N2002A Datasheet, PDF (2/5 Pages) Keysight Technologies – N2002A Noise Source Test Set 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz

Noise Source Calibration
One of the key performance parameters for noise figure
is the level of measurement uncertainty. A significant
contributor to this is the uncertainty surrounding the noise
source used when measuring noise figure on your device.
Accurate noise source calibration is critical to minimizing
noise source uncertainty, and thus a critical factor for
obtaining quality noise figure measurements. The Agilent
N2002A noise source test set is a stand-alone instrument
that operates as an integral part of a noise source calibration
system. The low cost, easy-to-use N2002A, as part of a
calibration system, helps deliver fast, accurate, repeatable
calibration results with minimal levels of uncertainty.
Agilent recommends using the N2002A noise source test
set together with the Agilent N8975A noise figure analyzer
(NFA)¹ as the core equipment to perform fast and accurate
noise source calibrations. The N2002A provides isolation
between the noise source and the NFA to minimize the
reflection coefficient. This coefficient contributes to
reflections between the DUT and the source, causing
uncertainty in the noise power emerging from the source;
the measured noise figure refers to the actual noise
source impedance, rather than the desired 50-ohm value.
Incorporating the N2002A into a calibration system will
minimize the interaction between the DUT and the NFA,
thus minimizing the reflection coefficient and thereby
ensuring measurement results with reduced measurement
uncertainty. The result is more accurate noise source
calibrations. Measurements made with an accurate noise
source allow for greater confidence and tighter specifica-
tions of the device being tested.
The N2002A will be of particular interest if
• you and your company would benefit from completing
noise source calibration in-house, but previously found
it too expensive or complex
• you already perform noise source calibration with the
Agilent N8975A NFA but would benefit from the
improved accuracy provided by the N2002A test set
• you already perform noise source calibration, without
the N8975A, but would benefit from the improved
speed and accuracy provided by the N2002A test set
and N8975A NFA combination.
In-house calibration
Many customers have long equated noise source calibration
with the time consuming and expensive delays of sending
equipment to external laboratories or test houses. The
straightforward operation and low cost of Agilent’s
recommended noise source calibration equipment make
the prospect of in-house calibration more appealing due
to the drastic reduction in manufacturing downtime and
the long-term financial advantages.
Incorporating the N2002A into an existing
noise source calibration system
For engineers who currently run their own noise source
calibration service, the N2002A noise source test set is an
ideal addition to their test equipment. Incorporating this
low-cost, self-contained unit into an existing noise source
calibration system can significantly improve the quality of
calibrations. With existing systems the noise source test
set can be incorporated between the noise source and the
noise figure measuring device to reduce reflections and
therefore reduce the level of uncertainties.
N2002A key features and benefits
Features
• Reduces noise figure uncertainty thus ensuring
accurate and repeatable results
• Operation over a frequency range of 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz
• Results traceable to a national standard
• Full calibration of Agilent SNS and 346 noise sources,
as well as other manufacturers’ noise sources
• Manual control or remote operation using GPIB
Benefits
• Ensures accuracy of noise source calibration
systems, enabling greater confidence in and tighter
specifications of the device under test
• Provides speed and accuracy when combined with the
N8975 noise figure analyzer, resulting in increased
throughput
• Cost-efficient solution for on-site calibration, which
minimizes downtime
1. Agilent recommends that the N2002A noise source test set be used in
conjunction with Agilent equipment, however test and measurement
equipment from other manufacturers can also be used.
2