With the new True-Mode Stimulus Application from Agilent Technologies, engineers can produce true-balanced signals using a dual-source, 4-port PNA-L or PNA-X vector network analyzer. This will allow component test, wireless communications, and R&D engineers to accurately and confidently characterize the performance of 3-port, single-ended-to-balanced and 4-port, balanced-to-balanced devices while operating under true-mode stimulus. The True-Mode Stimulus Application comes free with any dual-source, 4-port PNA-L (N5230A Option 146 or 246) or PNA-X (N5242A Option 400, 419, or 423).
The true-mode capability provides a number of significant benefits, including the ability to test devices under real-world operating conditions and to stress test devices using imbalanced stimulus. Additionally, since the differential sources are fully corrected for device mismatch, users can maintain a precise differential- or common-mode drive at the reference plane of the device under test or wafer probes. This ensures accurate characterization, even when fixturing is used.
The PNA Series of vector network analyzers offers a combination of speed and precision that meets the challenges of component testing from 300 kHz to 110 GHz. Covering 300 kHz to 6, 13.5, or 20 GHz and 10 MHz to 20, 40, or 50 GHz, the PNA-L is designed for general-purpose network analysis. The PNA-X targets microwave network analysis from 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz. It offers a unique single-connection solution for two-tone and swept LO (Local Oscillator) measurements, featuring an integrated second source and a signal-combining network. For more information, go to www.agilent.com/find/balanced.