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VDI Extension Modules
Installation and Quick Start Guide Virginia Diodes, Inc.
Agilent PNA/PNA-‐X Family Network Analyzers
PNA Series N522XA PNA-‐X Series N524XA
Document Number: VDI707.5
Print Date: May 2013
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Safety Notes The following terminology is used throughout this manual. Familiarize yourself with each safety note and its meaning before installing and operating the VNA Extension Modules.
Required Required denotes necessary setup instruction. It calls attention to procedure related to intrinsic properties of the system, which if not adhered to will result in degraded performance due to incorrect setup.
CAUTION Caution denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure that if not adhered to will result in damage to the system. Do not proceed beyond a caution sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
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Table of Contents
SAFETY NOTES ........................................................................................................................................ 2
1 RECOMMENDED OPERATING PROCEDURES AND PRECAUTIONS ...................................... 4 1.1 RF DRIVE LIMITATIONS ...................................................................................................................... 4 1.2 TEST PORT CARE ................................................................................................................................. 4 1.3 RF CABLE CARE ................................................................................................................................... 4 1.4 ESD PRECAUTION ................................................................................................................................ 4 1.5 GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................................... 5
2 FIRST TIME PNA/PNA-‐X SOFTWARE SETUP ............................................................................. 6 2.0.1 UPDATE PNA/PNA-‐X FIRMWARE .................................................................................................................. 6 2.0.2 LOAD THE MILLIMETER WAVE MACRO ONTO THE PNA/PNA-‐X ............................................................ 6 2.0.3 SET PNA/PNA-‐X PREFERENCES .................................................................................................................... 8 2.0.4 LOAD CALIBRATION KIT FILES ......................................................................................................................... 8
3 OPERATION .......................................................................................................................................... 9 3.1 HARDWARE SETUP & CONNECTIONS .................................................................................................. 9 3.1.1 MECHANICAL SETUP ........................................................................................................................................... 9 3.1.2 RF/LO/IF CABLE CONNECTIONS .................................................................................................................. 10 3.1.3 POWER CONNECTIONS ..................................................................................................................................... 11 3.2 SOFTWARE SETUP .............................................................................................................................. 12 3.2.1 CONFIGURE FRONT PANEL OPERATION ....................................................................................................... 12 3.2.2 LOAD STATE FILE .............................................................................................................................................. 12 3.2.3 FREQUENCY OFFSET MODE INITIALIZATION ............................................................................................... 12 3.2.4 SAVE STATE FILE .............................................................................................................................................. 13 3.3 OPERATOR’S CHECK .......................................................................................................................... 13 3.3.1 CHECK WAVE QUANTITIES .............................................................................................................................. 13 3.3.2 CHECK DR .......................................................................................................................................................... 13 3.4 CALIBRATION ..................................................................................................................................... 14 3.4.1 TRL CALIBRATION PROCEDURE .................................................................................................................... 14 3.4.2 SOLT PROCEDURE ............................................................................................................................................ 17 3.4.3 SAVING CAL STATE ........................................................................................................................................... 19
4 CONTACT ............................................................................................................................................. 20
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1 Recommended Operating Procedures and Precautions
1.1 RF Drive Limitations • Power inputs to the [RF Input] and [LO Input] ports of the VNA Extension Modules are noted
in the User’s Guide for each system. Remaining within this input power range will provide optimal performance and stability.
CAUTION Do not exceed input power range to [RF Input] and [LO Input] ports by more than 3dB. Power inputs 3dB over the high end of the recommended range can cause irreversible damage to the Extension Modules.
CAUTION Input saturation and damage limits exist for RF power into the test ports. For specific limits by frequency band please refer to our website. VNAX Specifications
1.2 Test Port Care • Do not remove the test ports from the systems. The test ports must be connected with care
for the best possible RF calibration results. Additionally the test ports protect the system from dust and debris.
• Replace the provided dust caps when the system is not in use, this will prevent dust and debris from entering the waveguide.
• Torque waveguide connection screws with between 20-‐50cNm when connecting a component to the test port of the Extension Module.
CAUTION Using torques higher than 50cNm when connecting the flanges can permanently damage the interface.
• Inspect waveguide flanges prior to making connections. If necessary, clean the flange with pre-‐dampened TexWipe wipes or swabs (e.g. Part Number TX1065). If these are not available, TexWipe cloths lightly dampened with ethanol will also work (e.g. Part Number TX604).
CAUTION Making a connection with metal debris between the two waveguide flanges can permanently damage the waveguide interface and prevent repeatable connections.
1.3 RF Cable Care • Use a torque of 90cNm when making coaxial connections. • Replace provided dust caps when system is not in use. • Avoid sharp bends in cables.
1.4 ESD Precaution • The internal components of the Extension Modules can be permanently damaged by
ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD). It is recommended that engineers and technicians wear a special grounded wrist strap when handling this component. In addition, the work environment around the component should be well grounded.
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1.5 General Recommendations • If the phase of the system is not stable, check the cable connections as described in Section
3.1.2 to verify all cables are properly connected and torqued. • For best calibration results minimize the bending of the LO Cables. • After completing measurements navigate to [Response] > [Power] > [on/off] to toggle RF
Power off. Then turn off both VDI-‐175 power supplies, and replace dust covers on the Extension Modules.
• Dust covers included on the Extension Modules are only intended to protect against dust.
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2 First Time PNA/PNA-‐X Software Setup The following procedure will set up the Agilent PNA/PNA-‐X family Network Analyzers to work with the VDI Extension Modules. The procedure only needs to be followed once on a particular PNA/PNA-‐X. If already completed on this PNA/PNA-‐X then skip to section 3, Operation.
2.0.1 Update PNA/PNA-‐X Firmware VDI recommends installing the newest PNA/PNA-‐X firmware.
• Exit the PNA/PNA-‐X Firmware [File] > [Exit]. • Obtain the most recent version of the firmware from Agilent at
http://na.tm.agilent.com/pna/firmware/firmware.html. Download the “Latest Production Release” for the appropriate PNA/PNA-‐X model.
• Once the firmware finishes downloading, right click on the firmware file and choose install. • Restart the PNA/PNA-‐X and the new firmware will start automatically.
2.0.2 Load the Millimeter Wave Macro onto the PNA/PNA-‐X The mmWave Macro simplifies the setup of the Extension Modules. The macro will be used to set the power levels and multiplication factors for the inputs to the VDI Extension Modules. It is possible to do this setup manually through the [Stimulus] > [Frequency] > [Frequency Offset] window, but it is not recommended.
• Minimize the PNA/PNA-‐X Firmware [File] > [Minimize Application]. • Obtain the most recent version of the macro “Direct Connect Millimeter Wave Macro” from
Agilent at http://na.tm.agilent.com/pna/apps/applications.htm • Right click on the downloaded “mmwave_setup.msi” file and choose install. • Follow the on-‐screen instructions. • Maximize the PNA/PNA-‐X Firmware. • Navigate to [Utility] > [Macro] > [Macro Setup]. • Select an empty line and click [Edit].
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• In the “Edit Macro Setup” window enter “mmWave” as the “Macro Title” and click [Browse…].
• Navigate to C:\Program Files\Agilent\Network Analyzer\Applications\mmWave\
• Select mmWave.exe and click [Open].
• Click [OK] twice to return to the instrument home screen
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2.0.3 Set PNA/PNA-‐X Preferences • Navigate to [Utility] > [System] > [Configure] > [Preferences]. • Check the box next to Cal: For Frequency Offset, use Primary Frequencies
• Click [OK].
2.0.4 Load Calibration Kit Files • Minimize the PNA/PNA-‐X Firmware [File] > [Minimize Application]. • Obtain the most recent version of the calibration kit file from VDI at
http://vdi.bz/downloads • Unzip the calibration kit files. • Maximize the PNA/PNA-‐X Firmware. • Navigate to [Response] > [Cal] > [Cal Kit…]. • In the Edit PNA Cal Kits window that opens, click [Import Kit].
• Navigate to the unzipped calibration kit files and select the relevant file(s). • Click [OK].
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3 Operation The following procedure first describes mechanical and software setup of the VDI Extension Modules with the Agilent PNA/PNA-‐X, then gives instruction on how to ensure the system is working as intended. This section assumes that this particular PNA/PNA-‐X has been initialized by following the instructions in section 2, First Time PNA/PNA-‐X Software Setup.
3.1 Hardware Setup & Connections
3.1.1 Mechanical Setup
Typical VDI bench setup showing Extension Modules connected for front panel operation.
• Place the Extension Modules on a flat surface and use the adjustable feet to align and level
the test ports. When leveled properly the waveguide flanges will slide together with minimal resistance.
• For best system stability install in a location with constant temperature and minimal airflow. • The adjustable feet can be removed and the six 1/4-‐20 threaded holes can be used to mount
the Extension Modules. Do not allow screws to protrude further than 0.25” into the Extension Modules.
CAUTION Do not block or impede airflow into the air vents on the bottom or rear of the Extension Modules.
• The bolts in the lid can be removed and the four 1/4-‐20 threaded holes can be used to mount the Extension Modules. Do not allow screws to protrude further than 0.25” into the Extension Modules.
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3.1.2 RF/LO/IF Cable Connections • [Preset] the PNA/PNA-‐X • Remove the jumpers attached to A, R1, B, R2 receivers on the front panel of the PNA/PNA-‐X. • The [SOURCE OUT – CPLR THRU] jumpers must remain connected for front panel operation. • Connect cables marked “IF” from [Ref. IF] and [Meas. IF] on the back of one Extension
Module to [RCVR R1 IN] and [RCVR A IN] respectively on the front panel of the PNA/PNA-‐X. • Repeat this procedure for the other Extension Module, connecting [Ref. IF] and [Meas. IF] to
[RCVR R2 IN] and [RCVR B IN] respectively. • Connect cables marked “RF/LO” from [RF Input] and [LO Input] on the back of one Extension
Module to [Port 1] and [Port 3] respectively on the front panel of the PNA/PNA-‐X. • Repeat this procedure for the other Extension Module, connecting [RF Input] and [LO Input]
to [Port 2] and [Port 4] respectively.
Front panel of PNA/PNA-‐X showing typical cable connections.
Rear panel of Extension Module showing typical cable connections.
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3.1.3 Power Connections • Toggle the switch on the front of the VDI-‐175 Power Supplies to the off (down) position. • Plug both VDI-‐175 into the wall using the included AC power cables. • Connect each VDI-‐175 to one Extension Module using the included DC power cables.
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3.2 Software Setup
3.2.1 Configure Front Panel Operation • Navigate to [System] > [Configure] > [Millimeter Module Config…] • Make sure “Standard PNA” is selected and click “OK”.
3.2.2 Load State File • If no state file has previously been stored for these Extension Modules, skip to section 3.2.3
Frequency Offset Mode Initialization. • Otherwise, navigate to [File] > [Recall…] and choose the previously saved state file • Skip to section 3.3 Operator’s Check.
3.2.3 Frequency Offset Mode Initialization • Navigate to [Utility] > [Macro] > [mmWave]. • Enter Start Frequency and Stop Frequency. These correspond to Output Frequency Start
and Output Frequency Stop in the VDI User’s Guide for the Extension Modules. • Enter Multiplier RF IN and Multiplier LO IN. These values are fixed by VDI hardware and
correspond to Multiplier RF and Multiplier LO in the VDI User’s Guide for the Extension Modules.
• Enter 279 MHz for the IF Frequency. • Check the box labeled mmWave LO<mmWave RF. • Uncheck the box labeled Port Powers Coupled. • Enter Port1 Power and Port2 Power. These correspond to VNA Output Power RF in the
VDI User’s Guide for the Extension Modules. • Enter LO1 Power and LO2 Power. These correspond to VNA Output Power LO in the VDI
User’s Guide for the Extension Modules. • Click [Calculate] then [Apply] then [OK].
The mmWave Setup window showing typical values for WR1.5 Extension Modules. See VDI User’s Guide for values specific to the Extension Modules.
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3.2.4 Save State File • Toggle RF Power Off. • Navigate to [File] > [Save As]. Choose a save location and filename and save as type .sta. • Loading this file at a later date will recall the Frequency Offset Settings as well as IF
Bandwidth, Number of Points, Displayed Traces, etc.
3.3 Operator’s Check The operator’s check is a subset of tests that give a high degree of confidence that the Extension Modules and PNA/PNA-‐X are performing properly. This test should be performed any time you wish to have confidence that the system is working well. The operator’s check does not verify performance to all specifications.
3.3.1 Check Wave Quantities • Navigate to [Stimulus] > [Sweep] > [Number of Points]. Set this to 1001. • Navigate to [Response] > [Avg] > [IF Bandwidth]. Set this to 1kHz. • Add traces [A,1] [B,2] [R1,1] and [R2,2]. • Terminate the waveguide test ports of the two Extension Modules with Short Circuits. • Turn on the VDI-‐175 Power Supplies. • Turn on PNA/PNA-‐X RF Power. • Compare the traces on screen to Receiver Power vs Frequency Graph in Section 3 of the VDI
User’s Guide. The shapes of the curves should match if the system is working properly.
3.3.2 Check DR • Navigate to [Stimulus] > [Sweep] > [Number of Points]. Set this to 201. • Navigate to [Response] > [Avg] > [IF Bandwidth]. Set this to 10Hz. • Add traces [S12] and [S21]. • Connect the waveguide test ports of the two Extension Modules directly together. • Turn on the VDI-‐175 Power Supplies. • Turn on PNA/PNA-‐X RF Power. • After one sweep completes, [Marker/Analysis] > [Memory] > [Normalize] on both traces.
The resulting graph on screen should be flat at 0dB. • Disconnect the waveguide test ports of the Extension Modules and terminate them with
Short Circuits. • Compare the traces on screen to Dynamic Range vs Frequency Graph in Section 3 of the VDI
User’s Guide. Note that the User’s Guide graph is a ten sweep RMS average so the data shown on screen will have larger amplitude variation.
• The average values of the User’s Guide graph and the on screen data will match if the system is working properly.
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Typical Single Sweep Dynamic Range data for a WR1.5 system (dB). Measurement was made using procedure described above.
3.4 Calibration VDI Calibration Kits from WR15 through WR3.4 are designed for the TRL calibration procedure but can also be used to perform SOLT calibration. VDI Calibration Kits from WR2.8 through WR1.0 are designed for the SOLT calibration procedure. The VDI Calibration Kits can also be used to perform a variety of other calibration procedures, however these are not covered in this document.
3.4.1 TRL Calibration Procedure • VDI typically performs calibrated measurements using 1kHz RBW and 1001 points. These
values should be optimized based on the goals of the measurement. • Navigate to [Response] > [Cal Wizard] • Select the “SmartCal” bullet and click [Next >]
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• Choose “2 Port Cal” with Ports 1 and 2 and click [Next >]
• Select the appropriate waveguide band and check “Modify Cal: Change Cal Method,
standards” then click [Next >]
• Click [Cal Type/Stds…]
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• Choose “TRL” from the “Calibration type” dropdown menu and click [OK]
• Click [Next >] • Follow the on screen instructions and measure the calibration standards when prompted • When the waveguide calibration procedure is complete, verify the calibration by connecting
a straight waveguide between the two modules and measuring through parameters.
S-‐Parameters for a 1” Straight Waveguide measured at WR3.4 (220-‐330GHz) after a typical calibration.
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3.4.2 SOLT Procedure • VDI typically performs calibrated measurements using 1kHz RBW and 1001 points. These
values should be optimized based on the goals of the measurement. • Navigate to [Response] > [Cal Wizard] • Select the “SmartCal” bullet and click [Next >]
• Choose “2 Port Cal” with Ports 1 and 2 and click [Next >]
• Select the appropriate waveguide band and check “Modify Cal: Change Cal Method,
standards” then click [Next >]
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• Click [Cal Type/Stds…]
• Choose “SOLT” from the “Calibration type” dropdown menu and click [OK]
• Click [Next >] • Follow the on screen instructions and measure the calibration standards when prompted • When the calibration procedure is complete, verify the calibration by connecting a straight
waveguide terminated with a short circuit to each modules and measuring reflect parameters.
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S22 for a 1” Straight Waveguide terminated with a short circuit, measured at WR1.5 (500-‐750GHz) after a typical calibration.
3.4.3 Saving Cal State After calibrating it is possible to save the calibration parameters. This file can later be loaded to provide a calibrated state and allow the user to quickly make measurements. Since the calibration is affected by cable motion, lab temperature, and system warm-‐up, results will not be as precise as a fresh calibration. • Navigate to [File] > [Save As…] • Choose a location and filename and save as type “.csa”
