UnderstandingandImprovingNetworkAnalyzerDynamic.PDFVIP

Agilent Understanding and Improving Network Analyzer Dynamic Range Application Note 1363-1 Introduction Achieving the highest possible net- Achievable dynamic range depends work analyzer dynamic range is upon the measurement application as extremely important when character- shown in Figure 1. izing many types of microwave devices, and in some cases the key factor in determining measurement P performance. To achieve the greatest max dynamic range from a network mea- surement system, it is important to understand the essence of dynamic range and the methods that can be Receiver employed to increase it. Armed with P this knowledge, the designer can ref Dynamic choose the method that achieves the Range best results with the least impact on other instrument parameters such as System measurement speed. Dynamic Network analyzer dynamic range is Range essentially the range of power that the system can measure, specifically: P • Pmax: The highest input power min level that the system can measure before unacceptable errors occur Figure 1. in the measurement, usually determined by the network • System dynamic range: The analyzer receivers compression dynamic range that can be specification. realized without amplification • Pref: The nominal power available such as when measuring passive at the test port from the network components such as attenuators analyzers source. and fi