AGILENT N8201A

Agilent
N8201A Performance Downconverter
Synthetic Instrument Module
3 Hz to 26.5 GHz
Data Sheet
The Agilent Technologies N8201A performance downconverter synthetic
instrument module down converts a microwave signal to an IF signal providing
IF output frequencies of 7.5, 21.4, and 321.4 MHz to offer three different signal
bandwidth capabilities. External mixing can be utilized to downconvert
microwave signals up to 110 GHz. The N8201A is based upon the industry’s
most accurate spectrum analyzer, the PSA Series spectrum analyzer.
Agilent's synthetic instrument family offers the highest-performing RF/MW
LAN-based modular instrumentation and the smallest footprint for automated
test systems (ATSs); providing the maximum flexibility and minimizing the cost
of an ATS over its lifetime.
• LXI Class-A compliant
• Microwave performance similar to the E4440A PSA Series high-performance
spectrum analyzer
• Coherent LO input/output port allowing a common LO signal to drive
multiple downconverters
• 200 MHz wide modulation bandwidth with pre-selector off
Table of Contents
Definitions and Conditions
Definitions and Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Frequency range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Frequency reference (internal) . . . . . . . . . . 4
Frequency accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
IF output bandwidth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Stability phase noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Amplitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Maximum safe input level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Input attenuator range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Input attenuation switching uncertainty . . 6
Gain compression. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Noise figure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
RF input VSWR at tuned frequency . . . . . 12
Spurious responses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Preamplifier specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Regulatory Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
EMC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
AC power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Environmental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Shock and vibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Data storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Weight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Recommended calibration cycle . . . . . . . . 16
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
ISO compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Specifications (spec): Specifications
describe the performance of parameters
covered by the product warranty and
apply over 0 to 55 °C temperature range
unless otherwise noted.
Input/Output Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front panel connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear panel connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ordering Information and Options . . . . . . . . .
Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
References. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Web resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Related Agilent literature. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Typical (typ): Typical describes additional
product performance information that
is not covered by the product warranty.
It is performance beyond specifications
that 80 percent of the units exhibit with
a 95 percent confidence level over the
temperature range of 20 to 30 °C.
Typical performance does not include
measurement uncertainty.
Nominal (nom): Nominal values
indicate expected performance, or
describe product performance that is
useful in the application of the product,
but is not covered by the product warranty.
Nominal values represent the value of a
parameter that is most likely to occur;
they represent the expected mean or
average.
The N8201A performance downconverter
will meet its specifications when:
• Stored a minimum of two hours within
the operating temperature range and
turned on for at least 30 minutes with
Auto Align On selected.
• The instrument is within its one-year
calibration cycle.
• Align All Now has been performed
within the past 24 hours or when the
temperature changes 3 °C.
• Front panel 1st LO OUT connector
terminated in 50 Ω.
• DC coupling applied if RF frequency
is < 20 MHz.
• Front panel 1st and 2nd LO jumpers
must be installed.
17
17
18
19
19
19
20
20
20
2
Frequency
Frequency range1
DC coupled
AC coupled
3 Hz to 26.5 GHz
20 MHz to 26.5 GHz
Internal mixing bands preamp off
Internal mixing band
0
0
1
2
3
4
Specification
3 Hz to 3.045 GHz (DC coupled)
20 MHz to 3.045 GHz (AC coupled)
3.045 to 6.6 GHz
6.6 to 13.2 GHz
13.2 to 19.2 GHz
19.2 to 26.5 GHz
Harmonic mixing mode (N)2
1–
1–
1–
2–
4–
4–
Internal mixing bands preamp on (Option 1DS)
Internal mixing band
Specification
0
100 kHz to 3.045 GHz (DC coupled)
0
20 MHz to 3.045 GHz (AC coupled)
Harmonic mixing mode (N)2
1–
1–
Internal mixing bands preamp on (Option 110)
Internal mixing band
Specification
0
10 MHz to 3.045 GHz (DC coupled)
0
20 MHz to 3.045 GHz (AC coupled)
1
3.045 to 6.6 GHz
2
6.6 to 13.2 GHz
3
13.2 to 19.2 GHz
4
19.2 to 26.5 GHz
Harmonic mixing mode (N)2
1–
1–
1–
2–
4–
4–
Internal mixing bands preselector bypassed (Option 123)
Internal mixing band
Specification
1
3.055 to 6.6 GHz
2
6.6 to 13.2 GHz
3
13.2 to 19.2 GHz
4
19.2 to 26.5 GHz
Harmonic mixing mode (N)2
1–
2–
4–
4–
Frequency range for external mixing (Option AYZ)
Band
Harmonic mixing mode (N)1
Preselected
Preselector bypassed
K (18.0 to 26.5 GHz)
N/A
6–
A (26.5 to 40.0 GHz)
8+
8–
Q (33.0 to 50.0 GHz)
10+
10–
U (40.0 to 60.0 GHz)
10+
10–
V (50.0 to 75.0 GHz)
14+
14–
E (60.0 to 90.0 GHz)
N/A
16–
W (75.0 to 110.0 GHz)
N/A
18–
F (90.0 to 140.0 GHz)
N/A
22–
D (110.0 to 170.0 GHz)
N/A
26–
G (140.0 to 220.0 GHz)
N/A
32–
Y (170.0 to 260.0 GHz)
N/A
38–
J (220.0 to 325.0 GHz)
N/A
48–
1. Up to 325 GHz down conversion capability with external mixers.
2. N is the harmonic mixing mode. All mixing modes are negative (as indicated by the ‘–’), where the desired first LO harmonic is higher than the tuned
frequency by the first IF (3.9214 GHz for the 3 Hz to 3.0 GHz band, 321.4 MHz for all other bands).
3
Frequency reference (internal)
± [(time since last adjustment x aging rate) + temperature stability + calibration accuracy1]
20 to 30 °C
± 1 x 10-8
0 to 55 °C
± 5 x 10-8
Aging rate
±1 x 10-7/year2
±5 x 10-10/day (nominal)
Settability
±2 x 10-9
3
Warm-up and retrace
300 s after turn on
±1 x 10-7 of final frequency (nominal)
900 s after turn on
±5 x 10-8 of final frequency (nominal)
Achievable initial calibration accuracy4 ±7 x 10-8
Accuracy
Temperature stability
Frequency accuracy
±(Input RF frequency x frequency reference accuracy)
IF output bandwidth (nominal)
IF output
7.5 MHz
21.4 MHz
321.4 MHz
50 MHz to 3.045 GHz
3.045 to 26.5 GHz
Preselector bypassed (Option 123)
3.055 to 26.5 GHz
External mixing
3 dB bandwidth
9.25 MHz
11 MHz
Center frequency
7.5 MHz
21.4 MHz
100 MHz5
40 to 80 MHz6
300 MHz
321.4 MHz
240 MHz
240 MHz
321.4 MHz
321.4 MHz
Nominal preselector bandwidth at –4 dB
vs center frequency
90
85
Bandwidth (MHz)
80
75
70
65
60
55
50
45
40
3
6
9
12
15
18
Center frequency (GHz)
21
24
Figure 1. Nominal preselector bandwidth at –4 dB vs center frequency
1. Calibration accuracy depends on how accurately the frequency standard was adjusted to 10 MHz. If the calibration procedure is followed, the
calibration accuracy is given by the specification “Achievable initial calibration accuracy.”
2. For periods of one year or more.
3. Applies only when power is disconnected from instrument. Does not apply when instrument is in standby mode.
4. The achievable calibration accuracy at the beginning of the calibration cycle includes these effects:
a) The temperature difference between the calibration environment and the use environment
b) The orientation relative to the gravitation field changing between the calibration environment and the use environment
c) Retrace effects in both the calibration environment and the use environment due to unplugging the instrument
d) Settability
5. The IF bandwidth is 60 MHz if used at a center frequency of 321.4 MHz.
6. See figure above for nominal 4 dB IF bandwidth of preselector.
4
Stability phase noise (center frequency = 1 GHz1, best case optimization2)
Offset
100 Hz
1 kHz
10 kHz
30 kHz
100 kHz
1 MHz
6 MHz
10 MHz
20 to 30 °C
–91 dBc/Hz
–103 dBc/Hz
–116 dBc/Hz
–116 dBc/Hz
–122 dBc/Hz
–145 dBc/Hz
–154 dBc/Hz
–156 dBc/Hz
0 to 55 °C
–90 dBc/Hz
–100 dBc/Hz
–115 dBc/Hz
–115 dBc/Hz
–121 dBc/Hz
–144 dBc/Hz
–154 dBc/Hz
–156 dBc/Hz
Typical
–96 dBc/Hz
–108 dBc/Hz
–118 dBc/Hz
–118 dBc/Hz
–124 dBc/Hz
–147 dBc/Hz
–156 dBc/Hz
–157.5 dBc/Hz
Nominal
–148 dBc/Hz
–156.5 dBc/Hz
–158 dBc/Hz
Nominal phase noise of different LO optimizations
Trace A: Optimize £(f) for f < 50 kHz; Dual loop wideband
Trace B: Optimize £(f) for f > 50 kHz; Dual loop narrowband
Trace C: Optimize LO for fast tuning; Single loop wideband
Nominal phase noise at different center frequencies
£ (f) optimized versus f
-70
SSB phase noise (dBc/Hz)
-80
-90
CF=25.2 GHz
-100
-110
-120
CF=10.2 GHz
CF=600 MHz
-130
-140
-150
-160
0.1
1
10
100
1000
10000
Offset frequency (kHz)
Figure 2. Nominal phase noise at diffferent center frequencies
Nominal phase noise of different LO optimizations
–70
SSB phase noise (dBc/Hz)
–80
–90
C
–100
–110
–120
A
–130
B
–140
–150
–160
0.1
1
10
100
1000
10000
Offset frequency (kHz)
Figure 3. Nominal phase noise at diffferent LO center frequencies
1. Nominal changes of phase noise sidebands with other center frequencies are shown by some examples in the graphs that follow. To predict the phase noise for
other center frequencies, note that phase noise at offsets above approximately 1 kHz increases nominally as 20 x log N, where N is the harmonic mixer mode.
For offsets below 1 kHz, and center frequencies above 1 GHz, the phase noise increases nominally as 20 log CF, where CF is the center frequency in GHz.
2. Noise sidebands for offsets of 30 kHz and below are shown for phase noise optimization set to optimize £(f) for f < 50 kHz; for offsets of 100 kHz and above,
the optimization is set for f > 50 kHz.
5
Amplitude
Maximum safe input level
Preamp off
Preamp on (Option 1DS)
Preamp on (Option 110)
Microwave preselector bypass (Option 123)
Peak pulse power
< 10 µs pulse width, < 1% duty cycle
and input attenuation ≥ 30 dB
DC volts:
DC coupled
< ±0.2 Vdc
AC coupled
±100 Vdc
+30 dBm (1W)
+30 dBm (1W)
+25 dBm (1W)
+10 dBm (1W)1
+50 dBm (100 W)
Input attenuator range
0 to 70 dB in 2 dB steps
Input attenuation switching uncertainty (nominal)
Frequency
DC to 6.5 GHz
6.5 to 13 GHz
13 to 19 GHz
19 to 26.5 GHz
0 to 40 dB attenuation range
±0.3 dB
±0.4 dB
±0.6 dB
±0.7 dB
0 to 70 dB attenuation range
±0.4 dB
±0.5 dB
±0.7 dB
±0.9 dB
1. Adding 20 dB of input attenuation will increase the maximum input power to +30 dBm.
6
Gain compression1
1 dB gain compression point (two-tone)2
RF input frequency
Maximum power at mixer3
Preamp off
20 to 200 MHz
0 dBm
200 MHz to 3.0 GHz
+3 dBm
3.0 to 6.6 GHz
+3 dBm
6.6 to 26.5 GHz
–2 dBm
Preselector bypassed (Option 123)
3.045 to 26.5 GHz
Preamp on (Option 1DS)
10 to 200 MHz
200 MHz to 3 GHz
Preamp on (Option 110)
10 to 200 MHz
200 MHz to 3 GHz
3.0 to 6.6 GHz
6.6 to 26.5 GHz
Gain compression (two-tone) (typical)2
RF input frequency
20 to 200 MHz
200 MHz to 6.6 GHz
6.6 to 26.5 GHz
Nominal power at mixer
+3 dBm
+7 dBm
+4 dBm
0 dBm
+8 dBm
Nominal power at preamp
–30 dBm
–25 dBm
–24 dBm
–20 dBm
–23 dBm
–27 dBm
Mixer level 3
0 dBm
+3 dBm
–2 dBm
Compression
< 0.5 dB
< 0.5 dB
< 0.4 dB
Noise figure
(Input terminated, 0 dB input attenuation)
Frequency
Noise figure
Preamp off
(Option 110 not installed)
10 to 100 kHz
100 kHz to 1 MHz
1 to 10 MHz
10 MHz to 1.2 GHz
1.2 to 2.1 GHz
2.1 to 6.6 GHz
6.6 to 13.2 GHz
13.2 to 20 GHz
20 to 26.5 GHz
38 dB
30 dB
25 dB
22 dB
23 dB
24 dB
26 dB
29 dB
33 dB
Noise figure
(typical)
Input referred noise density4
(typical)
34 dB
26 dB
22 dB
20 dB
21 dB
22 dB
21 dB
26 dB
30 dB
–139 (dBm/Hz)
–147 (dBm/Hz)
–151 (dBm/Hz)
–153 (dBm/Hz)
–152 (dBm/Hz)
–151 (dBm/Hz)
–152 (dBm/Hz)
–147 (dBm/Hz)
–143 (dBm/Hz)
1. Gain compression is described by a level/compression pair where for every mixer level there is a different amount of compression. The first table labeled
“1 dB compression point” indicates the signal level where you will see 1 dB of compression, where as the second table indicates the amount of compression
to expect at a given signal level.
2. Large signals, even at frequencies not within the IF bandwidth, can cause in-band signals to be compressed because of two-tone gain compression.
This specification tells how large an interfering signal must be in order to cause a 1 dB change in an in-band signal.
3. Mixer power level (dBm) = input power (dBm) – input attenuation (dB).
4. Input referred noise density (dBm/Hz) = thermal noise at +55 °C (dBm) + noise figure of the downconverter (dB). The noise measured at the IF output’s of
the downconverter will be higher due to the Conversion gain, the measurable noise density is not diminished due to this gain.
7
Noise figure (continued)
Frequency
Noise figure
(typical)
Input referred noise density1
(typical)
38 dB
30 dB
25 dB
23 dB
24 dB
25 dB
27 dB
30 dB
30 dB
34 dB
34 dB
26 dB
22 dB
20 dB
21 dB
22 dB
25 dB
28 dB
27 dB
31 dB
–139 (dBm/Hz)
–147 (dBm/Hz)
–151 (dBm/Hz)
–153 (dBm/Hz)
–152 (dBm/Hz)
–151 (dBm/Hz)
–146 (dBm/Hz)
–143 (dBm/Hz
–144 (dBm/Hz)
–140 (dBm/Hz)
18 dB
15 dB
12 dB
7 dB
8 dB
9 dB
10 dB
13 dB
10 dB
7 dB
5 dB
6 dB
7 dB
9 dB
–160 (dBm/Hz)
–163 (dBm/Hz)
–166 (dBm/Hz)
–168 (dBm/Hz)
–167 (dBm/Hz)
–166 (dBm/Hz)
–164 (dBm/Hz)
28 dB
23 dB
10 dB
11 dB
13 dB
14 dB
16 dB
19 dB
21 dB
11 dB
7 dB
9 dB
10 dB
10 dB
11 dB
14 dB
–152 (dBm/Hz)
–162 (dBm/Hz)
–166 (dBm/Hz)
–164 (dBm/Hz)
–163 (dBm/Hz)
–163 (dBm/Hz)
–162 (dBm/Hz)
–159 (dBm/Hz)
25 dB
33 dB
38 dB
44 dB
22 dB
29 dB
35 dB
41 dB
–151 (dBm/Hz)
–144 (dBm/Hz)
–138 (dBm/Hz)
–132 (dBm/Hz)
28 dB
36 dB
40 dB
40 dB
47 dB
24 dB
33 dB
36 dB
37 dB
46 dB
–149 (dBm/Hz)
–140 (dBm/Hz)
–137 (dBm/Hz)
–136 (dBm/Hz)
–127 (dBm/Hz)
16 dB
25 dB
29 dB
33 dB
40 dB
13 dB
22 dB
28 dB
32 dB
38 dB
–160 (dBm/Hz)
–151 (dBm/Hz)
–145 (dBm/Hz)
–141 (dBm/Hz)
–135 (dBm/Hz)
Noise figure
Preamp off
(Option 110 installed)
10 to 100 kHz
100 kHz to 1 MHz
1 to 10 MHz
10 MHz to 1.2 GHz
1.2 to 2.1 GHz
2.1 to 6.6 GHz
6.6 to 13.2 GHz
13.2 to 16 GHz
16 to 19 GHz
19 to 26.5 GHz
Preamp on
(Option 1DS)
100 to 500 kHz
500 kHz to 1 MHz
1 to 10 MHz
10 to 500 MHz
500 MHz to 1.1 GHz
1.1 to 2.1 GHz
2.1 to 3.0 GHz
Preamp on
(Option 110)
10 to 50 MHz
50 to 500 MHz
500 MHz to 3 GHz
3 to 6.6 GHz
6.6 to 13.2 GHz
13.2 to 16 GHz
16 to 19 GHz
19 to 26.5 GHz
Preselector bypassed
(Option123) (Option 110 not installed)
> 3.05 to 6.6 GHz
6.6 to 13.2 GHz
13.2 to 19.2 GHz
19.2 to 26.5 GHz
Preselector bypassed
(Option123) (Option 110 installed)
> 3.05 to 6.6 GHz
6.6 to 13.2 GHz
13.2 to 16 GHz
16 to 19.2 GHz
19.2 to 26.5 GHz
Preselector bypassed
(Option 123) Preamp on (Option 110)
> 3.05 to 6.6 GHz
6.6 to 13.2 GHz
13.2 to 16 GHz
16 to 19.2 GHz
19.2 to 26.5 GHz
1. Input referred noise density (dBm/Hz) = thermal noise at +55 °C (dBm) + noise figure of the downconverter (dB). The noise measured at the IF output’s of
the downconverter will be higher due to the Conversion gain, the measurable noise density is not diminished due to this gain.
8
Conversion gain
The nominal downconverter conversion gain versus frequency for the 7.5 MHz, 21.4 MHz, and 321.4 MHz IF outputs is shown in the
following graphs. All curves have 0 dB input attenuation.
Preamp off
14.00
Conversion gain (dB)
12.00
10.00
7.5 MHz
21.4 MHz
8.00
321.4 MHz
6.00
4.00
2.00
0
1000
2000
3000
Frequency (MHz)
(4a)
Preamp on (Option 1DS)
41.00
Conversion gain (dB)
39.00
37.00
35.00
7.5 MHz
21.4 MHz
33.00
321.4 MHz
31.00
29.00
27.00
25.00
0
1000
2000
Frequency (MHz)
(4b)
Figure 4. Conversion gain curves (nominal)
9
3000
Preamp on (Option 110)
36.00
Conversion gain (dB)
34.00
32.00
7.5 MHz
30.00
21.4 MHz
28.00
321.4 MHz
26.00
24.00
22.00
0
1000
2000
3000
Frequency (MHz)
(4c)
Preamp off
preselected
12.00
Conversion gain (dB)
11.00
10.00
9.00
8.00
7.5 MHz
7.00
21.4 MHz
6.00
321.4 MHz
5.00
4.00
3.00
2.00
3000
8000
13000
18000
23000
Frequency (MHz)
(4d)
Preamp on (Option 110)
preselected
32.00
Conversion gain (dB)
30.00
28.00
7.5 MHz
21.4 MHz
26.00
321.4 MHz
24.00
22.00
20.00
3000
8000
13000
18000
Frequency (MHz)
(4e)
Figure 4, continued. Conversion gain curves (nominal)
10
23000
Preamp off
unpreselected (Option 123)
12.00
10.00
Conversion gain (dB)
8.00
6.00
4.00
7.5 MHz
2.00
21.4 MHz
0.00
321.4 MHz
–2.00
–4.00
–6.00
–8.00
3000
8000
13000
18000
23000
Frequency (MHz)
(4f)
Preamp on (Option 110)
unpreselected (Option 123)
35.00
Conversion gain (dB)
33.00
31.00
29.00
7.5 MHz
27.00
21.4 MHz
25.00
321.4 MHz
23.00
21.00
19.00
17.00
3000
8000
13000
18000
Frequency (MHz)
(4g)
Figure 4, continued. Conversion gain curves (nominal)
11
23000
RF input VSWR at tuned frequency (nominal)
Condition
10 dB attenuation, 50 MHz
≥ 8 dB input attenuation
50 MHz to 3 GHz
3 to 18 GHz
18 to 26.5 GHz
2 to 6 dB input attenuation
50 MHz to 3 GHz
3 to 26.5 GHz
0 dB input attenuation
50 MHz to 3 GHz
3 to 26.5 GHz
Preamp on (Option 1DS)
< 10 dB input attenuation
50 MHz to 3 GHz
≥ 10 dB input attenuation
50 MHz to 3 GHz
Preamp on (Option 110)
< 10 dB input attenuation
200 MHz to 6.6 GHz
6.6 to 26.5 GHz
≥ 10 dB input attenuation
200 MHz to 6.6 GHz
6.6 to 13.2 GHz
13.2 to 19.2 GHz
19.2 to 26.5 GHz
Internal 50 MHz calibrator is on
Alignments running
VSWR
< 1.07:1
< 1.2:1
< 1.6:1
< 1.9:1
< 1.6:1
< 1.9:1
< 1.9:1
< 1.9:1
< 1.5:1
< 1.2:1
< 1.5:1
< 1.9:1
< 1.4:1
< 1.7:1
< 1.5:1
< 1.8:1
Open input
Open input
Spurious responses
General spurious responses
(Mixer level1 = –40 dBm, N = LO mixing harmonic)
f < 10 MHz from carrier
(–73 + 20 log N) dBc
f ≥ 10 MHz from carrier
(–80 + 20 log N) dBc
(–90 + 20 log N) dBc typical
Second harmonic distortion (SHI)
Frequency
Preamp off
30 to 460 MHz –40 dBm
460 MHz to 1.18 GHz
1.18 to 1.5 GHz –40 dBm
1.5 to 2.0 GHz –10 dBm
2.0 to 13.25 GHz
Preselector bypassed (Option 123)
10 MHz to 25 GHz
Preamp on (Option 1DS)
10 MHz to 1.5 GHz
Preamp on (Option 110)
10 MHz to 13.25 GHz
Mixer level1
Distortion
–82 dBc
–40 dBm
–82 dBc
–90 dBc
–10 dBm
+42 dBm
–92 dBc
+42 dBm
+80 dBm
–100 dBc
–40 dBm
Preamp level2
–45 dBm
–70 dBc (nominal)
+30 dBm (nominal)
–60 dBc (nominal)
+15 dBm (nominal)
–45 dBm
–55 dBc (nominal)
+10 dBm (nominal)
1. Mixer level (dBm) = input power (dBm) – input attenuation (dB).
2. Preamp level (dBm) = input power (dBm) – input attenuation (dB).
12
SHI
+52 dBm
+90 dBm
Third-order intermodulation distortion (TOI) (nominal)
Frequency
Distortion
Preamp off, preselected
Two –30 dBm tones
10 MHz to 3 GHz
–92 dBc
3 to 26.5 GHz
–100 dBc
Preamp on (Option 1DS)
Two – 45 dBm tones
10 MHz to 3 GHz
–76 dBc
Preamp on (Option 110)
Two – 45 dBm tones
10 MHz to 26.5 GHz
–74 dBc
Preselector bypassed (Option 123)
Two –30 dBm tones
3.05 to 26.5 GHz
–100 dBc
Other Input Related Spurious
Frequency
Images, multiples and
out-of-band responses
10 MHz to 26.5 GHz
TOI1
+16 dBm
+20 dBm
–7 dBm
–8 dBm
+20 dBm
Mixer level2
Distortion
–10 dBm
–80 dBc
Residual responses (nominal)
(Input terminated and 0 dB attenuation)
Frequency Range
50 MHz to 26.5 GHz
50 MHz to 26.5 GHz
Preamp on
(Option 1DS or 110)
3.045 to 26.5 GHz
Preselector bypassed
(Option 123)
Input referred level (dBm)3
321.4 MHz IF out
21.4 MHz IF out
7.5 MHz IF out
–75
–100
–100
–90
–100
–100
–65
–95
–90
1. TOI = third order intercept. TOI = mixer tone level (dBm) - distortion (dBc) / 2, where distortion is the relative level of the distortion tones.
2. Mixer level (dBm) = input power (dBm) – input attenuation (dB).
3. Input referred level (dBm) = residual level at IF output (dBm) – conversion gain of downconverter (dB). This is the signal level which would be required at
the input of the downconverter to create a signal at the IF output equal to the residual level.
13
Nominal dynamic range
Band 0
Noise density and distortion
relative to mixer level (dB)
–60
Second harmonic distortion
Third order distortion
Noise density (dBm/Hz)
–70
–80
–90
–100
–110
–120
–130
–80
–70
–60
–50
–40
–30
–20
–10
–30
–20
–10
Mixer level (dBm)
(5a)
Band 1 to 4
Noise density and distortion
relative to mixer level (dB)
–60
Second harmonic distortion
Third order distortion
Noise density (dBm/Hz)
–70
–80
–90
–100
–110
–120
–130
–80
–70
–60
–50
–40
Mixer level (dBm)
(5b)
Figure 5. Nominal dynamic range
14
Preamplifier specifications
Option 1DS
Frequency range
Gain
Noise figure
10 MHz to 1.5 GHz
1.5 to 3.0 MHz
100 kHz to 3 GHz
+28 dB (nominal)
6 dB (nominal)
7 dB (nominal)
Option 110
Frequency range
Gain
Noise figure
10 to 30 MHz
30 MHz to 3 GHz
3 to 26.5 GHz
12.5 dB (nominal)
7.8 dB (nominal)
10.3 dB (nominal)
Hardware settling time (nominal)1
Affected hardware
Input attenuator
Preamp (Option 110 or 1DS)
Microwave preselector (Option 123)
AC/DC coupling
Nominal settling time
65 ms
85 ms
25 ms
90 ms
Tuning
Frequency range2
3 Hz to 3.05 GHz
Tuning crosses 3.05 GHz
3.05 to 26.5 GHz
10 MHz to 26.5 GHz
+27 dB (nominal)
Average
175 ms
200 ms
240 ms
Maximum
260 ms
280 ms
320 ms
Regulatory Compliance
EMC
Complies with European EMC Directive 89/336/EEC, amended by 93/68/EEC
•
•
•
•
IEC/EN 61326
CISPR Pub 11 Group 1, Class A
AS/NZS CISPR 11:2002
ICES/NMB-001
Safety
Complies with European low voltage directive 73/23/EEC, amended by 93/68/EEC
•
•
•
IEC/EN 61010-1
Canada: CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1
USA: UL 61010-1
1. Hardware settling time is the time required for the IVI-COM driver command to return.
2. This is the frequency range containing both the initial and final RF input tuning frequencies. Example, if the previous RF input frequency is 1 GHz and the final
frequency is 3 GHz, then the nominal settling time will be 175 ms.
15
General Specifications
AC power
Power requirements
Power consumption
100 to 120 V 50/60/400 Hz
220 to 240 V 50/60 Hz
< 260 watts, no options, < 450 watts, all options
Standby < 20 watts (typical)
Environmental
Samples of this product have been type tested in accordance with the Agilent Environmental Test Manual and verified to be robust
against the environmental stresses of storage, transportation and end-use; those stresses include, but are not limited to temperature,
humidity, shock, vibration, altitude, and power line conditions. Test methods are aligned with IEC 60068-2 and levels are similar to
MIL-PRF-28800F Class 3.
Operating temperature range
Storage temperature range
Humidity
Altitude
Acoustic emissions
0 to 55 °C
–40 to 70 °C
Type tested: 0 to 95% at 40 °C
Type tested: 0m to 4600 m above mean sea level (15,000 ft)
Type tested: LNPE < 55 dB(A) at 25 °C tested according to ISO 7779
Shock and vibration
Operating random
Survival random vibration
Survival swept sine vibration
Transportation shock
Type tested: 5 to 500 Hz, 0.21 grms, close in phase noise may be significantly degraded due
to microphonics.
Type tested: 5 to 500 Hz, 2.09 grms
Type tested: 5 to 500 Hz, 0.5 gpeak
Type tested: 50 G peak trapezoidal; 337 in/sec ∆V
Data storage
2 MB (nominal)
Weight
Net weight
Shipping weight
19.0 kg (42 lbs) (nominal)
25.9 kg (57 lbs) (nominal)
Dimensions
4U, 1/2 rack width LXI module
Height
Width
Length
17.7 cm (7.0 in)
21.2 cm (8.375 in)
65.0 cm (25.6 in)
Recommended calibration cycle
The recommended calibration cycle is 12 months. Calibration services are available through Agilent service centers.
Security
All user data is stored in volatile memory. For additional information on instrument security issues, visit:
www.agilent.com/find/security
ISO compliance
This modular instrument is manufactured in an ISO-9001 registered facility in concurrence with Agilent Technologies, Inc.
commitment to quality.
Warranty
This Agilent Technologies product is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from date of
shipment. During the warranty period, Agilent Technologies will, at its option, either repair or replace products that are defective.
16
Input/Output Descriptions
Front panel connectors
RF input
Connector type
Impedance
First LO emission level1
Reference 1-30 MHz
Connector type
Impedance
Input amplitude range
Input frequency
Lock range
Reference 10 MHz out (switched)
Connector type
Impedance
Output amplitude
Frequency
Trigger in
Connector type
Impedance
Trigger level range
Trigger out
Connector type
External trigger input impedance
Level
Low level
High level
321.4 MHz IF output
Connector type
Impedance
21.4 MHz IF output
Connector type SMB male
Impedance
7.5 MHz IF output
Connector type
Impedance
Ext mixer pre-sel out
Connector
Load impedance (DC coupled)
Range
Sensitivity:
External mixer
Ext mixer IF in
Connector
Impedance
Center frequency
3 dB bandwidth
Maximum safe input level
Absolute amplitude accuracy
VSWR
1 dB gain compression
3.5 mm male precision connector
50 Ω (nominal) (see RF input VSWR)
Band 0: < –120 dBm
Bands ≥ 1: < –100 dBm
SMB male
50 Ω (nominal)
–5 to +10 dBm (nominal)
1 to 30 MHz (nominal), selectable to 1 Hz resolution
±5 x 10–6 of selected external reference input frequency
SMB male
50 Ω (nominal)
≥ 0 dBm (nominal)
10 MHz ± (10 MHz x frequency reference accuracy)
SMB male
4 kΩ (nominal)
LVTTL
SMB male
50 Ω (nominal)
5V TTL
100 mV (nominal) (high impedance load)
4.9 V (nominal) (high impedance load)
2.4 V (nominal) (50 Ω load)
SMB male
50 Ω (nominal)
50 Ω (nominal)
SMB male
50 Ω (nominal)
SMB male
110 Ω (nominal)
0 to 10 V (nominal)
1.5 V/GHz of tuned LO frequency (nominal)
SMA female
50 Ω (nominal)
321.4 MHz
60 MHz (nominal)
+10 dBm
20 to 30 °C
0 to 55 °C
±1.2 dB
±2.5 dB
< 1.5:1 (nominal)
0 dBm (nominal)
1. With 10 dB attenuation.
17
Front panel connectors (continued)
Ext mixer IF in (continued)
Mixer bias current
Range
±10 mA
Resolution
0.01 mA
Accuracy
±0.02 mA (nominal)
Output impedance
477 Ω (nominal)
Mixer bias voltage
Range
±3.7 V (measured in an open circuit)
Ext mixer 1st LO out
Connector
SMA female
Impedance
50 Ω (nominal)
Frequency range
3.05 to 6.89 GHz
VSWR
< 2.0:1 (nominal)
Power output
20 to 30 °C
0 to 55 °C
3.05 to 6.0 GHz
+14.5 to +18.5 dBm
+14.5 to +19.0 dBm
6.0 to 6.89 GHz
+13.5 to +18.5 dBm
+13.5 to +19.0 dBm
Coherent carriers 3.6 GHz 2nd LO out
Connector type
SMA female
Impedance
50 Ω (nominal)
Power output
+3 dBm
Frequency
3.6 GHz
Coherent carriers 3 to 7 GHz 1st LO in
Connector type
SMA female
Impedance
50 Ω (nominal)
Input power
+15 dBm
Coherent carriers 3.6 GHz 2nd LO in
Connector type
SMA female
Impedance
50 O (nominal)
Input power
+3 dBm
Coherent carriers 3 to 7 GHz 1st LO out
Connector type
SMA female
Impedance
50 O (nominal)
Power output
+15 dBm
Frequency
3.05 to 6.89 GHz
VGA out
Connector
VGA compatible, 15-pin mini D-SUB
Format
VGA (31.5 kHz horizontal, 60 Hz vertical sync rates, non-interlaced) Analog RGB
Resolution
640 x 480
Noise source +28 V (pulsed) (Option 219)
Connector
BNC female
Output voltage
On 28.0 +/- 0.1 V (60 mA maximum)
Off < 1 V
IF log video (Option V7L)
321.4 MHz in
Connector
SMB male
Impedance
50 Ω (nominal)
Video out
Connector
SMB male
Impedance
50 Ω (nominal)
Maximum input power
+10 dBm
Rear panel connectors
LXI trigger bus in
Connector type
LXI trigger bus out
Connector type
LAN (10/100Base-T)
Connector type
25-pin subminiature female connector
25-pin subminiature female connector
RJ45
18
Ordering Information and Options
Model/option
Description
N8201A
N8201A-526
N8201A-AYZ
N8201A-B7J1
N8201A-123
N8201A-1DS
N8201A-110
N8201A-2191
N8201A-2261
N8201A-V7L1
N8201A-H02
Performance downconverter 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz
Frequency range from 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz
External mixing capability
Digital demodulation hardware (Required for Agilent 89601A VSA software.)
Microwave pre-selector bypass
Built-in preamplifier; 100 kHz to 3 GHz
Built-in preamplifier; 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz
Noise figure measurement personality
Phase noise measurement personality
Log video output on front panel
Adds internal digitizer and SCPI capability
Glossary
AC
DC
k
LAN
ms
s
SHI
SMB
TOI
LXI
Alternating current
Direct current
Kilo, or 1000
Local Area Network
Milliseconds
Seconds
Second harmonic distortion
Sub-miniature bayonet
Third-order intermodulation distortion
LAN eXtensions for Instrumentation
1. Requires Option H02.
19
References
Web resources
For additional information on synthetic instruments, visit:
www.agilent.com/find/synthetic
For additional information on instrument security issues, visit:
www.agilent.com/find/security
For information about renting, leasing, or financing Agilent’s latest technology, visit:
www.agilent.com/find/buy/alternatives
For additional accessory information, visit:
www.agilent.com/find/accessories
For additional information about Agilent PSA Series spectrum analyzers, visit:
www.agilent.com/find/psa
Related literature
Synthetic instruments
N8201A Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz, Data Sheet
Literature number 5989-5720EN
N8201A Option 219 Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz, Technical Overview
and Self-Guided Tour for the Noise Figure Measurement Personality
Literature number 5989-6747EN
N8201A Option 226 Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz, Technical Overview
and Self-Guided Tour for the Phase Noise Measurement Personality
Literature number 5989-6748EN
N8201A Option V7L Performance Downconverter Synthetic Instrument Module 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz, Technical Overview
and Self-Guided Tour for the Fast Rise Time Video Output
Literature number 5989-6749EN
N8211A Performance Analog Upconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 250 kHz to 20/40 GHz, Data Sheet
Literature number 5989-2592EN
N8212A Performance Vector Upconverter Synthetic Instrument Module, 250 kHz to 20 GHz, Data Sheet
Literature number 5989-2593EN
N8221A IF Digitizer Synthetic Instrument Module, 30 MS/s, Data Sheet
Literature number 5989-2594EN
N8241A Arbitrary Waveform Generator Synthetic Instrument Module, 15-Bit, 1.25 GS/s or 625 MS/s, Technical Overview
Literature number 5989-2595EN
N8242A Arbitrary Waveform Generator Synthetic Instrument Module, 10-Bit, 1.25 GS/s or 625 MS/s, Technical Overview
Literature number 5989-5010EN
N8201A-H02 Compact Performance Spectrum Analyzer for ATE Applications,
Literature number 5989-5721EN
Spectrum analyzer literature
PSA Series High-Performance Spectrum Analyzer, Brochure
Literature number 5980-1283E
Agilent PSA Series Spectrum Analyzers, Data Sheet
Literature number 5980-1284E
20
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Revised: October 24, 2007
Product specifications and descriptions
in this document subject to change
without notice.
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2007, 2008
Printed in USA, February 28, 2008
5989-5720EN