIX accesses a menu containing the letters of the
alphabet, the underscore symbol (-), the number symbol (ty), a space, and the
clear function. To select a character, press the softkey that displays the group
of characters that contains the desired character. The softkey menu changes
to allow you to select an individual character. If you make a mistake, press
m to space back over the incorrect character. Additional characters are
available by pressing YZ,# SPC CLEAR , MORE 1 OF 2 Numbers may be
selected with the numeric keypad.
A prefix can be cleared with the clear function. Press CDISPLAYI),
CHANGE PREFIX , YZ,% SPC CLEAR, CLEAR to clear the current prefix.

Compress Function
The Compress Function softkey presents a menu for compressing the data
in a tabular display.

8-18

-I
Reference

Definitions of keys

CONFIG
The (-1 key presents the scalar analyzer’s Configuration Menu.
The first two menu pages are identical to the spectrum analyzer CONFIG
menu. Page three provides the following features specific to the scalar
analyzer:
l
l
l

Turn the HP 85630A test set on or off.
Remove the HP 85714A from the spectrum analyzer.
Display the HP 85714A revision number.

COUPLE DC AC
The COUPLE DC AC softkey selects either AC or DC RF input coupling
on HP 8594A, HP 85943, HP 8595A, HP 85953, and HP 85963 spectrum
analyzers.

DELETE SEGMENT
The DELETE SEGMENT softkey deletes the current limit-line segment from
the table.
This function removes unwanted limit lines and their values from the
currently active limit-line table.

8-19

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IReference

Definitions of keys

DELTA MEAS
The DELTA MEAS softkey presents a menu for measuring delta amplitude and
frequency values using the delta marker delta marker function.
The marker is placed on the peak of the response.

Device BW MEAS
The Device BW MEAS softkey presents a menu for measuring response
bandwidth and shape factor in transmission measurements.
For bandwidth measurements, the display shows the following measurement
values :
0 center frequency
0 insertion loss
l
bandwidth

For shape factor measurements, the display shows the following measurement
values :
l
l
l

See also

LG, ns_RL, ns-NRL, ns-NRP

8-71

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Reference

Programming commands

ns-BMT

?
!2

XBMTK

The ns-BMT command performs indicated marker measurement and displays
the data.
The parameters are as follows:
0

No bandwidth measurement.

Measure and display center frequency, bandwidth, loss, and Q.

Measure and display shape factor.

Example

OUTPUT 718;"ns-BMT 1;"

8-72

IReference

Programming commands

lluery R e s p o n s e

OBMTK

The ns-BMT command continues measurement at the end of every sweep, as
long as a marker remains active. The default value is 0 (zero). This command
is related to the BANDWIDTH ON OFF and SHAPE FACTOR ON OFF softkeys.
See also

ns_BWM, ns-SFM, ns-UBW, and ns_LBW

8-73

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Reference

Programming commands

ns-BWM

XBWMK

The ns_BWM command performs an immediate center frequency, bandwidth,
insertion loss, and Q measurement regardless of the setting of ns_BMT.
Example

OUTPUT718;“ns-BWM;”
The ns-BWM command’s resulting data is both displayed on screen and
available remotely. The insertion loss data is only measured if normalization
is active (Transmission calibration performed and normalization on).
Scalar Measurement Variables
Stored Value

Variable

ns-060 11 b a n d w i d t h m e a s u r e m e n t
ns-DBW bandwidth measurement
ns_DCF center frequency bandwidth measurement
ns-OIL

See also

insertion loss bandwidth measurement

ns-UBW, ns_SFM, and nsXMB.

8-74

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Reference

Programming commands

nsXALR

n s-CALR
XCALR

The ns-CALR command initializes an open/short (reflection) calibration
Example

OUTPUT 7 18t * 9-m -CALR 9* ”
The ns-CALR command causes the display to prompt the user to connect an
open to the appropriate test port. Following the connection, An ns_OPEN
(store open) should be immediately performed to store the measured data.
This command is functionally equivalent to the CAL OPN/SHRT softkey.

See also

ns_OPEN, ns-SHRT, and ns-CAN.

8-75

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Reference

Programming commands

nsXALS

n s-CALS
XCALS

The ns-CALS command initializes a standard device calibration
OUTPUT 718 ,* “ns -CALS ,* ”

Example

The ns-CALS command causes the display to prompt the user to connect
a standard device to the appropriate port(s) for measurement and storage.
Following the connection, an immediate ns-STD should be performed in order
to store the measured data. This command is functionally equivalent to the
CAL STD DEVICE softkey.
See also

ns-STD.

8-76

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Reference

Programming commands

ns-CALT

XCALT

The ns-CALT command initializes a thru (transmission) calibration.
Example

OUTPUT 718; “ns_CALT; ”
The ns_CALT command causes the display to prompt the user to connect
a thru line to the appropriate ports for measurement. Following the
connection, an immediate ns_THRU should be performed in order to save the
measured data. This command is functionally equivalent to the CAL THRU
softkey.

See also

ns-THRU, ns-CAN.

I-

-I
Reference

Programming commands

ns-CAN

XCANK

The ns-CAN command cancels an open/short or thru calibration in process.
The ns_CAN command activates any valid prior calibration. This command is
functionally equivalent to the CANCEL softkey.
Example

See also

OUTPUT718;“ns-CAN;”
ns_CALR, ns_CALT, ns_OPEN, ns-SHRT, and ns_THRU.

8-78

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IReference

Programming commands

ns-DDM

?
ti
XDDMK

The ns-DDM command immediately turns the dual display mode on or off.
The parameters are as follows:
0

Dual display mode off

Dual display mode on

Example

OUTPUT 718 ; “ns_DDM 1; I’

8-79

I-

-I

IReference

Programming commands

(luery R e s p o n s e

The ns_DDM command requires an HP 85630A scalar transmission/reflection
test set. This mode is not allowed in conjunction with the extended display
range (ns_EDR) mode. The default value is off. This command is functionally
equivalent to the DUAL DSP ON OFF softkey.

8-80

I-

-I
Reference

Programming commands

ns_DISPOSE

ns-DISPOSE
XD I SP

The ns_DISPOSE command immediately purges the scalar personality from
the instrument’s memory.
Examule

OUTPUT 718;"ns-DISPOSE;"
The ns_DISPOSE command is final. The personality is not recoverable, except
by re-installing from the HP 85714A personality card. This command is
related to the DISPOSE SCALAR softkey.

8-81

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IReference

Programming commands

ns-EDR

XEDRK

The ns_EDR command immediately turns on or off the extended display mode
with 120 dB of measurement range.
The parameters are as follows:
Extended display mode off.
Extended display mode on
Examule

OUTPUT 718’5s
,
- EDR 1;”

8-82

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Reference

Programming commands

lluery R e s p o n s e

QEDRK

The ns-EDR command, when activating extended display mode, causes two
complete sweeps to be taken at different reference levels, and a composite
display with up to 120 dB range is constructed. The analyzer will be left in a
state that allows marker use or hardcopy (printing or plotting). Continuous
sweeps are not allowed, except by repeatedly executing “MOV ns_EDR, 1)) ,
or “ns-TAKESWP”. When deactivated, the analyzer is returned to the state
previous to entering extended display. Extended display is not allowed if the
dual display mode is active. The default value is off.
This command is functionally equivalent to the 120 dB OH OFF softkey.
See also

ns-DDM.

8-83

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Reference

Programming commands

ns-EXATN
attenuation

XEXAT

The ns-EXATN command sets the input attenuation in the HP 85630 Option
001 test set.
The parameters are as follows:
0 to 70 db in 10 dB increments.
Example

OUTPUT 718;"ns,EXATN 10;"

lluery R e s p o n s e

output
’ t e r m i n a t o r

OEXAT

The ns-EXATN command, if the test set is not present, is ignored. This
command functionally equivalent to the ATTEN PORT 1 softkey.
See also

ns-SRCPWR, ns-SRCPOFS, and ns-SRCOFF.

8-84

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IReference

Programming commands

ns-FFT

XFFTK

The ns_FFT command turns the FFT mode off or on.
The parameters are as follows:
0

FFT mode off.

FFT mode on.

Example

OUTPUT 718; “ns_FFT 1; ‘I

Query Response

OFFTK

8-85

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Reference

Programming commands

The ns-FFT command, when on, performs an FFT on the current trace
and the results displayed on screen. ns-FFT is designed to be used in
transforming zero span information into the frequency domain. Performing
ns-FFT on a frequency sweep will not provide time-domain results. When
turned off, the current measurement mode is restored. The frequency span
of the FFT and the sweep time are related. To determine the sweep time to
achieve a certain span width, use the following formula:
200
sweep time = frequency span

The ns-FFT command is similar to the spectrum analyzer’s FFT command
with the exception the ns-FFT always applies a FLATTOP Iilter window
to the fast Fourier transform. (Refer to the FFT command in the spectrum
analyzer’s programming manual for more information.) The spectrum
analyzer’s TWNDOW command cannot be used to change the window to
UNIFORM or HANNING. The FLATTOP filter simulates a passband that
represents a give-and-take between amplitude uncertainty, sensitivity, and
frequency resolution.

8-86

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IReference

Programming commands

ns-LBW
lowef
bandwidth
/

ns-LBW

XLBWK

The ns_LBW command defines the lower (wider) target bandwidth for a shape
factor measurement.
The parameters are as follows:
number

Example

Negative integer defining bandwidth in dB.
OUTPUT 718; “ns_LBW -6; ‘I

Query Response

output

’ t e r m i n a t o r

----+

QLBWK

The ns_LBW command’s default value is -60. The bandwidth shape factor
is defined as the ratio (ns-UBW/ns-LBW). This command is functionally
equivalent to the LOWER BW TARGET softkey.
See also

ns-BMT, ns-SFM, and ns-UBW.

8-87

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IReference

Programming commands

ns-LIMITEST

XLIMI

The ns-LIMITEST command turns the limit-line display and testing on and
Off.

The parameters are as follows:
0

Turns limit-line display and testing off.

Turns limit-line display and testing on.

Example

OUTPUT 718 ; “ns_LIMITEST 1; ‘I

Query R e s p o n s e

OLIMI

The ns-LIMITEST command assumes limit lines are loaded and valid. (To
ensure proper placement of the limit line, be sure to set the normalized
reference position to eight before loading the limit line.) The default for
this command is off. This command is functionally equivalent to the
LIMITEST ON OFF softkey.
8-88

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Reference

Programming commands

ns_LRNG

ns-LRNG

XLRNG

The ns-LRNG command draws and displays a trace marking the lower
calibrated display limit.
The parameters are as follows:
0

Calibrated display limits off.

Calibrated display limits on.

Example

OUTPUT 718;"ns-LRNG 1;"

8-89

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Reference

Programming commands

Ouery R e s p o n s e

QLRNG

The ns_LRNG command is not available with the dual display or extended
display range mode active. The default is off. lf this level is below the
bottom graticule, it may not be visible unless the display is re-scaled
(Log dB/division).
This command is functionally equivalent to the MIN RNG ON OFF softkey.
See also

ns-URNG.

8-90

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IReference

Programming commands

ns_MCM

XMCMK

The ns-MCM command immediately performs all appropriate marker
conversions and displays the results.
Example

OUTPUT 718; “ns_MCM; ‘I
The ns-MCM command resulting data is available remotely. A valid thru
(transmission) calibration is necessary for MAG S21 conversion, as a valid
open/short (reflection) calibration is necessary for MAG Sll or VSWR
conversion to be performed.
This command is related to the WAG S21 ON OFF , MAG Sil ON OFF and
VSWR ON OFF softkeys.
Scalar Measurement Variables

See also

ns-MCT.

8-91

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Reference

Programming commands

ns_MCT
marker
conversfon
\
/
ns-MCT

XMCTK

The ns_MCT command defines the type of amplitude marker conversions to
be performed.

8-92

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Reference

Programming commands

The parameters are as follows:
II

All conversions off.

Convert to MAG Sll (Magnitude of reflection co-efficient).

Convert to VSWR (Voltage standing- wave ratio).

Convert marker to MAG Sl 1 and VSWR.

Convert to MAG S21 (Magnitude of reflection co-efficient).

Convert to MAG S2 1, MAG Sl 1 (Dual display only).

Convert to MAG S21, VSWR (Dual display only).

Convert to MAG S2 1, MAG S 11, VSWR (Dual display only).

Example

OUTPUT 718;“ns-MCT 1;”

8-93

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Programming commands

Query R e s p o n s e

OMCTK

The ns_MCT command marker conversions are performed only during
valid measurement conditions and calibrations as outlined for the ns_MCM
command. The appropriate conversions will be made at the end of each
sweep, provided the marker is turned on (active). The default value is 0
(zero, all conversions off).
This command is related to the MAG Sll ON OFF , VSWR ON OFF , and
MAG S21 ON OFF softkeys.
See also

ns_MCM

8-94

IReference

Programming commands

ns-MP

ns-MP
XMPKK

The ns_MP command presets the spectrum analyzer and scalar measurements
personality to a known state.
Example

OUTPUT 718; “ns_MP; ”
The ns_MP command should be used in place of a spectrum analyzer IP.
This is because IP exits the scalar measurements mode. This command is
functionally equivalent to the SCALAR PRESET softkey.

8-95

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Reference

Programming commands

r-s-NORM

XNORM

The ns-NORM command turns normalization off or on.
The parameters are as follows:
0

Normalization off.

Normalization on.

Example

OUTPUT 7 18 ; “ns_NORM 1; ‘I

8-96

Turn normalization on.

I-

-I
Reference

Programming commands

Query R e s p o n s e

‘?a““ 4
0

output
terminator

The ns-NORM command cannot be used to turn on normalization if a valid
calibration has not been completed or recalled. Normalization is automatically
turned on at the completion of a calibration (open/short or thru). Note that
normalization is independent between the two main measurement modes
(transmission or reflection), and will be recalled appropriately when shifting
between the modes. The default for normalization is off.
This command is functionally equivalent to the NORM ON OFF softkey.
See also

ns-CALT and ns_CALR.

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Reference

Programming commands

ns-NRL
reference
/ l e v e l 7
number

XNRLK

The ns-NRL command changes the reference level after normalization.
The parameters are as follows:
number

Example

Valid number is -200 to 200 dB. Range is dependent on the initial reference
level setting when the calibration is performed.
OUTPUT 718; “ns,NRL 10; ”

8-98

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Reference

Programming commands

Ouery R e s p o n s e

ONRLK

The ns-NRL command’s default parameter is 0 dB. After a calibration is
complete, the reference level and markers change from an absolute power
(dBm) to relative power (dB) readout. The normalized reference level can be
set or changed remotely if normalization is turned off, however it will not
affect the instrument state until normalization is turned on.
This command is functionally equivalent to the REF LEVEL softkey when
normalization is on.
See also

ns-NORM and ns-NRP.

8-99

Reference

Programming commands

ns-NRP
reference
r p o s i t i o n
ns_NRP

number

The ns_NRP command sets the reference position on screen.
The parameters are as follows:
number

Example

Integer from 0 and 8.
OUTPUT 7 18 ,- “ns - NRP 4 8* ‘I

Set position to middle screen.

Ouery R e s p o n s e

output
’ t e r m i n a t o r

ONRPK

The ns-NRP command is only valid if normalization is turned on. The valid
range is from 0 (zero, or bottom of graticule) to 8 (eight, or top of graticule).
The default value is 8, or top of the graticule.
This command is functionally equivalent to the NORM REF POSN softkey.
See also

ns_NRL and ns-NORM.

S-100

I-

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Reference

Programming commands

ns-OPEN

ns-OPEN
XOPEN

The ns_OPEN command stores the reflection response on an open circuit
Example

OUTPUT 718; “ns,OPEN; ”
The ns-OPEN command causes the display to prompt the operator to connect
a short circuit to the reflection measurement port in order to complete
a reflection calibration. This command is functionally equivalent to the
STORE OPEN softkey.

See also

ns_CALR, ns-SHRT, ns_NORM

S-101

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IReference

Programming commands

ns_RCI
calibration
,,,- r e g i s t e r >

XRCIK

The ns-RCI command recalls a calibration set from internal memory
The parameters are as follows:
number

Integer value for valid register.

Example

OUTPUT 718;“ns-RCI 1;”

S-102

-I
Reference

Programming commands

Ouery R e s p o n s e

output
’

t e r m i n a t o r

--+

ORC I K

The ns_RCI command recalls a complete set of transmission and reflection
calibration and instrument states are recalled. Normalization is restored,
if valid when stored. The valid range of register numbers is from 0 (zero)
to a maximum dependent on the total number of trace storage memory
available. Register zero is a special case, which recalls the instrument state
that the current cal is valid at, or the frequency span and reference level
settings which the instrument is currently calibrated for. This command is
functionally equivalent to the SAVE -+ CAL softkey.
See also

nsSC1, TRCMEM

S-103

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IReference

Programming commands

ns_REFL

XREFL

The ns_REFL command sets the reflection measurement mode.
Example

OUTPUT 718; “ns_REFL; ‘I
The ns_REFL command restores all amplitude and frequency parameters to
the values associated with the reflection measurement, and normalization is
turned on or off appropriately. If the instrument is in the transmission mode
prior to executing this command, all frequency, amplitude and normalization
parameters are stored for future return to that mode.
This command functionally equivalent to the REFL softkey.

See also

ns_TRANS and ns_CALR

S-104

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Programming commands

ns-RL
reference
r l e v e l 7
number

XRLKK

The ns-RL command sets the reference level before normalization.
The parameters are as follows:
Real number expressed in integer, decimal, or exponential form.
Example

OUTPUT 718; “ns_RL 5DB; ‘I

Ofsets normalized reference level 5 dI3

Ouery R e s p o n s e

output
’ t e r m i n a t o r

--*

ORLKK

The ns_RL command’s range is hard limited dependent on the instrument in
use, typically - 140 to + 50 or + 60 dBm. If executed after normalization is
turned on, it will have no affect until normalization is turned off. The default
value is 0 dBm.
This command is functionally equivalent to the REF LEVEL softkey when
normalization is turned off.
See also

ns-LG, ns_NRL, ns-NORM, and ns-NRP
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Programming commands

nsSC1
calibration
r r e g i s t e r 7

XSC

I K

The ns-SC1 command stores the current calibration set and instrument state
for both transmission and reflection measurements in the register specified.
The parameters are as follows:
number

Integer value for valid register.

Example

OUTPUT 718*"ns
, - SC1 1."
,

Ouery R e s p o n s e

QSC I K

The nsSC1 command stores the frequency and amplitude parameters for
each measurement mode independently. The valid range of registers is from
1 (one) to a maximum dependent on the total number of available trace
registers. This command is functionally equivalent to the SAVE + CAL
softkey.
See also

ns-RCI and TRCMEM.
8-106

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Reference

Programming commands

nsSDLL
lower
limit 7

XSDLL

The ns-SDLL command sets the lower limit for a standard device calibration
and limit test.
The parameters are as follows:
number

Example

Negative real number between 0 to 200 dB inclusive.
OUTPUT 718; “ns_SDLL -60.0; ”

(luery R e s p o n s e

output
’ t e r m i n a t o r

OSDLL

The ns-SDLL command can set the lower limit before or after performing a
standard device calibration. The lower limit is added to the standard device
response and then transferred to the lower limit line. The default value
is -3 dB. This command is functionally equivalent to the LOWER LIMIT
softkey.
See also

ns-SDUL and ns-STD
8-107

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Reference

Programming commands

ns.SDUL
upper
limit 7

The ns-SDUL command sets the upper limit for a standard device calibration
and limit test.
The parameters are as follows:
number

Example

Positive real number between 0 to 200 dB, inclusive.
OUTPUT 718;“ns,SDUL 10.0;”

Ouery R e s p o n s e

output
’ t e r m i n a t o r

OSDUL

The ns_SDUL command can set the upper limit before or after performing a
standard device calibration. The upper limit is added to the standard device
response and then transferred to the upper limit line. The default value
is +3 dB. This command is functionally equivalent to the UPPER LIMIT
softkey.
See also

ns_SDLL, nsSTD
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Programming commands

ns-SFM

ns-SFM
XSFMK

The ns-SFM command immediately performs a single bandwidth shape factor
measurement.
Example

OUTPUT 7 18.* “ns-SFM 9* ”
The ns_SFM measurement results are displayed on screen as well as being
available remotely. The shape factor is defined as the ratio ns-LBW/ns-UBW.
Scalar Measurement Variables

See also

ns-UBW, ns-LBW, ns-BMF, and ns-CMB

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Programming commands

ns-SHRT

XSHRT

The ns-SHRT command stores the reflection response of a short circuit.
Example

OUTPUT 718 t* “ns -SHRT ,* I’
The ns_SHRT command causes the scalar measurement personality to
perform an average with the previously stored open circuit response, then
stores the results for reflection normalization purposes. Normalization is
turned on.
This command is functionally equivalent to the STORE SHORT softkey.

See also

ns_CALR, ns-OPEN, ns-NORM

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Programming commands

ns-SRCOFF

XCOFF

The ns_SRCOFF command immediately turns the source RF output power off.
Example

See also

OUTPUT 718 ; “ns,SRCOFF ; ”
ns-SRCPWR

a-111

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Reference

Programming commands

nsSRCPOFS
power
r o f f s e t
ns-SRCPOFS

number

XCPOF

The nsSRCPOFS command allows the displayed source output power to be
offset from the actual source output power.
The parameters are as follows:
number

Example

Real number expressed in integer, decimal, or exponential form.
OUTPUT 718; “ns_SRCPOFS 5; ”

(luery R e s p o n s e

OCPOF

The ns-SRCPOFS command adds the offset to the current source level and is
displayed. Once set, the offset is subtracted from any incoming source power
level adjustment before setting the actual output power level. The default is
0 dB (no offset).
This command is functionally equivalent to the SRC PWR OFFSET softkey.

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Programming commands

nsSRCPWR
power
r

level

number

XCPWR

The ns-SRCPWR command sets the source output power to the level
specihed.
The parameters are as follows:
number

Example

Real number expressed in integer, decimal, or exponential form.
OUTPUT 718; “ns_SRCPWR -5.5; ‘I

Source power to -5.5 dBm.

tluery R e s p o n s e

The ns_SRCPWR command turns the source on if the source is turned off.
The range is dependent on the instrument, and is hard limited accordingly,
This command is functionally equivalent to the SRC PWR ON OFF softkey.
See also

nsSRCOFF and ns-SRCPOFS.

8-113

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Reference

Programming commands

ns-STD

ns-STD
XSTDK

The nsSTD command stores the response of a standard device.
Example

OUTPUT718;“ns-STD;”
The ns-STD command causes the scalar measurement personality to add the
upper and lower test limits, and transfer the results to upper and lower limit
line traces. Limit test is then activated. Note that the stored limit lines are
traces, and therefore cannot be edited as normal limit lines can.
This command is functionally equivalent to the STORE STD DEV softkey.

See also

ns-CALS, nsSDLL, ns-SDUL, and LIMITLINES.

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Programming commands

ns_TAKESWP

ns-TAKESWP
XTAKE

The ns-TAKESWP command replaces the instrument’s TS command.
Example

OUTPUT718;“ns-TAKESWP;”
The ns-TAKESWP command properly completes sweeps if the extended
display range (ns-EDR) or dual display mode (ns-DDM) are active. If these
modes are not active, a normal TS is generated.

See also

ns-DDM, ns-EDR

8-115

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Reference

Programming commands

ns-TCA
compression
r type 7

XTCAK

The ns_TCA command sets the compression algorithm to be used when
compressing the tabular data trace.
The parameters are as follows:
Average

The average of the points within an interval are used. Equivalent to the
AVERAGE ON softkey.

Normal

The compressed value of the interval is computed using a Rosenfell algorithm.
If the data within the interval is continuously rising, the compressed value
taken is the maximum (last) value within the interval. If the data within the
interval is continuously falling, the compressed value taken is the minimum
(last) value within the interval. If the data within the average is not
continuously rising OR falling, the compressed value will alternate between
the maximum and minimum value detected within the intervals. Equivalent
to the NORMAL ON softkey.

Negative

The compressed value taken is the lowest value from the interval. Equivalent
to the NEGATIVE ON softkey.

Positive

The compressed value taken is the highest value from within the interval.
Equivalent to the POSITIVE ON softkey.

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Reference

Programming commands

Sample

Example

The compressed value taken is the last value from the interval. Equivalent to
the SAMPLE ON softkey.
OUTPUT 718 ,* “ns - TCA 1., I’

Query R e s p o n s e

output
terminator

QTCAK

The ns_TCA command changes the compression type from the default of
sample. As the number of displayed tabular data points can be fewer than
the actual data trace length (401 points), the compression algorithm defines
how the data is compressed.
See also

ns-TDD and ns-TDP.

8-117

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Reference

Programming commands

ns-TDD

XTDDK

The ns_TDD command turns the tabular data display off or on.
The parameters are as follows:
0

Tabular data display off.

Tabular data display on.

Example

OUTPUT 718;"ns-TDD 1;"

Cluery R e s p o n s e

OTDDK

8-118

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Reference

Programming commands

The ns-TDD command is equivalent to the TABULAR ON OFF softkey. When
tabular data is activated, a sweep is taken and the resulting data compressed
as per the setting of ns_TCA. After compression, the data is displayed on
screen. Continuous sweeps are not allowed except by repeatedly executing
MOV ns_TDD, 1 or ns_TAKESWP.
See also

ns_TCA, ns_TDP

8-119

Reference

Programming commands

ns-TDP

data

r p o i n t s
number

7
f

XTDPK

The ns_TDP command sets the number of points available for a tabular data
display.
The parameters are as follows:
number

Example

Integer from 3 through 401.
OUTPUT 718;“ns-TDP 256;”

lluery R e s p o n s e

output
c t e r m i n a t o r

B-120

----+

I-

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Reference

Programming commands

The ns_TDP command can be used to change the default of 401 trace
points. The actual data trace (401 points) is compressed, via the algorithm
determined by ns-TCA, into a trace of length ns-TDP. Only 18 points can be
displayed simultaneously on screen, but the whole trace (ns-TDP in length)
is output to a printer if the copy key is pressed and tabular data display is
turned on.
This command is functionally equivalent to the NUMBER POINTS softkey.
See also

ns-TCA and ns_TDD.

B-121

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Programming commands

ns-THRU

XTHRU

The ns_THRU command stores the thru transmission measurement for
normalization purposes.
Example

OUTPUT 718; “ns_THRU; ”
The ns_THRU command causes normalization to be turned on. This command
is functionally equivalent to the STORE THRU softkey.

See also

ns-CALT, ns-NORM

8-122

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Programming commands

ns-TRANS

ns_TRANS
XTRAN

The ns-TRANS command sets the transmission measurement mode.
Example

OUTPUT718;“ns-TRANS;”
The ns-TRANS command restores all amplitude and frequency parameters to
the values associated with the transmission measurement, and normalization
is turned on or off appropriately. If the instrument is in the reflection mode
prior to executing this command, all frequency, amplitude and normalization
parameters are stored for future return to that mode.
This command functionally equivalent to the TRANS softkey.

See also

ns-REFL and ns_CALT

8-123

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Reference

Programming commands

ns-UBW
upper
bandwidth

XUBWK

The ns_UBW command sets the target bandwidth used for either a bandwidth
measurement or shape factor measurement (upper bandwidth).
The parameters are as follows:
number

Example

Negative real.
OUTPUT 718; "ns_UBW -6;"

Query R e s p o n s e

OUBWK

The ns-UBW command is functionally equivalent to the UPPER BW softkey.
The default bandwidth is -3.
See also

ns-BMT, ns-BWM, ns-SFM, and ns-LBW.

8-124

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Reference

Programming commands

ns_URNG

ns-URNG

-GYP
i

XURNG

The ns-URNG command draws and displays a trace marking the upper
calibrated display limit.
The parameters are as follows:
0

Calibrated display limit off.

Calibrated display limit on.

Example

OUTPUT 718;“ns-URNG 1;”

8-125

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Programming commands

Ouery R e s p o n s e

The ns_URNG command is not available with the dual display or extended
display range mode active. If this level is above the top graticule, it may not
be visible unless the display is re-scaled (Log dB/division) or the reference
level adjusted. The default is off.
This command is functionally equivalent to the MAX RNG ON OFF softkey.
See also

ns_LRNG

8-126

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Characteristics

Characteristics provide information about non-warranted instrument
performance in the form of nominal values. These values are bases
on estimated worst-case system performance. Characteristics are not
specifications. The characteristics in this section are for systems which
include the following:
0 a spectrum analyzer (Option 010)
l

an HP 85630A scalar transmission/reflection test set

an HP 85714A scalar measurements personality

8-127

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Reference

Characteristics

HP 8590 A and B Series
System Characteristics (1 of 81
Configuration:
PORT 1 Source Match
PORT 2 Input Match*
HP g5714A. HP g5630A.
Attenuation (where applicable)
and spectrum analyzer
with tracking generator test set: 0 dB test set: lo d6
option
source: 0 dB or source: 10 dB
H P 85908 O p t . 0 0 3
0.3 - 1200 MHz

1 6 . 3 dB

1 8 . 2 dB

15.3 dB

1200 - 1800 MHz

1 5 . 7 dB

1 7 . 5 d6

12.0 dB

0.3 - 1200 MHz

1 6 . 3 dB

1 8 . 2 dB

1 5 . 3 dB

1200 - 1800 MHz

1 5 . 7 dB

17.5 dB

12.0 dB

0.3 . 1200 MHz

1 6 . 9 dB

19.2 dB

14.6 d6

1200 - 2900 MHz

1 6 . 3 dB

18.5 dB

1 1 . 8 dB

0.3 - 1200 MHz

1 6 . 9 dB

19.2 dB

15.3 dB

1200 - 2900 MHz

1 6 . 3 dB

18.5 dB

12.0 dB

0.3 - 1200 MHz

1 6 . 9 dB

19.2 dB

15.3 dB

1200 - 2900 MHz

1 6 . 3 dB

18.5 dB

12.0 dB

H P 8591A

iP 8593A

iP 8594A*

1P 8595A*

k DC coupled signal analyzer input
1 10 dB signal analyzer input attenuation

8-128

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Characteristics

HP 8590 D and E Series
System Characteristics (2 of 8)
Configuration:
HP B5714k HP BlNOA,
and spectrum analyzer

PORT 1 Source Match

PORT 2 Input Matcht

Attenuation (where applicable)

with tracking generator test set: 0 dB test set: 10 dB test set: 0 dB
option
source: 0 dB
source: 0 dB source: 10 dB
H P 85900 Opt. 003
0.3 - 1200 MHz

1 6 . 3 dB

20.9 dB

N/A

15.3 dB

1 2 0 0 - 1800 M H z

1 5 . 7 dB

19.9 dB

N/A

12.0 dB

0.3 - 1200 MHz

1 6 . 3 dB

20.9 dB

N/A

15.3 dB

1 2 0 0 . 1800 M H z

15.7 dB

19.9 dB

N/A

12.0 dB

0.3 - 1200 MHz

16.3 dB

20.9 dB

1 8 . 2 dB

15.3 dB

1200 - 1800 MHz

15.7 dB

19.9 dB

1 7 . 5 dB

12.0 dB

0.3 - 1200 MHz

1 5 . 3 dB

20.7 dB

1 8 . 5 dB$

14.6 dB

1200 - 2900 MHz

14.7 dB

19.8 dB

1 7 . 7 dB

1 1 . 8 dB

0.3 - 1200 MHz

1 5 . 3 dB

20.7 dB

18.5 dB$

15.3 dB

1200 - 2900 MHz

14.7 dB

19.8 dB

1 7 . 7 dB

12.0 dB

H P 859OL O p t . 0 0 3

H P 859IE

H P 8593E

H P 8594E*

* DC coupled signal analyzer input
t 10 dB signal analyzer input attenuation
$ Source attenuation = 8 dB.

8-129

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Characteristics

HP 8590 D and E Series
System Characteristics (2 of 8 continued)
Configuration:
HP 65714A. HP 65630A,
and spectrum analyzer

PORT 1 Source Match

PORT 2 Input Match7

Attenuation (where applicable)

with tracking generator test set: 0 dB test set: 10 dB test set: 0 dB
option
source: 0 dB
source: 0 dB source: 10 dB
H P 6595E*
0 . 3 1200 MHz

1 6 . 5 dB$

1 5 . 3 dB

1200 - 2 9 0 0 M H z

1 7 . 7 dB

1 2 . 0 dB

H P 6596E*
0 . 3 1200 MHz

1 5 . 3 dB

2 0 . 7 dB

1 6 . 5 dB$

1 5 . 3 dB

1200 - 2 9 0 0 M H z

1 4 . 7 dB

1 9 . 8 dB

1 7 . 7 dB

1 2 . 0 dB

* DC coupled signal analyzer input
t 10 dB signal analyzer input attenuation
$ Source attenuation = 8 dB.

8-130

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R e f e r e n c e

Characteristics

HP 9590 A and B Series
System Characteristics (3 of 91
~ Configuration:
Dynamic Range
HP 66714A. HP 65630A,
and spectrum analyzer
with tracking generator
option

Test Set Isolation

H P 85908 O p t . 0 0 3
0.3 - 1200 MHz

8 6 dBt

1 0 0 dB

83 dBt
106 dB**

9 7 dB
-

8 6 dBt

1 0 0 dB

8 3 dBt
IO6 d B * *

9 7 dB
-

9 5 dB$

100 dB

9 4 dB$
II3 dB**

9 7 dB
-

0.3 - 1200 MHz

9 1 dBt#

1 0 0 dB

1200 - 2 9 0 0 M H z

9 5 dB$
1 1 3 dB**

9 7 dB
-

9 4 dB$

1 0 0 dB

9 4 dB$
II3 d B * *

9 7 dB
-

1200 - 1800 MHz
0.1 - 1800 MHz
H P 8591A
0.3 - 1200 MHz
1200 - 1800 MHz
0 . 1 - 1800 M H z
H P 8593A
0.3 - 1200 MHz
1200 - 2 9 0 0 M H z
0 . 3 - 2900 MHz
H P 8594A*

0 . 3 - 2900 MHz
H P 8595A*
0 . 3 - 1200 MHz
1200 - 2 9 0 0 M H z
0 . 3 . 2900 MHz

* DC coupled signal analyzer input
1:
1 :o:r~~~~~~~.Dn,l:~~~h.
# dmplayed average nome dommates 0.4.5.0 MHz
** This range available when bypassing the HP 65630A and connecting DUT between tracking
generator output and spectrum analyzer input.

8-131

Reference

Characteristics

HP 8590 D and E Series
System Characteristics (4 of 81
Configuration:
Dynamic Range
HP 66714A, HP 6563OA.
and spectrum analyzer
with tracking generator
option

Test Set Isolation

HP 85900 Opt. 003
0.3 - 1200 MHz

8 6 dBt

1 0 0 dB

1200 . 1800 MHz

8 3 dBt

9 7 dB

0.1 - 1800 MHz

IO6 d B * *

H P 859OL O p t . 0 0 3
8 6 dBt

1 0 0 dB

8 3 dBt
106 dB**

9 7 dB
-

8 6 dBt

100 dB

8 3 dBt
106 dB**

9 7 dB
-

9 3 dB$

100 dB

9 2 dB$
111 dB**

9 7 dB
-

0.3 . 1200 MHz

8 9 dBt#

1 0 0 dB

1200 - 2900 MHz
0.3 . 2900 MHz

9 3 dB$
111 dB**

9 7 dB
-

0.3 - 1200 MHz
1 2 0 0 - Ii300 M H z
0.1 - 1800 MHz
H P 8591E
0.3 - 1200 MHz
1200 - 1800 MHz
0.1 - 1800 MHz
iP 8593E
0.3 - 1200 MHz
1200 - 2900 MHz
0.3 - 2900 MHz
iP 8594E*

I; DC coupled signal analyzer input
i 10 kHz resolution bandwidth
: 1 kHz resolution bandwidth
r displayed average noise dominates 0.4.5.0 MHz
I* This range available when bypassing the HP 65630A and connecting DUT between tracking
generator output and spectrum analyzer input.

8-132

-I

IReference

Characteristics

HP 8590 0 and E Series
System Characteristics (4 of 8 continued)
Dynamic Range
Configuration:
HP 65714A. HP 65630A.
and spectrum analyzer
with tracking generator
option

Test Set Isolation

H P 6595E*
0.3 - 1200 MHz

9 2 dB$

1 0 0 dB

1200 - 2 9 0 0 M H z

9 2 dB$
111 dR**

9 7 dB
-

0.3 _ 1200 MHz

9 2 dB$

1 0 0 dB

1200 - 2 9 0 0 M H z

9 2 dB$

9 7 dB
-

0 . 3 - 2900 MHz
H P 8596E*

0 . 3 - 2900 MHz

I I I dB**

* DC coupled signal analyzer input
t 10 kHr resolution bandwidth
$ 1 kHz resolution bandwidth
#displayed average noise dominates 0.4.5.0 MHz
*c* This range available when bypassing the HP 6563OA and connecting DUT between tracking
generator output and spectrum analyzer input.

8-133

-I

IReference

Characteristics

System Characteristics (5 of 81
Configuration:
HP 66714A, HP 66630A.
and spectrum analyzer
with tracking generator
option

frequency Readout Accuracy
(Start, Stop, Center, Marker)

HP 66908 Opt. 003, HP 6690D Opt. 003
all frequency spans

f15 M H z + 1 % o f f r e q u e n c y span1

HP 6591A. HP 6693A. HP 6594A. HP 659fiA
readout x freq. reference error* + 3 . 0 % o f s p a n + 2 0 % o f R B W + 100 Hz1
freq. span 5 IO MHz flfreq.
I
f r e q . s p a n > 1 0 M H z I flfreq. readout x freq. reference error* + 3.0% of span + 20% of RBW]

HP 659OD Opt. 013, HP 65901, HP 6593E, HP 6694E. HP 6595E, HP 6596E
freq. span 5 IO MHz kf(freq.
readout x freq. reference error* + s p a n a c c u r a c y + 1 . 0 % o f s p a n + 2 0 % o f R B W + 1 0 0 Hz11
I

* Refer to spectrum analyzer specification.
$ See drift under stability in spectrum analyzer characteristics

System Characteristics (6 of 81
Sweeptime
Configuration:
HP 65714A, HP 6563OA, and spectrum analyzer (10 kHz resolution bandwidth
10 kflz video bandwidth)
with tracking generator option

8-134

H P 85908 O p t . 0 0 3 , H P 8 5 9 0 0 O p t . 0 0 3

50 ms1401 points

H P 8590L, H P 8591A, H P 8591E

50 ms1401 points

H P 85934 H P 8593E

58 ms1401 points

H P 8594A, H P 8594E

58 ms1401 points

H P 8595A. H P 8595E

58 ms1401 points

H P 8596E

58 ms1401 points

-I
Reference

Characteristics

HP 8590 A and B Series
System Characteristics (7 of 81
Amplitude Accuracy
Configuration:
HP 6514A. HP 6563OA, and spectrum analyzer (After normalization, with prenormalized
reference trace starting at reference level.)
with tracking generator option
HP 65908. HP 6591A. HP 6593A, HP 6594A. HP 6595A
log incremental
log max. cumulative

f0.2 dB12 dB, 0 t o - 7 0 dB f r o m r e f . l e v e l
kO.75 dB, 0 t o - 6 0 dB f r o m r e f . l e v e l
f I . O dB, 0 t o - 7 0 dB f r o m r e f . l e v e l

HP 8590 D and E Series
System Characteristics (8 of 8)
I

Amplitude Accuracy
Configuration:
HP 65714A. HP 65630A. and spectrum analyzer (After normalization, with pre-normalized
reference trace starting at reference level.)
with tracking generator option
HP 659013. HP 65901, HP g691E, HP 6593E, HP 6594E, HP 6595E, HP 6596E
1 log incremental

f0.4 dB14 dB, 0 t o - 7 0 dB f r o m r e f . l e v e l
0 t o - 7 0 dB f r o m r e f . l e v e l
f0.4 dB + O . O I xldB f r o m r e f . level1

3 kHz t o 3 M H z R B W

f0.3 dB +O.OI xldB f r o m r e f . level1

8-135

-I

Concepts

I-

-I

I-

Concepts

The concepts discussed in this chapter help you evaluate the measurement
uncertainties inherent in scalar test setups. The information is technical in
nature and is not necessary for operating the scalar analyzer. It is provided
for those who wish a more in-depth understanding of scalar measurements.

I-

-I
Transmission measurement uncertainty

Transmission measurement uncertainty is composed primarily of relative
amplitude accuracy (flatness, display fidelity) and the external circuit
mismatch.
Normalization removes flatness uncertainties. Display fidelity in the
HP 8590 Series spectrum analyzers is good (greater than f0.2 dB/2 dB but
not more than a maximum of fl.O dB over a 70 dB range). The major
causes of transmission measurement uncertainties, then, result from external
mismatch among source, receiver, and DUT. These external mismatch
uncertainties arise at calibration and measurement.

Basic calculation review
You should be familiar with the relationships among reflection coefficient (I’),
standing wave ratio (VSWR), and return loss:
r = pLe
VS~=I+e
l--P
VSWR-I
p = VSWR+l

Return Loss = -2010gp
Maximum mismatch error in dB is expressed by
MME = 20 log(

1 f plpz),

where..
p1

and

are the scalar reflection coefficients at the points of connection.

9-3

-I
Concepts

Transmission measurement uncertainty

Reflectometer calculator
The HP Reflectometer Calculator IHP Part Number 5952-0948) makes it easy to determine equivalents
among p,

VSWR, and return loss.

Reflection coefficient is a vector (complex) quantity. In a scalar system like
the HP 85714A, we cannot measure phase of a particular r and then account
for it in our error analysis and correct for it in the measurement. We can,
however, ignore phase, determine worst case caused by interaction of two
reflection coefficients (two p’s), then know that actual measurement error is
between zero and worst case. Worst case is the same as MME in the above
expression.
In the following example, all results are maximum possible errors. We want
to calculate the maximum mismatch error of a filter measurement at its 3 dB
point. The Enal error window wilI combine the MME at calibration and the
MME at measurement. Assume a source with ps = 0.2 (or 1.5 VSWR) and
a receiver with a pr = 0.13 (or 1.3 VSWR). Given these two p’s, our MME
equation yields a possible calibration (thou measurement) error window of
kO.23 dI3.
Now we must calculate possible errors with the DUT inserted between the
source and receiver. The source ps will interact with the DUT input Pdi;
the receiver pr will interact with the DUT output P&z. Therefore, we must
calculate two MME’s, then add them together to arrive at the measurement
error window.
At the 3 dB point the filter reflects half of the input power, so reflection
coefficients pdl and Pd2 equal 0.707 (or 5.8 VSWR). Our MME equation
yields the input and output mismatch errors, respectively: + 1.15/- 1.3 dB
and + 0.76/-0.84 dB. We now add these error windows to get the MME at
measurement (+ 1.91/-2.14 dB):
1.15 + 0.76 = +1.91 dB
-1.3 + (-0.84) = -2.14

9-4

dB.

-I

IConcepts

Transmission measurement uncertainty

To get the total uncertainty of the measurement, we subtract the negative
measurement number from the positive calibration number, and we subtract
the positive measurement number from the negative calibration number (We
subtract because measurement error was the denominator of a linear equation
before converting to dB.):
+.23 - (-2.14) = +2.37

-.23 - (+ 1.91) = -2.14 dB
Thus, for our 3 dB point filter measurement, our MME is + 2.37/-2.14 dBwe might measure anything from 0.86 to 5.37 dB.
The error can be worse if hardware constraints necessitate additional cables
and/or adapters between source and/or receiver and the DUT. The source
is at the end of its cable/adapter; the receiver input is at the end of its
cable/adapter, so we must consider the mismatches at these points rather
than at the panel connectors. Effective mismatch becomes worse.
To determine effective mismatches, multiply the VSWR values. For example, if
the losskss cables and adapters each have VSWR’s of 1.1, the source VSWR
becomes
1.5 x 1.1 x 1.1 = 1.8 (OT

0.29p)

and the receiver VSWR becomes
1.3 x 1.1 x 1.1 = 1.57 (07‘

0.22p).

With these numbers, the maximum mismatch errors at calibration and at
DUT input/output at measurement are +0.54/-0.58, + 1.6/-2.0, and
+ 1.27/- 1.5 dB, respectively.

low-loss devices
When the OUT is a low-loss device, we must also account for the interaction between source and
receiver when the DUT is connected. We ignore this interaction at the 3 dB point of our filter,
b e c a u s e i t w o u l d a d d o n l y a b o u t 0 . 2 dB.
Also, we assume that the OUT input and output connectors are the same type, opposite sex. If not,
you must insert an adapter at calibration, then remove it when you insert the OUT. A high quality
adapter’s effect on uncertainty is small, thus it is not included here.

9-5

-I

IConcepts

Transmission measurement uncertainty

Enhancing transmission measurement accuracy
Attenuators (pads)

The simplest way to improve the situation is to place well-matched Exed
attenuators (with DUT compatible connectors) at the source output and at the
receiver input. Connect the attenuators at the ends of the cables/adapters
discussed above, not at the tracking generator and analyzer panel connectors.
For example, given 10 dB pads with p’s of 0.05 (or 1.1 VSWR), the source
and receiver reflection coefficients (assuming the above cables and adapters)
become 0.078 (or 1.17 VSWR) and 0.071 (or 1.16 VSWR) respectively. The
maximum calibration, input, and output mismatch errors then become f0.05,
+ 0.48/-0.5, + 0.43/-0.44 dB, respectively-dramatic improvements.
If we need accurate measurement of points farther down the filter skirts, e.g.
the 6, 10, 20 dB points, the reflection coefficient of the Elter approaches
unity (inEnite VSWR). In such cases our 10 dB pads may not give us enough
isolation, leaving us with errors in excess of 1 dB. Fortunately, the HP 85714A
has plenty of dynamic range, so we can often afford to use some of it to
enhance accuracy. Using 20 dB pads totally masks source and receiver
mismatches, for all practical purposes, and leaves just the p’s of the pads
themselves.

Directional coupler/detector Another

way to improve source match, with essentially no loss of power, is to
use a directional coupler/detector in an external leveling loop. In this case the
output of the coupler becomes the output of the source. The effective source
match in this case becomes
PSOUPce =

,/d2 + (0.75 x P,)~

where..

d equals the coupler directivity
pc

equals coupler main line reflection coefficient

0.75 is empirically derived
For a coupler with 30 dB directivity (equivalent to 0.03 p) and 0.07 p
(1.15 VSWR), source mismatch becomes 0.06 p (or 1.13 VSWR), a little better
than we achieved using the 10 dB pad above.

9-6

I-

-I
Concepts

Transmission measurement uncertainty

Two-resistor splitter

Instead of a coupler, we could use a two-resistor splitter in the leveling loop.
Such a splitter has no resistors in the input arm and a series 50-ohm resistor
in each of the output arms. The leveling detector connects to one of the
resistive arms. The output connector on the other resistive arm becomes the
effective source port at which we measure source mismatch. The leveling
action makes the junction of the input and output arms a virtual RF ground.
As a result, the source mismatch is dependent upon the quality of the resistor
in the output arm. For example, the HP 11667A has an equivalent source
VSWR of 1.1 from dc to 4 GHz, 1.2 up to 8 GHz, and 1.33 up to 18 GHz.
Note the wide frequency range of the splitter-a significant advantage over a
coupler. In terms of source power, the splitter does cost 6 dB, which is more
than a coupler but less than a pad.

9-7

-I
Reflection measurement uncertainties

Instrumentation contributes the same uncertainties to reflection
measurements as indicated above for transmission measurements. In this
section, we shall focus on the uncertainties caused by the external circuit.
However, there is more than just mismatch to consider. The error expression
for reflection is
Ap = A + Bpd + Cp;,
where..

Ap equals the measurement uncertainty
A equals the directivity of the coupler or bridge
B equals the calibration error and frequency response
C equals the source mismatch
pd is the reflection coefficient of the DUT
The coefficients in the above expression are linear terms, but coupler or
bridge directivity is usually expressed in dB, as is frequency response,
and source mismatch is often expressed in VSWR, so all of these must
be converted to linear values. In addition, measurement results from
reflectometer systems such as the HP 85714A are in dB of return loss, and it
is common to express uncertainty in dB:
Uncertainty = 20 log(

1 f Ap).

The HP Reflectometer Calculator (HP Part Number 5952-0948) makes it easy
to determine equivalents among p, VSWR, and return loss.

9-8

I-

-I
Concepts

Reflection measurement uncertainties

The A term
Let’s look at the A term in the error expression first. If the measurement
port of a directional coupler or bridge is terminated with a perfect load, there
should be no signal at the detector port because there is no reflection from
the load. (In this case the spectrum analyzer is the detector.) However, since
no coupler or bridge is perfect, there is always some signal at the detector
port. The level of this signal is a measure of the directivity of the coupler or
bridge and is generally expressed in dB. For example, if we put a perfect load
on our coupler and measure a 30 dB return loss, that really means that our
coupler has 30 dB directivity.
The directivity signal is thus a constant signal at the detector port that adds
vectorially to the desired reflection signal that we wish to measure, producing
an error in the measurement. To produce an error of no more than 1 dB, the
directivity signal must be at least 20 dB below the signal to be measured. In
other words, the directivity of the coupler or bridge must be at least 20 dB
better than the return loss of the device to be measured. If we were testing
devices with return losses of about 10 dB (1.92 VSWR), we would need a
coupler or bridge with 30 dB directivity for no more than 1 dB of error just
due to directivity.
The error expression tells us that the B and C terms become small as the
match of the DUT improves. So directivity of the coupler or bridge becomes
the limiting factor when measuring high-return-loss devices. Unless we take
extra-ordinary steps in the measurement process that are beyond the scope
of this discussion, the only thing that we can do to improve measurement
results is to use a better coupler or bridge.
A word

of caution-Use a coupler/bridge with a test-port connector that
matches the DUT. Any adapters have their own reflections and degrade the
directivity of the coupler/bridge. For example, a perfect coupler with an
adapter having a 1.065 VSWR (30 dB return loss, 0.032 p) has an effective
directivity of 30 dB. A coupler with 30 dB directivity would have an effective
directivity ranging anywhere from infinity to 24 dB, depending upon the
phase of the reflection from the adapter relative to that of the directivity
signal of the coupler itself.

9-9

-I
Concepts

Reflection measurement uncertainties

The C term
Next, let’s look at the source match term, C. As far as the DUT is concerned,
the source port is the measurement port of the coupler or bridge, i.e. the port
to which the DUT is attached. Any reflection from the DUT (the signal that
we wish to measure) flows back toward the source, and, unless the match of
the source is perfect, a part of this signal is re-reflected back toward the DUT.
The DUT reflects part of this re-reflected signal just as it did part of the
original signal. If pd is the reflection of the DUT and C is the reflection
coefficient of the source, then a first-order approximation of the measured
signal pm is
Pm =pdXCXPd=CP;.
This term becomes important when measuring devices with high reflection
coefficients (low return losses). For example, we might want to measure the
6 dB return-loss points. In this case reflection coefficient is 0.5, so pd2 is 0.25.
For a good measurement, then, we need to minimize the mismatch of the
source. When using a coupler for reflection measurements, we usually use a
dual coupler (two couplers in the same physical package) and use one of the
couplers in a leveling loop. We can then calculate effective source match just
as was done in the transmission discussion above. Using the same numbers
as in the transmission example (0.06 p, 1.13 VSWR), the uncertainty in
determining the 6 dB return loss point due to source mismatch is
Ap = 0.06 x 0.25 = 0.015,
201og(l *Ap) = f0.13

dB.

Once again, it is best to use a coupler/bridge with a measurement port
that matches the connector type of the DUT because an adapter degrades
source match. We get effective source mismatch by multiplying source VSWR
without the adapter by the VSWR of the adapter. Using the same adapter that
we used above to determine effective directivity, we get a source mismatch of

9-10

I-

-I
Concepts

Reflection measurement uncertainties

source mismatch = VSWR,
source mismatch =

1.13

VSWR,

1.065

source mismatch = 1.2 VSWR (or 0.09 p)

The effective source match characteristic of the HP 85630A is 1.46 VSWR
(0.19 p), and the uncertainty due to source mismatch only is
Ap = 0.19 x 0.25 = 0.047, or
201og(l f Ap) = +0.38/ - 0.40 dB.

The B term
Finally, let’s look at the B term. This term includes calibration uncertainty
and frequency response (as well as instrument uncertainty, which we are
ignoring in this discussion). As was the case in transmission, frequency
response can be removed with trace arithmetic. The calibration uncertainty
also can be removed with trace arithmetic, but we must take a few extra
steps to insure that it is.
In a reflection measurement, we compare the signal reflected from a DUT to
the signal incident upon the DUT. To get a measure of the incident signal, we
connect a device that reflects all of the incident signal to the measurement
port of our coupler or bridge and use this reflected signal as our reference
that represents a reflection coefficient of unity (1.0). The usual calibration
device is a short circuit.
If our system were perfect, we would indeed get an exact measure of the
unity reflection from the short. However, from the above, we know that there
are two other signals that add vectorially to the unity signal: a directivity
signal and a multiple-reflection signal resulting from source mismatch. So
the calibration uncertainty part of the B term is somewhere between zero
and the algebraic sum of A and C, depending upon the phase angles of A
and C relative to the unity (actually - 1) reflection from the short. Since
the HP 85714A is a scalar system, it measures the absolute value of the
combination:

9-11

-I
Concepts

Reflection measurement uncertainties

I--l+A+CI,or +1-A-C

In most analyzer/tracking-generator systems, we must live with the
calibration uncertainty because there is no provision for removing it.
The HP 85714A allows us to use a second standard, an open, to eliminate A
and C from the calibration trace. The reflection from an open is also unity,
but in this case it is + 1 because the reflected signal is in phase with the
incident signal rather than 180 degrees out of phase as it is for the short
(hence the -1). As is the case with the short, a calibration trace based on an
open also includes A and C:
I+l+A+CJ

To eliminate A and C we can average the two calibration traces and end up
with just the unity value that we wanted. Thus the two step calibration
process for the HP 85714A: first calibrate with an open and store that
trace; then replace the open with a short and recalibrate. The HP 85714A
automatically calculates the mean of the short and open calibrations and
stores the result.
The stored open/short average also includes the inherent system frequency
response, so we can eliminate the B term completely, and the error
expression becomes
Ap = A + Cp$.

Still, coupler/bridge directivity (A) is critical for accurate measurement
of well matched devices (high return loss, low VSWR or p), while source
match (C) becomes the critical factor for low return-loss (high VSWR or p)
measurements, for example, the 3 dB point of our filter.

9-12

If You Have a Problem

-I

I-

If You Have a Problem

Your spectrum analyzer, with its scalar measurements personality, is built to
provide dependable service. It is unlikely you will experience a problem, but
in the event something goes wrong, refer to the following sections:
l
l
l
l
l
l

If you can’t install the HP 85714A
If you suspect a problem with the test set
If DISPLAY UNDER-RANGE or DISPLAY OVER-RANGE is displayed
If you can’t use dual-display mode
If you can’t measure MAG Sll, VSWR, or MAG S21
If BW MEAS measurement shows UNCAL

10-2

-I

Start here

Perform the following steps to isolate any problem. If the problem still is not
resolved, call your nearest HP Sales and Service Office.
1. Be sure that the spectrum analyzer’s hrmware date code is 10.26.90 or
later. This is not the revision number of the HP 85714A.
2. Reinstall the HP 85714A scalar measurements personality using the
instructions in Chapter 1.
3. Refer to the contents of this chapter for common problems and their
solutions.
4. Complete all the basic checks for the spectrum analyzer listed in the
spectrum analyzer’s installation and verihcation manual.

10-3

I -

-I

I-

If you can’t install the HP 85714A

Check that the card is correctly installed.
The arrow on the card must line up with the arrow on the card slot

Check the available user memory.

The following message is displayed if available memory is not enough to
hold the HP 85714A:
INVALID SYMTABENTRY: SYMTAB OVERFLOW

10-4

-1

I-

-I
If You Have a Problem

If you can’t install the HP 85714A

To check available user memory
1. Press the (RECALL] key.
2. Press the INTRNL CRD softkey so that INTRNL is underlined.
3. Press the CATALOG INTRNL then CATALOG ALL softkeys.
4. The user memory information is shown at the top of the screen after
the text INTERNAL : . Available memory is the total memory minus the
memory already used. See the following figure. Available memory must be
at least 47000 bytes.

M ; peodr Y

REF

Total
memory

G.E dBm
\\
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..._.......... . . . . .............._._............................................
INTtRNALI

142 , volts, and in
some analyzers watts.
update

To make existing information current; to bring information up to date.

Glossary 15

-I

IIf BW MEAS measurement shows

UNCAL

video

A term describing the output of a spectrum analyzer’s envelope detector.
The frequency range extends from 0 Hz to a frequency that is typically
well beyond the widest resolution bandwidth available in the analyzer.
However, the ultimate bandwidth of the video chain is determined by the
setting of the video Iilter.
video average

The digital averaging of spectrum analyzer trace information. It is
available only on analyzers with digital displays. Each point on the
display is averaged independently and the average is computed based
on the number of sweeps selected by the user. The averaging algorithm
applies a factor to the amplitude value of a given point on the current
sweep (l/n, where n is the number of the current sweep); applies another
factor to the previously stored average [(n - l/n)] ; and combines the
two for a current average. After the designated number of sweeps are
completed, the factors remain constant, and the display becomes a
running average.
video bandwidth

The cut-off frequency (3 dB point) of an adjustable low-pass filter in the
video circuit. When the video bandwidth is equal to or less than the
resolution bandwidth, the video circuit cannot fully respond to the more
rapid fluctuations of the output of the envelope detector. The result is
a smoothing of the trace, or a reduction in the peak-to-peak excursion,
of broadband signals such as noise and pulsed RF when viewed in
broadband mode. The degree of averaging or smoothing is a function of
the ratio of the video bandwidth to the resolution bandwidth.
video filter

A post-detection, low-pass filter that determines the bandwidth of the
video amplifier. It is used to average or smooth a trace. Refer also to
video bandwidth.

Glossary-16

I-

-I
If BW MEAS measurement shows

UNCAL

VSWR

The VSWR (voltage standing-wave ratio) is the ratio of the minimum and
maximum voltage values on a transmission line caused by reflections from
a mismatch. VSWR values range from 1 (representing no reflection) to
infinity (representing 100% reflection from the load). Examples of 100%
reflection occurs when the transmission line is terminated with a short or
open.
VSWR is related to return loss (dB) as shown in the following formula:
u-l
return loss = -20 log(x)

zero span

The case in which a spectrum analyzer’s local oscillator remains fixed at a
given frequency so that the analyzer becomes a fixed-tuned receiver. In
this state, the bandwidth is equal to the resolution bandwidth. Signal
amplitude variations are displayed as a function of time. To avoid loss of
signal information, the resolution bandwidth must be as wide as the signal
bandwidth. To avoid any smoothing, the video bandwidth must be set
wider than the resolution bandwidth.

Glossary 17

I-

Index

-I

I-

Index

Special i1 8-60
characters
1

120 dB ON OFF, 4-11, 8-9

A AC/DC coupling, 2-25
amplitude, 2-10
AMPLITUDE, 8- 10
Amplitude menu, 8-4
Amptd, 2-10, 8-10
annotation, vii, 8-68
ANNOT ON OFF, 8- 10
ATTEN AUTO MAN, 8- 11
ATTEN PORT 1, 8- 11
attenuation
input, 2- 13
output, 2-16
source, 2- 18
attenuator, 8-69, 8-84
AUTO, 8-11
autoscale, 8-71
AUTO SCALE, 2-10, 4-13, 8-12
AUX CTRL, 2-14, 8-12
AUX INFERFACE, 1-3
AVERAGE ON OFF. 8- 13
B bandwidth, 4-17, 8-124
bandwidth measurement, 8-74
bandwidth type, 8-72
BW, 8-13
BW MEAS ON OFF, 4-18, 8-14

Index-2

I-

-I

C Cal, 8-15
CAL, 3-3, 8-15
c a l i b r a t e d l i range,
m i t 8-88, 8 - 8 9 , 8-125
calibrate reflection, 8-75
calibrate standard device, 8-76
calibration, 3-2
limits, 3- 15
memory, 3-12, 5-12
recalling, 3- 14
reflection, 3-7
saving, 3-12
standard device, 3-9
transmission, 3-6
calibration kit, vi, 3-7
Calibration menu, 3-3, 8-4
CAL OPN/SHRT, 3-7, 8- 16
CAL STD DEV, 8-16
CAL STD DEVICE, 3-9
CAL THRU, 8-17
CANCEL, 8- 17
card, 1-7
center frequency, 4- 17
CHANGE PREFIX, 8- 18
CHANGE TITLE, 5-10, 8-17
Command Mnemonic, 8-59
Command Terminators, 8-60
Compress Function, 8- 18
compression, 4-27
CONFIG, 8- 19
correction constants, 1-3
COUPLE DC AC. 8-19
D DELETE SEGMENT, 8- 19
deleting, 2-5
DELTA MEAS, 5-4, 8-20
Device BW Meas, 4-18, 4-20
Device BW MEAS, 8-20
Display, 8-21
DISPLAY, 8-21
Display menu, 8-5
DISPLAY OVER-RANGE, 3-15, 10-9
DISPLAY UNDER-RANGE, l-14, 3-15, IO-9
DISPOSE SCALAR, 8-21
Dotted Lines, 8-60
DSP LINE ON OFF, 8-22
dual display mode, 8-79
DUAL DSP ON OFF, 4-8, 8-22
dynamic range, 3-4

Index-3

I-

-I

E EDIT DONE, 5-8, 8-23
EDIT LIMIT, 5-8, 8-23
EDIT LOWER, 8-24
EDIT MID/DELT, 8-24
EDIT UP/LOW, 8-24
EDIT UPPER, 8-25
EDIT UPR LWR, 8-25
EXIT DELTA, 8-25
EXIT FFT, 8-26
EXIT PK-PK. 8-26
extended display range, 8-82
external gain, 2-19
F fast fourier transforms, 4-21
FFT MEAS, 4-22, 8-26
FLAT, 5-9, 8-27
frequency range, iii
frequency tracking, 2- 14
G GRAT ON OFF, 8-27
H HP 85630A test set, 2-23
1 insertion loss, 4- 17
installation, 1-2
INVALID SYMTAB ENTRY, 10-4

K keys

redefined. 8-8

L LIMITEST ON OFF, 3-10, 5-11, 8-28
LIMIT FAIL, 5-5
limit lines
amplitude units, 5-7
creating, 5-5
fixed, 5-7
recalling, 5- 12
relative, 5-7
saving, 5- 12
segments, 5-8
title, 5-10
tutorial, 5-14, 5-20
Limit Lines, 5-8, 8-28
Limit Lines menu, 8-7

Index-4

-I

LIMIT PASS, 5-5
LIMITS FIX REL, 5-8, 8-27
LOG SCALE, 8-28
LOWER BW TARGET, 4- 19, 8-29
LOWER LIMIT, 3-10, 8-29
M MAG Sll ON OFF, 4-15, 8-30
MAG S21 ON OFF, 4-15, 8-31
Main menu, 8-4
Main Menu, 8-32
MAN TRK ADJUST, 8-32
marker, 4-14
Marker Convert, 4-15, 4-16, 8-32
MARKER DELTA, 8-33
markers, 5-3
Marker Tables, 5-3
maximum dynamic range, 3-4
MAX RNG ON OFF, 3-15, 8-33
Measure, 8-34
measurement, 8-9 1
bandwidth, 4-17
center frequency, 4- 17
FFT, 4-21
FFT example, 4-23
insertion loss, 4- 17
Q, 4-17
range, 4-10
reflection, 4-7, 4-15
simultaneous, 4-8
swept power, 2-20, 4-25
table, 6-2
transmission, 4-6, 4-15
uncertainty, 9-3, 9-8
VSWR, 4-16
measurement type, 8-92
Measure menu,
4-3,
8-6
measuremetn
shape factor, 4-19
MEASAJSER, 4-3, 8-34
memory, 10-4
available, 10-5
increasing, 10-6
MIN RNG ON OFF, 3- 15, 8-35
MODE, vii, 2-3
MOV command, 7-4
Multiple Markers, 5-3

Index-5

I-

N NEGATIVE ON OFF, 8-36
NEW LIMIT, 5-8, 8-36
NEXT PEAK, 8-37
NEXT PK LEFT, 8-37
NEXT PK RIGHT, 8-37
NORM, 3-6, 3-8
normalization, 3-2, 4-9
normalized position, 3-17
normalized reference level, 8-98
normalized reference position, 5-7
NORMALIZE ON OFF, 8-39
NORMAL ON OFF, 8-38
NORM REF POSN, 2-10, 3-17, 5-7, 8-38
ns...ANNOT, 8-68
ns-AT, 8-69
ns-AUTOSC, 8-7 1
ns-BMT, 8-72
ns-BWM, 8-74
ns-CALR, 8-75
ns-CALS, 8-76
ns-CALT, 8-77
ns-CAN.8.78
ns-DDM, 8-79
ns-DISPOSE, 8-81
ns_EDR, 8-82
ns-EXATN, 8-84
ns-FFT, 8-85
ns-LBW, 8-87
ns-LIMITEST, 8-88
ns-LRNG, 8-89
ns-MCM, 8-91
ns-MCT, 8-92
ns-MP, 8-95
ns-NORM, 8-96
ns-NRL, 8-98
ns-NRP, 8- 100
ns-OPEN, 8-101
ns-RCI, 8- 102
ns-REFL, 8- 104
ns-RL, 8- 105
ns-SCI, 8- 106
ns-SDLL, 8-107
ns-SDUL, 8-108
ns-SFM, 8- 109
ns-SHRT, 8-l 10
ns_SRCOFF, 8- 111
ns-SRCPOFS, 8-112
ns-SRCPWR, 8- 113
ns-STD. 8-114

Index-6

-I

I-

ns_TAKESWP, 8-115
ns-TCA, 8-116
ns-TDD, 8- 118
ns-TDP, 8-120
ns-THRU, 8-122
ns-TRANS, 8- 123
nsSJBW, 8-124
nsJJRNG, 8- 125
NUMBER POINTS, 6.8, 8-39
0 open, vi
p PEAK EXCURSN, 5-4, 8-39
peaking, 3-5
PK-PK MEAS, 5-4, 8-40
POINT, 5-9, 8-40
POSITIVE ON OFF, 8-40
power sweep, 2-20
preset condition, 2-5
PRESET SCALAR, 2-4, 8-41
printer configuration, 6-5
printing results, 6-5
PRINT PAGE ALL, 8-41
programming, 7-2
programming commands, 8-59
programming variables, 7-5
PURGE LIMITS, 8-42
PWR SWP ON OFF, 2-20, 4-26, 8-42

Q Q,

4-17

R RECAL CAL, 8-42
recall calibration, 8- 102
recalling
calibrations, 3- 14
limit lines, 5-12
RECALL LIMIT, 8-43
Recommended Path, 8-60
reference level, 2-10, 3-17
REFL, 8-44
reflection, 4-7
reflection calibration, 3-7
reflection coefficient, 4- 15
REF LEVEL, 8-43
removing, 2-5
removing slope, 2-21

Index-7

I-

-I

Repeating Syntax Element, 8-60
Reserved Words, 8-60
revision number, 2-6
RF input attenuator, 8-69
S SAMPLE ON OFF, 8-44
SAVE CAL, 8-45
save calibration, 8-106
SAVE LIMIT, 8-45
saving
calibrations, 3- 12
limit lines, 5-12
scalar analyzer, 2-3
calibrate transmission, 8-77
cancel calibration routine, 8-78
dispose DLP, 8-81
fast Fourier transform, 8-85
mode preset, 8-95
normalization, 8-96
normalized reference position, 8-100
reflection measurement and calibration, 8-104
source power offset, 8-l 12
transmission measurement, 8- 123
Scalar Analyzer
reference level, 8- 105
source power, 8-l 13
source power off, 8- 111
store open, 8-101
store short, 8- 110
store thru, 8-122
sweep, 8-115
SCALAR ANALYZER, 8-45
SCALAR REVISION, 8-46
scale, 4-12
Secondary Keywords, 8-60
SELECT AMPLITUD, 8-46
SELECT DLT AMPL, 8-46
SELECT FREQ, 8-47
SELECT LWR AMPL, 8-47
SELECT MID AMPL, 8-47
SELECT SEGMENT, 8-47
SELECT TYPE, 8-48
SELECT UPR AMPL, 8-49
SF MEAS ON OFF, 4-20, 8-49
shape factor, 4-19, 8-109
shape factor bandwidth, 8-87
short, vi
slope, 2-21

Index-8

-I

I-

SLOPE, 5-9, 8-51
software product license agreement, xi
source
attenuation, 2- 18
frequency, 2-14
frequency tracking, 2-14
power, 2-14, 2-16
Source, 8-51
Source menu, 2-14, 8-4
SPAN, 8-51
Special Numbers and Characters, 8-60
spectrum analyzer, 2-3
SRC ATN AUTO MAN, 8-52
SRC PWR OFFSET, 8-52
SRC PWR ON OFF, 2-16, 8-53
standard device calibration, 3-9
standard device limit, 8.107, 8.108
STORE OPEN, 8-53
STORE SHORT, 8-53
store standard device, 8- 114
STORE STD DEV, 8-54
STORE THRU, 3-6, 8-54
swept power, 4-25
SYMTAB OVERFLOW, 10-4
syntax conventions, 8-59
Syntax Elements, 8-60
T table, 6-2
reducing, 6-7
tabular data, 8- 118, 8-120
tabular data compression, 8-116
Tabular Display, 6-3, 8-54
Tabular Display menu, 6-3, 8-5
TABULAR ON OFF, 6-4, 8-55
temperature changes, 2-14
test set, viii, 2-23
HP 85630A, 1-4
TEST SET YES NO, 2-24, 8-55
TRACKING PEAK, 2-14, 8-55
TRANS, 8-56
transmission, 4-6
transmission calibration, 3-6
transmission coefficient, 4- 15

Index-9

I-

-I

U UNCAL, 6-3, lo-13
UPPER Bw TARGET, 4-17, 4-19, 8-56
UPPER LIMIT, 3-10, 8-57
v VIEW NEXT PG, 8-57
VIEW PREV PG, 8-57
VSWR, 4-16
VSWR ON OFF, 4- 16, 8-58

W warranty, xiii

Index- 10

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Title                           : HP 85714A Scalar Measurements Personality User's Guide
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Modify Date                     : 2005:10:18 08:47:55-07:00
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