Agilent Technologies 8510XF - Manual (Page 8)

8
Sources
The RF or microwave signal source in a VNA measurement system provides
the incident signal used to stimulate the device-under-test (DUT). The DUT
responds by reflecting part of the incident and transmitting the remaining
part. By sweeping the frequency of the source, the frequency response of the
DUT can be determined.
There are two types of sources available; the General Purpose (GP) 8360 series
synthesized sweepers (836x0B) and the 8510-dedicated 8360 series synthesized
sweepers (836x1B). Note: All 8360A synthesizers have been replaced by 8360B
synthesizers.
Dedicated sources, such as the 836x1B shown in Table 4, are optimized
for use in the 8510 network analyzer systems. They are configured without
modulation capabilities or front panel keyboards. These sources include a
1 Hz frequency resolution and rear-panel output connectors.
Table 4. 8510-dedicated sources
Product 1 Frequency range
83621B 45 MHz to 20 GHz
83631B 45 MHz to 26.5 GHz
83651B 45 MHz to 50 GHz
For applications that require modulation capabilities, such as pulsed-RF
measurements, the required source is a general purpose 836x0B synthesized
sweeper, shown in Table 5. Order Option 004 to obtain rear panel connectors,
and Option 008 for 1 Hz frequency resolution.
Table 5. 8360 general purpose synthesizers
Product 1 Frequency range
83620B 10 MHz to 20 GHz
83622B 2 GHz to 20 GHz
83623B 10 MHz to 20 GHz (high power)
83624B 2 GHz to 20 GHz (high power)
83630B 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz
83640B 10 MHz to 40 GHz
83650B 10 MHz to 50 GHz
1. Although general purpose 8360 series synthesized sweepers (836x0B) can be used in place of the 8510-dedicated
8360 series synthesized sweepers (836x1B), the following options are typically recommended: Option 004 (rear
panel connectors) and Option 008 (1-Hz frequency resolution). These options are standard in the 8510-dedicated
8360 series synthesized sweepers.
Mixed sources: While mixing synthesized series is acceptable in multiple-source applications, the following areas
must be considered:
• RF source = 8340, LO source = 8340, system performance will be degraded substantially.
• RF source = 8340, LO source = 8360, better system performance
• RF source = 8360, LO source = 8360, faster step frequency measurements. Using the 8340 as either the
RF source or the LO source will more than double the measurement time.